Must-see restaurants in Nicaragua

  • Cocina Doña Haydee

    Managua

    This traditional Nicaraguan eatery does classic dishes, well presented and carefully prepared, from gallo pinto (rice and beans) and guiso de chilote …

  • La Frontera

    Granada

    Some of Granada's best 'fast good' treats are served in this grungy courtyard, surrounded by posters of Nirvana and The Police and to a Guns N' Roses and…

  • Casa de Los Nogueras

    Managua

    One of the most elegant restaurants in town, this cozy European bistro has delightful art, a wonderful garden out back for alfresco eating and top-notch…

  • Paz de Luna Café

    León

    At this sleek, hipster-friendly coffee shop – think black-and-white tiled floors, a gilded chandelier, fruit crates repurposed as furniture – a wall-sized…

  • La Ventecita

    Managua

    During the week this is a mom-and-pop grocery store, but from Thursday to Sunday, this is where Managua's student population comes for one thing: the city…

  • Cusco Collao Ceviche Gastrobar

    León

    This thimble-sized cevichería holds such promise! The tostones con cangrejo (fried green plantain topped with crab) are a perfect blend of crunchiness and…

  • Chillin Cafe

    Corn Islands

    Above one the island's most popular diving schools, Chillin Cafe is a top place to have a meal or a drink before, during or after a long day on the water…

  • El Bodegón

    León

    Sit inside the greenery-filled courtyard and feast on the likes of pork with boiled yucca, quesadillas, jalapeño chicken, tostadas and more. The food is…

  • Pelican Bay

    Caribbean Coast

    At the end of the Pointeen peninsula, this well-situated restaurant has an elevated, breezy balcony with fantastic views across the bay to El Bluff. The…

  • Relax

    Corn Islands

    Between South End and Sally Peachie, halfway around the island from the dock, Relax is a reliable bar-restaurant serving good home-cooked Caribbean…

  • Restaurante El Timón

    San Juan Del Sur

    This classic beachfront restaurant, the best of the offerings along this stretch of sand, is the place to go to for an upmarket seafood dinner or sunset…

  • Bamboo

    Isla de Ometepe

    Che and friends cook up delicious homemade pasta, whole grilled fish from the lake with gallo pinto (rice and beans) and fried plantain, and more, at this…

  • Predio Food Park

    Managua

    Las Colinas' latest hip hangout is this outdoor space decked out with fairy lights, where food trucks entice passersby with gourmet burgers, shawarma,…

  • Island Bakery & Sweets

    Corn Islands

    Head to this good old-style Caribbean bakery to indulge in all kinds of delicious sweet snacks, including fantastic cinnamon rolls, coconut pies and cakes…

  • Nacho Libre

    San Juan Del Sur

    With burger names a play on sexual acts, genitalia and farts, this Aussie joint pitches squarely at a particular audience. The homemade burgers, however,…

  • Juntos Beach Bar & Grill

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    This Canadian-Nicaraguan cafe in the middle of the village turns into the local nightspot on weekends, sometimes with DJs. Come for pizza night, the…

  • Asados Juanita

    San Juan Del Sur

    Follow the plumes of smoke to this hugely popular outdoor fritanga (grill) where you'll choose between pork or chicken, sweet or savory plantains, and…

  • Viento Este

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Perch at one of candlelit driftwood tables, dig your toes in the sand and order a wood-fired pizza, while watching the white crests of the crashing surf…

  • Wachi's Pizza

    Caribbean Coast

    Probably the most atmospheric dining option in town, the only real pizzeria within a 200km radius runs a brisk trade, serving generously sized pizzas with…

  • El Garaje

    Granada

    Hands down, the best place for vegetarians in Granada, El Garaje serves imaginative fare such as curry chickpea pita, vegan 'pulled pork', sloppy joes,…

  • Kathy’s Waffle House

    Granada

    Drop into Kathy's, a long-time breakfast institution for tourists and locals alike, for pecan waffles, pancakes, bottomless coffee and great views of…

  • Del Norte

    León

    Run by a friendly family from Matagalpa, Del Norte serves Nicaraguan classics, including heaped portions of fritanga, delicious grilled chicken and…

  • Viky's BBQ

    Isla de Ometepe

    Viky cooks up nightly portions of chicken, pork and beef on the grill, accompanied by generous helpings of fried plantains, gallo pinto and cabbage salad…

  • Tacubaya

    León

    Quesadillas, burritos and tacos are all on offer at this small Mexican restaurant with a succinct menu. The friendly owner is fluent in English and French…

  • Palo Solo

    Caribbean Coast

    Set on a shady patio at the western edge of Palo Solo park, this restaurant serves up tasty Nicaraguan mixed grill plates. It's not exactly fine dining,…

  • Licuados Ananda

    Managua

    Enjoy freshly prepared vegetarian plates and a wide range of licuados (fruit and veggie juices and smoothies) on this spacious patio overlooking lush…

  • Curry House

    Granada

    Authentic Indian dishes served in a greenery-filled courtyard. The eggplant and cauliflower curry is a triumph and the supporting cast of samosas, naan…

  • Taco Stop

    San Juan Del Sur

    This centrally located branch of Nicaragua's modern taco chain offers tacos, quesadillas, burritos, salads and soups – you can eat in-house or take it to…

  • Surfing Buddha

    San Juan Del Sur

    Decorated with cherry blossom murals and Christmas baubles, this diminutive restaurant is owned by a friendly Canadian from Toronto who turns out…

  • La Hora del Taco

    Managua

    This sprawling Mexican bar and restaurant has a wide-ranging menu that includes standards like nachos and fajitas, plus a few southern Mexican favorites…

  • Café de las Sonrisas

    Granada

    Practice your international communication at this nonprofit cafe run by staff who are hearing-impaired. It has a picture-gram menu, sign charts and basic,…

  • La Parilla

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    Come here for excellent Nicaraguan dishes, including grilled seafood and tostones con queso (fried plantains with cheese). Locals perch outside to watch…

  • El Mirador Margarita

    Southwestern Nicaragua

    In a prime sunset-viewing spot in the center of the village, Margarita's is the place to come to for cold beers and heaped portions of grilled fish. Solid…

  • Cafe Las Flores

    Nicaragua

    Halfway up Volcán Mombacho, around 4km from the turnoff, this branch of a popular chain offers salads, Nicaraguan standards and good coffee, paired with…

  • La Marseillaise

    Managua

    The gold standard in Nicaraguan fine dining has tastefully art-bedecked walls, outstanding wine pairings and authentic French cuisine. Dress nicely and…

  • Cafe de las Artistas

    Isla de Ometepe

    Decorated with colorful murals, this arty cafe serves excellent fruit juices and abundant helpings of Nica standards, with a few international options…

  • El Pescadito

    Caribbean Coast

    In a breezy ranch by the water, El Pescadito serves a terrific fried fish with panoramic lake views. The owner also arranges boat trips on the lake.

  • Cafe del Arte

    Granada

    Sit in the courtyard, filled with greenery and paintings by local artists, and savour an excellent coffee and an ample nica breakfast.

  • Super Frutto

    San Juan Del Sur

    Arguably the best frozen treat in San Juan del Sur, Super Frutto does terrific Italian-style ice cream, all made in-house.

  • Café Comedor Isabel

    Isla de Ometepe

    Run by a friendly woman, this no-frills cafe is the place to come for hearty portions of traditional Nicaraguan food.

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