For a small town at the end of a dirt road, Nosara has a restaurant scene that has no business being this good. A mix of talented local chefs, expat restaurateurs, and farm-to-table ingredients from the surrounding countryside has created something genuinely special — a dining culture that ranges from mountaintop fine dining to barefoot beachside fish plates.
Here are the places we love most, broken down by meal and mood.
Coffee and Breakfast
Sunrise Cafe
Sunrise is where a lot of mornings start in Nosara — and for good reason. Strong Costa Rican coffee, fresh smoothie bowls, açai, and solid breakfast plates in a casual, breezy setting. It's the kind of spot where you walk in sandy from an early surf session and nobody bats an eye. Fast, reliable, and exactly what you want before the day gets going.
La Luna
If you want a slower, more beautiful breakfast, La Luna at Playa Pelada is hard to beat. Perched right above the beach with ocean views, it's the perfect spot for a late morning coffee and fresh fruit plate. The setting alone is worth the visit — it's one of the most photogenic spots in all of Nosara. La Luna also does a lovely dinner, but we especially love it for a lingering morning meal with a view.
Lunch and Casual Bites
The Food Truck Court
Right in the Guiones area, there's a little food truck court that's become a go-to for casual lunches. You'll find poke bowls, a solid burger joint, Japanese-style ice cream, and whatever other vendors happen to be set up that week — the lineup rotates, which keeps it fun. It's low-key, affordable, and great for families where everyone wants something different. Grab a table in the shade and let the kids pick their own adventure.
Pura Pizza
Right across the street from the food trucks, Pura Pizza does quick, casual slices and whole pies. It's not trying to be fancy — just good pizza at a fair price. Perfect for a quick lunch between surf sessions or when the kids are hungry and you need something fast.
Burrito Amor
Burrito Amor has been a Nosara institution for years. The burritos and bowls are exactly what you want after a long day of surfing — big, flavorful, and satisfying. But what makes it special is the fresh, health-conscious approach: locally sourced ingredients, creative sauces, and options that feel nourishing rather than heavy. It's the kind of place where the vegetarian option is just as good as everything else.
Local Sodas
Sodas are Costa Rica's version of a neighborhood diner — small, family-run, no-frills spots serving traditional casados (rice, beans, salad, plantain, and your choice of protein) for around $5 to $8. They're the heart of the food culture here, and eating at one is a must.
Rosi's
Rosi's is one of the most beloved sodas in the Nosara area. The food is simple, authentic, and delicious — big portions of casados, fresh fruit juices, and the kind of home-cooked flavor you can't get at the fancier restaurants. It's a local favorite, and the kind of place where you'll be sitting alongside construction workers, surf instructors, and families who've been coming for years.
Olga's
We'll be frank: Olga's is bare bones. There's no ambiance to speak of, no cocktail menu, no Instagram moment. But it's right on the water at Playa Pelada, the fish is fresh, the plates are cheap, and there's something deeply satisfying about eating a simple meal on the beach with your toes practically in the sand. It's the most local-feeling spot on this list, and we love it for that.
For a Casual Dinner
Al Chile
Al Chile is one of those places that just gets everything right. The food is Mexican-inspired — tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos — but done with real care and genuinely good ingredients. It's the kind of casual spot where every single thing on the menu is solid, the portions are generous, and you leave happy every time. The vibe is quintessential Nosara: string lights, open air, barefoot-friendly, and effortlessly fun.
Their happy hour is arguably the best deal in town — the margaritas are cheap, strong, and delicious. We're not exaggerating when we say it's the best margarita in Nosara at the best price. Come early, grab a table outside, and settle in.
Il Pepperoni
When you need pizza — and at some point during your trip, you will — Il Pepperoni delivers. Wood-fired, proper crust, generous toppings. It's become the default dinner spot for families with kids who've been in the sun all day and just want something familiar and excellent. The pasta dishes are solid too, but the pizza is the reason you're here.
For Date Night
Coyol
Coyol is the dinner you'll be talking about long after you leave Nosara. Set on a mountaintop above town, the restaurant has panoramic views of the ocean and jungle that are almost distractingly beautiful — especially at sunset. The kitchen uses open-fire cooking techniques and sources ingredients locally, producing a menu that blends Mediterranean and Costa Rican flavors in unexpected ways.
The setting is rustic-chic: bamboo, rattan, open air, string lights. The food is precise without being pretentious. Everything from the wood-grilled seafood to the simple salads feels considered. It's the kind of place where you order another bottle of wine because you genuinely don't want the evening to end.
Fair warning: the road up to Coyol is steep and winding. We recommend hiring a driver or taking a taxi — both for safety and so everyone can enjoy the wine. Make reservations in advance, especially in high season.
Sendero
Located inside the Sendero Hotel on the beach road near Playa Guiones, Sendero has established itself as one of Nosara's most refined dining experiences. The menu leans coastal — excellent ceviche, beautifully prepared gnocchi, and a Wagyu burger that's become something of a local legend. The space is elegant but relaxed, with warm lighting and an indoor-outdoor flow that feels right for Nosara.
Sendero is open from morning through dinner, so it works for any meal, but dinner is when the restaurant really shines. If you're looking for a date night alternative to Coyol — or just want both during your trip — Sendero is the answer. Reservations are recommended.
Huacas
Huacas brings a different energy — still very much a special-occasion restaurant, but with a bit more edge. The cocktail program is among the best in the area, and the menu showcases Costa Rican ingredients through a contemporary lens. It's the kind of place where you might start with a mezcal-based cocktail and end with a dessert you didn't know you needed.
For Dessert
Seekretspot
This is our non-negotiable recommendation. Seekretspot makes artisanal gelato that's among the best we've had anywhere — and we say that without exaggeration. The flavors rotate and lean tropical: passion fruit, coconut, mango, and local chocolate alongside more classic options. It's the perfect way to end any dinner, or to make a standalone trip for an afternoon treat.
They have two locations: one in Playa Pelada and one near Playa Guiones. You'll probably end up visiting both more than once. Everyone does.
A Few Tips
- Make reservations for Coyol, Sendero, and Huacas — especially in high season (December through April). The nicer restaurants fill up, and walk-in tables aren't guaranteed.
- Cash is useful. While most restaurants take cards, a few smaller places (especially sodas like Olga's) are cash-only. ATMs in Nosara can sometimes run out of cash during peak weeks, so withdraw when you can.
- Dinner runs early. Nosara is a surf town, so people eat early. Most restaurants are busiest around 6–7 PM and start winding down by 9. Plan accordingly.
- Cooking in is great too. Kembar has full kitchens in both houses. The Nosara farmers market runs weekly, and the local supermarkets are well-stocked. Some of our best meals have been grilled poolside at the house.
Eat Well, Stay Close
One of the things we love about Kembar's location is that all of these restaurants are within a short drive. Coyol is the farthest — about 15 minutes up the mountain — and everything else is 5–10 minutes away. Olga's and La Luna are practically around the corner at Playa Pelada. After a good dinner, you're home quickly and back at the pool before the stars come out.
Check availability on our booking page, or reach out on WhatsApp to start planning your trip.