Where to eat in Nosara
Where to eat in Nosara
The places where we eat on our own days off.
Nosara eats early and sleeps early. The first coffee goes out before the sun does, lunch happens between surfs, and most kitchens are winding down just a few hours after sunset.
For a town at the end of a dirt road, there is a lot here. Organic produce, fresh fish, ceviche, handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, tacos, craft beer, cold-pressed juice, natural wines and a cocktail list worth sitting down for. This is our short list and where we eat on our own days off.
el ruco
el ruco opened in 2026 by lobo's founder and sits at the main beach entrance of Playa Guiones. It's your everyday place, open at 6am for early coffee and staying late into the night (11ish) if there's a reason to. The menu is a blend of Costa Rican dishes with Mediterranean influence, and Chef Jorge makes comfort classics that are easy to take to the beach or share with friends.
The kitchen is seed oil free, the coffee is honey processed, the smoothies offer adaptogenic add-ons, and the wine list includes mostly natural and biodynamic wines. It has the best fries we've ever had, a tuna tostada to die for, a mezcal-loaded cocktail list, refreshing mocktails and food that is simple and delicious. The whole snapper has become a local favorite, and Octavio's cocktails are the best in town.
There's not much they don't do. On long afternoons, you'll find regulars playing backgammon, Catan or other games with their computers open to the side. Check the calendar for karaoke on Tuesdays, live music on Thursdays, weekly Sunset Sessions on Saturdays and a mix of other events throughout the season.
el ruco. Calle Guiones, 50 metros oeste de Harmony Hotel, Playa Guiones, Nosara
Mamagui
Italian, and serious about it. Our dear friends Gigio and chef Gerardo make the pasta in house, along with wood-fired pizza, and the gluten-free pasta is actually good rather than politely good. Even the gluten eaters don't hate it. Walking into their kitchen gives flashbacks to Nonna's, with sauces simmering, bread in the oven, laughter and a lot of love.
The tables surround a beautiful fountain in the center of El Pueblo and transport you to an Italian village for the evening. If we're not at ruco or the beach, you'll usually find us here sharing wine and pizza. There is also Mamagui Lab for a panini or something quick during the day.
Howler's
Nosara's beach bar in North Guiones, with the jungle on one side and the sand almost on the other. It's a small but mighty spot where sandy people cool off with draft beers, tacos and quick bites before heading to sunset.
The tuna carpaccio is arguably the best in town, and the spicy margaritas are worth sitting still for. If Carlos is behind the bar, ordering one is never optional. It's casual, easy and exactly where you want to be after a long afternoon in the water.
Howler's. Road next to Juan Surfo's Surf Shop, North Guiones beach access, Playa Guiones, 50206
La Malacrianza
Costa Rican plates and pizza made with real ingredients, served in a relaxed open-air space surrounded by jungle. It's an easy place for a casual lunch, especially when you want something local without anything feeling too heavy.
The Finca pizza, with goat cheese, prosciutto and arugula, is the one to order. They keep daytime hours and close on Tuesdays, so check before you drive over.
La Malacrianza. Contiguo a la Licorera Blue Garza, Garza, 50206
La Isla
Nosara's newest juice bar, opened just down the street from lobo by Maria and Esteban. The space is bright and cheerful, the branding is super cute, and the menu feels made for the active community living in and visiting our coastal town.
They serve excellent smoothies, fresh cold-pressed juices, sandwiches and snacks, all made with thoughtful ingredients. It's still new, and we can't wait to see what else is to come.
Go Juice
The classic pit stop after surf or yoga, known as much for its açaí bowls as its juices. Add peanut butter to the bowl and it will last you for the day. They also make smoothies, fresh juices and a banana coffee that people get quietly obsessive about.
There is usually a line, everyone in it has just come out of the water, and it moves quickly. It's been part of the Nosara routine for years and remains one of the easiest places to grab something cold on the way home from the beach.
La Catedral
Set in the hills above Nosara, with gorgeous views and a drive that makes you earn the prize. It's a creative house led by Lisa and Lucca, the visionary duo formerly behind Yaxa, celebrating food, art, music and community.
Go for dinner, but don't be surprised if you stay much longer than expected. The menu is inventive, the setting feels completely removed from town, and evenings often include live music or art events. Reservations are required.
Muazzzi
Jerusalem-inspired cuisine hidden in the jungle of Nosara. Family recipes have been adapted into dishes that are some of the best in town. Chef Muaz brought his global cooking experience into this kitchen in Nosara and we're better for it. Muazzzi has many dishes that are slow-cooked, made with intention and will take you back in time.
The dishes are stunning, atmosphere elegant and inviting to visit time and again.
Muazzzi. Centro El Pueblo, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, 50206
Eat local and stay awhile.