E Street Surf’s Essential Guide to the Best Restaurants in Nosara, Costa Rica

Maybe you’ve signed up for an E Street Surf trip to Nosara, you're planning a family surf vacation, or maybe you're hosting a yoga retreat here on the Nicoya Peninsula. Whatever your vibe, you're going to get hungry! Nosara’s food scene is a mix of authentic Tico food, high end dining, and healthy eateries. This is your chill food guide to Nosara, Guiones, Garza, and Pelada packed with over 25 must-try spots to fuel your next wave.

FOOD

11/16/20252 min read

Local & Authentic: Embrace the Tico Vibe

If you want the most authentic, wallet-friendly, and hearty meals in Costa Rica, you head straight to a local Soda. These are the essential stops for local cuisine and the ultimate post-surf refuel. Our personal favorite is Rosi's Soda Tica. Another is Rancho Tico. These are the two most famous, offering massive, delicious Casado (a plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a choice of meat or fish) and the best Gallo Pinto for breakfast. For the freshest catch and a true local experience, visit Pilo's Bar and Restaurant in Playa Garza, known for its incredible Ceviche and freshly caught whole fish. We also have a secret spot in Garza but you need to ask us personally!

Casual Eats, Local Brews & Beach Bars

Casual dining in Playa Guiones is essential for a fun, stress-free time. For a super casual fix, head to Al Chile on the main drag. It’s a great spot for authentic, fresh Mexican food, perfect for a quick taco and a cold cocktail. For families needing reliable comfort, 10Pies dishes up great brick-oven pizzas. If you’re looking to sample the burgeoning local breweries scene, you have to hit Blue Zone Brewery (known for its great tacos and eco-friendly vibe) or Guiones Brewing Company (top-notch craft beer paired with pizza). Don't forget Olo Alaia Surf & Brew... a unique blend of surf shop, cafe, and beer spot. And when you need to be right on the sand, Olga's Beach Bar in Playa Pelada is Nosara’s only true, no-frills beach bar... perfect for a simple lunch or diner and a cold beer with your feet literally in the sand (great sunsets too!).

The Wellness Hub: Smoothies, Vegan & Healthy Eats

Nosara is a global wellness destination, and these spots nail the healthy, post-yoga, vegan game. For your morning power-up, hit up Go Juice for their famous smoothie bowls or head to Destiny Cafe for a stylish and relaxed brunch with excellent coffee and plenty of healthy eats options. For a 100% plant-based meal, LuvBurger is an organic must-try, serving up creative vegan burgers that everyone will love. And for the coffee enthusiast, Rolling Waves Coffee specializes in the best espresso drinks and flat whites in town.

Elevated & Iconic: High-End Dining and Sunset Views

Treat yourself or your group to a memorable night out. La Luna on Playa Pelada remains the quintessential romantic sunset dinner spot, serving Mediterranean cuisine with your toes in the sand. For breathtaking panoramic views of the jungle and ocean, drive up the hill to Huacas Restaurant at Tierra Magnifica. And don't miss Perozah in Playa Garza, a chic beach lounge serving a refined coastal menu with incredible cocktails. Just found the rustic gem La Malacrianza, named after a local unrideable bull, also near Garza blends great food with local charm. These spots are perfect for a special occasion or an unforgettable evening of high-end dining.

Your Local Tip from E Street Surf School

Nosara is a small community, and word travels fast about good food. Reservations, especially during high season (Dec-Apr) and for sunset spots like La Luna and Perozah, are always smart! Oh and yes, credit cards work everywhere. You can get away without cash but we like to keep some on hand for tipping.

Ready to book your E Street Surf trip or your next Nosara surf retreat? We’ve got the waves, and now you’ve got the ultimate guide for the grub! Pura Vida!