Top Restaurants and Cafes in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

La Reina del Sur

One of the most popular restaurants in San Juan del Sur, La Reina del Sur is located right near the main beach and serves up enormous portions of delicious Nicaraguan food at budget-friendly prices. It's especially known for its buffet which includes staples like gallo pinto (rice and beans), fried plantains, cabbage salad, and chicken or beef. The restaurant also offers a range of mixed seafood plates and enormous fruit smoothies. With its casual, open-air atmosphere right near the water, it's a great place to refuel after a morning at the beach.

El Timon Bar & Restaurant

For some of the best beachfront dining in town, head to El Timon. This lively open-air restaurant and bar sits right on the sand and offers fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Stop in for their Sunday brunch buffet which includes made-to-order omelets, freshly baked breads and pastries, Stir-fried meats and vegetables, and delicious tropical fruit plates. Or come for sunset and enjoy some cold beers, cocktails, and fresh ceviche as you watch the waves roll in.

Ikea Tapas Restaurant & Bar

One of the more upscale dining options in San Juan del Sur, Ikea Tapas Restaurant & Bar serves up delicious Spanish-influenced small plates and mains. Highlights from their menu include paella loaded with seafood, patatas bravas drizzled in aioli, pan-seared tuna, and cheese plates featuring manchego and goat cheese. Their dishes burst with flavor and creativity. Plus, Ikea has a great wine list and craft cocktails like sangria and mojitos. It's a romantic spot for dinner any night of the week.

Barrio Cafe

For delicious breakfasts and lunches, head to Barrio Cafe, just a block away from the beach. This cute corner cafe serves up hearty plates, sandwiches, juices, and what many claim is the best coffee in town. Some standouts include their avocado toast topped with a fried egg, veggie omelets, and Barrio breakfast burritos loaded with scrambled eggs, cheese, and your choice of bacon, ham or chorizo. Barrio Cafe also has gluten-free and vegan options, strong air conditioning, and free WiFi. It's a great place to start your day before heading out to explore.

Meson Espagnol Tapas Bar

Specializing in Spanish tapas with a Nicaraguan twist, Meson Espagnol is a charming restaurant serving up small plates and shared dishes. Sip a glass of Spanish red wine while you enjoy favorites like the tortilla Espanola, stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, chorizo in red wine, and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp). The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor courtyard seating. With delicious food and a fun atmosphere, it's a wonderful place for a night out in San Juan del Sur.

G&G Tapas Bar

Another excellent tapas restaurant in San Juan del Sur, G&G Tapas Bar serves up Spanish small plates as well as handcrafted cocktails and a solid wine list. Sit at the bar or grab a table to enjoy tapas like patatas bravas, chicken skewers in chimichurri sauce, fried calamari, and tortilla. The staff are friendly and helpful about recommending dishes. And the food consistently delights. It's a cozy spot for a date night out.

Dale Pues Coffee Co.

No trip to Nicaragua is complete without sampling some local coffee. For delicious artisanal Nicaraguan coffee drinks, pastries, and light fare, head to Dale Pues Coffee Co. This cafe and coffee roaster serves up smooth lattes, cold brew, pour overs, espresso drinks, and more. They also have breakfast sandwiches, avocado toast, acai bowls, and baked goods like banana bread and alfajores cookies. Enjoy your coffee and snack on their shaded porch looking out onto the street or inside in the colorful cafe. It's a wonderful taste of local Nicaraguan coffee culture.

El Colibri Cafe

Another excellent cafe for artisanal Nicaraguan coffee and light bites, El Colibri Cafe is just a couple blocks from the beach. Along with delicious coffee drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee, they serve up fresh fruit smoothies, granola bowls with yogurt and local honey, and various toasts topped with avocado, beans, cheese, or veggies. The colorful bohemian-inspired cafe has a relaxing vibe. Grab a coffee and pastry in the morning before heading out to explore for the day.

San Juan del Sur Restaurants - FAQs

What is the food like in San Juan del Sur?

San Juan del Sur restaurants serve a mix of fresh local Nicaraguan cuisine as well as international flavors. Staples of Nicaraguan cooking like gallo pinto, plantains, cheese, and chorizo feature heavily on menus. You'll also find plenty of fresh seafood dishes, tacos, ceviche, and tapas-style plates. Most restaurants offer casual, open-air beachfront dining.

What should I avoid eating?

Avoid drinking the tap water in Nicaragua. Only drink sealed bottled water. Also be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits that you haven't peeled yourself, as well as undercooked meat and fish. Food from busy restaurants and hotels is generally safe.

What is Gallo Pinto?

Gallo pinto is a classic Nicaraguan breakfast dish consisting of rice and beans cooked together and then typically served with eggs, cheese, sweet plantains, and corn tortillas. It's the national breakfast dish of Nicaragua, often served for breakfast at hotels and restaurants.

Are restaurants expensive?

Dining out in San Juan del Sur is very affordable, especially compared to US and European prices. Most meals at local restaurants cost between $3-8. You can dine at very nice restaurants for around $15-25 per entree. Budget travelers and backpackers can easily eat well without spending a lot.

With its spectacular setting along the Pacific coastline and friendly Nicaraguan hospitality, San Juan del Sur is an idyllic beach town with no shortage of excellent dining options to fuel your days relaxing on the beach, surfing, and exploring this vibrant seaside destination. From tacos on the beach to tapas with ocean views, you'll find plenty of culinary delights and wonderful restaurants to delight your tastebuds on your visit to San Juan del Sur.

FAQs

What is the food like in San Juan del Sur?

San Juan del Sur restaurants serve a mix of fresh local Nicaraguan cuisine as well as international flavors. Staples of Nicaraguan cooking like gallo pinto, plantains, cheese, and chorizo feature heavily on menus. You'll also find plenty of fresh seafood dishes, tacos, ceviche, and tapas-style plates. Most restaurants offer casual, open-air beachfront dining.

What should I avoid eating?

Avoid drinking the tap water in Nicaragua. Only drink sealed bottled water. Also be cautious with raw vegetables and fruits that you haven't peeled yourself, as well as undercooked meat and fish. Food from busy restaurants and hotels is generally safe.

What is the tipping etiquette?

At most restaurants in Nicaragua, it is customary to leave a 10% tip for good service. Some high-end restaurants may add a 10% service charge automatically. Tipping a few cordobas for servers at cafes is also appreciated.

Are restaurants expensive?

Dining out in San Juan del Sur is very affordable, especially compared to US and European prices. Most meals at local restaurants cost between $3-8. You can dine at very nice restaurants for around $15-25 per entree. Budget travelers and backpackers can easily eat well without spending a lot.

What is the best restaurant for seafood?

Some of the top seafood restaurants in San Juan del Sur include El Timon along the beachfront, Barracuda for tacos and ceviche, and Arenas for fresh fish and sublime ocean views. The seafood plates at La Reina del Sur buffet are also delicious and affordable.