COSTA RICA

LATEST ARTICLES

Dining in the Nosara Area

by Victoria Twyford in Costa Rica

Nosara is a very complex area, with many delicious varieties of dining experiences.

Depending on the mood, you can choose to have a wonderful meal in your swimwear, with the sand between your toes, or get dressed up to have a night on the town under candlelight. There are several styles in between, from eating at the local town favorites with all the Ticos to visiting the top of a mountain, gorgeous views, and great music in the background. Nosara is divided into the town itself, and the beach areas of Guiones and Pelada, as well as rather unknown hideaways, including an out-of-the-way Irish pub. The people of Nosara are very lucky to have such a variety of choices when they decide to leave the kitchen and have a pampered and relaxed evening.

One thing is for certain: all the foods served are fresh and not prepackaged. The items come straight from the garden and not from a frozen box. This is true of all the groceries, too, as you will find it very different when shopping for staples; you need to prepare many new recipes by hand and cannot rely on instant quick “minute” meals. I found this to be quite difficult at first, as I did not know how to cook! Trying to find spaghetti sauce and realizing I had to buy tomatoes, onions, olive oil, garlic, etc. was quite a surprise, . . .but that is another story to be told later.

The ambiance of each restaurant location makes it unique. You can choose to eat with the locals for an inexpensive and delicious meal, but you better know your Spanish to be able to order exactly what you want! If you go to the mountains, the view is absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunset. There are many tourist spots on the beaches, anywhere from casual dress to upscale disco, salsa, or merengue. Most establishments do not have walls, only a large ceiling to keep out the rain. Be prepared to dress lightly, as you are only nine degrees from the equator and it can become rather hot, even with the ocean or mountain breezes. A cold Cerveza will always be a good remedy!

Photo by www.facebook.com/coyolnosara

The Irish Pub is run by my friend Kerri Rae, one of the best hostesses in the area. The drive to K-rae’s is long and steep to get to the mountain top. Once there, you will think you have transformed back into merry old Ireland. The walls are decorated just like an old Irish pub and the seating is inside and outside, with a large pool in between. At K-Rae’s you can order the best Reuben sandwich although the tuna tower is also a great selection, don’t forget to order an appetizer of coconut shrimp. There are also quite a few beers to choose from, and some unique only to that location. For a mountain view, good food, and fine beer, K-Rae’s is your spot.

Another restaurant with a marvelous mountain view is Coyol. This is run by my good friend Dudi Jupiter. Straight from Israel, he makes the best authentic dishes from his country. The view at sunset is outstanding and the candlelit dinner creates a special mood. Take a trip back to your childhood and sit in the swing, push off and fly over the mountaintops, but hold on tight! For a truly unique dining experience and delicious feast, Coyol is the place to go.

Down from the mountains and further out towards Esperanza is Dolce Vida. It is run by my long-time pal Roberto, or Bobo, as his close friends call him. He arrived straight from Italy and has created one of the best Italian restaurants in Costa Rica. This is a very romantic place to go for special occasions and celebrations. Roberto will personally come to your table with his grater and tasty cheeses and garnish your entree to your desire. For savory Italian food, ranging from plain spaghetti or pizza to ravioli in octopus ink, his dishes are out of this world! At the end of your meal, he will return again with a complimentary shot of limoncello, the perfect touch to end the most exquisite meal you will remember for a lifetime.

Photo by www.facebook.com/La-Dolce-Vita-Nosara

El Chivo is a local neighborhood restaurant in Pelada, serving the best margaritas and tacos in the area. Make reservations, as they are always crowded. Be sure to try the maracuya margarita, made with fresh passion fruit. They have many vegan items on the menu and shots of specialty tequilas you won’t find anywhere else in the country. For a community feeling and lots of fun, El Chivo is the hotspot.

Photo by www.elchivo.co/

In the town of Nosara, Rancho Tico is a place where all the local Ticos like to go. All the meals are authentically Costa Rican and every one is completely delicious. You will not be disappointed! Right down the road from Rancho Tico is Soda Vanessa, a local hangout for breakfast and lunch. Either restaurant serves local Tico food and the menu is priced with the locals in mind.

On the beaches of Pelada, you will find two of my favorite restaurants. La Luna is a place where you can sit on a comfy couch outside in the sand and enjoy a special cocktail with brunch. It is a place to meet friends and stay for the rest of the day! Sitting comfortably with the perfect ocean view, La Luna offers a variety of meals including falafels and the best seafood pastas, as well as special flatbreads and pizza. Olga’s is only a stone’s throw away and is a local hangout, where many go to watch the sunset and enjoy a beer. They offer wonderful entrees, such as pescado entero, patacones, and shrimp tacos. The seafood is caught locally, and you can watch the fishermen return with their catches while you enjoy your dinner.

This is only a handful of the special dining establishments you will find in Nosara, in the province of Guanacaste. As a local, I am recommending my favorites, yet there are many more restaurants to explore. This gives you a wide variety of the best of international cuisine, right in the heart of our tiny surfing town. Be sure to visit and support the local businesses by stopping in and enjoying the Pura Vida lifestyle of Costa Rica.