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Local Food Guide · Nosara, Costa Rica

Where to Eat in Nosara: Local Favorites in Pelada, Guiones, Garza & Near the Airport

Published by Tours Nosara · Updated November 9, 2026

Looking for a romantic hilltop dinner, a beautiful sunset meal, a good chifrijo, fresh Garza ceviche or an everyday Costa Rican lunch? These are the places we'd suggest visitors consider around Nosara, including a fish market for take-away seafood rather than a sit-down restaurant.

Quick answer: where should you eat?

Mar Azul hills: a romantic dinner with a view

Coyol Restaurant — date night, sunset and the famous swing

If you want one special dinner during your Nosara stay, Coyol Restaurant is worth considering. Set high in the Mar Azul hills above Nosara, the restaurant is known for sweeping views over the forest and toward the ocean, especially at sunset. The memorable feature is its famous rope swing overlooking the hills — a favorite photo stop for visitors.

Coyol is more expensive than a casual soda or beach bar, but for a romantic date, anniversary or celebratory dinner, we'd say the scenery and atmosphere can make it worth the splurge. The food leans toward wood-fire grilling, fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes. Try to reserve a table around sunset and leave time to enjoy the view before dark.

Getting there: Coyol sits up a steep, winding hill road. Arrange a suitable taxi or driver rather than treating this as an ATV outing, especially if you plan to enjoy drinks. Ask the restaurant about current road conditions and reservation arrangements. Coyol reservation information.

Playa Pelada: beachfront food and sunset views

La Luna — lovely setting, go for the pizza

La Luna is one of the most beautiful places to sit down for a meal in Nosara: a beachfront restaurant with open ocean views, especially near sunset. Our local recommendation is simple: enjoy the setting and consider ordering a pizza, a well-known choice here. One friendly budget tip: pay attention to the margarita prices before ordering cocktails. Prices can add up, and the setting alone is a good reason to visit. Check the current menu and reserve ahead if you want a sunset table.

Olga's Beach Bar — our pick for chifrijo

For a more casual spot right on Playa Pelada, try Olga's Beach Bar. We recommend asking for the chifrijo, a Costa Rican dish typically combining rice, beans, pork, pico de gallo and crunchy toppings. It's a great style of food for an informal beachside meal. Confirm that chifrijo is being served when you visit; menus can change.

Playa Guiones: everyday Costa Rican food

Rosi's Soda Tica — casados and breakfast

Rosi's Soda Tica is an established choice for Costa Rican comfort food such as a casado or breakfast. A casado generally combines rice, beans, salad, protein and sides. It is worth considering if you want something more local and straightforward than a long beachfront dinner.

Playa Garza: ceviche, fresh fish and local restaurants

Pescadería Alex — fresh fish and take-away ceviche

For fresh fish and ceviche in Playa Garza, start with Pescadería Alex. This is primarily a pescadería (seafood market), not a full-service sit-down restaurant. It sources seafood locally, sells seasonal catches and specifically advertises freshly prepared ceviche. It's a good choice to buy fish to cook at your accommodation or pick up ceviche to enjoy elsewhere. Availability depends on the day's catch; ask what is fresh.

La Malacrianza — relaxed lunch, ceviche and pizza

La Malacrianza is an open-air restaurant in Garza near Blue Garza. Its published menu includes fish, shrimp and mixed ceviche, grilled pizzas and Costa Rican-inspired dishes, making it an easy choice if different people in your group want different meals. Consider it for a relaxed lunch or dinner and confirm today's kitchen hours.

Pilo's Bar y Restaurante — seaside seafood

Pilo's Bar y Restaurante remains another useful option around the Garza beachfront for seafood and Costa Rican coastal cooking. Unlike Pescadería Alex, Pilo's is a restaurant-style stop, so choose according to whether you want to sit down for a meal or pick up fish and ceviche.

Nosara town: Celajes by the airport

Restaurante Celajes — good for a Costa Rican meal near the airstrip

Don't overlook Restaurante Celajes, near the Nosara airstrip in the San Carlos area of town. It is a family-friendly, casual restaurant known for Costa Rican plates, seafood, ceviche and other everyday meals. This is a useful choice if you're already in Nosara town or on the airport side rather than in Guiones or Pelada.

These are editorial local recommendations, not sponsored placements or promises that every dish is on the menu today. Restaurant hours, cocktail prices, seasonal catches and reservations change. For Pescadería Alex, expect seafood retail and take-away ceviche rather than a sit-down restaurant.

Which place should you choose?

For a romantic dinner, sunset views and the famous swing: Coyol, if you're comfortable with a higher budget. For a beautiful beachfront sunset: La Luna, with pizza and a quick check of the cocktail menu. For a casual chifrijo: Olga's. For fresh ceviche to go: Pescadería Alex in Garza. For a relaxed Garza restaurant: La Malacrianza or Pilo's. Near Nosara airport: Celajes. For a simple casado: Rosi's in Guiones.

Frequently asked questions

Where should we go for a romantic dinner in Nosara?

For an elevated, special-occasion evening, consider Coyol Restaurant in the Mar Azul hills above Nosara. It is more expensive than casual local spots, but the sunset views and well-known swing make it memorable. Reserve in advance and plan a suitable ride up and back.

Does Coyol Restaurant have a swing?

Yes. Coyol is known for a scenic rope swing near its hillside overlook. Enjoy it only when access and conditions are safe, and follow the venue's instructions.

Where can I get fresh ceviche near Nosara?

Pescadería Alex in Playa Garza is our first suggestion for fresh fish and ceviche to go. La Malacrianza also lists ceviche on its restaurant menu. Confirm availability before you go.

Is Pescadería Alex a restaurant?

It's a seafood market that also offers ceviche. Think of it as a place to buy fresh fish or pick up ceviche, not a restaurant with table service.

Where can I eat with an ocean view in Nosara?

La Luna and Olga's are both in Playa Pelada. La Luna is better suited to a scenic sit-down meal; Olga's is the casual beach bar alternative.

What should I order at La Luna and Olga's?

We suggest a pizza at La Luna and asking for a chifrijo at Olga's. Check La Luna's margarita prices before ordering if you're watching your budget.

Are there restaurants near the Nosara airport?

Yes. Celajes is near the Nosara airstrip and is known for Costa Rican meals and seafood.