Where to Eat

All of the hotels and guest houses listed here have their own restaurants, as do nearly all hotels on the island. It is not necessary to be a guest in order to dine at the restaurant, and travelers tend to explore whatever options are nearby. Due to the influx of foreign tourists in recent years (the island has long been a popular destination for Nicaraguans), many menus now offer dishes such as curry or vegetarian options. The island is famous for its fresh fish and delicious plantains, used both green and ripe. Gallo Pinto is the national dish, generally served in the morning but available all day in local places. Comprised of red beans and rice, its flavor and quality can vary widely, but it's always cheap and filling. For an average meal, expect to pay from $3 - $15 per person, depending on the location.

In Moyogalpa
Just off the ferry, up and to the left on the main road you'll find two little street cafes side-by-side. The first, Chela's, serves delicious fresh fruit drinks and some simple snacks, while the second, Tyrone's, has a full menu. If you're pressed for time, try the tacos and an ice cold Toña beer. If you're sticking around, head a couple blocks further up to Yogi's Café and Bar for American food and free wifi. A few more blocks further up, as you near the church at the top, look down a cross street to your left for Chido's pizza, renowned for its large, flavorful slices.

Charco Verde
There are actually three resorts located very near each other: Chico Largo, Charco Verde, and La Venícia. All three have full bar and restaurant service, specializing in fresh fish and chicken, local vegetables and some North American dishes.

Playa Domingo
From one end of this long stretch of beach to the other you will find an array of hostels and hotels, all with corresponding eateries and bars. From comida tipica - traditional Nica food - to  Asian fusion, it can all be found here.

Santa Cruz/Merida/Balgüe
At the junction on the far side of the isthmus, as you enter the southern island, you will find several restaurants, all offering basic Nica cuisine (chicken, chicken, pork, chicken). The one exception is El Encanto, up and to your right, which has a tasty, international menu including pasta, curry and salads. If you take the left fork to Balgüe, after a kilometer or so you'll come to El Zopilote, see "Where to Stay." On Monday, Wednesday and Friday after 1pm, they sell fresh baked bread and other baked goods, as well as honey and handmade chocolate. A bit further on you'll arrive at Finca Magdalena, which offers a decent menu along with cups of their own shade-grown coffee.

Take a right at the junction and after about 4 miles, you'll find Merida. Halfway through town look on the left for a sign to Caballitos; turn right down the dirt road toward the lake. At the end, you'll find a quaint little restaurant/bar where they fry a mean lake fish and serve refreshing fruit smoothies and ice cold beer. Continue through Merida to Hacienda Merida, which serves a full breakfast and dinner buffet, plus an extensive hand-written menu. Another quarter mile takes you to the gates and steep climb up to La Omaja, for pizza, pasta, and the usual range of Nica options.