Nosara, Costa Rica: Where to Eat in Playa Pelada
here isn't much in the way of a conventional town centre, and that is part of the appeal. Pelada has a laid-back, easy charm, with a handful of places to eat, a relaxed local feel and very little need to rush anywhere.
When I was trying to work out where to stay in Nosara, I found myself a little confused by the different areas. I had an idea of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but not quite what to expect from Nosara itself, or how the various pockets of the area fitted together.
We ended up staying in Playa Pelada, and I was surprised by just how small and quiet it was.
Think dirt roads, tropical greenery, a scattering of restaurants and a beach that feels a world away from the busier surf scene. There isn't much in the way of a conventional town centre, and that is part of the appeal. Pelada has a laid-back, easy charm, with a handful of places to eat, a relaxed local feel and very little need to rush anywhere.
The beach is smaller and more intimate than the long, open stretches of sand at nearby Playa Guiones, where the surf scene is more prominent. The two areas are only around five to ten minutes apart by car, so you can have the quiet of Pelada as your base and head over to Guiones whenever you feel like a change of scene.
For us, Playa Pelada turned out to be a lovely place to stay. It was low-key, unpretentious and just the sort of place where a handful of good restaurants can make all the difference.
And on that note, here are the places we found ourselves returning to, and the ones I'd recommend if you're planning a stay in Pelada.
Sunrise Cafe
This was our regular breakfast stop in Playa Pelada, somewhere we'd wander over to almost every day, or at least every other day. Sunrise Cafe has that easy, casual feel that makes you want to linger over breakfast rather than eat and rush off.
They're masters of coffee, the bacon is wonderfully thin and crisp, the poached eggs are spot on, and the bowls and smoothies are just as good. The food is genuinely great. They use lots of edible to garnish and I am down for that
Local 1, Condominio Bocas del Nosara, a 200mt de Cantina El Chivo, Playa Pelada
https://www.instagram.com/sunrise.coffee.nosara/?hl=en
La Luna
If Sunrise Cafe was our easy, everyday go-to, La Luna was our place for a proper dinner out. I’ve written a whole review on it here.
Perched above the rocky cove at Playa Pelada, La Luna is one of the few restaurants right on the water, and the setting alone makes it worth a visit. Come in the evening and, if you can, book ahead and request a table with a sunset view. As the light softens over the Pacific, it's a pretty special spot to settle in for dinner.
La Luna isn't just for evenings. We sometimes wandered over in the middle of the day for a salad or a pizza, when the restaurant was almost empty and we could take our time enjoying the view. There was something rather lovely about having this beautiful setting almost to ourselves.
The atmosphere is relaxed but feels a little more special than your everyday beach cafe. It's somewhere to linger over a meal, enjoy a glass of wine and make an evening of it, without losing that easygoing Nosara feel.
For a memorable dinner in Playa Pelada, La Luna is well worth seeking out. Just remember to reserve ahead for sunset, because that's when you'll want to be sitting at the table.
https://www.instagram.com/lalunanosara/?hl=en
El Chivo Cantina
Tuesday is taco night El Chivo, and we showed up regularly. They often have live music and the vibe is fun and welcoming.
We particularly liked the fish and shrimp tacos, although there are meat options too, including beef and pork carnitas. It's good, uncomplicated comfort food, served in a casual neighbourhood cantina with a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
El Chivo became one of those easy places we returned to during our stay. Nothing fancy, just a good plate of tacos, michelados and an easy evening. If you're staying in Playa Pelada, put Tuesday taco night on your list.
https://www.chivorepublic.net/
El Polpo
El Polpo was another favouite in Playa Pelada, particularly for its salads. It has a lovely casual vibe, with a more creative menu than you might expect in such a small, laid-back beach community.
The kitchen takes an Asian-fusion approach, with dishes that draw on flavours from across Asia, alongside changing specials. It's the sort of place that offers something a little different from the usual beachside fare, without feeling formal or overly precious about the food.
https://www.instagram.com/pulpo_pelada/?hl=en
Yu Slow Food
Whenever we found ourselves craving Asian food and quick bite, Yu Slow Food was where we'd head. Run by a husband-and-wife team cooking up delicious food from their little roadside kitchen, it's a wonderfully casual spot where you can pull up a chair and eat there or take your food home.
There's nothing fancy about it, and that's part of its charm. Just good, flavourful cooking, a friendly atmosphere and a welcome change when you're craving something other than tacos or pizza. One of those small, unassuming places that makes eating your way around Playa Pelada such a pleasure.
https://www.instagram.com/yuslowfoodnosara/?hl=en
Le Stelle Restaurant & Wine Bar
For a fancier night out, Le Stelle, part of a boutique hotel, was a lovely surprise. When we visited, it was very quiet, which made for a relaxed evening, and we loved it. The staff were lovely, the food was great, and there was a sense of occasion without any stuffiness.
The menu is mainly Italian and eclectic, ranging from homemade pasta to sushi, so there's plenty to choose from depending on what you're in the mood for. It's an interesting mix, but one that gives you options if you're dining with someone who has quite different tastes.
If you're looking for somewhere a little more polished for dinner in the Playa Pelada area, I'd put Le Stelle on your list. We had a great experience, and the warm service made it all the better.
https://www.instagram.com/lestellecostarica/?hl=en
Esh Bakery & Café
Part of the Coyol group, Esh Bakery & Café was one of those places we were especially glad to discover. In the heat and humidity of Nosara, finding somewhere with air conditioning felt like a small luxury, and Esh was a welcome escape when we needed a break from the tropical temperatures.
It was also a great café to work from. Sometimes you just want to get out of your accommodation, find a comfortable table, order a coffee and settle in with your laptop for a few hours. Esh was ideal for that, with good café fare and a cool, comfortable space to get things done.
It's worth knowing about if you're staying around Nosara, particularly if you're working remotely or simply need a little respite from the heat. Not every great discovery on a trip has to be a restaurant for a special dinner. Sometimes it's the places that make everyday life easier that you appreciate just as much.
NOTE: The bakery is in the front and the cafe is around the back.
