LOCAL CUISINE & TIMELESS RECIPES | A TASTE OF NOSARA

Nosara’s food scene is as colorful and vibrant as its sunsets. Here, you’ll find everything from home-cooked Costa Rican classics to fresh, globally inspired cuisine—all rooted in a deep respect for local ingredients and the simple joy of sharing a meal. Whether you’re grabbing breakfast at a beachside soda or dining under the stars at a fine restaurant, every bite tells a story of culture, community, and connection.

FLAVORS OF COSTA RICA

If you want to experience Costa Rica through its food, start with the staples.

  • Gallo Pinto – The quintessential breakfast dish, made of rice and beans sautéed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. Traditionally served with eggs, plantains, and a strong cup of coffee, it’s a local favorite for good reason.

  • Casado – The classic Costa Rican lunch plate. A hearty mix of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein (chicken, beef, pork, or fish). The name “casado” literally means “married,” a nod to how perfectly these flavors come together.

  • Ceviche Tico – Fresh-caught fish marinated in lime juice with onions, peppers, and cilantro. You’ll find it served chilled with soda crackers at nearly every local eatery—simple, fresh, and unforgettable.

MEET THE MAKERS

Nosara’s culinary community is full of passionate chefs, farmers, and families who bring local flavor to life. From the fishermen of Playa Garza who deliver the day’s catch to the Saturday farmers’ market brimming with organic produce and handmade goods, every meal starts with someone who loves what they do.
Visit local favorites like Beach Break for casual fare, La Luna for beachfront dining, or a neighborhood soda for that true Tico touch. Each spot reflects Nosara’s unique blend of tradition and creativity.

COOKING NOSARA AT HOME

Part of the magic of traveling is taking a piece of it home with you. Here’s a taste of Nosara you can recreate in your kitchen:

Simple Costa Rican Patacones (Fried Plantains)
Ingredients:

  • 2 green plantains

  • Vegetable oil for frying

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Peel and cut the plantains into thick slices.

  2. Fry until golden, then remove and flatten with the back of a spoon.

  3. Return to the oil and fry again until crisp.

  4. Sprinkle with salt and serve with guacamole or black bean dip.

Crispy, savory, and endlessly snackable — patacones are the perfect appetizer for any gathering.

WHERE TO SHOP LOCAL

To cook like a local, shop like a local. Head to the Nosara Tuesday Market for organic fruits, veggies, and artisanal goods. For the freshest fish, visit Playa Garza’s local fishermen, and for meats and pantry staples, the markets in Esperanza and Guiones have everything you need.

THE TASTE OF COMMUNITY

Food in Nosara isn’t just about sustenance — it’s about connection. It’s the family that gathers every Sunday for olla de carne (a slow-cooked beef stew), the chef who sources greens from a neighbor’s farm, the traveler who learns to make empanadas in a local kitchen. Every meal shared here reminds us that food has always been at the heart of Nosara’s story.

Come Taste Nosara

At Rent Nosara, our homes are steps away from some of the best dining experiences in town. From family-run sodas to beachside restaurants and open-air markets, the flavors of Nosara are never far away. Come hungry—and come ready to fall in love with the taste of pura vida.