The Best Restaurants in Granada, Nicaragua

Granada, Nicaragua, is a city with so many options when it comes to restaurants, offering a diverse range of dining experiences to suit every palate. From traditional Nicaraguan cuisine to international flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re traveling to Nicaragua and visiting Granada, it can be hard to decide which Granada restaurant to try.

When it comes to the best things to do in Granada, Nicaragua, experiencing this colonial city’s exciting culinary scene should be on your list. So, let’s explore some of the best restaurants in Granada. These are all my personal favorites, and if you’re wondering where to eat in Granada, they’re all fantastic choices.

Nectar: Great Food on La Calzada

Nectar Bar and Restaurant, located on La Calzada, provides a lively dining experience right in the heart of Granada’s main street. During our recent visit, my daughter and I enjoyed a delightful dinner at Nectar. We started with the tasty tostones & cheese appetizer, along with a flavorful tortilla soup. For our main course, we tried the tostada salad and jalapeño chicken, both packed with delicious flavors. To cap off our meal, we treated ourselves to a serving of coconut flan.

What sets Nectar apart is its diverse menu, featuring a mix of traditional Nicaraguan dishes and international options, all made with fresh ingredients. Guests can choose to dine at sidewalk tables for some people-watching or in the peaceful interior courtyard with a charming garden. The service was excellent, and our waiter was attentive and friendly throughout our meal. Overall, Nectar proved to be one of the best dining spots we found in Granada, offering delicious food in a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for local flavors or international cuisine, Nectar has something to satisfy every palate, including options for children.

If you’re looking for a restaurant in La Calzada, Nectar is one of the best options. Visit in the evening to experience the lively atmosphere of la Calzada, which comes alive with street performers, live music, and more.

Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen and Bar: Small Dishes Great Taste!

Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar, tucked inside Hotel Casa San Francisco, quickly became a highlight of our dining experience during our time in Granada. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant boasts a cozy ambiance and serves up a tempting array of small dishes and cocktails. We opted for one of the outdoor tables overlooking the charming garden, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy our meal.

To kick off our lunch, we indulged in a selection of cocktails and mocktails, including the Virgin Macua, Samba Sour, and Mojito Maracuya, all of which were absolutely delightful. For starters, we savored the Pipián Parmesan and Avocado Salad, a refreshing blend of fresh greens, cucumber, and creamy avocado with a tangy dressing that hit all the right notes. The Pipián Parmesan was another standout dish, offering a burst of flavor that left us wanting more.

We shared a variety of small plates, including the Fish Tacos, Chicken Tamale, and the Filet of Beef with Gorgonzola. Each dish was expertly prepared and bursting with flavor. We rounded off our meal with the Warm Bread Pudding with Rum Raisin Glaze and vanilla ice cream, which proved to be the perfect ending to a fantastic dining experience.

With its delectable food, inviting atmosphere, and attentive staff, Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in Granada. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we returned for a second visit, opting to take our dinner to go on our final night in town.

The Garden Cafe: Where Freshness Meets Flavor

Tucked away in a lush garden setting, The Garden Cafe offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of Granada’s streets. This is one of Granada’s most popular restaurants not only for its emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and healthy food offerings but also for its charming ambiance. The cafe serves up a diverse menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options.

Start your day with a healthy power bowl or avocado toast, or choose from their various Nica (Nicaraguan) breakfast options. We went for lunch and had the Cobb Salad, which was super fresh, the chicken salad, and the chicken and pesto sandwich made with artisanal bread. Both dishes were delicious!

Pita Pita: A Taste of the Mediterranean

It was a delightful surprise to discover such an exceptional Middle Eastern eatery in Granada. Every dish we tried at Pita Pita was outstanding.

The courtyard’s lush garden provides a picturesque backdrop, enhancing the overall atmosphere. And if you’re visiting during the hotter months in Granada, you will appreciate that Pita Pita is one of the few restaurants that offers air-conditioned seating. I love that the air-conditioned area has big windows overlooking the courtyard, so you still get to enjoy the garden view and ambiance.

Pita Pita has an extensive menu featuring various options, ranging from falafel and shakshuka to kebabs, pasta, salads, and even artisanal brick-oven pizza.  My daughter ordered the shawarma plate, and I opted for the Mujasan, which was fantastic. To complement our meal, I indulged in a watermelon mojito cocktail, which was refreshing and flavorful.

The attentive service further enhanced our dining experience at Pita Pita. With generous portions and reasonable prices, it’s a great choice for casual meals or special occasions.  If you’re craving Mediterranean cuisine in Granada, a visit to Pita Pita is a must. You won’t be disappointed!

Kathy’s Waffle House: Breakfast with a View

Start your day right at Kathy’s Waffle House, where you can enjoy delicious waffles and pancakes. Choose between outdoor tables with a backdrop of a beautiful colonial church or indoor seating with AC, perfect for the hotter months. We loved their mouthwatering banana pancakes and blueberry waffles.

Cafe de Arte: The Art of Breakfast

For the ultimate breakfast experience, head to Cafe de Arte, where art and culinary delights come together. This cozy cafe has tables overlooking a small garden surrounded by local artwork, creating a serene and inspiring atmosphere.

Their waffles topped with fresh fruit were amazing! If you are looking for local flavors, their classic Nicaraguan breakfast was also fantastic. Given the quality of the food and the large portions, I was pleasantly surprised by their affordable prices.

With beautifully plated dishes and a welcoming ambiance, Cafe de Arte is the perfect spot to kickstart your day in Granada.

Other Great Restaurants in Granada, Nicaragua

• El Zaguan: this steakhouse restaurant has a varied menu. Like many restaurants in Granada, the tables overlook a nice central courtyard. People go here for their amazing steaks, but I also recommend their ceviche accompanied by a cold beer michelada. Don’t miss the traditional Pio V for dessert, a cake topped with custard and drenched in local rum.

• Pampa: Pampa is known for its great steaks, including cuts like T-bone, Tomahawk, and New York Steak. It also offers a special sushi menu.
• NM Culinary: One of the newest restaurants in Granada, NM Culinary offers an exceptional farm-to-table dining experience in an elegant setting.

Granada, Nicaragua, offers a variety of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional Nicaraguan fare, international cuisine, or sweet treats, the city’s restaurants have something for everyone to enjoy. So grab a seat, savor the flavors, and embark on a culinary adventure through the vibrant streets of Granada.