Restaurant Guide in Granada, Nicaragua: Where to Eat Beyond the Tourist Trail

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13 Best places to eat in Granada

After visiting Granada a couple of times and exploring the city as much as possible, I’ve put together a guide with my favorite restaurants to help you plan your trip to this amazing city. This list contains everything from the best breakfast spots, to cute garden cafés and traditional Nicaraguan cuisine.

Panaderia Pan De Vida

If you're a pizza lover, you simply must visit Panaderia Pan De Vida. The pizza here is absolutely amazing! You can customize your own, and the medium size is more than enough for two people. The crust is incredibly thin and crispy, and the flavors are just delicious.

They also serve churros inside the backyard even though its technically a spot of its own. It’s a must try, they are delicious!

Be sure to double-check their opening hours, as they can be a bit sporadic.

Smiles Coffee

While the food at Smiles Coffee honestly isn’t my favorite, it’s absolutely good enough. However, it's the mission behind the cafe that makes it a must-visit. They empower deaf citizens in Granada by providing them with employment and a space to learn sign language. They also offer various activities for people with different disabilities.

In a country where support systems can be scarce, this spot is a worthy place to support with a meal. Stop by for a coffee and a cinnamon bun, and know that your support is making a real difference. And honestly the cinnamon buns were pretty delicious!

Granadas Grill

Granadas Grill is a hidden gem that many tourists miss. The food is fantastic, with generous portions and bold flavors. I highly recommend the chicken with jalapeño saus, it's delicious!

Even though I went multiple times, it was never packed, neither with locals or tourists, so you probability wont be blown away by the vibe, but the food was really good.

Café La Merced

For some amazing lunch, head to Café La Merced. This charming spot seems to be a hidden gem, as it's frequented by locals and rarely by tourists. We found ourselves returning again and again for their fresh salads and tasty sandwiches. The prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic. It's also connected to what is rumored to be the prettiest hotel in Nicaragua.

Remember, it closes at 2 PM, so it's a perfect spot for a leisurely breakfast or lunch, but unfortunately not dinners.

Across the street you’ll find the Iglesia Nuestra Senora de Las Mercedes where you can climb to the top and get some amazing views of Granada. Head there first because they’re usually closed during lunch and then enjoy a nice lunch afterwards.

Pita Pita

This is a great spot if you're craving fresh and healthy Mediterranean food. Their falafel and kebabs are delicious, and the portions are generous.

La Frontera

I was recomended this places by a local and went straight away. The place was packed with locals on the weekend enjoying the delicious burgers. This is what they’re famous for, and I understand why, because it was honestly one of the best burgers I had while traveling in Central America.

Restaurante El Zaguán

A popular spot for a reason, Restaurante El Zaguán lives up to the hype. The food is delicious, the prices are fair, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful. It's a great place to enjoy a traditional Nicaraguan meal in a lively yet comfortable setting. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, making it a place you'll want to return to. Plus, the steaks are so yummy!

The Garden Café

A favorite among tourists, The Garden Café is known for its beautiful courtyard setting. The food is good, and the ambiance is cozy, making it a great spot for a relaxed meal after a day of exploring. While it’s one of the more expensive options in Granada, the enchanting atmosphere makes it worth a visit.

Mercado en Granada

If you really want to try some authentic local dishes, then head to the Local Market in Granada. It‘ll definitely be chaotic, but also so much fun! I went there during a guided tour which I highly recommend. My guide showed me where the best foodstands and the most delicious treats where. There is so much to try so go there hungry and have some fun exploring!

Gaia Forest Cafe & Bistro

Another favorite with great food and a super cute courtyard garden. It’s a bit on the pricier side because its popular with tourists, and I honestly don’t think the food is any better than other cheaper options, but I wold head here for a small bite or maybe even just a drink to enjoy the cute garden and get a rest during the day.

Kathy’s Waffle House

If you only have one spot to pick for breakfast, make it this one! The waffles are so good. They have traditional Nicaraguan breakfast as well as a more mixed menu so you’ll be able to get whatever you want. This is another place that closes at 2PM so make sure to grab a late breakfast or early lunch.

Nectar

Remember I said that there is a Main Street you should stay clear of when picking a restaurant? Well, this is the only exception in my opinion. They have truly good food at reasonable prices and you get the atmosphere from the Main Street in addition. So, well worth a trip while you’re in Granada.

Tostometrol Restuarant

This is a great spot if you want to try some authentic Nicaraguan food, because they have it all as well as some other alternatives for those who dont love the Nicaraguan kitchen.

Final thoughts: Best places to eat in Granada

You’ll have no trouble filling your days in Granada with both things to do and amazing places to eat. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked Granada, and one of the reasons was all the great spots to eat. I could easily have stayed even longer and I already know I will come back one day!

I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Granada.

If you have any questions about traveling in Granada, Nicaragua or Central America in general don’t hesitate to reach out to me on social media, I would love to connect and help out!

-Ingrid