Top 5 Places to Eat in San Juan del Sur

Written by Marika Maslanka, Miguel Lopez
02/08/2025
View over Town - San Juan del Sur - Nicaragua - 02
Adam Jones from Kelowna, BC, Canada, Wikimedia Commons

San Juan del Sur offers a vibrant and diverse dining experience, catering to a mix of travelers including backpackers, surfers, families, and couples, with a focus on fresh, often affordable, seafood and international comfort foods.

1. El Timón

Cuisine: Nicaraguan Seafood

Located directly on the beach, El Timón offers a classic San Juan del Sur dining experience with fresh, locally sourced seafood. The atmosphere is relaxed, ideal for enjoying sunset views. Signature dishes include lobster with garlic sauce and breaded shrimp. It's known for its quality food and service, sometimes featuring live traditional music and dance, particularly on Thursday nights.

Price: USD 8-15+ for main courses (slightly higher end for San Juan del Sur). Happy hour drinks and bites for USD 1-3 from 4-6 PM.

Getting There: Centrally located on the beach road, it is within walking distance from most accommodations in the main town area.

2. Dale Pues

Cuisine: Burgers, Sandwiches & Pub Fare

Dale Pues is a highly-rated spot popular for its comfort food, especially its flavorful burgers and generous sandwiches. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing, making it suitable for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They source fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets, offering an all-day breakfast menu, salads, and pasta dishes alongside their pub fare. It's also noted as a good place for coffee.

Price: Meals generally around USD 5-8.

Getting There: Situated two and a half blocks up from the beach, the entrance leads into a lush terrace and garden area, easily accessible on foot from the town center.

3. La Lancha

Cuisine: Local Nicaraguan Seafood

La Lancha offers authentic Nicaraguan dishes with an emphasis on fresh, locally caught seafood. Owned by a family of local fishermen, it provides a true taste of local flavor. The restaurant is large and located right on the beach, making it an excellent spot for enjoying the sunset. Recommended dishes include their Arroz con Pollo, fresh ceviche, and lobster plates.

Price: Around USD 5-8 per meal for a full plate of seafood with sides.

Getting There: Located directly on the beach, it's easily walkable from the town center.

4. Ding Repair Cafe

Cuisine: Healthy, Vegetarian & Cafe

This cafe has evolved from a vegetarian-focused spot to include non-vegetarian options after expanding its space in 2022, now featuring a co-working area with Wi-Fi and even a skateboarding bowl. It's a great choice for breakfast, brunch, and healthy options like smoothie bowls and fresh juices. The Fritanga salad is a staple, combining brown rice gallo pinto, pico de gallo, guacamole, maduros, and plantains over kale. The back patio is a cool and shaded spot.

Price: Not explicitly stated for specific dishes, but generally considered good value for healthy options.

Getting There: Located a block east of the church, it is within walking distance from the main town area.

5. King Curry Club Restaurant

Cuisine: Indian & Mediterranean

Having reopened in a new location, King Curry Club is a highly recommended spot for those seeking international flavors. It is particularly praised for its classic curry dishes, such as Butter Chicken, and has expanded its menu to include Mediterranean fare and fresh seafood pasta. It's considered a must-visit for its unique offerings in San Juan del Sur.

Price: Not explicitly stated, but implies a mid-range price point given the mention as a 'do-not-miss spot'.

Getting There: Specific address not detailed in recent reviews, but implies it is in a central location given its historical presence and new hours.

Check out our other pages on San Juan del Sur

Things to Do icon Things to Do Getting There icon Getting There Bars and Entertainment icon Bars and Entertainment Hotels icon Hotels Budget Stays icon Budget Stays