Location: Nuevo Arenal
Top Restaurants in Nuevo Arenal
Top Things to do in Nuevo Arenal
Where to Eat in Nuevo Arenal: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Nuevo Arenal is a town and district in Tilarán Canton in the Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. It is located on the north-east shore of Lake Arenal. The former village of Arenal near the La Fortuna area was inundated in 1978 with the formation of the artificial Lake Arenal. Nuevo Arenal was a government project to relocate the displaced people. Nuevo Arenal is located about a one-hour drive northwest from the original village along a beautiful paved lakeside road that goes from La Fortuna to Tilaran.
Things to do in Nuevo Arenal
1. Tom's Pan German Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 746 reviews
Reviewed By Ändy R
The german bakery in Nuevo Arenal in Costa Rica is floppy. The prices are too hihigh and are not justified to the offered menus. The ‚Bratwurst‘ smells good, but the Sauerkraut and the rest is completely average or less. We ate 2 Bratwurst, 2 Sauerkraut, 2 beers , 2 espresso and 1 cookie paid for this 53 dollars!!Touristic hustle!
2. Gingerbread Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 415 reviews
Gingerbread is a fine restaurant and boutique hotel perfectly situated along Lake Arenal in Costa Rica. Operated by a charismatic and talented culinary master, Chef Eyal absolutely works magic with food. We’ll serve you an amazing international cuisine, delicious top shelf drinks, and exceptional overnight accommodations. . Our world class B&B, restaurant, and bar is open Tuesday through Saturdays to travelers and guests. We invite you to stay and experience Costa Rica with us. Come and eat, drink then take a leisurely stroll back to your comfortable room to relax. We start every morning with a delicious hot breakfast and end every evening with an exceptional three-course meal created by the Chef.
Reviewed By S B - Canada
We - along with another couple, went to Costa Rica to visit friends. These friends knew we would enjoy the atmosphere and food at the Gingerbread Restaurant.
All of the dishes were SUPERB!!!
Customer service was terrific. We were greeted at the door. The hostess and chef ensured we were all happy, well fed, and full. And, they both had a great sense of humor!
We were very pleased.
3. Cafe y Macadamia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 668 reviews
Reviewed By LaraKZ - Prague, Czech Republic
As we headed to San Jose we have seen multiple signs marketing the Cafe y Macademia being same as the one in Arenal so we stopped hoping for a very good meal and coffee.
Unfortunately ignoring the fact that it`s not even comparable in terms of view - just a caged Terrace - the problem was really the quality of food.
We took the chicken Sandwich and luckily I looked at it before the kids touched it as the meat was raw not just a bit undone but except maybe few mm deep being white the whole interior was completely raw pink- I brought it back to kitchen and kindly asked them to actually cook the meat - at least when it come back it was extremely small but grilled.
The bread on the other side was very good and actually that was the only tasty food we had there.
For drinks we took 4 smoothies and regardless they came nicely decorated with an orchid flower only one of them was really good. We had two water melon smoothies and if first was drinkable the second that came much later was pure ice - I took a spoon and practically spooned almost all ice out to have a small quantity of juice left and to actually be able to drink it through a straw.
We have ordered dessert too which unfortunately came before I would cancel it and the pineapple cake we took by recommendation was too sweet and dry.. Coffee just served to cut the too sweet cake not as a to be enjoyed by itself.
The place was not full, service slow so I could not justify the poor quality by pressure on time ...
The people serving seemed really nice and smiled all time but that`s not enough if you can`s eat the food ...
If you care about your name I think you need to upgrade quality of your food in this sister cafe as there is potential but really that was the worse lunch we had in Costa Rica ...
4. los heroes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 73 reviews
Reviewed By Pakusso - San Jose, Costa Rica
Recommended by a friend. The restaurant close to the route is cosy and clean. While the prices are ok, the quality of the menu is not what I expect. Can't write about the other ammenities of the farm, because I could not visit.
5. Moya's Place
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 313 reviews
Arenal's sacred refuge for supreme tranquility. There aren't a million signs, but the food and ambiance say it all! Amazing wraps, pizza, and other unique cuisine.
Reviewed By relaxing_dad - Southampton, Canada
We were renting a villa nearby and the owner referred us to Moya's. Good choice!
The decor is varied and interesting, and the staff friendly and attentive. For us unilingual gringos there are English language menus, too.
We were two couples sharing a pair of pizzas and, even though we arrived hungry, it was a challenge to finish them both. Yum.
It's a bit noisy but, as with many/most restaurants in Costa Rican towns, it is near the (paved) road and some noise is simply expected and accepted.
You should try Moya's.
6. Restaurante Caballo Negro
Overall Ratings
5 based on 94 reviews
Our restaurant is a favorite for locals and travelers alike. We have great breakfasts, which include Huevos Rancheros, and homemade Corned Beef Hash with corned beef made from scratch by the owner and chef, Monika. Because of Monika's German heritage, she also makes delicious schintzels also, from a family recipe. And if you save room for dessert, Apple Strudel is usually always available. There is inside Seating and also patio Seating overlooking the rest of the property, with views of Monika's private lake, her residence, and the Lucky Bug Bed and Breakfast. Plenty of birds to see, and has been called a birder's paradise.
Reviewed By Martita76 - Sacramento, California
This place is really beautiful. We stopped for lunch, the food was very good and the portions very generous. The restaurant has outside Seating on a balcony overlooking small lake. on the balcony there were hummingbirds feeders with lots of them eating.
Also, there is a shop with very nice craft, great for gifts.
7. Casa Delagua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 140 reviews
We are located on Rta 142, on the northwestern corner of Lake Arenal, midway between the Arenal Volcano and Monte Verde National Parks. We speak Romanian ,English and Spanish ,we have a art gallery , giftshop . We offer Romanian food that changes frequently . Breakfast ,lunch ,dinner and pastry Free WiFi,free parking and bathrooms. A great view of the lake Arenal and lots of music!
Reviewed By Jan S - Zurich, Switzerland
We stopped at Dan's restaurant on our way from La Fortuna to Monte Verde. Food was great, try the soups and sausages. All Homemade with great taste & true Romanian soul! Definitely our best Food experience during 14 days in Costa Rica. Highly recommended, delicious Food...MoreIt was really a pleasure meeting you and your wife! Thank you for your kind words and hope to see you again in the future! Best Regards from Casa Delagua Transylvania!
8. La Mansion Inn Arenal Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By luckyonelol - Surrey
Expensive for what you get but great views of the beautiful lake. Alas you don't have much choice around you.
9. Restaurant by the Lake Tinajas Arenal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 263 reviews
Opened in 2013, Tinajas Arenal is a family project perfectly situated at the edge of the Arenal Lake. Our family settled in Arenal many years before Lake Arenal was created in 1974 and Nuevo Arenal was established. With a green organic garden. Tinajas is a wonderful place to eat while traveling this beautiful area, with glorious sunsets and a dock for boat access, this new lakeside retreat is a hidden gem. It is the perfect place to relax and take nice pictures of the lake and the sunset
Reviewed By hurlp - Montreal, Canada
The journey is certainly worth the trip!
Beyond the cursing about the potholes on the unpaved bumpy road, this is a true case of all good things come to those who wait. Rancho Tinajas is a wonderfully unassuming restaurant on the shores of Lago Arenal run by a talented mother and her daughters. We were lucky enough to get there early and savour some local microbrewery pints of beer and admire the sunset from the very lovingly maintained Gardens.
We chose starters of salmon carpaccio with mixed baby spinach and lettuce, capers & parmesan with a well balanced vinaigrette and an order of light and succulent chicken quasadillas and all its colourful friends.
Mains were the Mediterranean salad of beetroot, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, passion fruit vinaigrette, sliced greens and not to be outdone sliced black and green olives.
The grilled shrimp (6) on chipotle rice with cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, mini pita triangles and leeks mixed into the perfectly spiced chipotle sauce on a bed of white rice was also a winner. A lovely meal all round, including beers & glasses of wine for approx $110 all included. Would return any day. Definitely recommend.
10. Las Delicias
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Coming into Arenal from La Fortuna Las Delicias is on the right side of the road.
Reviewed By Nelson d - Tucson, Arizona
This is one of my favorite Tico restaurants. A plate full of rice and beans, salad, plantains and chicken, beef or fish cost us less than a meal at McDonald's and was fresher, healthier and more filling/satisfying. Many of the spices, herbs and veggies are grown by the owners. A family run business, you will feel like family or close friends very quickly. If interested in trying local cuisine, you can't miss eating here.
