No, Seriously, These are the BEST
The below options are our favorite local spots and hotels. We think they represent authentic Nica food and experiences.
Because that is the thing about an adventure, the adventurer wants to stick around and adventure!
Managua
Quesillos El Pipe
El Pipe is a hidden gem on the side of the road on the way to Rancho. They serve one thing and one thing only, Quesillos. These are fresh made tortillas with quality cheese and cream, served to you in plastic bag. Wash one or two (they are huge) down with a cold Tola before you hop back on the road, all the wiser for having popped your Quesillos cherry.
(Kilometer 12 1/2 Carretera a Masaya; 505-8823-3556),
Los Ranchos
A deal never went down in town that wasn’t over a steak at Los Ranchos. Stop in for a deeply satisfying steak lunch or dinner. The Guapote (“the big handsome”), a white fish pulled from Lake Nicaragua and thrown in the deep fryer is excellent also, but the steak is the star here. There are two in Managua, only go to the original.
(Bo Altagracia, Montoya, 3 cuadra al oeste; 505-266-0526)
ROBERTO HUEMBES MARKET
This market is just awesome. You can get amazing hand made Nicaraguan wooden bowls here, that you will see for sale in other more touristy places for much higher prices. The go-to of the market is the hand-pressed tortilla station. The only topping is warm cuajada cheese, they will put these in plastic baggy for you, and you are good to go. Grab five of them for the road, they are great.
Hotel Casa Naranja
Hotel Casa Naranja is a boutique hotel in the center of Managua. We highly recommend this hotel if you decide to spend a day in Managua. Click here for more info.
Holiday Inn Express
This is an easy and convenient option for an overnight stay. The hotel will gladly arrange transportation to the airport for you. Also, they have a great free Nica breakfast which shouldn't be passed up. Book here.
HOTEL INTERCONTINENTAL
Located in the heart of the entertainment and business district. This hotel has all the amenities you are looking for in an urban oasis.
Granada
Espressonista
Granada is about a 45 minute drive from the airport, and is a perfect place to stop through on the way, either for a meal and a coffee, or to stay the night. The best coffee in Granada, and perhaps Nicaragua, can be found at Espressonista, stop in and sip the locally grown and roasted beans.
El Zaguan
My favorite restaurant in Nicaragua is El Zaguan by the Cathedral in Granada. It is a meal worth the price of a plane ticket, so we would highly suggest stopping here for lunch in Granada. The steak is Nica on a plate, and is so good. But you must also have the Vigoron, a local dish of yucca, cabbage and chicharrón, awesome.
Tribal Hotel
If you are staying a night in Granda, Tribal Hotel is a great spot to stay at. Tribal is owned by the team behind Indochine in NYC and with it’s candle-lit cozy courtyard it is the perfect place to relax and enjoy Granada, as the Cathedral, and restaurants are walk able from Tribal. Note: Tribal only has seven rooms total so we recommend booking far in advance.
La Gran Francia Hotel
This colonial boutique hotel is another great option in Granada if Tribal is booked. Click here to check out their site.
Hotel Plaza Colon
The Hotel Plaza Colon is a boutique hotel located in front of the main plaza of colonial Granada in the historic district and has excellent views of the Cathedral.