If you’re in Nicaragua, hopefully you’ve already found yourself some gallo pinto, tostones, or even nacatamal. Part of Granada’s appeal is the variety of local eats around every corner. But sometimes, you want to treat yourself on your travels.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want a nice night out, these six best date night restaurants will give you the elevated experience you’re looking for in Granada, Nicaragua.
Bocadillos
Best for: happy hour
‘Bocadillos’ loosely translates to hors d’oeuvres–and that’s exactly what this Granada date night restaurant does exceptionally well.
Right next to Hotel Casa San Francisco is the fun and flavorful Bocadillos tapas kitchen and bar. Inside, you’ll find a friendly atmosphere complete with tempting happy hour drink deals every afternoon. Best for pre-dinner apps or late night drinks, Bocadillos brings a little life to every occasion with live music, Nicaraguan cigars, and a delicious finger food menu.
HN Hint: Try to time your date night around promos like Tapas Tuesday (2×1 tapas first Tuesday of every month!) and Wine Wednesday.
Want to make your evening extra special? Ask the restaurant if you can be seated on the rooftop terrace for incredible volcano views!
El Zaguán
Best for: steak aficionados
Step inside the archway of an impressive Spanish colonial estate to find El Zaguán, an elegant restaurant behind Catedral de Granada. With a warm brick interior and elite gastronomy, it’s an unbeatable date night restaurant in Granada, Nicaragua.
El Zaguán takes their steak seriously. Beyond Nicaragua’s typical carne asada or jalapeño de res, you’ll find all kinds of flavorful cuts here–from juicy filet mignon to smoky bacon-wrapped sirloins. (No red meat? No problem. You’ll have more than enough savory chicken and fish choices on this menu.)
Truth be told, I could happily eat at El Zaguán every night. Each bite blew me away–from the tender churrasco with fresh chimichurri to the caramelized plantains. The service was outstanding and the ambiance inviting yet sophisticated. Overall, you’re in for a treat if you go out to El Zaguán for a date night dinner in Granada.
HN Hint: Don’t skip dessert–the coconut flan was the perfect finish to a decadent meal.
Boca Baco
Best for: sushi lovers
Right next door to El Zaguán sits another top date night restaurant in Granada–this one known for its small plates. Boca Baco isn’t your average drinks and tapas restaurant: with a menu featuring crème brûlée martinis, chorizo charcuterie boards, and even sushi, it’s a standout in Nicaragua.
Highly rated by travelers and critics alike, Boca Baco even notched accolades from Forbes Centroamérica. It’s an intimate establishment in the classic colonial style of Granada and features a menu designed with luxury in mind.
Taste elevated tapas and sip creative cocktails on a lovely outdoor terrace that’s softly brightened by mood-setting string lights. You’ll take a culinary journey inspired by surprising Japanese and Mediterranean influences when you dine at Granada’s delightful Boca Baco.
Garden Café
Best for: mindful meal
Granada’s Garden Café is best known for its daytime coffee drinks and digital nomad-friendly wifi.
But that’s no reason to overlook this tasteful restaurant when dinner rolls around. After dark, the popular café transforms into an intimate dinner space fit for any occasion.
The aptly named Garden Café’s lush green courtyard creates a romantic date night setting, while the fresh morning pastries are replaced with hearty dishes like hummus bowls and grilled salmon. Stick around for dessert and share a slice of passionfruit cheesecake, or go vegan and try the chocolate tartaleta.
HN Hint: Garden Café is an excellent choice for healthy and vegetarian-friendly dinner options in Granada, Nicaragua.
Asarte Grill
Best for: laidback luxury
If you want to get off the beaten path and try something different for dinner in Granada, then Asarte is the place for you.
This restaurant and grill is a real hidden gem. A Venezuelan-Nicaraguan fusion steakhouse, the meats are grilled to perfection. You’ll find the menu to be an eclectic blend of Central and South American cuisine: don’t be surprised to see arepas on the next table over!
HN Hint: Come hungry—the platters at Asarte are HUGE (but they’re also so delicious you’ll somehow find room to finish them, like I did).
Asarte is set outdoors, but don’t be fooled: this is no backyard barbecue. It’s one of the best date night restaurants in Granada thanks to its exceptional fare and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has been known to host live music and even flamenco dancers.
Asarte offers fine dining with a local feel, making it the perfect choice if you’re looking for a fun experience, fantastic food, and no fuss.
NM Culinary
Best for: unmistakably upscale
When nothing but the best will do, you go to NM Culinary for an evening out in Granada. (They even got a shoutout in Condé Nast Traveler.)
With or without white tablecloths, there’s no denying that this date night restaurant is high-end. Your first indication? They actually take reservations!
NM Culinary is pricey by any standard–let alone what travelers may be accustomed to in Nicaragua. The farm-to-table restaurant serves select seasonal dishes founded on local flavors with a gourmet twist. Sampling offerings from the restaurant’s dainty eight-course tasting menu will be more than enough to create an upscale dining experience in Granada.
HN Hint: NM Culinary and Garden Café share the same owners.
Conclusion
Every night feels a little extra special when you’re in Granada, Nicaragua. But when you want to indulge for the evening, you won’t go wrong with any of the six best date night restaurants in the city.
Try them out, and come back to tell us what you think!
HN Hint: These may be some of the best restaurants in Granada, Nicaragua, but several of them only accept cash. Bring plenty of paper bills when you head out to dinner!
What occasion are you excited to celebrate in Granada?
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