La Calzada is a popular street for outdoor dining in Granada, Nicaragua. Photo: Adalberto H. Vega |
BY MARK CHESNUT
I ate too much during my most recent visit to Granada. But considering that there are so many good restaurants serving so much diverse cuisine at such reasonable prices, it’s no surprise that I lost a bit of my self-control.
As Nicaragua’s biggest tourism destination, the peaceful, historic city of Granada is a natural hub for great dining experiences. Be sure to sample Nicaraguan classics including gallo pinto (rice and beans), tostones (fried plantains) and Macuá, the delicious, fruity national cocktail. You can also savor a wide variety of cuisine at these restaurants that I checked out on my most recent visit:
Buddha Vivo (Calle La Libertad, across from Doña Conchis): The city’s only Indian restaurant, which opened in November, serves a tasty, spice-filled $7 dinner buffet in a pleasant open-air garden, with lots of candlelight to set the mood (it only opens at night). Spicy garbonzos and chicken curry are among the dishes; after eating you can head to the lounge area and puff on a hookah.
Centralito (La Calzada): This venue won’t win any awards for its décor, but its prime location on Granada’s main pedestrian dining street makes for great people watching, and the food is well prepared. I especially enjoyed the grilled pork.
Encuentros (Calle Caimito, near Hotel La Gran Francia; www.encuentrosclub.com): Set in a high-ceilinged former home that has been beautifully renovated, this combination restaurant/bar, which opened recently, serves a variety of international cuisine, and also hosts film nights that include a movie and drink for 100 córdobas (about U.S.$5). You can also buy a day pass to use the restaurant’s swimming pool for the same price, and fresh fruit and water is included in the price.
Pizzeria Don Luca (La Calzada; tel. 2552-7822): Yet another popular eatery on the city’s pedestrian thoroughfare, Don Luca serves delicious, handmade pizza.
Tequila Vallarta (La Calzada; Tel. 2552-8488): If you’ve got a hankering for Mexican food, this is the place to come. Don’t bother with the chicken wings, but the tortilla soup is tasty and flavorful.
Also worth checking out: Telepizza may feel a bit like a fast-food joint, but the hand-tossed pizza is delicious and comes with a large variety of toppings; also good are the sandwiches, which are served on fresh, deliciously flakey croissants.
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