The most popular traditional dish is called "Arroz con pollo" or "chicken with rice". There are other variations on this theme. The other most popular dishes are fish or seafood given the proximity and abundance of the two oceans that surround Costa Rica on two sides. You will not find tender beef dishes very often since little of the meat is hung for long periods of time for tenderizing - refrigeration is limited because of the climate.

Nosara has two good-sized supermarkets that carry just about anything you might need for food, fruit, vegetables, liquor, beer, wine, sundries. Many familiar North American brands and products are available but it is always interesting to sample some of the uniquely local products. Try the local spices and hot sauces for certain. Visit La Paloma (near the south end of the airport in Nosara or choose Super Nosara (closer to the southern edge of the town of Nosara - be sure to ask for the always helpful and gregarious owner, Roosevelt). The town of Nicoya has two large modern supermarkets and is about an hour and half drive. See the Peli store across the street from the hospital (near the eastern entrance to town and just past the first and only traffic light you will see. The other large supermarket is on the same side of the street about 5 blocks further south. Every week, there is a huge farmer's market on the grounds on the south side of town. This is an adventure you should try to visit

Brand new for 2001, we finally have a small grocery store right in the subdivision. Ricardo's Super Mini is clean, air conditioned and well stocked with almost anything you would need including fresh fruit and vegetables. The store is about 2 blocks away.

New for 2003 is another grocery store near Playa Pelada (about one mile) called Pancho's. Also, Randy at the Harbor Reef has added groceries to his store (about 2 blocks).

For those of you with a sweet tooth, the Cafe de Paris (about 2 blocks) has a great bakery with fresh baked goodies each day. New for 2003, the Mariposa (located near Playa Pelada about one mile away) has also opened a great bakery with some absolutely sinful sweets.

We also have some food that will come right to your door. On some schedule that no one has yet been able to fathom, you may have the local fishermen drive up (you can tell it is fish since they have a large freezer mounted in the back of the truck). For a few dollars, you can feed a small army with some of the best fish you will ever taste. If you are lucky enough to catch some edible fish on your fishing outings, most of the local restaurants will be pleased to prepare it for you as part of your meal at their establishment in return for the balance they can serve to other clients. As well, we often have the German baker drive up with a load of delectable treats. Suffice it to say, you will not go hungry in Nosara.

The Project hosts several quality restaurants including the following: