Coffee, Smoothies & Jungle Vibes: My Favorite Nosara Cafés
If you’re heading to Nosara and wondering where to get your caffeine fix, healthy bites, or smoothie bowl with a side of jungle vibes - you're in for a treat. As a solo traveler, I spent my days hopping between three standout cafés that completely won me over. Each one has its own charm: a beachy surfside hangout, a garden oasis with golden milk dreams, and a juice bar nestled under the trees. Whether you’re after conversation, calm, or just damn good coffee, here are the spots I’d go back to in a heartbeat.
Sunrise Coffee
Sunrise doesn’t mess around. I’m talking silky matcha lattes, golden milk that tastes like sunshine in a cup, and solid espresso that kicks your day into gear. Whether you're the oat milk type or full-fat all the way, they’ve got you covered.
Food-wise? Next level. Everything is bursting with flavor and somehow still feels light and healthy. I was obsessed with the “La Benedicta” – poached eggs, fresh avo, all stacked on their gluten-free sourdough (yes, they have GF bread that actually tastes amazing). One thing that really stood out to me besides the killer menu was how much they care. I prefer gluten free, and not only did they accommodate me, they remembered my orders after just a few visits. How rare is that?
Shoutout to Erlin, my usual server and an absolute legend. Always warm, patient, and somehow knew exactly what I needed before I even said a word. I don’t know if he reads minds or what, but his energy made me feel right at home.
If you're heading to Nosara and wondering where to grab your morning brew or post-surf fuel, please don’t skip Sunrise. Even if you're just stopping by once, soak in the easygoing vibe, the chill tunes, and that perfect coffee.
Rolling Waves Coffee
Alright, let’s keep this little café crawl going. Picture this: you’re barefoot, salty from a morning swim, and craving something smooth, strong, and soul-soothing. That’s when Rolling Waves Coffee enters the scene.
First off, the vibe is just what you'd hope for in a beach town café. Think sandy feet, chilled music, good energy, and the kind of smiles that are 100% genuine. No shoes required, by the way just good coffee and good company. Jarin and Jesus, the legends behind the counter, are not just baristas, they’re coffee artists. I’m not exaggerating. Every cup they hand you feels like it’s been brewed with pure love. The cappuccino? One of the best I’ve had, smooth, rich, perfectly balanced. But if you're more into matcha, you’re in for a treat. Their matcha is velvety and deep in flavor, not the watered-down stuff you get elsewhere.
We got chatting about beans (as you do), and these guys know their stuff. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and happy to geek out with you about roast profiles and Costa Rican farms. I ended up bringing a bag of whole beans back to the States, yes, it was that good. Hungry? Don’t sleep on the overnight chia pudding with dates and pecans. It’s got that creamy, nutty-sweet combo that somehow feels indulgent and healthy at the same time. And their cold brew? Let’s just say it kept me coming back... almost daily.
The best part? You’re just a five-minute stroll from the beach. Coffee in hand, surfboard under your arm, sun starting to rise - what more do you need?
The Juice Bar @ The Harmony Hotel
Here comes the final part of your Nosara café crawl blog, blending your experience at Harmony's Juice Bar into a smooth, engaging vibe your readers will love. At the end, I’ve tied the whole piece together with a relaxed outro.
The Hidden Juice Spot at Harmony: Fresh Finds Under the Palms
Now, let me tell you about a spot that feels like it was made for slow mornings and jungle daydreams - Harmony’s Juice Bar. If you're wandering around Nosara and catch a whiff of freshly baked bread drifting through a garden path, follow it. Trust me, it’s leading you somewhere magical.
Tucked under a traditional thatched ranchito, this little café is part of the Harmony Hotel but has its own relaxed vibe. It’s not just for hotel guests, locals swing by, barefoot surfers roll through, and travelers like me show up just to breathe in that laid-back energy (and maybe snag a muffin or two).
Let’s talk juice. One of my go-to drinks was the Celery Green Juice- a crisp, clean blend of celery, cucumber, ginger, lemon, spinach, and coconut water. Hydrating, zesty, and just the thing to kickstart a humid Costa Rican morning. I also tried the cucumber mint juice expecting something like a mocktail, but it surprised me with a thicker, almost smoothie-like texture. Different, but refreshing in its own right.
The papaya bowl? Chef’s kiss. Fresh, bright, and light. My friends went for the smoothies and didn’t leave a single drop behind. There’s just something about sipping fresh juice in a tropical garden courtyard while listening to birds chirp overhead - how often do we get to slow down like that?
What I also love is the mission behind the menu. Everything is organic, mostly vegan, and harvested right from their own sustainable farm project. Salads are vibrant, sandwiches come on their homemade multi-grain bread (still warm!), and everything just tastes like it was made with intention.
Open from 7 AM to 5 PM, it’s perfect whether you're starting your day or recharging post-beach.
Nosara Café Hopping: Final Thoughts
So there you have it, my top spots for fueling up, chilling out, and soaking in all the good vibes in Nosara. Sunrise for the heartwarming coffee and gluten-free goodies, Rolling Waves for bean chat and surf energy, and Harmony’s Juice Bar for fresh garden bites and a jungle courtyard escape.
Traveling solo here felt anything but lonely. Each café felt like a little sanctuary, where conversations flowed as easily as the cold brew and there was always a new flavor to discover.
Planning your own trip to Nosara? I’d love to hear what café vibes you’re into. Do you chase the strongest espresso in town? Or are you the juice-and-a-book-under-a-palm-tree type?
Either way, Nosara’s got you covered. Catch you at the next cup ☕🌴
