CanelAzul

4GRWV9R, Guanacaste Province, Nicoya, Costa Rica
+506 2685 4222
$$$ cafe
(119 Reviews)

Welcome to CanelAzul, a charming café nestled in the picturesque town of Nicoya, Costa Rica. If you're in search of a delightful culinary retreat, this unique spot offers a refreshing blend of local cuisine, vibrant atmosphere, and a commitment to sustainability through its fresh, organic offerings.

CanelAzul is more than just a café; it's an experience that captivates your senses. Upon entering, you're greeted by a cute entryway that hints at the lush and inviting patio that lies beyond. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air, enticing you with the promise of a perfect pick-me-up. Here, every meal is crafted with love and flair, showcasing unique recipes that bring out the best in fresh ingredients.

During your visit, indulge in their superb sandwiches, particularly loved by patrons like Chip Davis, who describe them as “superb,” but don't miss their amazing array of baked goods. From buttery croissants to exquisite pastries, each bite is a testament to the café's dedication to quality. The ceviche is a must-try, as noted by Lucie Tetrault, who paired hers with a delicious panini, hinting at the café's diverse menu offerings designed to appeal to all tastes.

The ambiance of CanelAzul provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Nicoya. With a lush outdoor seating area adorned with greenery and cozy nooks, it's the perfect spot to unwind. Guests often praise the serene vibe, as highlighted by Krista Swanson, who appreciated the café's peaceful atmosphere, enriched with books and board games available for patrons to enjoy.

While the quality of food shines remarkably, some guests like Matt have pointed out that service could be more upbeat, as the staff tend to appear less cheerful. However, when the flavors are this outstanding, the experience feels strikingly worthwhile.

Every visit to CanelAzul offers not just a meal but a community gathering that's both welcoming and warm. Whether you're stopping by for a hearty burger, a creative smoothie, or just a great cup of coffee, this café promises an experience rooted in quality, flavor, and genuine care. Don't miss out on this local gem during your exploration of Guanacaste Province.

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

9:00 AM - 6:07 PM

Tuesday

9:00 AM - 6:07 PM

Wednesday

9:00 AM - 6:07 PM

Thursday

9:00 AM - 6:07 PM

Friday

9:00 AM - 6:07 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday

Closed

119 Reviews
Brandye Grote

26 Sep 2025

I have eaten here twice for lunch while visiting Nicoya snd I cannot say enough good things. First off, the food, it’s amazing. Everything is fresh, organic and made with care. The recipes are unique and flavorful. They also have great coffee, smoothies & yummy baked goods including croissants. The staff are friendly, polite & genuinely want you to enjoy your meal. The decor is fresh, clean & makes for a relaxing spot. This is a must stop! Parking is easy on the street behind the square.

Chip Davis

07 Sep 2025

It is tucked away across from the park. Cute entryway. The coffee( cappuccinos) is not as good as Nativo. It's not bad just need a stronger shot or it's too loose (/expresso shot). Sandwiches superb. The atmosphere is nice without kids around. The food is superb. Check out the fresh pastries.

Matt

31 Aug 2025

Stop here almost every time I visit or pass through Nicoya. Food is excellent….everything always tastes fantastic, full of flavor, deliciously fresh…perhaps the best burger I’ve ever had. Comfortable private outdoor seating. The staff generally seem unhappy always, so the service suffers. Not sure what that is about. Small issue though when the food and ambiance is so great.

Lucie Tetrault

18 Aug 2025

It is so good! Had the ceviche and my husband had a panini. Lovely place.

Krista Swanson

02 Aug 2025

Beautiful location that is a lovely escape from the heat and bustle in Nicoya! Amazing fresh food! Beautiful pastries. Creative smoothies! Lovely patio with lush vegetation, books and board games for guests to use. Great prices. Tica/Tico owned.

Becca Cramer

26 Jun 2025

Great service, amazing food, tranquil and classy atmosphere. I ordered the oriental salad with salmon—so fresh and delicious. My partner got the local burger and loved it. One of our favorite restaurants in Costa Rica.

Tamara Gabbard

22 Jun 2025

Update: they apologized and didn't charge for the burger. I felt that said something about their desire to do better. The food isn't bad but they are overpriced and the food isn't anything special. They use cheap Pali meat for their sandwiches and charge 12$ a lemonade is $5. It took an hour and a half to get one dish and my kids hamburger was burnt and super tiny in a HUGE bun.. Still waiting meat chase bun and 3 tiny potatoes with no salt. It's a kids burger and 9$. Completely rediculous. There are better places for cheaper. You're paying for asthetic.

Floris Tiemstra

12 Jun 2025

Little oasis within the city of Nicoya. Pleasant and friendly staff, tasty food and the closest thing to espresso coffee we're found here (nespresso cups).

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