When it comes to authentic Costa Rican cuisine, few places offer the richness and variety found at Nekajui Garden, the signature restaurant at Hacienda Guachipelín. Located in the heart of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, this culinary gem showcases a vibrant array of gastronomical delights from every corner of the country. From traditional Guanacastecan flavors to Caribbean and Central Valley influences, Nekajui Garden invites travelers to embark on a flavorful journey that celebrates the depth and diversity of Costa Rican food culture.
Here, farm-to-table cuisine meets traditional Chorotega cooking techniques, creating a culinary journey that celebrates Costa Rica’s rich flavors. Whether dining under the stars beside a firepit or savoring dishes prepared in an artisan clay oven, a meal at Nekajui Garden is a must for food lovers visiting Rincón de la Vieja National Park.
Farm-to-Table Dining at Nekajui Garden
Tucked away in a peaceful corner of Hacienda Guachipelín, Nekajui Garden is a hidden gem where fresh, locally sourced ingredients take center stage. The restaurant’s name, derived from the Chorotega word for “garden”, honors the region’s Indigenous heritage.
The menu is inspired by Costa Rican culinary traditions, with vegetables, herbs, and fruits grown on-site or sourced from sustainable local farms. The traditional clay oven plays a vital role, infusing dishes with deep, smoky flavors that define authentic Guanacaste cuisine.
Must-Try Flavors at Nekajui Garden:
- Wood-fired meats infused with local spices
- Fire-roasted vegetables from the Hacienda’s garden
- Handmade pizzas baked in the traditional clay oven
- Locally inspired specialties featuring flavors from across Costa Rica
A Unique Outdoor Dining Experience in Costa Rica
What makes Nekajui Garden one of the best restaurants in Guanacaste is its immersive dining atmosphere. Set in the old garden of the hacienda house, the restaurant offers a tranquil, nature-filled setting where guests can unwind while indulging in exceptional food.
One of its most distinctive features is the cozy firepits, where guests can sip handcrafted cocktails made with tropical fruits and Costa Rican spirits. Dining by the fire under the clear Guanacaste sky, with the sounds of nature all around, makes this an unforgettable culinary experience.
The Art of Traditional Fire Cooking
At Nekajui Garden, the artisan-crafted clay oven is the heart of the kitchen, where Costa Rica’s gastronomic heritage comes to life. This time-honored cooking technique enhances the natural flavors of meats, vegetables, and breads, honoring the culinary traditions of Costa Rica’s past.
For culture and food lovers, Nekajui Garden offers a gastronomic journey through Costa Rica, featuring dishes inspired by different regions:
- Corn Chicha – A fermented drink from the Chorotega Indigenous culture
- Rustic Bean Soup – A hearty dish from the Heredia Huetar tradition
- Rice Pudding with Fresh Papaya – A sweet treat from Cartago’s Huetar heritage
More Signature Dishes at Nekajui Garden:
- Rice & Beans – A spicy Caribbean favorite
- Pork Tamal – Wrapped in tradition
- Achiote Chicken – Bursting with ancestral flavors
- Cassava Pie – Comfort food at its best
- Coconut Fudge – A taste of the Caribbean
- Angel Hair Squash Honey – A unique Costa Rican dessert
Hacienda Guachipelín’s Other Dining Experiences
While Nekajui Garden is a standout, Hacienda Guachipelín also offers other exceptional farm-to-table dining experiences:
Hacienda Restaurant: Traditional Costa Rican Cuisine
At Hacienda Guachipelín Restaurant, every dish is a tribute to Guanacaste’s culinary heritage. The hacienda’s chefs prepare fresh, flavorful meals using locally sourced ingredients and time-honored recipes.
Chef’s Favorite Dishes:
- Olla de Carne – A traditional Costa Rican meat and veggie stew
- Casado – A hearty, adventure-worthy dish
- Corn Rice – A comforting Guanacaste favorite
- Beef Tongue in Tomato Sauce – Slow-cooked and packed with flavor
- Creamy or Tomato-Based Pasta – Served with your choice of protein
La Cantina: A Taste of Costa Rica’s Tavern Culture
A modern take on Costa Rica’s tavern tradition, La Cantina offers classic bocas (small plates) that pair perfectly with drinks:
- Top Picks:
- Crispy Pork Belly with Fried Cassava
- Hearty Seafood Soup
- Fried Green Plantains with Ground Beans & Pico de Gallo
- Tica Taco – A local twist on a classic favorite
Rincón del Café: Costa Rican Coffee & Sweet Treats
At El Rincón del Café, experience Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee with an exceptional selection from Naranjo and Tarrazú. Enjoy a bold espresso, smooth Americano, creamy latte, or a traditional chorreado—brewed just the way you like it.
Sweet & Savory Pairings:
- Gluten-free pastries like oatmeal & chocolate cookies
- Passion fruit cheesecakes
- Empanada Arreglada & Taco Tico – Authentic Costa Rican snacks
Why You Should Dine at Nekajui Garden
With its farm-to-table philosophy, traditional fire cooking, and stunning outdoor setting, Nekajui Garden is a hidden gem among Costa Rica’s best restaurants. Whether you’re savoring a meal fresh from the clay oven, enjoying a cocktail by the fire pit, or indulging in a locally inspired dish, every moment here immerses you in Guanacaste’s rich culinary traditions.
For an unforgettable dining experience in Costa Rica, Nekajui Garden at Hacienda Guachipelín, a member of the Enchanting Hotels, should be at the top of your list.
