Although a small town, there are several great El Castillo Restaurants to choose from. Local cuisine includes the magnificent river shrimp, fresh fish from the river and even chicken and beef dishes. If you are vegetarian, you will also find good options. Enjoy your time at El Castillo! Bon Apetit! Following, our suggestion of El Castillo restaurants to help you choose the best spot for you!
Hotel Victoria
Probably the best and most complete restaurant in El Castillo, the restaurant is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year for breakfast, lunch and dinner, from 7:00 a.m. till 9:00 p.m. Very friendly service at reasonable prices. Limited menu, as in the rest of El Castillo, they usually have fish and chicken options, sometimes beef and during the season they also serve that famous river shrimp. Comfortable covered terrace setting with a view of the San Juan River. They serve cold beers and have the best stocked bar in town. Julia, the owner and her sister are always on the premises and are great hosts. Located about 400 meters downriver from the municipal dock.
Restaurante El Chinandegano
Adjacent to the Hotel Victoria, the Chinandegano is not as fancy as the Victoria, yet offers the feel of being right on the water. The building is built on stilts and when the river is high, all of it is actually over water! The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Home cooked meals, featuring whole fresh fish, river shrimp in season and pasta dishes. Very friendly service.
[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Restaurante Vanessa
Located at the Hotel Tropical, right on the “Raudal del Diablo” rapids offering a great view and really extremely pleasant setting with a deck over the river. Food is some of the best in town, however the service is a bit slow. Not the best spot for ice cold beer, they usually don’t have enough beer in the cooler and run out of cold beer, but they also serve rum drinks. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Borders Café
A great spot for a good coffee, a light meal or a cold beer. Service is great and very friendly and although somewhat small, the place is quite nice. Located a few buildings before the Chinandegano Hotel and after the Catholic Church. They offer several different veggie options for those vegetarians that are looking for something different. Adjacent to them is the nicest souvenir spot in town where you can purchase locally made handicrafts. This is a gay friendly business.
[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Las Vegas del San Juan
Located down river from the Hotel Victoria, on the second story of a building with open sides to catch the cool breezes coming off the San Juan River. This restaurant is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, but is specially popular in the evening, when it also operates as a nice lounge bar offering ice cold beers and rum to its patrons. Very reasonable prices.
Cafetin Conchita
One of the favourite spots for locals. A really inexpensive eatery that is located almost across the street from the municipal dock. Open 7 days a week from 6:00 a.m. till 8:00 p.m. They offer an a la carte menu as well as comida corriente (basically a daily menu with several options, resulting in an even more affordable meal) Fresh fruit drinks, softdrinks and beer sold with food.
[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Restaurant Bar Cofalito
Located in the green building adjacent to the municipal dock. This is truly the first and last option upon arrival or departure from town. Nice setting on the second floor with a nice view of the San Juan River. Menu includes beef, chicken and fish dishes. Beverages served include fresh fruit juices, softdrinks, beer and rum. Personally, I always run up stairs and have my last Toña before departing town.[themify_hr color=”light-gray” width=”1px”]
Daryzu
Located on the water, Daryzu is a family restaurant with good service and food at very affordable prices. Great spot for tour info, as Darwin, the owners son works as an independent tour guide and offers personalized tours. Very reasonable prices.
