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La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Nanku Restaurant
At the base of the stunning Arenal Volcano right in the main town of La Fortuna lies the relaxing Nanku Restaurant. You will immediately know you’ve chosen a good place to settle in for a meal thanks to the live music, menu choice, and overall laid-back vibe.
Nanku has a jungle lodge aesthetic to give you that authentic Costa Rican feel, with bamboo and other jungle foliage as well as a unique palm-frond studded roof. The jungle theme is an ode to Nanku Restaurant’s original location in the heart of the Costa Rican jungle.
Start With an Amazing Appetizer
Whether you are on your way to or from the volcano or are just out for an evening meal, why not take a laid-back approach to your meal and really take your time tasting the cuisine and enjoying the atmosphere? Start off your meal with a classic Costa Rican appetizer from the sea, such as octopus ceviche. Another sea-inspired appetizer is delicious shrimp stuffed in avocado. If you’d rather have something warm, check out the seafood soup flavored with rosemary, thyme, coconut milk and a kick of habanero pepper.
Choosing a Main Dish
Nanku Restaurant has plenty of choices on its vast menu. From seafood and steaks to chicken dishes, there should be something for everyone. Don’t worry if you aren’t a meat eater because there are vegetarian options such as tropical salad, mushroom bruschetta, vegetable fettucine and classic eggplant parmesan. The hardest part will be what to choose!
For seafood lovers, the tilapia with lemon, capers and white wine sauce is a popular choice. There is also a delicious herb-encrusted salmon dish and garlic jumbo shrimp on the menu. Many dishes can come with patacónes, which is a traditional Costa Rican side dish of fried plantains.
For meat lovers, their steak options are similarly plentiful, with a chimichurri sirloin, marbled ribeye or a jalapeño tenderloin available, just to name a few. Chicken dishes include a spinach and gorgonzola stuffed chicken, chicken parmesan, or try something more tropical like a chicken grilled with special spices and passionfruit.
Add a Drink for the full Experience
While you will likely want to drink plenty of water to make up for the day’s exciting Costa Rican adventures, it’s equally necessary to treat yourself to a tropical cocktail since you are in paradise. Of course, the bartender can whip up the classics like a piña colada, margarita, or daiquiri. But when you see others in the restaurant being served the Coco Loco drink in a freshly cut coconut, you may just change your mind!
If you want to be completely authentic, ask for a Guaro Sour, a popular sugarcane-based traditional alcoholic beverage in Costa Rica. There will be other specialty drinks on offer, such as the tropical banana Crazy Monkey, Midori-filled Green Lagoon and Nanku’s very own specialty drink, the Nanku.
Ask for the dessert menu - you won’t regret it
If you haven’t had your fill yet, check out the delicious dessert options. Choose from tropical and fiery flambés, coconut flan, or a classic brownie or cheesecake. You might be full from your meal, but it will be hard to pass up a sweet treat to end the evening.
Sit Back and Enjoy the Music
The jungle atmosphere and easygoing meal is topped off with local live music on Monday nights. That good vibes feeling will make you want to slow down, sit back and enjoy the music.
Nanku Restaurant can be an experience itself, not just a quick meal. Head on over for delicious food, tropical drinks and good music.
Nanku GALLERY
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
What is standard tipping practice in Costa Rica?
Costa Ricans are not strangers to the generous tippers from the United States, and in fact many depend upon it. Service industry workers such as drivers and guides are accustomed to receiving what their equals might receive in the US.
However, one notable exception is the Costa Rican restaurant. It in not uncommon to be automatically charged 10% for service and 13% for taxes at many restaurants in Costa Rica. Though some unknowingly tip 15% - 20% on top of this inflated amount, adding 10% for excellent service can be seen as both a gesture of generosity and understanding.
