Zen Cafe in Nosara Costa Rica

When you think of the word "Zen," most likely what comes to your mind is relaxation.  Finding your own path and embracing the Zen of Costa Rica is what many people come to Nosara to seek and find, but no matter where you are on your spiritual journey you need to find yourself in Zen Café at least a few times while in Guiones. Zen Café is a place you will never regret having visited and will make you feel better the whole day through.

Just as you would expect from the name, Zen Café is a peaceful spot that immediately provides a calming and tranquilo atmosphere. Tucked away next to Arte Guay in the middle of the Guiones strip, Zen Café is a Surfing Nosara favorite and a place our crew visits almost daily. The Nosara area would not be the same without places like Zen Café, and Surfing Nosara is glad to let everyone know about the Zen Café experience.

So, we are certainly stoked that the owner and jefe, Ryan Ferester, opened the Zen about a year and a half ago with his wife Kati. A few years after Ryan completed Yoga Training here at the Institute, he decided to make the leap and move down here permanently from his home in Austin, TX. This was three years ago and now he is a successful business owner of a Guiones cafe with the best coffee and smoothies in town, as well great vegan and vegetarian food choices. They have a small menu and most of their food is in the form of drinks, snacks and deserts, but they also have some great lunch options with the Zen Sandwiches and Platers. Ryan and his staff take a lot of pride in making all their delicious home made vegan goodies, such as: muffins, chocolate chip cookies, brownies, hummus, quinoa, marinades. They also carry some of Costa Rica's finest organic coffee and esspresso, and they have an extensive smoothie menu with the best fruit and juice combinations around.

While only a small shop, the folks at Zen Café must have some great feng shui when designing their spot because it never feels too crowded even when they are full. Nosara locals and visitors alike all come to Zen Café for breakfast and lunch made super fresh and from the finest ingredients. Zen only stocks the best coffees from small and sustainable farms and has the hands-down best coffee in town. Their coffee equipment is state-of-the-art and great care goes into every step of the brewing process.Try a tall glass of juice so fresh it is made to order right in front of you and watch as the veggies and fruits become a tasty drink just for you. Be daring and try the Beet and Carrot, or go with a more traditional set of tropical fruit flavors like lime, watermelon and orange – all for around three dollars. The smoothies are excellent as well, and are a quick pick-me-up. When Surfing Nosara fam is feeling under the weather, the flu buster smoothie at Zen Café can’t be beat.

Zen Café believes in reducing waste, avoiding plastics and being environmentally sustainable. So, in keeping with those beliefs and image, Zen provides you with a bamboo straw to enjoy all your smoothies, teas, juices, coffee drinks etc. The best bagels in the Nosara area also await you, fresh, toasty and sent from San Jose each week. The Surfing Nosara crew recommends the awesome cream cheese or organic goat cheese spread. Though, make sure to take a few moments to sip your fresh espresso or juice and actually enjoy your healthy breakfast, guilt free. The peaceful vibe at Zen Café will stick with you all day, and a fresh and organic breakfast for about six dollars is a great deal in Costa Rica or anywhere for that matter.It doesn't stop with breakfast and lunch though. New this year, Zen has introduced Indian Night. Every Wednesday Ryan and his crew prepare a Tahli style Indian feast, complete with brown rice pilaf, four different vegetarian indian dishes, Nann bread, a natural drink of choice and a desert. All of this for only $12! So, stop by any Wednesday between 4:30PM and 8:30PM. They have had a great turnout so far this season and have had nothing but good feedback, especially from the yogi contingent when they are in town for classes at the Institute.

So, if you need to find one of the Surfing Nosara crew around mid-morning and we're not in the office, just cross the road and head over to the healthiest, most unique cafe in town and we'll see you there with a Dr. Cacao smoothie in hand.