Dale Pues — Restaurant in San Juan del Sur (Municipio)

We’re not writing this review after a one-time visit — this is after our third breakfast and second dinner at Dale Pues (and we’re very fussy - we believe in a balanced and discerning way), and we’ll be back again before the trip’s over. It’s just that good.

First off, the value is excellent — but don’t mistake that for basic food. This is genuinely delicious, high-quality cooking - hats off to the chefs! The breakfasts, in particular, are outstanding — honestly some of the best we’ve had anywhere in the world. The breakfast burrito and the “Nica” breakfast are standouts, but truthfully, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

Evenings are just as strong — the steak with gorgonzola sauce and burgers were total hits. Everything we’ve tried has been fantastic.

The setting is beautiful: a cool courtyard vibe that feels fresh and modern while still holding onto that laid-back, authentic San Juan del Sur charm. The cocktails are great, the coffee even better — easily the best we’ve had in town. (Much ‘much’ better, in our opinion, than Peace and Cake — which is fine, but more expensive and doesn’t come close to the same overall experience.)

The staff are warm, welcoming, and genuinely fun — it’s clear they love being there, and that makes you love being there too.

If we could wrap this place up and take it home with us, we would. Whether it’s for a relaxing morning meal, a chill dinner, or just a perfect coffee in a peaceful spot, Dale Pues has become one of our absolute favorites — and if you’re in town, it should be one...

The food is good, especially for this area where good food is hard to come by. However the service is lacking. I had to get the attention of wait staff more than once to request service. At one point, my waiter had made several trips to assist the neighboring table without stopping to check-in. I said “excuse me” as he continued to walk away, twice.

I can’t tell if it’s the glass, or the ice maker, but when they brought my water it had all kinds of stuff floating in it. Couldn’t even tell you what it was.

Asked for the check and have been waiting 20mins watching the staff sit at the bar and chat. I finally went to the bar to pay and surprise surprise, they made up their own conversion rate so it cost more money than the posted conversation rate. Also keep in mind that they go ahead and tack on a 10% service fee for the service you practically have to beg for every step of the way.

Response to the owner: I don’t know what you’re referring to with the “business” comment. What I’m saying is that at every other restaurant my conversion calculations have been exactly as they are posted from day to day online, except...

Really confused about the good reviews here… the food was terrible. Ordered over the phone for takeout and the food was awful especially for these gringo prices they’re charging here. 50 USD (it’s high for Nicaragua)spent for a small fish fillet smothered in an overly acidic tomato sauce, 2 orders of small tacos, iced coffee, and two smoothies. Also, my girlfriend got super ill after we ate here and we suspect it was the fish dish BUT it could’ve been anything we ate that day. The fish had a texture like it was previously frozen, the texture of the fish was just so off. It was dry and under seasoned. The shrimp and fish tacos were bland, tasted cheap, the guacamole was under salted etc.. the only reason we ate the food (in the pics) was because we were starving and felt guilty for spending $50 dollars here. I have no idea how this place is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor! Seriously… future...