Our restaurant and bar is open air, looking out onto tropical gardens, and open from 7:30 am until 9:30 pm. Our food is some of the best in town, and our fast and friendly service is renowned. The Gilded Iguana Restaurant was recently voted the best Seafood and “overall Value” restaurant in Nosara by readerʼs of the Del Sol Magazine, a Samara, Carillo and Nosara area magazine.
We separate all recyclables and food waste, compost all organics and have a small herb and vegetable garden. We buy organic and local farm raised meats, fresh wild fish and seafood and use biodegradable take away containers. We no longer buy bottled water in attempt to cut down on waste. We offer fresh cold tap water, and have stainless steel water canisters for sale as souvenirs.
We use no artificial enhancers or MSG, and all of our menu items are made in house with real, whole foods.
10% tip is included in most restaurants that comply with the law, check to see if it is, and ask if you’re not sure. If the service is good, feel free to tip as you would at home and leave extra, it is not considered an insult and is in fact greatly appreciated by servers.
The Pool Gazebo Bar is open daily from noon until Sunset for cocktails and icy cold beer, or fresh fruit smoothies. Full menu available at the Pool Bar as well.
The Gilded Iguana has been a supporter of live music in Nosara since 1999 when owner “Jungle Joe” Davis started doing open mike night on Tuesdays. Back in the day, folks kicked back and listened to whatever talent was passing through town. One aspiring young artist was Deblois Milledge.
The Gilded Iguana is proud to say that since then the Tuesday night music scene has grown enormously. Deblois has just released her fourth CD, while our Tuesday night jam band draws a crowd big enough to make reservations a must. Jungle Joe has put together a few new groups since then such as KOKOPELLI, CHOROTEGA and the HEAD HIGH BAND, and Grammy nominee Bill Macpherson joined him in THE MEDICINE SHOW.
In 2010 the Gilded Iguana contracted a new young talented singer songwriter named Cristi Massey to play her original acoustic songs on Friday nights. She has since become a local favorite and is working on having some of her music professionally produced.
The Gilded Iguana has also hosted Canadian ska band Prince Perry & The Gladtones, jazz singer Laura Martier, Miami band Carlʼs Van Band Camp and California based ska-punk band Perro Bravo. Live music at the Gilded Iguana ~ you heard it here first folks.
