Restaurant

Nestled within the serene embrace of Santosha Surf Sanctuary & Wellness, we invite you on a vibrant gastronomic journey where the wild intoxicating flavors of Thailand meet the rich ancestral medicine of Nicaragua.

By advanced reservation only —Click here to reserve your ocean view table! (Whatsapp 505.8458.1816)

HOURS OF OPERATION (reservation required) Wednesday through Saturday open to the public

  • Breakfast: 8:00 - 9:00 AM (In house guests only)

  • Full Menu: 12:00 - 7:30 PM

  • Swim-Up Pool Bar Menu 2:00 - 4:00 PM

  • Pool till 8:00 PM

  • Pool Bar till at 9:00 PM

Many of our guests rise early to surf, meditate, or explore, and we honor the natural rhythms of the sun, a sacred return to simplicity, rest, and balance.

Creative Chef Duo: Heidi Parker & Eliseo Vargas

Culinary creatives Heidi Parker and Eliseo Vargas define the artistry of Santosha’s table. Heidi envisioned the Thai holistic fusion, blending bold, aromatic Thai flavors with the purity of Nicaragua’s organic harvests. Eliseo, grounded in ancestral culinary traditions, carries forward indigenous knowledge and the medicinal wisdom preserved in native ingredients.

Chef Heidi Parker Drawing on her years of culinary education and exploration in Asia and Central America, she developed the first menus, original recipes, and guiding philosophy. By blending bold Thai flavors with fresh, organic ingredients sourced locally, she established Santosha’s food as both nourishing, anti-inflammatory and memorable. Heidi is also the founder and designer of Santosha, the first boutique hotel in the area built with bamboo and eco-blocks, a sustainable material combining concrete and recycled plastic. The hotel and culinary spaces were designed in thoughtful phases to harmonize with the natural environment, creating the ideal setting for an immersive retreat and dining experience. Beyond Santosha, Heidi is the author of the forthcoming cookbook Jungle & Ginger: Flavor Therapy for Body & Soul and cultivates her own garden of medicinal plants and herbs, bringing wellness and intention to every dish.

Chef Eliseo Vargas is one of Nicaragua’s most celebrated culinary talents and a rising leader in the country’s gastronomy movement. After refining his skills in Italy, mastering handmade pasta and farm-to-table traditions, he returned home to co-found one of the best restaurants in Granada Nicaragua, recognized nationally for elevating Nicaraguan ingredients into refined dining. His work has received international attention, including a feature in National Geographic, which named them among the 30 best restaurants in Latin America. In 2025, he was also honored as one of the Best New Chefs Central America by Food & Wine en Español, cementing his reputation as a visionary chef shaping the future of Nicaraguan cuisine.

Together, Heidi and Eliseo bring over 30 years of international kitchen experience, weaving their strengths into a culinary partnership that highlights the healing power of ingredients and the artistry of medicinal gastronomy. Heidi’s fusion artistry and Eliseo’s ingredient-driven finesse. Their partnership is rooted in a shared philosophy as sustainable chefs who hand-select every ingredient with consciousness and medicinal purpose. It celebrates cross-cultural creativity, the healing power of food, and a deep respect for land and heritage. Enhanced by Santosha’s striking bamboo architecture, eco-block construction, sweeping ocean views, and nightly sunsets, the dining experience they create is unlike anywhere else in Nicaragua.

Please Note:

  • Adults only – no children or pets

  • Advance reservations required – space is limited

  • This offering is subject to availability, weather, private retreats and events

✦ Guest Praise ✦

A Masterclass in Fusion Cuisine

"Chef Heidi, is a true expert in fusion cuisine. She seamlessly blends the freshness of local ingredients with vibrant Asian flavors, creating dishes that are not only delicious but unforgettable. Each plate was a beautiful expression of creativity and culinary skill."
— Luis Liu, China

Book Your Culinary Tasting Experience

Whether it’s a private celebration, retreat, or special occasion, we are here to craft a unique experience tailored to your needs. personalized menu & Event planning. beyond our day to day menu we can also create tasting menus, retreat menus. all menu experiences are according to your dietary restrictions and intolerances.

✦ Group Dining Experience ✦

Flavorful Moments to Share

"We came as a group of 10 people, and the entire experience was exceptional. The food was bursting with flavor—fresh, beautifully presented, and full of thoughtful touches. Every dish felt like a celebration of taste and connection. Ideal for a shared meal in an intimate, inspiring setting."
— Ashleigh, USA

✦ Guest Reflection ✦

An Unforgettable Valentine's Dinner at Santosha

"We recently went to Santosha for our Valentine’s dinner, and it was an absolutely incredible experience! A huge thank you to Chef Heidi for organizing such a beautiful evening. Every detail was so thoughtfully curated—from the delicious food to the warm, inviting atmosphere. The energy was magnetic and the night truly felt special. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend Santosha for a unique and unforgettable dining experience."
— Molly, San Juan del Sur Expat