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Vegan
Organic
Raw
Vegan eatery and chocolate factory. Offers curries, chilli, a veggie burger, salads, smoothies, cacao elixirs, kombucha and more. Hosts cacao ceremonies, daily yoga and massages.
Open Mon-Sun 7:00am-10:00pm.
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Altagarcia (at 1.4km after the intersection of Santa Cruz towards Balgue on the left), Ometepe, Nicaragua, 48800
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- Outdoor seating
- Free Wi-Fi
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Last update on 14 Feb 2025 by geometric-noise
Update business info -
Added by ElPitalOmetepe on 06 Jun 2021
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41 Reviews
First Review by Tutuchic
lisamariaschreiber
Points +4944
Not fully vegan - careful!!! - Edit
Only referring to the restaurant: Please educate your staff—not everyone seems to know what the word “vegan” means.
Read moreIt really hurts me to give this review, and the one star is symbolic, because the place and the food itself were amazing. BUT as vegans who came back many times, we unfortunately had several bad experiences.
First of all, the place advertises having a lot of vegan options. However, when you look at the menu, it’s quite confusing. It’s not clearly labeled what is vegan and what is not. We ordered a pizza and specifically asked for it to be vegan. The response we got was “everything is vegan”—but what we were served had non-vegan cheese on it. It was replaced, and the vegan version was at least good.
For breakfast, we asked again if the smoothie bowls were vegan if we left out the honey. A waiter said yes, and just to be sure, we asked if the granola contained honey. The waiter said no and confirmed again that it would be vegan. Because we’ve already had many bad experiences with honey hidden in granola, I asked once more if she was sure. Only then did she say that the granola actually contains honey. She also seemed confused about honey in general and didn’t seem to know that it is not vegan. Honey is not vegan. Please communicate this clearly.
Also, every time we ordered food, we said “vegan, please,” and every single time a different staff member told us “everything is vegan”—but it’s not! This is important for people to know. We even ordered labane once, and I was actually quite sure it was vegan, since there is a vegan and a non-vegan version. However, the friend I was with couldn’t even eat it, because after so many bad experiences, she was genuinely afraid it might not be vegan. She is lactose intolerant and would have actual physical symptoms if she consumed dairy, so this is not only about ethical beliefs being dismissed—although that in itself is already incredibly important—but also about real health consequences. It’s incredibly sad that in a place that presents itself as vegan-friendly, you can’t even feel sure that the food on your table is actually vegan. (Again, we came back often because there were limited other options, and the food itself really was great.)
I’m honestly so sad, because how can a place that seems so vegan-friendly at first be so not vegan-friendly at the same time?
Updated from previous review on 2026-03-30
Guest
MiriFenske
Points +641
BE CAREFUL!! - Edit
First of all: we came here a lot of times because the food is great and there are not a lot of options around. BUT if you’re vegan you have to be careful!
Read moreThe café promotes itself as a vegan place, but it is definitely not fully vegan. They serve eggs, cheese, honey, and other non-vegan ingredients, which makes the branding quite misleading.
On our first day, we specifically asked what was vegan and were told “everything,” which is simply not true. This became a real issue when I ordered a truffle pizza and clearly asked if it was vegan. I was told yes, but it was served with non-vegan cheese. They did apologize and replaced it but this kind of mistake should not happen.
The bigger issue is that some people might not question it as much and would have eaten it thinking it was vegan. That’s honestly concerning, and it makes me wonder how often this has already happened.
We also asked about smoothie bowls, and it turned out that the granola contains honey, which is not vegan either. Overall, there are fewer vegan options than you would expect from how the café presents itself.
It feels like the staff doesn’t fully understand what “vegan” actually means, and that needs to be improved. If you advertise as a vegan place, it’s essential to clearly communicate what is and isn’t vegan.
The place itself is nice, but it’s disappointing to come here expecting a fully vegan menu and then having to double-check everything and worry about being served non-vegan food.
If the menu will be improved, clearly labelling what dishes are vegan and what are not I’d give this place 5 stars. The one star is for making others aware of the misleading labeling of this being a „vegan place“.
I love the vegan shakshuka and the pizza is great as well.
We also did the chocolate tour and it was also really great.
Updated from previous review on 2026-03-30
Guest
Anngee
Points +516
El Pital Chocolate Paradise - Edit
Day 1: We had my birthday dinner here and it was wonderful. We ordered the Tuffle Forest pizza and the Garden Salad.
Read moreDay 2: For breakfast we ordered two Fire Grilled Shakshouka. The bread was one of the best I've had in awhile. Everything about this meal made me happy. I also drank it with the detox cold pressed drink.
For dinner we ordered two veggie burgers, our drinks were passion fruit/mango kombucha and Toña Nicaraguan Beer. Loved 🥰
Day 3: For breakfast I ordered the Fire Grilled Shakshouka again and my sis ordered the Green Omelet. Drink is Purple Glow cold dressed
This place really is paradise 🏝
When dinning at the restaurant you will be attacked by many different insects. It is expected on an island but makes it difficult at times to eat. We moved a few times to find a table without many flies. The staff was very welcoming and friendly.
We did the chocolate tour and I highly recommend it!!! I didn't like chocolate and came out a Cacao lover. The cacao fruit/bean has so many benefits and the history behind is very educational.
We bought chocolate bars and block.
I hope to come back! 🫶🏽
Pros: Friendl staff, Clean, Beautiful views
Cons: The bugs
Guest
Herbi_Eats
Points +1761
Best Cheesecake of my life!!! - Edit
They really love and respect Cacao here, the whole process from growing to the product. The passion fruit and chocolate cheesecake left me speechless and craving it again and again. There is a great food menu, varied and full of tasty options. We also went on a Cacao tour where the passion was really felt. Absolute must visit when in Ometepe.
Read moreGuest
kelseyjaynex
Points +5775
Lovely spot, food hit and miss - Edit
This restaurant and fancy hostel is very popular with tourists. We parked our scooter at the main road and walked down the drive, parts of it are pretty steep/uneven so be cautious if you drive your scooter to the parking lot at the bottom.
Read moreThe restaurant is a very nice area and there is a wooden deck that extends out over the lake so the views are amazing - although it can get extremely windy! Order at the counter and there is a 5% surcharge to pay by card.
I got the shakshouka and my partner the burger. The shakshouka was delicious with innovative polenta “eggs”, a rich smokey sauce, roast cabbage, fresh pita bread and a side salad. My partner’s burger was almost inedible though, patty was verging on burnt and it was WAY too salty.
Disappointingly they seem to not be 100% vegan anymore, when I ordered they asked if I wanted vegan eggs or “real” eggs.
Updated from previous review on 2026-02-26
Pros: lovely decor & views, good variety of food, loved the shakshouka
Cons: not fully vegan, pricy, ridiculously salty burger
Guest
Saff
Points +2482
Vegan Paradise! - Edit
This amazing restaurant is also an adorable place to stay and learn about cacao/chocolate. Nestled along the lake surrounded by lush greenery. The rooms are unique in a healing way, there’s a yoga temple, cacao farm, and lots of place to relax. The food was so yummy I ate there for every meal and loved it all. The staff are so friendly & helpful too.
Read moreGuest
MathewSpry
Points +199
Perfect vegan hideaway - Edit
A perfect little vegan retreat, food is incredible and the rooms are great.
Read morePros: Great food , Stunning setting, Lovely rooms
Cons: Howler monkeys keeping you awake 🤣, Mosquitos
Guest
Mila-
Points +193
Good food but not local and 20%tax - Edit
Beautiful place, good food but sadly this place is owned by an Israeli, as are raindance and zopilote run by foreigners.
Read moreI just think it's important to know that you're not leaving your money in Nicaragua when you eat or sleep here.
*Also there is 20% tax fee that you notice when your bill comes
Updated from previous review on 2025-07-10
Pros: Tasty, View
Cons: Prices, Owner isn't local
Guest
ellievegan98
Points +508
Pricey but I loved it - Edit
I came here almost every day staying in Ometepe! Everything I've had was amazing and the views are so pretty. Desserts are definitely their strong suit. The chocolate cheesecake should be a main course, it was so dense I almost couldn't finish it (but really good, although I preferred the pecan cheesecake!). Unfortunately it is quite expensive but totally worth it imo. If you're coming by motorbike it's best to park at the top, a friend of mine broke his arm trying to go all the way to the restaurant
Read moreGuest
LisaGindorff
Points +61
Outstanding Pizza + Drinks! - Edit
fantastic pizza, with melty cashew cheeze, creative homemade drinks, great location and service ☀️
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-04-15
Guest
Bosscroft
Points +136
Expensive but worth it - Edit
Ate here twice - all the food, chocolate-based drinks and desserts we had were delicious. They ran out of multiple chocolate based drinks at lunchtime but still had plenty of options to choose from. The bread used for pita and pizza bases is brilliant! The Chaba Masala was the best I have had in years.
Read morePros: Amazing flavour, Fantastic setting, Super rich food
Cons: They seem to run out of some options often, Pizza only available in the evening
Guest
CamilaSilvaL
Points +8406
Impressive - Edit
The 5 start are for the food only, because the staff and serving time are so so.
Read moreThe pecan cheesecake is AMAZING and the shakshuka blew my mind! Absolutely delicious with that “egg”. The pancakes are not that memorable and the açaí bowl was okay. Go for the shakshuka with a piece of pecan cheesecake!
TurnipForPlants
Wow! Everything looks incredible!
Read moreGuest
MiriWallich
Points +1670
The best chocolate, and don’t sleep on the savoury dishes! - Edit
The chocolate here is incredible. The brownie was a tiny tiny bit dry (to be fair we did get it in the evening) but the flavour was so rich and decadent. Tried 2 of the smoothies and they were the best I’ve ever had, the melted chocolate on the straw was addictive. Definitely worth doing the chocolate tour here where you can taste unlimited chocolate and learn about the history of cocoa.
Read moreThe savoury food is not to be missed. The tacos on taco night are the best I’ve had in all of Central America and Mexico! All plant based and bursting with flavour. Also tried the shakshouka and burger which were delicious
Pros: Everything is vegan , Beautiful setting by the lake
Guest
DiegoAstudillo
Points +30
Vegan Paradise - Edit
The food and drinks are outstanding. Never had a better vegan cake and everything in the menu is Vegan! And the view and set of the place is just the best.
Read moreGuest
Pandawan
Points +1210
Really nice food - Edit
Good food. Service was ok: not particularly focussed by table, but fine.
Read moreWas
Concerned about health & safety attitude of those fitting decking, with regards their customers.
Updated from previous review on 2024-12-31
Pros: Really great, tasty food, Nice ambience, Food came very quickly: good kitchen
Cons: Paying: no CCs. Demanding a 7% surcharge for PayPa, Lots of sandflies mean some tables aren’t usable, Health & Safety: building decking over sea w/ kids
Guest
KadiHarmon
Points +10054
Excellent Experience!! - Edit
Stayed in a cabin here for five nights and I’ve been thinking about the food and drinks since I left. Everything was exceptional, especially the chocolate! The smoothies, the coffee, the desserts! Definitely take the chocolate tour with Justin.. it is super informative and fun! And the chocolate!!! Everyone was so friendly, the yoga was great… a totally chill experience all around. And the food! Got to eat most of the menu and I definitely loved it all. Standouts were all the homemade breads, the shakshuka, the curry, and taco night!!! So so good and I’m so glad I had the chance to spend so much time here!!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-12-24
Guest
amberleeoh
Points +152
Fantastic view. Fantastic food. - Edit
What an experience dining with a view of the lake and Volcán Concepción, knowing that the meal you are eating is not only vegan but also that the ingredients were grown right there on the island.
Read moreGuest
hackney1998
Points +48
Not too sweet, healthy and natural - Edit
Excellent. Get the snickers and the spiced hot chocolate
Read moreGuest
CostaFarmer
Points +163
5stars - Edit
Great place. Wonderful view and place to swim. Best desert I’ve ever had.
Read moreHave to try the pecan cheesecake. Best dessert I’ve ever eaten.
Pros: Great food Great view Great prices , Best desserts, Cool place to hang out.
Cons: Orange juice was lame, everything else wonderful
Guest
unruly_traveller
Points +1178
AMAZING FOOD & views! - Edit
El Pital (a bnb space) has their own all vegan kitchen with a breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and drink menu. Do not miss this!! Everything is so fresh and a lot is grown on site. I’ve tried a lot of things so far but my favorite is the curry and nachos.
Read moreStaff is so friendly! I’m not sure if this is more pricey than other island options, but it might be. Worth it though.
Pros: All vegan, Fresh food, Amazing views
Cons: A little pricey for Nicaragua
Guest
MidiEliza
Points +615
Beautiful Views!! - Edit
I would come here again just for the views. Stunning! We drove our quad bike down the steep hill to where a carpark was available and then walked about five minutes to the cafe. I shared a couple of chocolate smoothies/milkshakes and also a slice of cake. So rich!! I am glad I had the chai latte smoothie because the full chocolate one was too much for me. We didn’t even finish the passionfruit chocolate slice due to the richness. Loved this experience and would recommend going just for a smoothie and cake.
Read moreGuest
frankensteinsmonster
Points +1836
Heavenly - Edit
Beautiful platform on the lake with a delicious all-vegan menu.
Read moreThe shakshuka was really good in particular.
Guest
isivegan
Points +312
Vegan Paradise on Ometepe - Edit
I came there for breakfast and had the Shakshouka and a ceremonial cacao. The lacotion is awesome. You can sit close to the lake.
Read moreThey are also offering free yoga classes every morning at 8:20 a.m. for everyone (not only Hostel guests).
Pros: Location, Full vegan
Guest
nathodge
Points +3034
Fantastic vegan chocolate options! - Edit
100% vegan cafe, restaurant, accommodations! Didn't stay but visited twice. We had the snickers, triple chocolate cheesecake, passion fruit and chocolate cheesecake, coconut chai chocolate shake, a few other drinks, loaded nachos, veggie burger! Everything was good, the non sweet treat menu was slightly underwhelming we thought, the food was nicer enough but nothing outstanding and expensive for nica. The chocolate is obviously the star of the show - the cheesecakes in particular were phenomenal! Worth the price tag. The snickers was good but seemed less good value for the size compared with the cheesecakes. Iced coffee, iced cacao, watermelon smoothie, coconut chai chocolate shake all very nice. It's a lovely setting on the water front and nice staff. Service is a bit slow (usual for central america!). Would definitely recommend coming morning/midday as it does get a bit buggy later on that side of the island! They also offer cacao tours and ceremonies - we didn't do so can't comment on the quality.
Read moreGuest
as1607
Points +125
Giant chocolate smoothies, cheesecake and nachos - Edit
The cheesecake was honestly huge and with a chocolate shake I was stuffed. Also nachos. The whole menu is vegan and it is delicious, not cheap considering in nicaragua but still worth a visit for vegan chocolate fix. Recommend the desserts and drinks!
Read moreGuest
GabiBlue
Points +942
nice setting okay food - Edit
nice place right by the front of the lake, the first time we went the service was good but the next time it wasn’t. ordered blueberry pancakes and got the chocolate ones which were quite dry and the smoothie bowls were okay nothing amazing.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-03-20
Guest
LeaAroundTheWorld
Points +281
Great view - Edit
Very nice location. Breakfast was not very tasty though. I orderet the Pancakes with Blueberry and Coconut. As I did not find any blueberrys in my meal I asked and then they told me that they are out of blueberry - sadly to late for me to change my order…. My friend had the oatmeal, this was good but not great.
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2024-02-09
Pros: View, Location
Cons: Taste, Communication with staff, Pricy
Guest
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