Why we created La Catedral

La Catedral exists because we believe the best places do more than serve food. They make people feel received, considered and alive.

It was not created to follow a trend, copy a formula, or become another expected Nosara concept. It was created from a more personal desire: to build the kind of place we wished existed. A house where a simple dinner can become a night to remember. Where a table can hold a proposal, a birthday, a wedding, a conversation that runs late, or an ordinary evening that suddenly feels important.

Here, the food matters. The cocktails matter. The music, the light, the flowers, the welcome, the view and the way people are treated all matter.

Because the goal is not only to impress people when they arrive. It is to make them feel something they carry with them.

The Origin Story

Before there was La Catedral, there was Yaxa.

Yaxa began as the name of Lisa’s boutique hotel in Nosara, carrying with it a family story of quality, character and refusing shortcuts. It represented a way of doing things with care: the belief that the small details are never small, and that beauty means little without honesty behind it.

After Yaxa, Lisa, Luca and Robbie began imagining something different for Nosara. Not just another restaurant. Not another event venue. Not another place built around what happened to be popular.

They wanted a house for the things they genuinely love: food, art, music, cocktails, culture, hosting, pleasure, conversation and the joy of bringing people together.

Then they found the house on the hill.

With its arches, open sky, sunset views and almost cathedral-like presence, the place already had a feeling of its own. The concept was not imposed on the building. The house helped shape what La Catedral would become.It became a home for the goddess of Yaxa — a figure of beauty, creativity, pleasure and gathering. Not distant or untouchable, but generous, joyful and alive.

A friend who knew the house before once said:

“The best thing you did was give this house a soul.”

Words from our Guests

This was our first visit to La Catedral and we were totally impressed by the food, the ambiance, the vibe and the excellent attention and service we got from the staff and from the owners, Lisa and Luca. The food was amazing, we practically ordered one of every dish (two of the lamb dish, because lamb is delicious and you won't find lamb in many places in Nosara), the cocktails were perfect and the setting was magical, high up on a hill with a gorgeous view of the ocean between two hills. Get there early so you don't miss the sunset. It's a bit of of town but the drive is totally worth it.

Mario Chaves

Going to try to keep this short and relevant, but I honestly have so many good things to say about this place. I live in Nosara, and I can tell you this is one of the most stylish, eclectic, and unique spots in town, with easily some of the best food.

The service *chef's kiss, perfect balance of warm and personal without ever feeling pushy or inauthentic, which is rare. Don’t even get me started on the architecture and the views. I won’t ruin that surprise for you.

I’ve been here many times, for dinner and events, and it never disappoints. It’s simply a must.

Sandra Correa

Please go visit them, incredible team, food, space, views and vibe! One of our favorite meals in Nosara, will be back again soon, thank you for having us!

Derek G Taylor

Driving up the road you question whether it’s worth it, especially when the only signs you see are for an Irish pub. But then you arrive at this super cool place with great decorations, music, vibes and an amazing view. Highly recommend being there around 5 for sunset. The appetizers were delicious. We had the slow roasted beef and the meatballs as mains which were not as delicious. Overall it was a great meal. We paid about $75 per person including several drinks per person.

Richard Blaser

Please go and visit this place it is so authentic and stylish you won’t be disappointed . Unique all white building standing on a mountain slop surrounded by lush greenery and amazing views. The design of the place is like nothing I have seen before it makes you feel you are in a fairytale .Sometimes nice appearance only covers poor food , but that is not the case here we took an octopus and slowly roasted meat in a pot every bite covered our mouthes with delicious flavor.

Antons Kolencenko

This place completely stole my heart. It was one of the most memorable evenings we had in Nosara.

Everything that happened there felt like pure magic — from the incredible dishes we ordered to the atmosphere itself. The place has such a special energy, the owners are incredibly warm and welcoming, and the food was absolutely delicious.

It wasn’t just dinner, it was a full experience that we will remember for a long time. Truly special.

Alina Pliushch

We have visited Nosara/Guiones for the past 8 years. Every time we come, there is a new restaurant serving fabulous food.

This year has been no different. La Catedral de la Diosa Yaxa happens to be a short ride up the mountain from where we stay. While nice for us, what had us going there 3 tines in the last 8 days is the food, staff friendliness, and owner Lisa Lemkin.

From Panisse & Cumin Mayo fried chick peas), Trout Rillette, Covina tartare, to the lamb shank, Lisa and her assistants' grasp of food is absolutely worth getting up the mountain to the restaurant.

Kevin Burke

Outstanding one-of-a-kind experience in the mtns abovr Nosara! I was looking for a place as unique as this in town, but was left disappointed several times over. Roberto, Luca & Lisa (and the chef, though I did not meet him) were outstanding. Some of the best food and hospitality I have had in years. Excellent spot, try to make it happen if you are in the area, you’ll enjoy the food, vibe and views in equal amounts of splendor. Can’t wait to make it back some day.

Sam Degenhard

What Makes La Catedral Different

A place with soul, not sameness

La Catedral is built around a house, a point of view and the feeling of being hosted.

Most restaurants begin with a menu. La Catedral begins with a feeling: the pleasure of arriving somewhere beautiful, being welcomed with warmth, eating something honest, hearing music in the air, watching the light change, and realizing the night has become something more than dinner.

Taste over trend

We do not create things simply because they sell. La Catedral is shaped by the things we believe in, the things we love and the standards we are not willing to compromise.

Human warmth over polish

Guests should never feel processed. Whether someone comes for dinner, a private celebration, a wedding or a cultural night, the experience should feel personal, generous and considered.

Memory over spectacle

The goal is not to make something impressive for a moment. The goal is to create something people remember; the table, the sunset, the toast, the music, the way they were made to feel.

Creativity over convention

Food, art, music, cocktails, hosting and celebration do not have to live in separate worlds. At La Catedral, they come together under one roof.

Beauty in simplicity

A plate of pasta. A candlelit table. A glass raised at sunset. Simple things, done with taste and care, can become the most beautiful.

Quality without pretension

Everything should be done with care, but never with stiffness. La Catedral is elevated, but human.

Visit the House

Come for dinner or an event; bring your people, celebrate something. Listen to music under the stars, mark a moment you do not want to forget.

La Catedral is a house for the evenings that become memories above the trees, open to the the sky and the sunset.

For dinner, events, and the moments that matter.