Panama City
This small, local chain of chic coffee houses boasts branches around the city, but our favorite is in Casco Viejo. Stop by for a great caffeine kick or…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
Panama City
Duck into this dark nook for delicious fusion-style sushi. Spicy tuna on crispy rice squares hits the spot. Cocktails are innovative and well prepared…
Panama City
This shoe-boxed-sized shop in the heart of Casco Viejo might be small, but its palettas (ice lollies) pack a pretty punch. Cool off on a hot Panama…
Panama City
Get your fresh croissants and baguettes at this French bakery and cafe, also serving handsome meals of baguette sandwiches, pâté, couscous, meats and…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
A family-friendly restaurant that manages to tread the line between upscale and casual, Claro Que Sí proudly serves organic and locally sourced food items…
Ambergris Caye
If you're in the mood for romance, book a table at this magical Mediterranean hideaway. Surrounded by swaying palms, the dining area is only steps from…
Northern Belize
This Corozal favorite retains its friendliness and commitment to good local food. The yellow walls are hung with hokey beach art, and the tables are…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Long before you get here, you’ll notice signs on the Interamericana advertising the best steakhouse in Guanacaste – Bar-B-Q Tres Hermanas. Believe the…
Península de Azuero
Atop a hill in La Arena below the TV tower, El Mirador is a popular spot where visitors from around Panama congregate to take in the views of the city and…
Belize City
We love Celebrity because it is a semi-swanky place that is not inside a hotel. The place has an extensive menu that includes American favorites, such as…
San José
In this innovative gastronomic experiment, 20 mini-businesses representing Latin American and world flavors have sprung to life in brightly painted…
Northern Belize
The waterfront location at this semi-enclosed, stone-hewn restaurant and day resort is unbeatable, with indoor, beachfront and garden seating offering a…
El Churrasco Hotel Restaurante
Central Valley & Highlands
On the way up to Volcán Poás, this rustic restaurant serves tasty, authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally and the casados and…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Scrappy street dogs and chatty taxistas (taxi drivers) vie for attention at this porcelain-countered wonder. Golden, crispy chicken morsels are…
Puerto Limón
Head honchos for Limón's new port project often lunch at this scenic Caribbean restaurant perched on a mountainside overlooking the city and coastline…
Central Valley & Highlands
It's all about the beautiful setting at this charming restaurant situated in the middle of a coffee plantation, with calming views of the Lago de Cachí…
Caye Caulker
Elba Flower's Little Kitchen is a 3rd-floor, open-air restaurant on Caulker's southwestern side serving traditional (yet artfully done) Belizean dishes…
San José
A sleek, monochromatic cafe with excellent views of the ornate Correo Central building, this multilevel spot near the heart of San José's pedestrian zone…
Península de Nicoya
Jenny can help you with just about anything, from calling a taxi to organizing an adventure outing, pouring you a cold cerveza or making you a tasty pizza…
Manzanillo
Manzanillo's most famous restaurant draws a tourist crowd with large platters of grilled seafood, pargo rojo (whole red snapper), ceviche, pork-and-rice,…
Ambergris Caye
Run by Chris and Jo Beaumont, the same couple who manufacture the amazing (and Ambergris-produced) Kakaw brand chocolate, this cafe serves up the finest…
The Road to Chirripó
One of the first places you will pass on the San Gerardo road, this cozy house specializes in comida típica (regional cooking). Eating here is almost like…
Boquete
Bringing cosmopolitan dining to the highlands of Panama, this restaurant attached to the Riverside Inn does decent gourmet fare, though it can be hit-or…
Arenal & Around
Follow your nose to this authentic stone-built tavern, 14.5km west of Nuevo Arenal, where the meat is cooked in an open fire pit, producing decadent,…
La Fortuna
This open-air restaurant has become a go-to spot for post-activities lunch or dinner. There is pizza and pasta, wraps and salads, and loads of vegetarian…
Nosara Area
A groovy roadside joint in the middle of the Pelada wilderness. Tacos are a favorite – try the Korean BBQ pork belly or the suadero (beef). Like any…
La Fortuna
This delightful osteria is worth the trip, cooking up homemade pasta and pizza such as the Arenal: bacon, egg, ham, mushroom and basil. Customers rave…
Central Valley & Highlands
Open-plan gastropub serving top grub and beer. The kitchen rustles up adventurous dishes like seafood cocktails (with poached octopus and shrimp), plus…
León & Northwestern Nicaragua
The original (and still the best, many say) quesillo spot in town is found right at the entrance to the city (conveniently close to the bus stop). If you…
Jacó
For a decent late-night snack of NYC-style pizzas it's got to be this open-plan joint. Pizzas are cooked from scratch; create your own or order from the…
Northwestern Costa Rica
This family restaurant is a surprising change of pace from the Tico fare in town. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, many of which are grown right here…
Playas del Coco
So many things to love about the Lookout: sustainably harvested Pacific oysters, locally brewed craft beers, and a small but intriguing menu of snacks,…
San José
This informal neighborhood health-food outpost has simple, organic-focused cooking and freshly baked bread and other niceties. Favorites include veggie…
Central Pacific Coast
Jimmy T's is a small deli store on the docks of the Los Sueños marina catering mostly to the yachting set, but it's stacked floor to ceiling with organic,…
Arenal & Around
Set in an open-air dining room with incredible volcano views, Fusion Grill shows off a little swank (at least, more than other restaurants in El Castillo)…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
A bakery for birders. Come in the morning for strong coffee and sweet pastries, or later for rich, warming soup, and sandwiches on homemade bread. Plates…
Corn Islands
A friendly waterside restaurant that serves up consistently excellent seafood dishes with a choice of three sides, as well as lobster burgers and other…
Ambergris Caye
It's hard to resist the huge open-air restaurant on this beachfront property, and almost everybody who comes to San Pedro ends up eating here at some…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Ticos and travelers alike rave about this local joint. Look for tasty twists on the standard fare, such as olla de carne (beef soup), chorreadas Ticas …
Playa Tamarindo
Doña Rosa has been delivering top-notch casados from her late-model red Toyota hatchback for more than a decade. Her devoted Tico following lines up daily…
