Northern Belize
Crabby's is in a welcoming thatched, open-sided restaurant and bar that ranks as Sarteneja's best, with a fine waterfront location and convivial vibe. The…
Must-see restaurants in Central America
Northern Belize
For good eats in a fantastic natural riverside setting, take a taxi down to this restaurant at the El Gran Mestizo on the banks of the New River south of…
San José
At this charming, alfresco restaurant attached to Hostel Casa del Parque, brunch is served all day, with dishes such as huevos pochados (poached eggs with…
La Fortuna
When you’re surrounded by mountains and cattle farms, who’s thinking of sushi? Well, you should. The fish is fresh (you’re not that far from the ocean)…
Northern Belize
Decked in exotic greenery and faux Maya carvings, the dining room evokes the district's surrounding jungles, as does the pleasantly shaded patio. It's a…
Montezuma
When they say ‘pure food made with love,’ they mean it – this healthy cafe turns out vegetarian and vegan dishes such as veggie burgers, smoothies named…
Little Corn Island
Escape to the far side of the island and enjoy a meal on the sand with the waves crashing at your feet. Here it's all about Caribbean hospitality, and you…
Ambergris Caye
The Matachica Beach Resort's award-winning restaurant is as eclectic and exotic as the resort itself. Although the restaurant specializes in Italian fare,…
Isla Colón
Overlooking the water and with hammocks strung between the palms on the beach, this open-air restaurant is a local favorite, due in large part to the warm…
Tegucigalpa
A Tegucigalpa breakfast institution since 1973, everyone will tell you they love this place but no one can remember the name. The specialty is burritas,…
Quepos to Uvita
Selling gourmet, organic and vegan products and those free of 'artificial flavors, chemicals and bad vibes,' this super health-food store is ideal for…
Caye Caulker
There's no contest when it comes to the most popular breakfast spot on the island – this place is always busy, but you won't have to wait long for a table…
Playa Sámara
Sylvia of Bergamo, Italy, runs this mainly vegetarian restaurant and all-natural cocktail bar, as well as the fish joint next door. Expect smoothies with…
Caribbean Coast
This cafe/hotel offers very tasty coffee and espresso drinks, plus passable croissants. While its crepes might not quite pass muster at a bistro on the…
Ambergris Caye
Fine dining in San Pedro is still a fairly relaxed affair, as demonstrated by this attractive restaurant in the deep south of the island that serves up…
San José
All four branches of this Escazú staple have the same delicious Costa Rican menu that everybody has always showed up for, including hearty casados,…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
The lone soda at this end of the coast revamped its menu in 2019 and now emphasizes seafood and paellas. But you can still eat a classic casado off a…
Península de Nicoya
On a nearly deserted stretch of beach, Henner serves up his secret-family-recipe ceviche, along with a catch of the day and piles of seafood out of a…
Península de Nicoya
Vegetarians and seafood lovers, rejoice! For the former, there are all-day breakfasts, power salads and falafel wraps. For the latter, there are seafood…
Liberia
An indoor-outdoor gastropub festooned with African masks and cat-themed art. In other words, the perfect place to sip a regional Guanaca beer (made with…
Panamá Province
For a leisurely bite, La Ruina serves stem glasses of ceviche (citrus-cured seafood) and authentic chicken curried with coconut rice bocatoreño-style. Sit…
Caye Caulker
From the hibiscus-lime kombucha and garlic-cilantro hummus to the chia pudding, this place absolutely oozes hippie goodness. The salads and sandwiches are…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Tramonti offers authentic Italian fare, specializing in fresh seafood, hearty pastas and wood-fired pizzas. With a greenery-filled dining room twinkling…
The Road to Chirripó
For all things corn, stop at this traditional roadside restaurant on your way to or from the mountain. Our favorite here is the chorreada, a traditional…
San José
Ventanita means 'little window' in Spanish and Meraki means 'artistry' in Greek. Together it's an accurate moniker for this hole-in-the-wall, to-go window…
Nosara Area
Fresh ingredients, friendly staff and amazing Tico-Mex served under the inviting shade of a palapa. A taco combo platter allows you to sample three…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Nobody is saying that you should make a special trip to eat here. All we’re saying is that it’s a convenient pit stop with clean bathrooms, coffee to go,…
San José
Sharing a sleek space with Kiosco SJO in Barrio Escalante, chef Camille Ratton's exceptional cafe serves a global fusion menu of soups, salads, sandwiches…
San José
This quaint cafe with towering cacti out front uses the fresh produce of Costa Rica to create innovative lunch specials, such as Vietnamese noodle bowls…
Playa Sámara
Ask anyone in Sámara where the best pizza in town is and they'll point you to this enchanting, tiki-style hotel, bar and restaurant at the southern corner…
Central Valley & Highlands
Forgive appearances: Super Mariscos looks dated and plays melodic pan pipes on the stereo, but it serves very good ceviche (seafood marinated in lemon or…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
In new digs with a killer sunset view, this double-decker restaurant is a favorite in Santa Elena for its varied menu combining local ingredients with…
La Fortuna
A lovely little family operation that preaches better living through better eating, and the proof is in the pudding (or maybe the falafel). Delicious,…
San José
With dishes from nearly a dozen Latin countries, this open-air restaurant is a solid Barrio Amón option. Popular menu items include patacon pisao (a…
Caribbean Coast
On the top floor of the Hotel Casa Royale, the Bay View offers exactly that – great vistas over the enormous lagoon and a perfect vantage point for…
Cahuita
In the corner veranda of an old house, this cozy, candle-lit spot specializes in delicious red-wine-covered filet mignon, tenderloin and T-bone steaks…
Cahuita
Follow the wafting smell of garlic and simmering sauces to this highly recommended Playa Negra open-air restaurant-bar, where chef Norman has been serving…
Península de Nicoya
The Fernandez family serves up simple yet scrumptious Tico fare in this airy open space. Just your basic casados, really (nine to choose from) as well as…
Península de Nicoya
It looks like a boat, but it's actually a building, facing a sweet slice of sand on Playa Coyote (close to the T-intersection at the beach). Hokey,…
Caribbean Coast
This Colorado-style bar and restaurant is on Hwy 10 between Turrialba and Siquirres. Enter the laid-back roadhouse through swing doors, grab a drink at…
