Restaurants in Central America
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A
Churrería Manolo’s
This San José institution is famous for its cream-filled churros (doughnut tubes), which draw crowds of josefinos in search of a quick sugar rush. Here’s a tip – churros are the freshest around 5pm when hungry office workers beeline here straight from work. Otherwise, this is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch (though the food and service are uninspired). There is another premises on Av Central btwn Calles 9 & 11.
reviewed
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B
Utz Hua
Delicious, authentic Guatemalan and Quetzalteco dishes for equally yummy prices. The restaurant is well (if slightly frantically) decorated, and it's worth stopping by to check out the indoor thatched roof, if nothing else.
reviewed
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C
Coco Plum Gardens
The highlight of the Coco Plum is the beautiful garden setting, overgrown with hibiscus, sea grape and coco plum (spot the ceiba tree at the entrance). Located off Back St near the airstrip, Coco Plum is off the beaten track but worth the walk for home-baked breads and wholesome breakfasts.
reviewed
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Super Morpho
Self-caterers can pick up basic groceries at the Super Morpho pulpería (corner store).
reviewed
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La Casona
La Casona serves a variety of Italian specialties, including a well-rendered lasagna made with hearts of palm. It's on the north side of the soccer field.
reviewed
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Miss Junie’s
Tortuguero’s best-known restaurant grew from a personal kitchen to a full-blown restaurant and lodge. Local specialties on the menu include chicken, fish, and whole lobster cooked in flavorful Caribbean sauces, with coconut rice and beans. It's at the northern end of the main road.
reviewed
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Restaurante Tortuguero
A big log cabin offers what the owners claim is ‘the Best Breakfast in Costa Rica,’ which will set you back [colones] 1700 to [colones] 4280. Credit cards accepted.
reviewed
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Bar.Co Nico
A few kilometers past the village on the turnoff for Costa de Oro, this German-run beachfront restaurant (which looks like a giant ship) has reinstated the old Tico tradition of giving away a free boca with every beer. The beer is cold and the bocas (appetizers) are delicious – what are you waiting for? There’s also free wi-fi, and Nico now rents a few simple cabinas.reviewed
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D
Lava Lounge
This hip, open-air restaurant is a breath of fresh air when you just can’t abide another casado. There’s pasta, fish, burgers, wraps and a fair selection of other such well-executed international standbys, brought to you by friendly waiters. Skip the sushi.
reviewed
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Hollywood Pizza
Eat in at Plaza Siglo Nuevo, or have delivered for a fee.
reviewed
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Reposteria España
The best bakery in town also serves fresh fruit juices and salads.
reviewed
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E
Café Flor
The Flor makes a good stab at Thai, Indonesian and Chinese food. Dishes come in generous quantity and there's live music nightly.
reviewed
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F
El Cafecito
Some good, hearty Portuguese food is on offer here, including feijolada, a chunky stew made with beans, vegetables and four kinds of meat.
reviewed
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G
Food stands
A row of food stands are set up along the eastern edge of the plaza almost daily. It's busiest at lunchtime and on weekend evenings, but you can get a burger, chicken sandwich or fries any time.
reviewed
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Bundu Café
Its panini sandwiches are enough to keep you fueled all day, and the breakfast is legendary. Unfortunately, hygiene is a bit circumspect. The large book exchange has a few good finds, if you search hard enough.
reviewed
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H
Pizza Rock
Sizzling pizzas come straight out of the wood-burning oven and onto your plate at this informal, open-air diner. If you're heading to or coming back from Corcovado, a cheesy slice is exactly the kind of indulgence you're looking for.
reviewed
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I
Ma Ma Chen Restaurant
Looking for an antidote to meat-heavy Belizean cuisine? Look no further: Ma Ma Chen's is a genuine Taiwan-style vegetarian restaurant, serving tofu, brown rice and vegetable dishes. The seating area is cozy and bright, and the meals are fresh, filling and healthy.
reviewed
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J
EZ-Times
The reggae music and groovy vibe lure in hungry beach bums for pizza, pasta and salads. The outdoor terrace is a good place to sit back and enjoy the munchies, not to mention the live music on Friday nights.
reviewed
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K
Pip's Carymar
A fast-food feel surrounds this cafeteria-style restaurant, which serves just about every standard Salvadoran meal going, and then some. Great grilled chicken, pupusas or even just a slice of pizza are standard options. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
reviewed
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L
Café El Tirol
Another good central café, the Tirol claims to have Cobán's 'best coffee' (we disagree) and offers several types of hot chocolate. It's a cozy little place in which to enjoy breakfasts, pastries and coffee or light meals, with a pleasant terrace away from the traffic.
reviewed
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M
Nobu
NoBu A slice of Eastern Zen in the heart of western Tegucigalpa, this place is certainly an indulgence for most. But the authentic sushi, Thai and mixed-Asian cuisine is well worth it. The best spots are in the back garden, where open-air views reveal a city of light and quiet.
reviewed
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N
Restaurante El Campesino
Relax beneath about 80 stuffed animals won from machines by the dexterous owner, who also serves up amazing casados, salads and a variety of sublime ceviche with a smile.
reviewed
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O
Restaurant La Fé
Chef and owner Walter, a Cahuita native, serves up tall tales and tasty meals at this reasonably priced spot. There’s a laundry list of Tico and Caribbean items, but the main draw is anything doused in the restaurant’s spicy-delicious coconut sauce.
reviewed
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P
Miss Edith's
This long-time local restaurant serves a slew of Caribbean specialties – including jerk chicken and potatoes stewed in garlic – and a number of vegetarian options. It’s a famed spot that sometimes rests on its laurels, but when it's on, it's awesome.
reviewed
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Q
Rasta Pasta Rainforest Café
No longer located on the beach, Rasta Pasta is still serving up its extensive menu of seafood, veggie dishes, desserts and fruity cocktails. The always affable service is a highlight, as is the home-brewed ginger beer, a delectable concoction that cures all stomach woes. Note that – despite the name – there are not many pasta dishes on the menu.
reviewed