Restaurants in Caribbean Coast
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Koki Beach
Doing its best to channel Miami Beach, this sleek spot cranking reggae-lite classics has fruit-colored paper lanterns and Adirondack chairs that face the ocean from an elevated wooden platform. There’s a decent selection of Peruvian-inflected ceviches, meat and seafood dishes as well as some watery cocktails. If you’re going to snack, the yucca chips and guacamole are quite good.
reviewed
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Restaurante Coral Reef
This place attracts fish-lovers, who arrive for steaming portions of seafood stew served in a pleasant 2nd-story balcony overlooking the main drag. The place gets packed, especially in high season (make a reservation). It is located right next to Coco’s Bar, putting post-dinner drinks within easy reach.
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@ E's
This restaurant and bar at Rocking J’s is much more than just a travelers hang-out. Run by a Cordon Bleu–trained chef, Eric, the menu is a pan-everything fusion of Thai, Mexican and US cuisine – covering the gamut from burgers to stir-fries as well as fancier dishes, like seared marlin.
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Veronica's Place
This delightful vegetarian cafe offers fresh, healthy interpretations of Caribbean food, using fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as soy products. Veronica rents cabins and has a macrobiotic health food store onsite.
reviewed
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Roberto's Restaurant
Owned by one of the top fishing guides in the region, you know the seafood is going to be fresh at this charming candlelit spot. The restaurant uses organic ingredients whenever possible.
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Cha Cha Cha!
In a corner veranda of an old house, this attractive expat favorite offers recommended cuisine del mundo (cuisine of the world). Dishes range from Jamaican jerk chicken to Cuban specialties to plenty of vegetarian options, including a ‘zen salad’ crafted from mandarin oranges, basil, cashews and macadamia nuts.
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El Loco Natural
This pleasant candle-lit patio cafe located 200m east of town serves up creative fusion cuisine, combining elements of Caribbean, Indian, Mexican and Thai cooking. Steamed spicy mussels in red-curry sauce and tandoori chicken in coconut are just a couple of stand-outs. But if you really want to give your taste-buds a joy ride, try the exquisite fish tacos – excellent with an icy guaro sour (₡2800) from the bar. Owner and chef Stash Golas is a rock star in the kitchen and an artist to boot. There is an encyclopedic list of vegetarian items (with Friday nights featuring additional vegan specialties). Do not miss.
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Patagonia Steak House
This friendly, family-run restaurant is a real-deal Argentinean-owned steak house. There is not much going on in the basic interior - just plain wooden tables and chairs - and there's an open kitchen, where you can see (and smell) the steaks sizzling on the grill. Washed down with a delicious Malbec from Mendoza, it's a meal you won't forget.
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Café Viejo
This pricey, sceney Mediterranean lounge and restaurant gets good marks for fresh pastas, tasty pizzas and fancy cocktails. The upscale, romantic ambience makes it a safe bet for important dates – and its location right on the main drag makes for excellent people-watching.
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La Casa Creole
Set in the tropical gardens of the Magellan Inn, this candlelit restaurant serves some of Cahuita's finest fare. The French-fusion cuisine emphasizes seafood and Caribbean flavors. The house specialty is the shrimp Martinique (that's ginger and garlic sauce to make your mouth water). Reservations are required.
reviewed
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Chile Rojo
If you are craving a little Asian fusion, head to this trendy, 2nd-storey spot that offers excellent views of the main drag (ideal at sunset). Here you’ll find everything from sushi to Thai curries to Indian samosas stuffed full of veggies. Arrive early in the evening for wallet-friendly two-for-one beer specials.
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Lechería Las Lapas
For a more traditional helado, Lechería Las Lapas is in a little kiosk fronting the beach, near the bus stop. The creamy, cool stuff comes in a wide variety of tropical flavors (the macadamia nut is highly recommended), and there is also arroz con leche (rice pudding).
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100% Natural Coffee Shop
There is no better place in Cahuita to greet the morning with a cup o’ joe or unwind in the afternoon with a refreshing jugo. A lunch menu has tapas and there is a pleasant bar. Try the waffles and ice cream – yum!
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Soda Miss Sam
If you can't get enough of the Caribbean flavors, Soda Miss Sam and Miss Lidia's Place are the local favorites for gallo pinto and spicy coconut sauce. Both ladies have been around for years, pleasing the palates and satisfying the stomachs of locals and tourists alike.
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Miss Lidia's Place
If you can't get enough of the Caribbean flavors, Miss Lidia's Place is one of the local favorites for gallo pinto and spicy coconut sauce. This lady has been around for years, pleasing the palates and satisfying the stomachs of locals and tourists alike.
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Sobre Las Olas
Cahuita’s top option for waterfront dining (an ideal spot for a date) lies only a 100m walk out of town. It is owned by a lively Tico-Italian couple who serve a variety of Mediterranean-influenced specialties, such as Marco’s spaghetti pescatore, fresh pasta studded with fish and shrimp. There is a decent wine list and tiramisu (₡2400) for dessert.
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Bread & Chocolate
This cafe invites early risers to sit on the spacious, covered porch, sip fresh-brewed coffee and chill. Favorites include old-school oatmeal, fluffy omelets and crunchy granola and yogurt.
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Pan Pay
This popular beachside spot is excellent for strong coffee, fresh baked goods and hearty wedges of fluffy Spanish omelet served with crisp tomato-bread. There are sandwiches and other light meals, but it’s thoughts of their flaky chocolate croissants that make us want to jump out of bed in the morning.
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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.
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Restaurant El Palenque Luisa
Tree-trunk beams, bamboo roof and plant-filled interior create quite the jungle décor in this inviting open-air restaurant. It's an ideal spot to feast on tasty vegetarian fare, as well as fish and meat dishes cooked Caribbean Creole style.
reviewed
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Reggae Restaurant
Exuding a friendly, laidback vibe, this soda serves Caribbean-style standards, from basic casados to the house specialty, shrimp in coconut milk. This place also has facilities for camping (per person US$3), plus some comfortable cabins (US$20 to US$30).
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Soda Tamara
With its signature red, green and yellow paint job, this is a popular spot to grab breakfast and watch the village wake up. During the day seafood is the specialty, but don’t miss out on the moist coconut bread. Yum!
reviewed
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Chao's Paradise
Follow the wafting smell of garlic and simmering sauces to this highly recommended Playa Negra outpost that serves fresh catches cooked up in spicy ‘Chao’ sauce. The open-air restaurant-bar has a pool table and live music some nights.
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Restaurant Salsa Brava
This recommended hot spot specializes in fresh seafood and open-grill cooking. The ever-popular ‘juice joint’ is an oasis for thirsty beachcombers and the sangría is refreshingly good, too.
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Café del Parquecito
Early risers come for the coffee at this spot on Parque Central. Most of the menu is so-so, but you won’t be disappointed if you stick to the crepes stuffed full of fresh tropical fruit.
reviewed
