Jacó
This oceanside spot brims with casual elegance and is regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in Jacó. The menu is entirely dependent on seasonal…
Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Perched on the 2nd floor with uninterrupted ocean views, Agua Azul is a marvelous casual lunch spot on this stretch of road – perfect for early-morning…
Central Pacific Coast
Sit on the lovely open-air patio with a glass of European wine and enjoy delights like Spanish-style tapas, Italian pasta dishes, and fresh fish and…
Uvita
Off the main road into Utvia is this container-cum-seafood restaurant, with a simple deck out front with tables and chairs. It serves delectable ceviche…
Quepos
The daily rotation of delicious cafeteria options here might include fish in tomato sauce, olla de carne (beef soup with rice) or chicken soup. Everything…
Quepos to Uvita
Set in a pretty garden, this Thai restaurant and bar serves up tasty piping-hot bowls of rice and noodles, along with spicy margaritas, all from inside a…
Quepos
This new kid on the block with fish shapes hanging from the ceiling is a good choice for seafood lovers. It serves up fresh morsels in various styles: the…
Quepos to Uvita
Set back from the main road through town, in an open-air setting overlooking the Río Barú, this sushi place takes advantage of the fresh tuna and other…
Central Pacific Coast
Good coffee, quiches, pastries, proper bagels and outstanding gelato are found inside this little Italian-style cafe right on the marina. The menu also…
Ojochal
In a well-decorated, barnlike structure with hardwood floors, this bistro offers diverse fodder for your belly and Instagram feed. Feast on garlic hummus,…
Quepos to Uvita
On the approach to the beach this casual surfer hangout serves some of the area's best tacos (fresh fish, shrimp, beef, chicken or veggie). The chips are…
Quepos
An all-round crowd pleaser, casual open-air Runaway Grill looks out on the yachts of the marina and its ceiling is covered in fishing hats. The menu spans…
Quepos
A Latin-influenced sushi and sake bar that fills its rolls with fresh tropical produce and local seafood bits. The spicy tuna over crispy rice cakes is a…
Jacó
Head here for great-value mixed tacos and health-conscious plates. First choose your carb (tortilla, rice etc), then your protein (grilled fish, shrimps,…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Although it's a godsend for self-caterers, Super Joseth is a grocery stop that's reflective of its location – a bit pricey, stocked with imported meats,…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
A Manuel Antonio area institution, the Barba Roja is both a lively pirate-themed bar and a seafood-and-steak spot with a respectable menu (try the coconut…
Central Pacific Coast
The expansive menu has the usual bar fare (tacos, pizza, burritos), but none of it is likely to set your taste buds alight. As the town’s de facto…
Quepos to Uvita
This little open-air shack has only a handful of menu items, but it knows what it's doing when it comes to fish tacos with spicy mango salsa and chunky…
Jacó
If you’re craving Mediterranean comfort food in Jacó, this luscious Italian joint will hit the spot. The pizza is delish, the salads are fresh and the…
Quepos
If it's crispy fried chicken you're craving, this is the best little joint in town. Grab a wing or breast to go, or bring some friends for a sitdown meal…
Central Pacific Coast
Right on the 'local' side of the beach, this lively eatery and bar shelters those to whom manicured golf courts are anathema. The menu is all about…
Sol Frozen Yogurt, Gelato & Drinks
Quepos to Uvita
Organic Dominical homemade artisan ice cream and fro-yo, with lots of tasty vegan varieties. Our faves are the pistachio, coconut and vegan mint-choc-chip…
Quepos
This tiny deli with a couple of tables makes rather good pastas, salads and sandwiches with imported Italian meats and cheeses – the perfect picnic for…
Quepos
Self-caterers should check out the farmers market near the waterfront, where you can buy directly from farmers, fisherfolk, bakers and other food…
Quepos
Self-caterers rejoice! This large supermarket stocks imported cheese, meats, chocolate and a vast array of wines, imported beers and liquor.
Jacó
This Western-style supermarket has an impressive selection of fresh produce, and local and international culinary items.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Those in need of a refreshment stop will be pleased to know there's a cafe right in the middle of Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio selling cold drinks, ice…
Restaurante Ecológico Los Cocodrilos
Central Pacific Coast
Located on the north side of the Río Tárcoles bridge, this is the nearest place to Parque Nacional Carara to get a decent meal. It serves inexpensive,…
Quepos
Good-value, basic breakfasts and Tico meals are served at the open-air cafe inside Best Western Hotel Kamuk. The banana pancakes hit the spot. Those…
Quepos to Uvita
This Costa Rican coffee shop chain is a solid, good value place to grab breakfast or a snack. The cake counter is always stuffed with sweet goodies and…
Puntarenas
A beachside place where you can try the Churchill, a traditional sickly sweet snack made of shaved ice, fruit, syrup and condensed and powdered milk. They…
Puntarenas
With more than 30 grocery stalls and casual soda-type eateries, this is the place for self-caterers and budget travelers to pick up a meal.
Quepos
The Mercado Central is packed with produce vendors and good sodas too numerous to list, so follow your nose and the locals.
Quepos to Uvita
This red-tile-roofed, open-air restaurant by the ticket office serves a variety of traditional Costa Rican dishes.
