Restaurants in Playa Sámara
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Tabanuco
Named for the founder of Sámara, Esteban ‘Tabanuco’ Castillo Vargas, this posh beachfront bar-restaurant is the most upscale and romantic eatery in town. The open-air deck with driftwood beams is bathed in twinkling lights. The international menu features seafood and grilled meats. Don’t miss the crema de mariscos (cream of seafood soup).
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Soda Sheriff Rustic
One of a few classic sodas in town. The beachside location sells itself, though the filling breakfasts, killer casados and low, low prices aren’t too bad either.
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Soda Sheriff Rustic
One of a few classic sodas in town. The beachside location sells itself, though the filling breakfasts, killer casados and low, low prices aren’t too bad either.
reviewed
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Shake Joe’s
This hip beachside spot is awash with chilled-out electronica and cool, calm travelers lounging on the huge wooden outdoor couches. You can grab a burger here after your surf session, but the ambience is tops when the sun goes down and the drinks start to flow.
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Restaurante Las Brasas
This upscale Spanish restaurant on the main street has all the signature dishes including tortillas, paellas and roast suckling pig. It also has a well-stocked wine cellar, and the upstairs balcony is perfect for people-watching.
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Restaurante Jardín Marino
This large, airy soda is always packed, and if you sit yourself down and order something here, you’ll see why. The typical food is fresh and of high quality – a casado de pescado here means grilled fish, not a deep-fried filet. It’s on the main road leading to the beach.
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El Lagarto
Grilled meats are the big draw at this beachfront alfresco restaurant draped by old trees. Watching the chefs work their magic on the giant wood-fired oven is part of the fun. Our New York strip steak was cooked to perfection. Wash it all down with the biggest margaritas you’ve ever seen. It’s a bit touristy and pricey but worth the splurge.
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Casa Esmeralda
A favorite with locals, the extensive menu here has a good selection of Tico and international dishes. We loved the fish with avocado sauce, and the friendly staff. There are also a few sunny but overpriced rooms for rent upstairs.
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Al Manglar
Consistently the best restaurant in town, this thatched-roof, open-air restaurant serves some of the best Italian food in town at reasonable prices. The pasta dishes such as gnocchi and ravioli are real winners. Pizza-lovers, don’t miss the Manglar special, with ham, bacon, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms, cooked to perfection. It’s tucked on a side street behind El Lagarto.
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