Península de Nicoya
Set beneath a stilted tin roof twirling with ceiling fans, this fabulous diner is Potrero's favorite spot to grab a bite. It focuses on inexpensive yet…
Must-see restaurants in Península de Nicoya
Playa Tamarindo
Down at the roundabout at the end of the beach, a hole-in-the-wall to fill the hole in your stomach. Milady has been feeding locals wholesome casados and…
Nosara Area
Across the main road from 'downtown' Guiones, this old-timers' restaurant has views all the way to the ocean. The casual, open-air patio is a perfect…
Península de Nicoya
Locals Love Lochito's! Ask about dining options around Junquillal and this roadside cafe will no doubt come up. Whether it's the fresh red snapper, the…
Montezuma
Under new ownership, this rustic little restaurant has continued serving up lip-smacking whole fish, casados and grilled BBQ ribs. Grab a table on the 2nd…
Playa Tamarindo
This friendly fish shack has one of the best beachfront locations in town. It's a perfect perch for a sunset drink or seafood dinner. There's nothing…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
A dainty, classic bakery and longstanding favorite brunch spot in the center of Playa El Carmen. Some naughty delights like croques monsieur and Belgian…
Península de Nicoya
About the only place to eat in town besides the sodas, this roadhouse restaurant has a nice lunch and drinks menu. Don't come for the pizzas, despite the…
Península de Nicoya
In-the-know locals mix with clueless tourists at this undeniably perfect beach bar, where the cocktails are strong, the seafood is on point and the sunset…
Península de Nicoya
Conveniently located on the corner where the main square meets the beach, this local favorite has been serving up fresh seafood for years. A new owner as…
Península de Nicoya
The restaurant at the Hotel Punta Islita showcases Tico flavors with the freshest seafood, local meats and poultry, and organic produce, with plenty of…
Playa Tamarindo
When you get tired of casados, head to this Middle Eastern cafe for all the faves: shakshuka, shawarma, falafel, tabbouleh, hummus and kebabs. The pita…
Península de Nicoya
Three words: beachfront taco stand. Hefty beef and veggie tacos and fresh fruit batidos (shakes) will sustain you for a full day of sun and surf. Can't…
Península de Nicoya
This spacious and unpretentious thatched-roof restaurant on the road to Brasilito features pasta and pizza dishes prepared by your (surprise!) Italian…
Montezuma
The long menu has just about everything, especially when it comes to seafood. Look for steamed mussels, broiled octopus, fish carpaccio and grilled shrimp…
Montezuma
A cute, colorful soda that does all the típica dishes, tasty and affordable casados, pastas, burgers and a variety of juices and smoothies. All is served…
Playa Sámara
Good food, great (beach!) location. Service is lacking, but you're not in any hurry, right? Enjoy pastas, salads and seafood, as well as phenomenal…
Península de Nicoya
Located on the road from Brasilito, in the Banco de Costa Rica lot, this restaurant (formerly named Tubla) remains a bastion of Italian staples. It's a…
Península de Nicoya
In the La Plaza complex, Marie's is an upscale soda set under a thatched palapa roof. Daily specials feature the freshest seafood of the day, and you'll…
Península de Nicoya
Just off the northwest corner of the soccer field in Potrero, the Peralta family's popular beachfront bar has been a local favorite since 1950. Villagers…
Playas del Coco
Take a stroll north of town and treat yourself to a delightful meal at this romantic beachside restaurant. The mighty Pacific is the backdrop and the surf…
Playa Tamarindo
An American-style BBQ joint and expat favorite, with pulled pork, ribs and beef brisket. Belly up to the surfboard-shaped tables and grind some proper BBQ…
Playas del Coco
Part cafe, part funky retail boutique, Congo's interior is groovy, with arched booths, rattan sofas and a deconstructed wood-and-granite coffee bar. They…
Península de Nicoya
A nice thatched-roof burger joint on the corner, just across the road from the beach. The 'castle' also serves solid portions of fish, chicken and salads,…
Península de Nicoya
In addition to its countless fresh baked loaves and goodies, this place does espresso drinks and freshly prepared sandwiches on their airy crunchy…
Playas del Coco
Stop at the Automercado and pack a picnic for the beach. It's about 1km from the beach on the main road (Rte 151).
Montezuma
A small but central place to stock your min-fridge or pack a picnic. Conveniently on the main drag.
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Self-caterers can stock up at this local market, located in Santa Teresa, 3km north of the T intersection.
Playa Tamarindo
There are several supermarkets around town, including this one conveniently close to the main drag.
Playa Tamarindo
Get your provisions at this local supermarket, next to the Shrimp Hole snack shack.
