Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This bakery on Puerto Viejo's main drag draws a devoted following with its fabulous focaccia, along with slices of pizza, apple strudels, profiteroles and…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
Central Valley & Highlands
For breakfast, bocas (appetizers), and a variety of típico (traditional Costa Rican dishes), centrally located Café Delicias is a reliably good place to…
The Road to Chirripó
Set in an old Tico house, this bohemian cafe features eclectic artwork and an odd assortment of furniture, lending a cozy atmosphere. The varied menu has…
Northwestern Costa Rica
You want a casado or hot chocolate to warm you up after a long walk in the park? Here's the place, just 1km west (toward Bijagua) from the park entrance…
Northwestern Costa Rica
A great lunch stop, this attractive Swiss-run restaurant is 4km north of Cañas on the banks of the Río Corobicí. A terrace provides river and garden views…
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…
San José
Filled with chattering gringos and suited Ticos, this all-purpose cafe-restaurant is a good place to chill out while taking in the pedestrian action on Av…
San José
This corrugated-roofed, warehouse-like space in Barrio Aranjuez brews up a great cup of gourmet coffee (US$2 to US$3) and makes a halfway decent cinnamon…
The Road to Chirripó
The largest feria (fair) in the region, this farmers market starts early Thursday morning and usually winds down by early afternoon on Friday; organic…
La Fortuna
You forgot to eat or pack a lunch before your hike? Plan B. Cheap, filling sandwich and omelette fillings at this corner stand include chicken, three…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This purple-and-green, mushroom-shaped, artisanal ice-cream shop is an unexpectedly weird installment near the AsoProLa Lodge. The ice cream is all…
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…
San José
A lovely little eatery linked to the eponymous hostel, with yummy coffee plus creative pastries and sandwiches. Especially great carrot cake.
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…
Central Valley & Highlands
Delicious handmade ice pops, using fruit from the local area. Choose a flavor from blackberry, guava, passion fruit, coconut, strawberry, green mango and…
Quepos
Self-caterers should check out the farmers market near the waterfront, where you can buy directly from farmers, fisherfolk, bakers and other food…
Central Valley & Highlands
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal, which has sodas to spare and plenty of very fresh groceries.
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.
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
The large and well-stocked Supermercado BM is 200m north of the Interamericana–Costanera intersection.
Puerto Limón
This macrobiotic grocery store sells healthy vegetarian foods, vitamins and some things made of soy.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This local grocery store is ideal for budget travelers.
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
If you need a place to rest your weary feet while awaiting the next bus (the terminal's just 300m away) you can't do much better than Horacio's. The…
Central Valley & Highlands
Set in a green-and-cream clapboard house with a glass-walled deck, this cozy restaurant serves a long list of overpriced Tico specialties. But it's worth…
Central Valley & Highlands
Starting at the crack of dawn, ebullient expat Franzisca serves simple breakfasts (bread, butter, jam and coffee) at her main-street bakery, 100m south of…
San José
Service with a smile and tasty seafood are the specialties at this friendly neighborhood soda near the heart of town. Lighter appetites can indulge in…
Puerto Jiménez
A sweet Italian restaurant with a romantic candlelit ambience. The rather long menu features pizza, pasta and other exquisite Italian dishes. Especially…
La Fortuna
This thatched landmark has been around so long that the faltering palapa roof is almost as big an institution as the volcano it mimics. It has a small bar…
Liberia
This little cafe is a local favorite, thanks to free wi-fi, strong coffee and scrumptious sweets and breakfasts. In addition to cafe fare, the menu…
San José
Touristy but fun, this bustling eatery maintains a calculatedly rustic atmosphere, with picnic-style tables, mounted bull’s heads and strings of metal…
San José
The congenial Doris runs this narrow blue-and-yellow seafood joint in the northern wing of the central market. The ceviche mixto appetizer (fish, shrimp…
Northwestern Costa Rica
An interesting hodgepodge of international cuisine in a colonial-era house, uniquely decorated with bric-a-brac from several generations of antique…
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…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Rare is the visitor who passes through Golfito without stopping at this cheerful spot opposite the Muellecito (Small Dock). Brightly colored booths,…
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…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Friendly and family run, this is a well-loved soda that’s convenient if you’re staying along this side road. You’ll find typical, tasty casados, burgers,…
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…
The Road to Chirripó
Set amid gardens, ponds and a splashing fountain, this is the place to catch your own trout and have it seasoned, lightly breaded and then deep-fried for…
