Bahía Drake
Right near the beach, this open-air eatery serves up mostly fishy delights, from garlic shrimp spaghetti and ceviche to generous helpings of freshly…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
Puerto Limón
This simple lunch spot squeezes fresh fruit and blends it into smoothies (from US$2) of every color and flavor. It also serves less healthy antojeria …
Central Valley & Highlands
A simple, casual, counter-service cafe at the southwestern side of the park, selling typical breakfasts, coffee, salads and sandwiches (including chicken,…
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
Across from the immigration office and next to Hotel Wilson Tulipán, this is a decent option for lunch or a smoothie. It also provides information on…
La Fortuna
Locally beloved and set conveniently next door to the bus station, this open-air lunch counter is one of the quaintest, cheapest sodas in town. It does…
San José
Just down the street but a million miles away from Starbucks in look, feel, and taste, this hole-in-the-wall offers wholesome and delicious plates of…
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…
Caribbean Coast
Situated 600m west of Taco Bell on the south side of the main highway, this popular soda (informal lunch counter) is a good bet for early breakfasts (rice…
Caribbean Coast
The small restaurant attached to Hotel Irdama serves breakfast and tasty casados (set meals), plus hamburgers, sandwiches and gallos (beans and rice).
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…
San José
This popular corner eatery sells piping-hot empanadas, breakfasts, casados, grilled meats and tasty mashed potatoes. The outdoor patio is a good spot to…
The Road to Chirripó
The most happenin' place in town, right by the soccer field. The standard dishes won't set your tastebuds alight, but the french fries are excellent and…
Caribbean Coast
Bright-green soda a few hundred meters north of the boat landing, serving fresh-fruit smoothies, fried fish from the local area, various taco dishes, and…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Atmospherically lit with colorful paper globe lanterns, this place offers up something for everyone – Thai, Indian and Indonesian curries, sushi, pasta,…
Central Valley & Highlands
For breakfasts, rich coffee drinks, pastries, sandwiches and plate meals (from chicken fajitas to steak), hit this enjoyable spot near the southwestern…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Pick up some picnic supplies or shop for your self-catering needs. Conveniently located next to Caña Brava Inn and a Banco Popular ATM.
Tortuguero Village
Recover from a hike in the park at this riverside soda, serving jugos (juices), burgers and casados. It’s about 200m north of the park entrance.
Central Valley & Highlands
Need a sweet fix? Head to Siglos, a small creperie serving decadently indulgent brownies, and French-style thin pancakes smothered in chocolate or fruit…
Arenal & Around
Sit down at the picnic tables for Mama’s tasty, tipica home cooking. A good old-fashioned Tico soda, across the street from the Hummingbird's Nest.
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.
Puerto Limón
On the beach at Playa Bonita, Reina's has loud music, good vibes and plenty of mariscos (seafood) plus a laundry list of cocktails.
Quepos
The Mercado Central is packed with produce vendors and good sodas too numerous to list, so follow your nose and the locals.
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
In central Rancho Quemado, across from the soccer field, this typical soda cooks up ample helpings of Tico standards.
La Fortuna
Next to the bus terminal, on the river road, this spacious supermarket is a good place to visit before that next long ride.
San José
A pricey but well-stocked grocery store near Los Yoses. It has a good selection of healthy items, including veggie burgers.
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).
Quepos to Uvita
This red-tile-roofed, open-air restaurant by the ticket office serves a variety of traditional Costa Rican dishes.
Central Valley & Highlands
Head to the enclosed Mercado Central for bargain sodas (cheap eateries), and fresh produce stands.
Central Valley & Highlands
Good local supermarket selling groceries. It's opposite the east side of the main square on Rte 224.
Montezuma
A small but central place to stock your min-fridge or pack a picnic. Conveniently on the main drag.
La Fortuna
For groceries, stop by this well-stocked place on the southeast corner of Parque Central.
San José
Pricey with a good selection of cheeses, fresh produce, liquor, coffee and chocolate.
The Road to Chirripó
Self-caterers can shop at this large, reasonably well stocked supermarket.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Those looking to eat cheaply will do well at this chain grocery store.
Monteverde & Santa Elena
A big and busy supermarket. At the main intersection in Santa Elena.
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
A big supermarket, located on the western side of the plaza.
