Montezuma
Take a taxi up to this gem in the hills above Montezuma – fittingly in the Delicias neighborhood. This Italian outpost seems straight out of the Tuscan…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
San José
One of the most beautiful cafes in the city, this spot evokes early 20th-century Vienna. It's a perfect place to sip a cappuccino, enjoy a crepe or quiche…
La Fortuna
The vibe is trendy at this indoor-outdoor grill. The highlight is the perfectly prepared grilled meats: the New York Steak with mushrooms is to die for…
Arenal & Around
If you don’t mind a little detour, here is your lunch stop between Monteverde and Arenal. Simple Tico fare is done with panache at this dressed-up soda…
Central Valley & Highlands
By a tropical garden and a mountain stream, this bakery-restaurant tempts with spiked coffee drinks (hot mocha with Baileys and chocolate syrup), crepes…
Tortuguero Village
The site has changed but it's still the place to come for an Italian fix: Tutti's lasagna and spaghetti dishes remain a hit. There are also plenty of…
Península de Nicoya
On the east side of the main road, you’ll see this stunner cantilevered into the trees. This is not the restaurant you would expect to find in an…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Get your burger on at this open-air rancho that in 2019 found a new home just north of Kina Surf Shop. Check the blackboard for daily changing specials,…
Nosara Area
Now with two prominent locations, this is the favorite soda in Guiones and it's a damn good one. It's a perfect spot for breakfast, whether it's banana…
Quepos to Uvita
Run by a lovely local family, this cafe is tucked away at the end of the southern spur road. Organic coffee drinks, fresh juices and hearty breakfasts are…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Adding to the diversity of cuisine to be found along the road, this falafel spot dishes up authentic Middle Eastern favorites. You'll also find plenty of…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
Feeling peckish? Go straight to this lovely Santa Elena cafe, filled with art and light. Grab a seat on the front porch and take a bite of heaven. It…
Arenal & Around
Murals, masks and other indigenous-inspired art adorn the walls at this friendly cafe. Take your pick from the delicious sandwiches, well-stuffed wraps…
Playa Tamarindo
If you are craving a big bad burger, Surf Shack has you covered with a good selection of patties, thick-cut onion rings and irresistible milkshakes. Tin…
San José
This atmospheric Lebanese place is a great date spot, with creamy hummus, flavorful tabbouleh and an array of succulent meats – some cooked, some…
Península de Nicoya
A cozy little restaurant serving up all the best après-surf goodies: a hulking breakfast burrito; tropical tacos with grilled shrimp and mango; a…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A long-standing favorite for classic Caribbean flavors, Miss Lidia's enters its third decade of pleasing palates and satisfying the stomachs of locals and…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
Koji Hyodo's outdoor patio is a twinkling beacon of fresh, raw excellence. The atmosphere and service are superior, of course, but his food is a higher…
Playa Sámara
The carrot cake is really good, and the spinach quiche is better. But the cinnamon buns are otherworldly – so rich, gooey, sweet and chewy that you might…
Península de Nicoya
This colorful gastropub by the sea serves up tasty sandwiches and US pub fare, as well as top-notch (though expensive) cocktails. Try the Tica Linda, a…
Central Pacific Coast
At the entrance to Punta Leona, this long-standing open-air favorite serves up delicious tangy ceviche served in a tall cocktail glass with a slice of…
Cahuita
The menu at this casual spot, decorated with classic movie posters, revolves around pizza, pasta and other Italian-themed mains, but it's better known for…
Jacó
This sleek and popular sushi spot has expanded from the central Pacific coast to open at three more locations in and around the capital. We're…
San José
Drawing health-food devotees from the nearby university and further afield, this buzzing San Pedro eatery just off Calle de la Amargura serves a variety…
Cahuita
Garlic shrimp, seafood pasta and grilled fish of the day come accompanied by crashing waves and sparkling-blue Caribbean vistas at this sweet spot…
Central Valley & Highlands
With hardwood floors and simple, clean decor, Merak is a gastronomic restaurant with flavors that cross continents. Creations include the likes of…
Mantras Veggie Cafe and Tea House
San José
Widely recognized as the best vegetarian restaurant in San José (if not all of Costa Rica), Mantras draws rave reviews from across the foodie spectrum for…
San José
This tiny cafe opened to such wild success in 2014 that the owners quickly opened another nearby. What's its secret? In addition to adorable and homey…
Ojochal
This truly excellent bakery and cafe is both inexpensive and tasty. Stop by here for a tasty ham and cheese quiche, dreamy cocoa-dusted truffle or a…
Playa Sámara
Grilled meats are the big draw at this alfresco restaurant, studded with old trees and walking distance to the waves. Watching the chefs work their magic…
Península de Nicoya
Just east of town is this open-air Italian restaurant. Thin-crust pizzas get good reviews, and regulars rave about the innovative seafood preparations,…
Nosara Area
Take your pick from six burgers and you'll get a plump, juicy patty of goodness, served on a fresh bun with big French-fry wedges. There's also a veggie…
Montezuma
Set on a beachside terrace lit by lanterns, Cocolores is one of Montezuma's top spots for an upscale dinner. The wide-ranging menu includes curries, pasta…
San José
Head to the main market for dessert at this century-old local favorite that serves up fresh sorbet and cinnamon-laced frozen custard. Do as the locals do…
San José
Serving up some of the best pizza and sangria in the Los Yoses area, this hip restaurant doubles as a gallery. Funky local art sells right off the brick…
Bahía Drake
In hot and dusty Bahía Drake, there isn't a more refreshing midday treat than a vanilla milkshake from this open-air ice-cream parlor. It also does banana…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
A family-friendly restaurant that manages to tread the line between upscale and casual, Claro Que Sí proudly serves organic and locally sourced food items…
Northwestern Costa Rica
Long before you get here, you’ll notice signs on the Interamericana advertising the best steakhouse in Guanacaste – Bar-B-Q Tres Hermanas. Believe the…
San José
In this innovative gastronomic experiment, 20 mini-businesses representing Latin American and world flavors have sprung to life in brightly painted…
El Churrasco Hotel Restaurante
Central Valley & Highlands
On the way up to Volcán Poás, this rustic restaurant serves tasty, authentic Costa Rican cuisine. Ingredients are sourced locally and the casados and…
