Central Pacific Coast
Good coffee, quiches, pastries, proper bagels and outstanding gelato are found inside this little Italian-style cafe right on the marina. The menu also…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
Arenal & Around
Better known as the ‘German bakery,’ thanks to the signs that litter the lake road, this landmark is a famous rest stop for road-trippers heading to/from…
Ojochal
In a well-decorated, barnlike structure with hardwood floors, this bistro offers diverse fodder for your belly and Instagram feed. Feast on garlic hummus,…
Península de Nicoya
This colorful, fun beach bar is an excellent place to pass an evening feasting on burgers or fish tacos and swilling beers. Or sample the Peruvian…
Arenal & Around
A cheap and cheerful soda near the top of the hill as you approach town, with ample wooden-table seating. It does Western-style breakfasts, pasta dishes,…
Quepos to Uvita
On the approach to the beach this casual surfer hangout serves some of the area's best tacos (fresh fish, shrimp, beef, chicken or veggie). The chips are…
Puerto Limón
This beloved nine-table Caribbean eatery, with soccer memorabilia on the walls, serves up delicious patí (flaky beef turnovers stuffed with onion, spices…
Mal País & Santa Teresa
It's worth the steep climb for sensational views and fancy-looking seafood at the poolside patio restaurant at the Hotel Buenos Aires. Begin with a…
Caribbean Coast
It has lime-green walls and a cafeteria feel, but this clean, simple soda (lunch counter) sells good, cheap casados (with chicken, Mexican-style meat or…
Bahía Drake
Gringo Curt offers just three things: a fish salad wrap, noodles tossed with vegetables (and sometimes garnished with catch-of-the-day) and super-fresh…
Península de Nicoya
If you want to sip fruity cocktails while you watch the sun drop into the sea, Roberto's is the place. For dinner, there's plenty of local seafood and…
Liberia
This very cute old-world pizzeria, where the wood is stacked next to the smoking courtyard oven, keeps it romantic and simple – just pizza, pasta and…
Central Valley & Highlands
Just south of town, tucked back slightly from the main road, this simple green shack of a restaurant is flanked by well-stocked trout ponds. Catch your…
Península de Nicoya
Follow the odd signage depicting a woman's bikini-clad pelvis to this informal beach restaurant, where for more than 25 years the owner has been cooking…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Haunted by (mostly) American yachties and expat duty-free shoppers, the open-air restaurant at the marina specializes in humongous plates of American,…
Quepos
A Latin-influenced sushi and sake bar that fills its rolls with fresh tropical produce and local seafood bits. The spicy tuna over crispy rice cakes is a…
Playas del Coco
Set in the Pueblito Sur open-air mall/food court about 500m north of the main drag, this is the local expat choice for oven-fresh pizza in Playas del Coco…
The Road to Chirripó
Since this unpretentious seafood spot is usually slammed at lunchtime, it's best to come during off hours for its several daily varieties of ceviche,…
Quepos
An all-round crowd pleaser, casual open-air Runaway Grill looks out on the yachts of the marina and its ceiling is covered in fishing hats. The menu spans…
Bahía Drake
This restaurant up the hill in Agujitas serves typical Tico cuisine on Tico time. The downstairs bakery is perfect for an early-morning breakfast or an…
Península de Nicoya
A local landmark on the main road from Cabuya to Reserva Cabo Blanco. Set on a tropical patio, this inviting cafe serves up a stellar menu including fresh…
Jacó
Head here for great-value mixed tacos and health-conscious plates. First choose your carb (tortilla, rice etc), then your protein (grilled fish, shrimps,…
Península de Nicoya
Relatively formal for Costa Rica, Angelina's offers fine dining in a breezy, open-air setting, upstairs at the Plaza mini-mall. Innovative seafood…
Central Valley & Highlands
This healthy eatery specializes in organic food. Vegan treats include Buffalo cauliflower tacos, falafel pitas and portobello-mushroom burgers, plus there…
Central Valley & Highlands
This bright-walled cafe north of Av 10 serves up one of the best coffee treats in the country – a frozen caffeine concoction with gooey maracuyá (passion…
The Road to Chirripó
With alfresco tables sitting above the river, funky skull art and sparkling fish tanks filled with fingerling trout, this atmospheric spot prepares trout…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Dark coffee and fresh-fruit smoothies offer a nice complement to the menu of savory and sweet crepes. These delights are all prepared by chef Sebastien…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
If frozen mojitos (US$3.50) are your thing, get thee to Bikini. This hip restaurant and bar attracts a crowd of revelers with its affordable cocktails and…
The Road to Chirripó
Recognizable by its bubblegum pink signage, this diner caters to hungry travelers with its massive menu. It earns its steakhouse horns with burgers, slaps…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This popular corner spot on the beachside road in town is excellent for strong coffee, freshly baked goods and hearty wedges of fluffy Spanish omelet…
Playa Tamarindo
The best pizza in Tamarindo, by some accounts. This casual open-air restaurant has 28 different pizzas with a wide variety of toppings, as well as salads…
Restaurante y Pizzeria La Casona
Sarapiquí Valley
The restaurant at Hotel Ara Ambigua is particularly recommended for its oven-baked pizza and traditional homemade cuisine served in an open-air rancho …
Tortuguero Village
Juan and Carole are getting high marks for their vegetarian and vegan offerings, as well as coastal specialties such as pasta in Caribbean sauce and…
Tortuguero Village
Ambient club music, Tibetan prayer flags and a river view give this trendy cafe a tranquil vibe. It’s a pleasant setting for pizzas, salads, cocktails and…
Arenal & Around
Old John has gone to the pie-in-the-sky, but his recipes and legacy live on with his widow Myra, who still whips up delicious pizzas, calzones and…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Although it's a godsend for self-caterers, Super Joseth is a grocery stop that's reflective of its location – a bit pricey, stocked with imported meats,…
The Road to Chirripó
This sunny cafe is a perfect stop for lunch or a light dinner, with an eclectic menu highlighting all the local goodness, from fruits to cheeses to…
Central Valley & Highlands
At this charming restaurant 6km east of Poasito, the menu is loaded with traditional French items such as onion soup, house-made pâté, beef fillet, rabbit…
Monteverde & Santa Elena
This Argentine steakhouse will warm your cloud-soaked soul with its cozy atmosphere and open kitchen. Then it'll sate your hunger with steaks that are…
San José
This long-running hilltop restaurant 5km south of Escazú Centro serves up bounteous platters, accompanied by live folk music on weekends. Yes, the food is…
