Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
A Manuel Antonio area institution, the Barba Roja is both a lively pirate-themed bar and a seafood-and-steak spot with a respectable menu (try the coconut…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
Central Pacific Coast
The expansive menu has the usual bar fare (tacos, pizza, burritos), but none of it is likely to set your taste buds alight. As the town’s de facto…
Playa Sámara
It's not cheap, but self-caterers (and anybody with a dietary restriction) will appreciate this cafe and market, well stocked with organic produce and…
Sarapiquí Valley
Rancho Magallanes is a sweet roadside restaurant with a wood-burning brick oven where it roasts whole chickens and serve them quite simply with tortillas…
Playa Sámara
Locals adore this inexpensive beachfront soda, and truly the gallo pinto (with traditional add-ons like stewed beef and pork chops) hits the spot. Bonus…
Liberia
Located in a beautiful colonial-era building, this family-friendly restaurant has an extensive menu specializing in meat dishes such as lomito (tenderloin…
Liberia
Set in the historic indoor-outdoor home of beloved Liberian doctor Enrique Briceño, this cafe excels with its fresh fruit smoothies, reasonably priced…
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…
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…
Puerto Jiménez
Hellen's is supremely popular with pretty much everyone, for wake-me-up coffee drinks, filling breakfasts, excellent burgers (including veggie burgers)…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This long-standing family-run spot serves huge breakfasts of gallo pinto, eggs and toast; banana pancakes; casados with fresh seafood; burgers and fries;…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Directly across from the bus stop, this authentic gelateria has up to 80 flavors on rotation, including non-dairy and vegan options. It's the 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…
La Fortuna
What began as a snack counter on the last pass before La Fortuna waterfall has turned into a full-blown fusion excursion by Scott, famous for his love of…
Tortuguero Village
Thanks to its predawn opening time, this is a good spot to pick up homemade banana bread, lemon-and-orange cake or cinnamon rolls before an early-morning…
Puerto Jiménez
On the grounds of Iguana Lodge, this jungle-fringed restaurant-bar is locally (and justifiably) famous for its cocktails, accompanied by such delectable…
La Fortuna
We know it’s bad form to start with dessert, but the irresistible sweets at this popular spot are beautiful to behold and delicious to devour. There’s…
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…
San José
This homey local spot, popular with office types, dishes out a changing menu of simple Costa Rican specialties, such as stewed chicken or grilled fish…
San José
This open-air steak house is one of Escazú's finest family options. Spacious indoor and outdoor seating accommodates large groups, and big eaters are well…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Ebenezer's place is an essential stop after a morning at the beach. Satisfying breakfasts and hot coffee get your day going in the right direction. Later…
Central Valley & Highlands
Established in 1952, this family-run eatery on the north side of the soccer field dishes out good típico food (particularly the whole fried fish) in a…
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…
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…
Quepos to Uvita
This little open-air shack has only a handful of menu items, but it knows what it's doing when it comes to fish tacos with spicy mango salsa and chunky…
Sarapiquí Valley
Heaping helpings of Costa Rican food and other items dominate the menu: three different vegetarian pastas are on offer, as well as steaks, rice-and-beans…
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
Overlooking a bull pen, this place is bustling with hungry campesinos (farmers). It has an expansive menu of local dishes, and is a great spot for a cold…
Caribbean Coast
Right next to the dock, no-nonsense doña Amelia serves up fresh, tasty fish and meat casados, plus rice and beans cooked in a coconut Creole-style sauce…
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…
Bahía Drake
It's not much to look at, but your mouth and stomach will thank you after a meal of fresh fish served Caribbean style. A selection of mojitos and…
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…
San José
This friendly organic cafe and health-food store in Escazú Centro has tree-trunk tabletops and huge windows. The sandwiches are sublime and the coffee is…
Jacó
If you’re craving Mediterranean comfort food in Jacó, this luscious Italian joint will hit the spot. The pizza is delish, the salads are fresh and the…
Quepos
If it's crispy fried chicken you're craving, this is the best little joint in town. Grab a wing or breast to go, or bring some friends for a sitdown meal…
San José
This hopping Chinese gourmet eatery is an ideal place for dim sum – served all day every day – as well as a long list of Chinese, Japanese and Thai…
Central Pacific Coast
Right on the 'local' side of the beach, this lively eatery and bar shelters those to whom manicured golf courts are anathema. The menu is all about…
