Restaurants in Costa Rica
-
A
Churrería Manolo’s
This San José institution is famous for its cream-filled churros (doughnut tubes), which draw crowds of josefinos in search of a quick sugar rush. Here’s a tip – churros are the freshest around 5pm when hungry office workers beeline here straight from work. Otherwise, this is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch (though the food and service are uninspired). There is another premises on Av Central btwn Calles 9 & 11.
reviewed
-
Super Morpho
Self-caterers can pick up basic groceries at the Super Morpho pulpería (corner store).
reviewed
-
La Casona
La Casona serves a variety of Italian specialties, including a well-rendered lasagna made with hearts of palm. It's on the north side of the soccer field.
reviewed
-
Miss Junie’s
Tortuguero’s best-known restaurant grew from a personal kitchen to a full-blown restaurant and lodge. Local specialties on the menu include chicken, fish, and whole lobster cooked in flavorful Caribbean sauces, with coconut rice and beans. It's at the northern end of the main road.
reviewed
-
Restaurante Tortuguero
A big log cabin offers what the owners claim is ‘the Best Breakfast in Costa Rica,’ which will set you back [colones] 1700 to [colones] 4280. Credit cards accepted.
reviewed
-
Bar.Co Nico
A few kilometers past the village on the turnoff for Costa de Oro, this German-run beachfront restaurant (which looks like a giant ship) has reinstated the old Tico tradition of giving away a free boca with every beer. The beer is cold and the bocas (appetizers) are delicious – what are you waiting for? There’s also free wi-fi, and Nico now rents a few simple cabinas.reviewed
-
B
Lava Lounge
This hip, open-air restaurant is a breath of fresh air when you just can’t abide another casado. There’s pasta, fish, burgers, wraps and a fair selection of other such well-executed international standbys, brought to you by friendly waiters. Skip the sushi.
reviewed
-
C
Pizza Rock
Sizzling pizzas come straight out of the wood-burning oven and onto your plate at this informal, open-air diner. If you're heading to or coming back from Corcovado, a cheesy slice is exactly the kind of indulgence you're looking for.
reviewed
-
D
EZ-Times
The reggae music and groovy vibe lure in hungry beach bums for pizza, pasta and salads. The outdoor terrace is a good place to sit back and enjoy the munchies, not to mention the live music on Friday nights.
reviewed
-
E
Restaurante El Campesino
Relax beneath about 80 stuffed animals won from machines by the dexterous owner, who also serves up amazing casados, salads and a variety of sublime ceviche with a smile.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
F
Restaurant La Fé
Chef and owner Walter, a Cahuita native, serves up tall tales and tasty meals at this reasonably priced spot. There’s a laundry list of Tico and Caribbean items, but the main draw is anything doused in the restaurant’s spicy-delicious coconut sauce.
reviewed
-
G
Miss Edith's
This long-time local restaurant serves a slew of Caribbean specialties – including jerk chicken and potatoes stewed in garlic – and a number of vegetarian options. It’s a famed spot that sometimes rests on its laurels, but when it's on, it's awesome.
reviewed
-
H
Automercado
Good selection of cheeses, produce, liquor, coffee and chocolate.
reviewed
-
Av Pastor Díaz
reviewed
-
I
Caribbean Kalisi Coffee Shop
Belly up to the cafeteria-style counter at this friendly family spot and cobble together a plate of coconut rice, red beans and whatever's cooking that day – typically a wide variety of fabulous Caribbean meat and veggie dishes.
reviewed
-
J
Central Market
reviewed
-
Complejo Arena y Sol
A local eatery that serves up a hearty gallo pinto (rice and beans) breakfast spread, this is where you can carbo-load before a serious surf session. Stop by in the afternoon or evening for typical casados (cheap set meals), or the usual assortment of Western-style fast foods.
reviewed
-
ConFusione
Though the Italian-Latin fusion made this one of Dominical’s top dining rooms (it's the only place in town with table linens and a full bar), it has recently overhauled the menu with an emphasis on small plates and tapas. You can stick to classics from the peninsula such as penne pasta and flatbread pizzas, stay local with freshly caught seafood and aged tenderloin, or strike a healthy balance – authentic gelato with tropical fruits. Of the small plates, the baby shrimp in brandy and cheese sauce is a rich and decadent delight.
reviewed
-
K
-
Deleites
This attractive, well-stocked bakery sells cookies, cakes, bread and even cappuccino. You'll find it along the main north–south road in the center of town, 100m west of Hotel y Cabinas Wilson.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
El Caiman Bar & Restaurante
At the bridge over the Río Frío just outside the village is this pleasant riverside eatery run by Canoa Aventura, a tour operator based in La Fortuna. Sit among the bamboo groves and feast on fresh sea bass or tilapia while you watch the caimans drift idly by, or rent a canoe and paddle into their territory.
reviewed
-
L
El Cevichito
The outdoor patio along the pedestrian mall is one of the city’s more pleasant spots. You’ll find locals gathering here to guzzle beer, talk soccer and devour tasty garlic fish.
reviewed
-
El Rubio
The clutter of pick-up trucks out front is a clue that you have stumbled onto this popular family eatery. It offers a wide selection of grilled fish and roasted meats. And there is a good selection of bocas (savory bar snacks), including our favorite: chifrijo, a pile of rice and pinto beans studded with fried pork and capped with fresh tomato salsa and corn chips. On the road east of Burger King, go 100m north, then 100m east on the dirt road.
reviewed
-
M
Escalofrío
Here you’ll find more than 20 different flavors of gelato, which may just be the perfect way to beat the tropical heat. There is also a spacious alfresco seating area where you can sample other Italian treats including espressos and cappuccinos as well as an assortment of pizzas (which come from a lovely wood-fired oven) and pastas. It also has a deli across the street where travelers can get sandwiches with imported Italian meats and cheeses to take into Manuel Antonio.
reviewed
-
Hotel Oleaje Sereno
reviewed