Central Pacific Coast
Vida Hermosa has a sweet surf view and outrageously delicious cuisine. At breakfast, the hearty surfer’s burrito is the ideal fuel for Hemosa’s gigantic…
Must-see restaurants in Central Pacific Coast
Quepos
A contender for the region's best restaurant, Gabriella's does many things well: the veranda catches the sunset and overlooks a gorgeous marina, and the…
Uvita
After a successful run in Monteverde, charming Spanish couple Heri and Montse realized that they wanted to live by the ocean – to Uvita's good fortune…
Central Pacific Coast
Right on Playa Herradura's pretty oceanfront, this simple Tico restaurant with white tablecloths and fairy lights holds its own in comparison to the…
Uvita
Serving the best coffee for miles around, this little cafe hides in an Uvita strip-mall. Latte art, eggs Benedict, chunky brownies and homemade lemon pie…
Jacó
This simple spot with hardwood tables on the main drag (two doors down from Caliche's Wishbone) is a local secret. It only has eight items on the menu and…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Unpretentious and friendly La Luna, inside the five-star Gaia Hotel, makes a lovely spot for a special-occasion dinner or sundowner, with fabulous…
Jacó
With an emphasis on creativity and fresh ingredients (these guys work with local organic farms), Green Room serves excellently executed dishes such as…
Central Pacific Coast
Around 50m west of the soccer field, this cozy restaurant serves delectable international favorites from falafel and Caribbean-style curry to pad thai,…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
This is a fine stop for fancy coffee drinks and a satisfying full breakfast, lunch or dinner (eggs, quesadillas, sandwiches, salads and Tico plates), and…
Jacó
Housed in a hip spot with colorful art and black metal French windows, this long-standing favorite has beautifully presented, creative dishes made with…
Quepos
Run by a hardworking fisherman's family, this institution with brightly tiled floors serves the best seafood in town, yet is practically unknown to…
Puntarenas
Offering the most upscale dining in Puntarenas, El Shrimp Shack's silly name belies a graceful interior – wood-paneled walls, marble-topped tables,…
Quepos
Real New York–style bagels, lox salmon (a real rarity in Costa Rica) and rye bread! This adorable little bakery bakes its fresh wares every morning, and…
Central Pacific Coast
On the road going south of Puntarenas, you'll find this excellent seafood restaurant opposite the beach. It has a modern, airy, tiki feel and serves up…
Jacó
Chef Richard Lemon (former instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Miami) has been inspiring with one of Jacó's swishest and most imaginative menus for more than a…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Jacó
For a decent late-night snack of NYC-style pizzas it's got to be this open-plan joint. Pizzas are cooked from scratch; create your own or order from the…
Central Pacific Coast
Jimmy T's is a small deli store on the docks of the Los Sueños marina catering mostly to the yachting set, but it's stacked floor to ceiling with organic,…
Uvita
South of Uvita on the road to Ojochal is this casual pizza joint, serving authentic Neapolitan pizzas cooked in a proper wood-fired brick oven. The dining…
Jacó
Upmarket yet casual, with tasteful pink-tiled walls, marble tables and vintage pendant lights, Amara is a supercute spot serving healthy Mediterranean…
Bar y Restaurante Los Laureles
Uvita
Adorable casual family-run restaurant serving mainly Costa Rican and Tex-Mex cuisine, with innovative favorites such as avocado hummus and nacho patacones…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
This cute wood-decked corner restaurant with jungle and ocean views does Thai classics well, from the zingy salads to the satay and tom yum soup. House…
Central Pacific Coast
On the waterfront overlooking the rows of gleaming yachts, this upmarket spot decorated in dark tones with nice lighting serves an appropriate selection…
Jacó
Overseen by the charming Caliche, this has been a Jacó favorite for years and years. The eclectic, Mexican-inspired menu includes pitas, blackened tuna…
Central Pacific Coast
Your one-stop shop for falafel, this open-air beachy place serves homemade pitas stuffed with deep-fried chickpea goodness, smothered with garlicky…
Jacó
This oceanside spot brims with casual elegance and is regarded as one of the finer dining experiences in Jacó. The menu is entirely dependent on seasonal…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Perched on the 2nd floor with uninterrupted ocean views, Agua Azul is a marvelous casual lunch spot on this stretch of road – perfect for early-morning…
Central Pacific Coast
Sit on the lovely open-air patio with a glass of European wine and enjoy delights like Spanish-style tapas, Italian pasta dishes, and fresh fish and…
Uvita
Off the main road into Utvia is this container-cum-seafood restaurant, with a simple deck out front with tables and chairs. It serves delectable ceviche…
Quepos
The daily rotation of delicious cafeteria options here might include fish in tomato sauce, olla de carne (beef soup with rice) or chicken soup. Everything…
Quepos
This new kid on the block with fish shapes hanging from the ceiling is a good choice for seafood lovers. It serves up fresh morsels in various styles: the…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
