Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica

  • El Carmen

    Mal País & Santa Teresa

    The location right on the playa is hard to beat, and the list of ceviche and cooked fish shows it's more than just a pizzeria. It's a popular spot for…

  • Lemon Zest

    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…

  • Tierra y Fuego

    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…

  • Restaurant Don Rufino

    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…

  • Alma de Café

    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…

  • Tutti's Pizzeria y Restaurant

    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…

  • Ginger

    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…

  • Burger Rancho

    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,…

  • Falafel Bar

    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…

  • Orchid Coffee

    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…

  • Surf Shack

    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…

  • Lubnan

    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…

  • Miss Lidia's Place

    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…

  • Surf Box

    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…

  • Koji's

    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…

  • Roots Bakery

    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…

  • Father Rooster Bar & Grill

    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…

  • Restaurante Los Chanchitos

    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…

  • Cocoricó

    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…

  • Tsunami Sushi

    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…

  • El Buho

    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…

  • Sobre Las Olas

    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…

  • 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…

  • Café Miel Garage

    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…

  • El Lagarto

    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…

  • Cafe Del Pueblo

    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,…

  • Cocolores

    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…

  • La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora

    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…

  • El Portón Rojo

    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…

  • Claro Que Sí

    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…

  • Bar-B-Q Tres Hermanas

    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…

  • Container Platz

    San José

    In this innovative gastronomic experiment, 20 mini-businesses representing Latin American and world flavors have sprung to life in brightly painted…

  • Raulito's Pollo Asado

    Monteverde & Santa Elena

    Scrappy street dogs and chatty taxistas (taxi drivers) vie for attention at this porcelain-countered wonder. Golden, crispy chicken morsels are…

  • Red Snapper

    Puerto Limón

    Head honchos for Limón's new port project often lunch at this scenic Caribbean restaurant perched on a mountainside overlooking the city and coastline…

  • El Tostador

    San José

    A sleek, monochromatic cafe with excellent views of the ornate Correo Central building, this multilevel spot near the heart of San José's pedestrian zone…

  • Café Coyote

    Península de Nicoya

    Jenny can help you with just about anything, from calling a taxi to organizing an adventure outing, pouring you a cold cerveza or making you a tasty pizza…

  • Lava Lounge

    La Fortuna

    This open-air restaurant has become a go-to spot for post-activities lunch or dinner. There is pizza and pasta, wraps and salads, and loads of vegetarian…

  • Café Mediterraneo

    La Fortuna

    This delightful osteria is worth the trip, cooking up homemade pasta and pizza such as the Arenal: bacon, egg, ham, mushroom and basil. Customers rave…

  • The Pizza Shop

    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…

  • Hummingbird Cafe

    Northwestern Costa Rica

    This family restaurant is a surprising change of pace from the Tico fare in town. The emphasis is on fresh ingredients, many of which are grown right here…

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