Península de Nicoya
Near the north end of town, this rather hidden, unassuming place has Ticos and gringos alike raving about the soups, ceviches and all things fishy. And…
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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