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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This bakery on Puerto Viejo's main drag draws a devoted following with its fabulous focaccia, along with slices of pizza, apple strudels, profiteroles and…
Northwestern Costa Rica
You want a casado or hot chocolate to warm you up after a long walk in the park? Here's the place, just 1km west (toward Bijagua) from the park entrance…
Northwestern Costa Rica
A great lunch stop, this attractive Swiss-run restaurant is 4km north of Cañas on the banks of the Río Corobicí. A terrace provides river and garden views…
San José
Filled with chattering gringos and suited Ticos, this all-purpose cafe-restaurant is a good place to chill out while taking in the pedestrian action on Av…
San José
This corrugated-roofed, warehouse-like space in Barrio Aranjuez brews up a great cup of gourmet coffee (US$2 to US$3) and makes a halfway decent cinnamon…
La Fortuna
You forgot to eat or pack a lunch before your hike? Plan B. Cheap, filling sandwich and omelette fillings at this corner stand include chicken, three…
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This purple-and-green, mushroom-shaped, artisanal ice-cream shop is an unexpectedly weird installment near the AsoProLa Lodge. The ice cream is all…
Quepos
This tiny deli with a couple of tables makes rather good pastas, salads and sandwiches with imported Italian meats and cheeses – the perfect picnic for…
San José
A lovely little eatery linked to the eponymous hostel, with yummy coffee plus creative pastries and sandwiches. Especially great carrot cake.
Península de Nicoya
Three words: beachfront taco stand. Hefty beef and veggie tacos and fresh fruit batidos (shakes) will sustain you for a full day of sun and surf. Can't…
Quepos
Self-caterers should check out the farmers market near the waterfront, where you can buy directly from farmers, fisherfolk, bakers and other food…
Quepos
Self-caterers rejoice! This large supermarket stocks imported cheese, meats, chocolate and a vast array of wines, imported beers and liquor.
Jacó
This Western-style supermarket has an impressive selection of fresh produce, and local and international culinary items.
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
The large and well-stocked Supermercado BM is 200m north of the Interamericana–Costanera intersection.
Puerto Limón
This macrobiotic grocery store sells healthy vegetarian foods, vitamins and some things made of soy.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This local grocery store is ideal for budget travelers.
San José
Service with a smile and tasty seafood are the specialties at this friendly neighborhood soda near the heart of town. Lighter appetites can indulge in…
Puerto Jiménez
A sweet Italian restaurant with a romantic candlelit ambience. The rather long menu features pizza, pasta and other exquisite Italian dishes. Especially…
La Fortuna
This thatched landmark has been around so long that the faltering palapa roof is almost as big an institution as the volcano it mimics. It has a small bar…
Liberia
This little cafe is a local favorite, thanks to free wi-fi, strong coffee and scrumptious sweets and breakfasts. In addition to cafe fare, the menu…
San José
Touristy but fun, this bustling eatery maintains a calculatedly rustic atmosphere, with picnic-style tables, mounted bull’s heads and strings of metal…
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