Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica

  • Soda El Balcón del Mar

    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…

  • Restaurante La Criollita

    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…

  • La Posada de las Brujas

    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…

  • Restaurante Ebenezer

    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…

  • Nogui's

    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…

  • Bakery

    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…

  • Las Tortugas Pizzeria

    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…

  • Soda Rancho La Palma

    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…

  • Coco Loco

    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…

  • Camarón Dorado

    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…

  • Pacifico

    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…

  • Falafel Bar

    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…

  • Buena Tierra

    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…

  • Amancio's Pizza

    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…

  • Chicken On The Run

    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…

  • Don Wang

    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…

  • La Puesta del Sol

    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…

  • De Gustibus

    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…

  • Restaurant Casta

    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…

  • Rincón Corobicí

    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…

  • El Patio del Balmoral

    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…

  • Café del Barista

    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…

  • Plan B Sandwicheria

    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…

  • Heladería Biolley

    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…

  • L'Angolo

    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…

  • Kaps Cafe

    San José

    A lovely little eatery linked to the eponymous hostel, with yummy coffee plus creative pastries and sandwiches. Especially great carrot cake.

  • Taco Star

    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…

  • Farmers Market

    Quepos

    Self-caterers should check out the farmers market near the waterfront, where you can buy directly from farmers, fisherfolk, bakers and other food…

  • Mini Price

    Quepos

    Self-caterers rejoice! This large supermarket stocks imported cheese, meats, chocolate and a vast array of wines, imported beers and liquor.

  • Más x Menos

    Jacó

    This Western-style supermarket has an impressive selection of fresh produce, and local and international culinary items.

  • Supermercado BM

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    The large and well-stocked Supermercado BM is 200m north of the Interamericana–Costanera intersection.

  • Macrobiótica Bionatura

    Puerto Limón

    This macrobiotic grocery store sells healthy vegetarian foods, vitamins and some things made of soy.

  • Super Luperón

    Península de Nicoya

    A well-stocked grocery store in the center of town.

  • BM Corcovado

    Puerto Jiménez

    The best-stocked supermarket in town.

  • Delicias del Perú

    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…

  • Il Giardino

    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 Cascada

    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…

  • Donde Pipe

    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…

  • Nuestra Tierra

    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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