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
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Jacó
With an emphasis on creativity and fresh ingredients (these guys work with local organic farms), Green Room serves excellently executed dishes such as…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Puntarenas
Offering the most upscale dining in Puntarenas, El Shrimp Shack's silly name belies a graceful interior – wood-paneled walls, marble-topped tables,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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Jacó
Upmarket yet casual, with tasteful pink-tiled walls, marble tables and vintage pendant lights, Amara is a supercute spot serving healthy Mediterranean…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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,…
