Tortuguero Village
On a dirt path near the beach north of town, the simple, tucked-away place could be straight out of California or Portland (the owner has lived in both…
Must-see restaurants in Caribbean Coast
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Whaddya get when you take a champion sport fisherman, born and raised in Transylvania, and transplant him to Puerto Viejo by way of New Jersey? Answer: an…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
You'd never know it from Mopri's dingy facade and cheap plastic tables, but this place serves some of the best seafood in Puerto Viejo. Choose your star…
-
Cahuita
Enjoy some of the best French and Italian fare in town: the Florentina crepe is stuffed with spinach, cream, chicken and cheese and has an egg cooked into…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Ever had a completely homemade PB&J, with bread, peanut butter and jelly all made from scratch? That and more can be yours at this dream of a cafe,…
-
Puerto Limón
Belly up to the cafeteria-style counter at this friendly family spot and cobble together a plate of coconut rice, red beans and whatever Caribbean meat…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Roger from Hounslow West, England will sort you out with house-roasted coffee, homemade ginger-lemonade, and a massive concoction called the Ana Rosa…
-
Tortuguero Village
Low-key atmosphere and high-quality cooking come together beautifully at this backstreet eatery southwest of the soccer field. The inviting garden setting…
-
Cahuita
Giuseppe and Eliza of Ravenna, Italy, famed for its Byzantine mosaics, bring an artistic touch to the kitchen. Start with a bruschetta mixta and graduate…
-
Tortuguero Village
Over the years, Tortuguero’s best-known and most delicious Caribbean eatery has grown from a personal kitchen to a full-blown restaurant. Prices have…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Stroll 250m out of town toward Playa Cocles to this romantic low-lit patio cafe serving creative cuisine that combines elements of Caribbean, Indian,…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
A high-end favorite for drinks and dinner, this sleek eatery at the eastern end of town cranks up the lounge music and sports an interior furnished almost…
-
Cahuita
Give chef/owner Walter a 'bum-bah-tah' and he'll shout back 'pata-boom-boom!' While his secret language remains so, there's no mystery why folks come to…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
Cahuita
In the corner veranda of an old house, this cozy, candle-lit spot specializes in delicious red-wine-covered filet mignon, tenderloin and T-bone steaks…
-
Cahuita
Follow the wafting smell of garlic and simmering sauces to this highly recommended Playa Negra open-air restaurant-bar, where chef Norman has been serving…
-
Caribbean Coast
This Colorado-style bar and restaurant is on Hwy 10 between Turrialba and Siquirres. Enter the laid-back roadhouse through swing doors, grab a drink at…
-
Restaurante El Yugo de Mi Tata
Caribbean Coast
It doesn't look like much, but there's a reason this joint is truck-stop heaven. Strategically placed just below Hwy 32's tortuous climb into Parque…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Craving sushi? Head to this open-air Asian joint on Puerto Viejo's main street overlooking the beach and boats. Bonus raw-fish varieties include soy…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Owned by a friendly bohemian expat couple, this charming vegetarian cafe champions the slow-food movement and makes everything from scratch, from the jams…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Typical Caribbean dishes, such as jerk chicken served with salad, beans, rice and plantain, are done well at this simple soda off the main strip. A…
-
Cahuita
This long-standing restaurant serves a slew of Caribbean specialties and a number of vegetarian options, such as coconut-milk-and-ginger curry. The…
-
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Delicious pancake and fruit breakfasts and Caribbean home cooking can be found at this backstreet eatery with wooden slab tables on an open-air terrace…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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…
-
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.
