San José
At this felicitous fusion of antique shop and French restaurant, Michelin-starred chef Richard Neat offers an exquisite menu of smaller sampling plates …
Must-see restaurants in Costa Rica
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Montezuma
Most romantic dinner ever. If you're lucky, you'll snag one of the tree-trunk tables under the palms. The international menu with Mediterranean influences…
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San José
The Escazú residence of Joanna Stein, identifiable only by a small 'J' on the door, might not seem like a restaurant. In fact it's much more. All day long…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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Península de Nicoya
Foodies drive from all over Guanacaste to sample the fare at this otherworldly restaurant, the brainchild of chef/owner Patrick Jamon (let the jokes begin…
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Playa Sámara
Sámara's best restaurant is this cozy, contemporary Italian spot that wouldn't be out of place in New York City. And go figure, owner/chef Gigio Palazzo…
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Península de Nicoya
If you love potted plants, and you love eating nutritious food out of a bowl, this is your dream stop in Playa Grande. Bowls are divided into sweet (acai,…
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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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San José
If you can't get to the Caribbean coast, the 'yard' vibe here is a good substitute. Manzanillo native Ricky transported his lip-smacking restaurant to the…
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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…
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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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Monteverde & Santa Elena
Ease into a studded leather armchair in the lounge and indulge with a dazzling cocktail designed by the country's finest mixologist. Then around sunset,…
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Liberia
This beautifully restored colonial-era building has heavy wooden furniture and frescoed ceilings, creating a romantic ambiance for enjoying rich coffee…
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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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Liberia
Liberia is not a city where you'd expect to find any Indian restaurant, let alone the best one in the country. But here it is! Start with some crispy warm…
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Northwestern Costa Rica
This family-owned, roadside food truck serves up lip-smacking fried chicken that would rival any such business in San José, along with some other fun…
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Playa Tamarindo
Travelers with diets and preferences that differ from their companions' will appreciate the wide range of offerings at this breezy, buzzing artisanal food…
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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…
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San José
This cozy, Mediterranean-flavored gastropub in a century-old brick building in Barrio Escalante serves a long list of tempting tapas (many veggie),…
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San José
Abuzz with artsy young bohemians, this colorful Barrio Otoya cafe makes a romantic spot for drinks (from sangria to cocktails to smoothies), bocas …
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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…
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Montezuma
The secret is out. The hottest restaurant in Montezuma is this awesome, artistic place in the trees at the butterfly gardens. Look for innovative takes on…
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Monteverde & Santa Elena
This little cafe roasts beans from its coffee farm (Don Juan) and uses fancy machinery (La Marzocco!) to serve up the best cup of joe in Monteverde. The…
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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
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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Playa Tamarindo
Tamarindo's best restaurant, and an ideal place for marking a special occasion. It's perched on the sand where an estuary meets the sea, with candle-lit…
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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…
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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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San José
White linens and echos of old tango evoke the atmospheric bistros of San Telmo, as does the menu, featuring grilled Argentine cuts of steak, nine…
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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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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…
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Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
This terrific open-sided restaurant inside the Zancudo Lodge prides itself on its commitment to super-fresh produce and creativity, and it shows – in the…
