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Costa Rica: Restaurants

Though Costa Rica is not known for its cuisine, that’s not to say it doesn’t have excellent dining options. An influx of tourists over the past decade has spawned a new generation of upscale, trendy dining options, typically located in resort towns and within hotels. Fresh seafood, American-style grills, French bistros, and pizzerias are perhaps more common now than a traditional place serving casado (a one-plate dish with rice, beans, meat, and side dishes like plantains or vegetables). Tips are included in the bill, but leave 10% for exceptional service.

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Bakea
One of Costa Rica’s only proponents of the slow food movement, this fusion bistro and coffeehouse combines global styles and...
trendy

Le Monastère
Visiting dignitaries and upper-crust Ticos are drawn into this elegant restaurant night after night for its jaw-dropping views...
seafood | french

Nectar
Nectar matches the chic design and style of the hotel in which it’s located, Flor Blanca, one of the most luxurious...
trendy | seafood | asian

Park Café
A onetime two-Michelin-star chef at Pied á Terre in London, English chef and owner Richard Neat relocated to a Sabana...
smart splurge | tapas | editor pick

Café Milagro
The Quepos answer to Starbucks, this small café with a shady patio churns out fresh roasted Costa Rican coffee along...
cafe

Father Rooster Bar & Grill
Right on the beach in Playa Ocotal near Playa del Coco, Father Rooster is a slap-happy beach bar and grill. Go for the...
mexican | american

Juanita's
For those who come here every night during their stay, Juanita’s is the only restaurant in town. It’s certainly...
mexican

Miss Edith's
One of the best traditional restaurants left in Costa Rica, this tiny, undeniably rustic shack hidden down a dirt road at the...
great value

El Loco Natural
Just a few open-air canopy roofs are all that’s blocking the stars from the mosaic tile floors of the dining area. The...
trendy

Ginger
It’s hard to miss this trendy restaurant right on the road to Papagayo. Mediterranean and Pan-Asian small plates and...
great value | tapas | asian

Machu Picchu
Downtown San Jose is where you’ll find the best Peruvian restaurant in the country. Decent ceviches (Peruvian ceviches,...
great value | seafood

Tree House Restaurant
Circling a colossal, 65-year-old Higuerón tree, this bi-level restaurant, bar, and cyber cafe is all about the atmosphere –...
family