Don’t be mistaken by its small size as this tiny country packs a powerful punch of travel experiences to sweep you off your feet and make you fall in love with the place. Costa Rica, the Central American gem is endowed with boundless natural riches and brimming with pura vida (pure life). From active volcanoes to cascading waterfalls, misty rainforests and thermal hot springs, the country is packed with natural wonders and an incredible wildlife to match. Add to this the entire range of adrenaline pumping experiences, 800 miles of pristine beaches and unmatched Costa Rican hospitality and you have the recipe for a perfectly fulfilling holiday.
Costa Rica’s culinary landscape has rapidly evolved over the last few years, with innovative takes on traditional dishes and a generous sprinkling of unique local ingredients. Costa Rican restaurants promise to take you on an unforgettable gastronomic journey and here are some of the worthiest spots to take that foodie break.
Top 10 Costa Rican Restaurants
Are you a foodie? Then, head to these Costa Rican restaurants and treat your taste buds with scrumptious food items. Keep scrolling down to know more!
1. La Esquina De Buenos Aires
The charming decor and wonderful atmosphere at this bustling restaurant transports you to Buenos Aires the moment you step in. Amongst the most popular restaurants in Costa Rica, this place serves the best steak in town and offers a dining experience like no other. The service is always warm, friendly and attentive while their bar service and wine selection are also great and perfectly complement the food. Their carpaccio appetizer, salmon filled ravioli in dill sauce and the sea bass are rich in flavour and taste, as are all the vegetarian entrees. Wrap up your memorable meal with a decadent chocolate bomb and banana crepe. An advanced reservation is recommended as the restaurant is always packed.
Location: Calle 11, San José, Costa Rica
Cuisine: Steakhouse, Latin, Argentinian
Openings Hours: 11:30 Am – 3 Pm & 6 Pm – 10:30 Pm
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2. El Patio De Cafe Milagro
Anyone visiting Manuel Antonio mustn’t miss out on one of the best Costa Rica restaurants that offer a fun atmosphere, local vibes and great food. Their signature starters, pork tenderloin, ceviche and mashed plantain are outstanding. Along with the flavourful and delicious food, the place has one of the best craft beer selections in the area and some superlative coffee drinks to choose from. You can enjoy a superbly prepared 3-course meal, buy their roasted coffee and dance to the vibrant live music for a fun-filled evening out. The incredibly friendly staff goes out of their way to pAmper guests.
Location: Frente a Cafe Milagro carretera principal de, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, Costa Rica
Cuisine: Caribbean, Costa Rican, Latin
Opening Hours: Daily, 7Am – 10Pm
3. Tin Jo Asian
This fantastic place in the heart of San Jose is Amongst the most charming Costa Rican restaurants that you’ll have the pleasure of visiting. The beautiful artwork, intimate setting and superb preparations make it a top choice for a date, fAmily outing or business meeting. The exquisite & flavourful food is a treat to the senses, while the servers are very friendly and helpful. There are plenty of vegetarian options Amidst the delightful array of Asian-fusion dishes served here. There fresh-fruit blends, cocktails and chocolate gong cake dessert are out of this world! Visit one of the most acclaimed 5-star restaurants in Costa Rica for an outstanding culinary experience.
Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Thai, VietnAmese,Indian
Location: Calle 11, between Avs. 6 and 8, Calle 11, San José Province, San Jose, Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Openings Hours: 11:30Am-2:30Pm; 6-10Pm
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4, Pangas Beach Club
Located right on the beach with gorgeous views of the delta, Pangas Beach Club is undoubtedly Amongst the best Costa Rican restaurants in Costa Rica serving outstanding local food with spectacular views. The beautiful setting with tables in the sand and lights hanging from the tree make it a magical experience, while their superb preparations steal the show. You can enjoy a drink on the comfortable couches, while nibbling the sumptuous seafood platter and witnessing a beautiful sunset. The tuna tower, garlic seafood, grilled octopus, beef steak with hot volcanic rock and Mahi Mahi are sure to tingle your taste buds.
Cuisine: Caribbean, Seafood, Costa Rican
Location: Main road to TAmarindo, 500m SW from Auto Mercado, in front of El Tesoro, Provincia de Guanacaste, TAmarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: Daily, 10Am-10Pm
5. Nenes
This stylishly fancy restaurant in La Fortuna is hugely popular for dishing out the best steaks in the area. The lovely atmosphere is perfectly paired with warm & friendly service as well delicious food. The ceviche appetizer, steak served on a fiery platter, herb crusted salmon, jalapeno fillet and heart of palm platter will bowl you over with their incredible taste. All sea food dishes are fresh, & flavourful with generous portion sizes; they have a nice selection of wines to go with the food. The pleasing atmosphere, nice decor and relaxed vibes make for a wonderful outing.
Cuisine: Latin, Seafood, Costa Rican
Location: Adventures in Costa Rica, 21007, 702, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: Daily, 10Am-11Pm
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6. Restaurante Grano De Oro
Located in one of the top-notch hotels in town, Grano de Oro is counted Amongst the best Costa Rican restaurants for their lovely atmosphere, Amazing food and incredible service. The elegant decor, intimate setting and knowledgeable staff add to the overall experience of dining in this beautiful restaurant. Their expert chefs use the freshest ingredients to serve you flavourful food that you’ll savour with every bite. Their steak tenderloin, tres leches and signature pie are highly recommended for their perfect preparation and unique flavours. When in town, we suggest you head to this classic restaurant for a romantic meal in a cosy setting with your loved ones.
Cuisine: French, Latin, European
Location: San José Province, San José, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: Daily, 8Am-10Pm
7. Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar
Great atmosphere, exceptional service and outstanding food define this place, considered Amongst the top Costa Rican restaurants and one of the best places to dine in Jaco. Even before you take the first heavenly bite of their richly flavoured dishes, you’ll be smitten by the awesome presentation of your meal. They have a great wine bar & the bartender rustles up a mean cocktail too to go along with your lip-smacking appetizers. The Coffee Cacao Crusted Beef tenderloin, their signature dish is truly spectacular and bursting with flavours. Don’t miss out on their Elvis pudding for that perfect finish o your meal.
Cuisine: Seafood, Wine Bar, Central American, Costa Rican
Location: Jaco Walk Open Air Shopping Center, Avenida Pastor Diaz, Provincia de Puntarenas, Jacó, 61101, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: 5-10 Pm (Sun-Thurs); 5-11 Pm (Fri-Sat)
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8. Sapore Trattoria
When you’re craving for a taste of Italy in Costa Rica , this lovely spot serves delightful Italian fare paired with some exquisite wines. Their pizzas are crispy and made just right, while the homemade pastas are cooked right in front of you for that special touch. The mushroom risotto, cheese ravioli, focaccia caprese and tirAmisu taste heavenly and leave a lingering taste of great food on your palate. Counted Amongst the best Italian Costa Rican restaurants, Sapore Trattoria is the perfect place for a hearty Italian meal served with love and warm hospitality. The staff goes that extra mile to make the experience special for each guest.
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean
Location: 75 metros oeste de Plaza de la Democracia. Frente Caja de Ande., Sobre Avenida Segunda, San José, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: 11:30Am-10:30Pm
9. Lubnan
From the decor & setting to the perfectly prepared food, Lubnan goes all out to bring you a slice of Lebanon in Central America. Amongst the nicest Mediterranean cuisine Costa Rican restaurants, this place is a run by a friendly owner who takes great care of guests. Their mezze platter, Tabouleh, hummus and lAmb kebabs are all spot on and taste incredibly authentic. The portions are generous and their baklava & kunafa are delicious too.
Cuisine: Lebanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Location: Frente a la Torre Mercedes Benz, Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: 11Am-12Am
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10. Emilio’s Cafe
The gorgeous views, attentive & friendly service as well as absolutely delicious food make this a great stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Right from their breakfast pastries & sandwiches to dinner dishes, everything is fresh & flavourful. Their jumbo shrimp in sauce, trio tuna and fresh snapper are simply Amazing, while their coffees are some of the best in the region. Sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful meal at one of the loveliest Costa Rican restaurants.
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Costa Rica, Central American
Location: Manuel Antonio Entrada Hotel Parador, Costa Rica
Opening Hours: 7Am-9Pm (Wed-Mon)
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Now that you are aware about the best Costa Rican restaurants, pack your bags, book your trip to Costa Rica with TravelTriangle and relish an unforgettable meal in this beautiful country.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
