For foodies, Costa Rica is a dream location in addition to a paradise of rich rainforests, immaculate beaches, and energetic culture. This nation provides something for every palette whether your preference is for fresh seafood direct from the ocean, a taste of traditional Costa Rican cuisine, or a cup of excellent coffee.
A mouthwatering combination of Spanish, Caribbean, and Indigenous inspirations, Costa Rican cuisine creates distinctive meals highlighting the rich history and varied natural abundance of the nation. Think fresh tropical fruits, ethically sourced seafood, and some of the greatest coffee you’ll ever taste, all presented in breathtaking surroundings ranging from chic downtown restaurants to little beachside cafés where you might eat with the sound of waves in the background.
Among the nicest aspects of dining in Costa Rica is their dedication to sustainability. Many restaurants give locally grown food, farm-to– table dining, and environmentally friendly methods first priority. This will help you to appreciate every mouthful knowing it is fresh and ethically produced.
This guide will walk you through the top 10 restaurants in Costa Rica, regardless of your taste in cuisine—gourmet experiences or an eagerness to delve into real Costa Rican tastes.
To maximise your gastronomic journey in this tropical paradise, we will go over their must-try foods, venues, seating options, price ranges, and even the optimal time of visit.
Planning to visit Costa Rica?
Let’s explore the top 10 restaurants in Costa Rica.
1. Restaurante Grano de Oro (San José)
Location: Calle 30, San José
Tucked within the opulent Hotel Grano de Oro, this fine dining restaurant presents a sophisticated and private gastronomic experience that deftly combines classic European cooking with Costa Rican tastes. Warm lighting, elegant décor, and a peaceful courtyard scene that would be ideal for a romantic dinner make the ambiance polished but friendly.
The menu highlights locally grown, seasonal foods created with extraordinary workmanship. One of the best dishes is the beef tenderloin with green peppercorn sauce, which has a flawlessly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth cut of steak matched by a rich, somewhat spicily sauce. Popular Costa Rican delicacy, the Tres Leches Cake is richly moist and creamy, mixing light texture with sweetness. Grano de Oro guarantees an amazing dining experience, complete with a large wine list and first-rate service, regardless of your level of experience—first-time or returning.
Dinner, between 6:00 and 9:00 PM, is the ideal time to visit.
Famous Dish: Beef Tenderloin with Green Peppercorn Sauce & Tres Leches Cake
Seating Capacity: ~80 people
2. Soda Tapia (San José)
Location: Paseo Colón, San José
Soda Tapia is a must-visit to really taste Costa Rican home cuisine. For decades both residents and tourists have adored this neighborhood restaurant, also referred to as a “soda,” in Costa Rica. Situated in the center of Paseo Colón, this energetic, laid-back restaurant embodies Costa Rican hospitality in its simplest form.
Offering a balanced and fulfilling mix of rice, beans, plantains, meat, and salad, the most well-known dish at the restaurant is the classic Costa Rican dinner, the Casado. Simple but rich, the tastes capture the home-cooked excellence that gives Costa Rican food such comfort. The meal is always presented with plenty of fresh vegetables and classic sauces regardless of the protein you choose— grilled chicken, beef, fish, or pig.
Soda Tapia is the ideal location for those wishing to sample real local cuisine without going broke because of its reasonable prices and substantial amounts. Usually humming with residents savoring their midday meals, this is a go-to lunch venue.
Lunch, between 12:00 and 2:00 PM, is the best time to visit.
Renowned Dish: Casado ( Meat, Salad, Rice, Beans, Plantains)
Seating Capacity: ~50 people
3. El Avión (Manuel Antonio)
Location of El Avión: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Not only a restaurant, El Avión is a famous monument in Manuel Antonio. Built around a retired Fairchild C-123 cargo jet, this unusual restaurant is a top-notch eating venue as well as a historical site. The airplane itself has a fascinating history; originally bought by the United States for the Nicaragua Contra affair, it was left at the San José airport. Now turned into a rustic and colorful restaurant, it provides a unique dining experience with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Visitors may decide to eat inside the aircraft or take use of the large open-air deck—especially beautiful at dusk. Comprising the freshest catch of fish, prawns, and calamari, the Fresh Seafood Platter is a must-try brimming with strong, tropical tastes. For the best seaside dining experience, team it with a cool Piña Colada created with fresh pineapple and coconut cream.
El Avión is a must-visit location in Manuel Antonio whether your trip is for the amazing ocean views, the intriguing past, or the great cuisine.
Sunset (5:30 PM – 7:30 PM) is the ideal visit timing.
Known Dish: Piña Colada & Fresh Seafood Platter
Seating Capacity: ~100 people
4. La Pecora Nera (Puerto Viejo de Talamanca)
Location: Puerto Viejo, Limón Province
La Pecora Nera provides a real Italian dining experience with a tropical twist right in the beautiful Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo. The restaurant is managed and run by an Italian chef, ensuring that every dish keeps its traditional roots while combining the best local seafood and ingredients.
Surrounded by rich vegetation, the intimate and open-air scene exudes romantic and peace ideal for a memorable evening. The centerpiece of the menu is the Lobster Pasta, which highlights the freshness of the ingredients by means of a thick, savory sauce and properly cooked lobster. Made pasta.
Beyond the cuisine, La Pecora Nera is among the best-rated restaurants in Costa Rica’s Caribbean since it boasts first-rate wine selection, friendly service, and meticulous attention to detail.
Dinner, from 7 to 9 PM, is the best time to visit.
Legendary Dish: Lobster Pasta’s
Sitting Capacity: ~60 attendees
5. Café Britt (Heredia)
Location: Heredia, near San José
Café Britt provides an immersive coffee experience for those who adore coffee that transcends simply savoring a cup. Café Britt offers a guided tour spanning the whole coffee production process—from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing—from Heredia, a region renowned for its coffee farms.
A highlight are the sampling events when guests may taste some of the best gourmet coffees from Costa Rica. The experience is enhanced by handcrafted chocolate combinations, therefore accentuating the strong, aromatic tastes of the coffee.
The café itself is placed in a calm garden-like environment, giving it a great spot to rest and unwind in the morning. The well informed crew makes sure every guest departs with more respect for Costa Rican coffee tradition. Whether you enjoy coffee casually or are a real expert, Café Britt is a must-stop on any Costa Rican gastronomic trip.
Ideal visiting time is morning (between 8:00 and 10:00 AM).
Famous Dish: Costa Rican Coffee & Chocolate
Sitting Capacity: ~40 attendees
6. Restaurante Tin Jo (San José)
Location: Downtown San José
Restaurante Tin Jo is a unique fusion restaurant combining Costa Rican characteristics with the finest of Asian cuisine. Beautifully chosen décor combines Thai, Chinese, Indian, and Japanese styles into a warm and inviting environment.
From fresh made sushi to aromatic curries, the cuisine is varied. Made with exactly balanced tastes of tamarind, peanuts, lime, and fresh veggies, the Pad Thai is among the best dishes. Perfectly cooked, the noodles have a little chewiness that balances the texture combination.
You really should try the Passion Fruit Cheesecake for dessert. The passion fruit’s sour, zesty aromas provide a cool counterpoint to the rich, creamy cheesecake, so completing your dinner.
Beyond cuisine, Tin Jo is among the top dining experiences in San José for its friendly welcome, ambient environment, and dedication to sustainability.
Dinner, from 7 to 9 PM, is the best time to visit.
Notable Dish: Pad Thai with Passion Fruit Cheesecake
Sitting Capacity: ~120 people
7. Choco Café (La Fortuna)
Location: La Fortuna, near Arenal Volcano
Tucked in the center of La Fortuna, Choco Café is a hidden treasure combining the appeal of a small-town café with the warmth of handmade chocolate. Following an exciting morning of trail, waterfall, and hot spring exploration surrounding Arenal Volcano, this café provides the ideal haven for rest and renewal. produced from locally grown cocoa, their famous hot chocolate has a thick, velvety taste that melts in your mouth and goes quite well with their freshly produced banana bread, a soft, moist delight.
Locals and visitors alike meet in the café’s cozy environment—wooden tables, vibrant décor, and a soft chocolate scent permeating the air—for a consoling break. Often offering knowledge about the area and suggestions for additional must-visit locations in La Fortuna, the staff is well-known for their friendliness Choco Café offers a comfortable, unforgettable experience whether your taste is for a sweet treat or just a means of relaxation with a warm cup of chocolate.
The ideal visit time is afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM).
Famous Dish: Banana Bread with Hot Chocolate
Sitting Capacity: ~30 guests
8. Lidia’s Place (Puerto Viejo de Talamanca)
Location: Puerto Viejo, Limón Province
Serving some of the most real Afro-Caribbean tastes in Costa Rica, Lidia’s Place is a real tribute to Caribbean hospitality. Situated in the laid-back seaside hamlet of Puerto Viejo, this family-run restaurant welcomes visitors with its vibrant façade, outdoor dining, and mellow background reggae noises.
Their hallmark meal, Rondon, is a traditional Caribbean seafood stew flavored with rich coconut milk, fresh herbs, and locally caught fish, shrimp, or lobster. With traces of thyme, peppers, and a little spiciness highlighting the rich gastronomic legacy of the area, the meal has a deep, soothing taste. Every mouthful captures the deep warmth of home cooking mixed with the abundance of the Caribbean.
Savoring a nice, leisurely lunch is much easier in the laid-back and welcoming restaurant. Talking with Lidia and her family, who tell tales of the local history, customs, and culture, guests sometimes finds themselves Lidia’s Place provides an amazing eating experience rich in heart and taste, whether your trip from the beach is merely for a real taste of the Caribbean or otherwise.
Lunch, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, is the ideal time to visit.
Notable Dish: Rondon, Caribbean Seafood Soup
Seating Capacity: ~40 guests
9. El Tigre Vestido (Santa Bárbara de Heredia)
Location: Santa Bárbara de Heredia
Nestled on the verdant slopes of Heredia, El Tigre Vestido is an immersive farm-to–table dining experience rather than merely a restaurant. Nestled within a sustainable eco-lodge, this sophisticated yet understated restaurant takes great satisfaction in presenting cuisine created from locally grown, fresh, organic foods straight from its own gardens and nearby farms.
A unique event, Brunch at El Tigre Vestido lets guests experience great cuisine while enjoying breathtaking views of undulating green hills and coffee farms. A highlight is their ceviche, made with freshly caught fish marinated in citrus juices—bursting with vivid tastes and matched by crispy plantain chips. This meal becomes an experience in and itself when combined with a freshly made cup of Costa Rican coffee and roasted on-site for best aroma and richness.
The architecture of the restaurant creates a peaceful environment that accentuates the surrounding natural beauty by combining modern elegance with rustic timber components. The scene is calm and friendly whether you’re seated outside on the patio or inside by the fireplace. For those wishing to savor a sophisticated but closely connected to nature eating experience, this is the perfect location.
Brunch, (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM), is the ideal time to visit.
Notable Dish: Ceviche with Costa Rican Coffee
Sitting Capacity: ~70 attendees
10. La Criollita (San José)
Location: Downtown San José
Both residents and guests visit a real institution in San José, La Criollita to begin their morning with a classic Costa Rican breakfast. Nestled in the historic area of the city, this little eatery radiates old world elegance with its wooden furnishings, classic décor, and pleasant aroma of freshly made coffee filling the air.
Serving with eggs, cheese, fried plantains, and warm tortillas, their gallo pinto—a typical dish of rice and beans cooked together with onions, peppers, and a little of Lizano sauce—stars the menu. Every mouthful is a blast of strong, home-cooked taste that will give the ideal surge of energy for a day of capital touring.
La Criollita is a great site to see daily life in San José because of its energetic but laid-back vibe. Every morning the tables are filled by regulars from business executives getting a quick bite before work to tourists fueling their journeys. The courteous staff adds to the experience, offering recommendations and sharing insights into Costa Rican cuisine culture. La Criollita is the place to be if you want breakfast like a real Tico.
Breakfast (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) is the best time to visit.
Renowned Dish: Gallo Pinto, or Rice & Beans with Eggs
Seating capacity: ~60 people
Final Tips for Food Lovers in Costa Rica
Perfect Dining Time
Usually following a set meal schedule, Costa Ricans, sometimes known as “Ticos, Usually simple, breakfast consists of fresh fruit, bread, and the well-liked gallo pinto—a mix of rice and beans). Often the biggest meal of the day, lunch, or almuerzo, consists of filling meals like casado—a plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein like chicken, fish, or cattle. Dinner is more laid back and usually eaten with friends and family over simpler dishes including soups, sandwiches, or seafood. Plan accordingly; many eateries close early, particularly outside of big cities.
Reservations
Making a reservation is strongly advised if you want to eat at some of Costa Rica’s best restaurants, such La Pecora Nera in Puerto Viejo (famous for its real Italian cuisine) or Grano de Oro in San José (known for its gourmet fusion cuisine). This is particularly crucial during the busiest travel seasons, December through April and July through August, when certain locations may get totally booked. Walk-ins are usually welcomed for informal meals, but if you are visiting a well-known restaurant, it is advisable to check beforehand.
Street food
Foodies should definitely sample the street food scene in Costa Rica. Often at markets, bus stations, and beaches, sellers offering mouthwatering native delicacies will be found. Among the things you should attempt are:
- Empanadas are cheese, bean, or meat-filled fried or baked pastry.
- Often accompanied by sour cream, chorreadas are either sweet or savory corn pancakes.
- Churchill is a distinctive Costa Rican treat prepared with shaved ice, syrup, condensed milk, and fruit.
- Tamales are corn dough loaded with pork, poultry, or vegetables, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Often presented with plantain chips, ceviche is fresh fish or prawn marinated in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and chiles.
- Look for vendors with huge lineups; normally, this indicates freshness and quality!
Tipping
Tipping customs in Costa Rica vary somewhat from those elsewhere. Usually, most restaurants automatically show a 10% service charge on the bill (serviced incluido), covering the waitstaff tip. If you do, however, get first-rate service, leaving an extra 5–10% is much valued. In laid-back restaurants, leaving some extra change or rounding up the amount is a courtesy. Though it’s not demanded, gratuity is usually appreciated for little sodas and street vendors—local businesses.
For other services:
$1–$2 per bag for porters and a few bucks daily for housekeeping;
Tour guides: $5–$10 per person for a half-day trip, $10–$20 for a full-day trip;
Though tipping is not typical, rounding up the fare is kind for taxi drivers.
