Guanacaste is Costa Rica's sun-drenched northwestern province, celebrated for its pristine Pacific beaches, volcanic landscapes, and thriving wildlife. From the surf town of Tamarindo to the luxury resorts of the Papagayo Peninsula, the region offers an unbeatable blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. It is one of Central America's top beach destinations, known for its dry tropical climate and vibrant Tico culture.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
El Jardín del Edén
A romantic open-air restaurant set around a swimming pool at the boutique hotel Jardín del Edén. The menu focuses on fresh seafood with Mediterranean influences, complemented by an excellent wine list. Perfect for a special dinner.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Langosta Beach Club
An upscale beach club restaurant at Playa Langosta with beautiful ocean views. Serves creative dishes combining local ingredients with international techniques. The sunset views from the terrace are among the best in Tamarindo.
Playa Langosta, Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Ginger Restaurant
A beloved tapas and cocktail bar perched on a hill above Playa Hermosa with stunning ocean views. The creative Asian-fusion tapas menu features beautifully presented small plates ideal for sharing. One of Guanacaste's most celebrated dining experiences.
Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste
Dragonfly Bar & Grill
A sophisticated open-air restaurant in Tamarindo known for its creative fusion menu combining Asian, Mediterranean, and local Costa Rican influences. Excellent cocktail program and a romantic garden setting.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Mar y Sol
An elegant restaurant near Playa Guiones run by a French chef who brings classical technique to Costa Rican ingredients. The menu changes seasonally and highlights fresh local seafood and produce. A destination restaurant in Nosara.
Nosara, Guanacaste
Nogui's
A legendary beachfront institution in Tamarindo that has been serving fresh fish and Tico favorites for decades. The casual open-air setting right on the beach and consistently fresh seafood keep locals and visitors returning. Excellent value for the quality.
Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste
Coconut Spice
A popular Thai and Asian fusion restaurant in Tamarindo known for its bold flavors and generous portions. The green and red curries are outstanding, and the fresh spring rolls are a local favorite. A welcome international option in the beach town.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
El Chinamo
A popular local casual spot in Tamarindo serving authentic Costa Rican street food: rice and beans, casados, and fresh fruit juices at local prices. Beloved by both visitors and locals seeking honest, affordable Tico cooking.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Costa Rican
Soda La Amistad
A classic Costa Rican soda in Santa Cruz serving traditional Guanacastecan home cooking. The daily casados are filling and delicious, with rice, beans, salad, protein, and fresh juice all included. Where locals eat.
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
Soda Tamarindo
One of Tamarindo's few authentic sodas where local families eat. Hidden behind the main tourist strip, this simple spot serves gallo pinto, rice and beans, and fresh fruit drinks at prices far below the tourist restaurants.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Soda Tiburón
A no-frills local soda in Liberia popular with workers and families. The kitchen turns out generous plates of traditional Tico food at prices that make any traveler smile. Try the pozol (corn soup) unique to Guanacaste.
Liberia, Guanacaste
Soda La Cantina del Norte
A traditional soda in Nicoya town serving dishes influenced by the indigenous Chorotega heritage of the peninsula. Specialties include corn-based traditional foods and locally grown produce cooked by the owner's family.
Nicoya, Guanacaste
Las Brasas
A popular rotisserie and grill in Liberia known for excellent charcoal-grilled chicken, ribs, and pork. The smoky aroma fills the street and locals queue up at lunch for affordable, satisfying meals. Great value for a hearty meal.
Liberia, Guanacaste
Restaurant Hacienda Guachipelín
The restaurant at the famous Hacienda Guachipelín adventure ranch serves hearty Costa Rican ranch food including whole BBQ chicken, churrasco, beans, and tortillas. All-you-can-eat lunch buffets are available for activity package guests.
Cañas Dulces, near Rincón de la Vieja, Guanacaste
La Cantina de Liberia
A lively local cantina in Liberia's center serving cold Imperial beers, bocas (small plates), and Guanacastecan snacks. Extremely popular with locals, especially on Friday evenings. A great place to experience authentic Tico social culture.
Liberia, Guanacaste
Soda Vista al Mar
A simple but beloved soda in Playa del Coco with views toward the beach. Serves generous portions of traditional Costa Rican meals including olla de carne (beef stew), gallo pinto, and fresh-squeezed fruit juices at budget prices.
Playa del Coco, Guanacaste
Restaurante Jazmín
An authentic family-run soda in Santa Cruz serving classic Guanacastecan food in generous portions. The daily specials written on a chalkboard change based on market availability. A real taste of local life away from the tourist beaches.
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste
Soda La Cabaña
Classic family-run soda in Santa Cruz serving hearty casados, gallo pinto, and traditional Guanacastecan corn tortillas. A true taste of local life at budget prices.
Known for: Traditional Guanacastecan home cooking
Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Seafood
La Palapa
A casual, open-air beachside restaurant in Flamingo known for its fresh ceviche, grilled fish, and cold Imperial beers. The friendly service and relaxed atmosphere make it the quintessential Guanacaste beach dining experience.
Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
Restaurante El Bohío
A beloved local restaurant on the beach road in Sámara serving honest Costa Rican food at honest prices. Fresh ceviche, fried fish, and enormous casados draw both locals and budget-conscious travelers.
Sámara, Guanacaste
Restaurante La Puerta del Sol
An elegant restaurant near Playa Flamingo marina with beautiful sunset views over the Pacific. Specializes in fresh local catch prepared with European techniques. The wine cellar stocks an impressive selection to complement the menu.
Flamingo, Guanacaste
Playa Potrero Fish House
A casual spot in Potrero known for serving the freshest local catch, often from boats that docked that very morning. Simple preparations let the quality seafood shine. Perfect for a laid-back lunch with cold beer on the Gulf of Papagayo.
Potrero, Guanacaste
El Ancla
A charming open-air seafood restaurant on the beach road in Sámara serving simply prepared fresh fish and seafood. The whole fish grilled with garlic and lime is the signature dish. Friendly family service.
Sámara, Guanacaste
Cevichería Tico Style
A tiny, packed spot in Liberia specializing in freshly made ceviche in true Costa Rican style — lime-marinated fresh fish with cilantro, white onion, and chile dulce served with chips and cold beer. Excellent takeaway option.
Liberia, Guanacaste
International
Papaya Restaurant
A healthy-focused restaurant in Nosara beloved by the yoga community. Features fresh smoothie bowls, grain salads, fresh fish, and plant-based options. The garden seating and relaxed vibe perfectly match the Nosara lifestyle.
Nosara, Guanacaste
Coco Loco
A lively beachfront bar and restaurant in Playa del Coco with a festive atmosphere, cold drinks, and a menu of burgers, nachos, and fresh seafood. A hub for the expatriate community and tourists enjoying Coco's beach scene.
Playa del Coco, Guanacaste
Mama's Kitchen Nosara
A friendly restaurant in Nosara popular with the expat community for its generous servings of comfort food with a Costa Rican twist. Weekly specials, quiz nights, and a warm welcoming atmosphere.
Nosara, Guanacaste
American
Witch's Rock Surf Bar
Named after the famous surf break just offshore, this lively bar and restaurant is a Tamarindo institution. Classic bar food including wings, burgers, and nachos plus big screens for sports. The place to be for surf culture vibes and cold beer.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Gringo Pete's
A long-standing breakfast and burger spot in Tamarindo loved for its no-nonsense American breakfasts, huge pancakes, and fresh-baked pies. A comfort food institution for expats and travelers craving familiar flavors.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Italian
Pura Vida Pizza
A popular pizza spot in Tamarindo with a wood-fired oven and creative toppings using fresh local ingredients. Great for families and groups; excellent thin-crust pizzas at reasonable prices. Popular for takeaway after a long day at the beach.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Gusto Beach
An Italian-owned beachfront restaurant in Playa del Coco combining fresh Italian pasta with the finest local seafood. The fresh pasta dishes are hand-made daily. Beach views and Italian wines round out an excellent dining experience.
Playa del Coco, Guanacaste
Mediterranean
The Beach Club at Las Catalinas
The main restaurant in the unique car-free village of Las Catalinas, offering fresh seafood and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with beautiful views over the calm bay. Excellent weekend brunch with live music.
Las Catalinas, Guanacaste
Seasons by Shlomy
An acclaimed restaurant in Nosara run by Israeli chef Shlomy, blending Mediterranean flavors with Costa Rican ingredients. The menu changes according to season and market availability, ensuring peak freshness in every dish.
Nosara, Guanacaste
Bakery
The Bakery Café Tamarindo
The best café in Tamarindo for breakfast and brunch. Fresh-baked pastries, excellent Costa Rican coffee, avocado toast, and smoothie bowls attract a morning crowd of surfers and travelers. The best place to start the day.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Bbq
El Lagarto Bar & Grill
An open-air beachfront grill in Nosara, famous for its wood-fired BBQ and fresh grilled seafood. The sunset views from the bamboo deck are spectacular. Live music on weekends makes this a popular gathering spot.
Nosara, Guanacaste
Beach Bar
Makoko Beach Bar
A beloved casual beach bar in Potrero with hammocks, great cocktails, and simple food. Frequented by expats and travelers enjoying Potrero's quiet beach scene. The perfect sunset spot with cold drinks and good company.
Potrero, Guanacaste
Café
Proyecto Surf Coffee
A hip specialty coffee shop in Sámara serving single-origin Costa Rican coffees, cold brew, and simple breakfast bowls. The surfboard décor and chill vibe make it the perfect morning stop before hitting the waves.
Sámara, Guanacaste
Caribbean
Roots Bar and Grill
A colorful, reggae-vibed bar and restaurant in Playa del Coco serving Caribbean-influenced Costa Rican food with cold craft beers and rum cocktails. The coconut rice and beans and jerk chicken are standouts.
Playa del Coco, Guanacaste
Craft Beer
Clandestina
Tamarindo's top craft beer bar with an impressive selection of Costa Rican and international craft beers. Food menu includes burgers, wings, and bar snacks. Live sports events draw crowds, and the rooftop terrace has beach views.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Vegan
Green Papaya Café
A beloved breakfast and lunch café in Nosara with a focus on healthy, plant-forward eating. Smoothie bowls, vegan options, fresh juice cleanses, and excellent coffee. The shaded garden seating makes this a perfect retreat.
Nosara, Guanacaste
Food tours & tastings in Guanacaste
Eat your way through Guanacaste with a guide.
Browse food experiences in GuanacasteWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Tipping practices vary — check local customs. Service charge is often included.
Restaurants may close between lunch and dinner. Plan meals around local dining hours.
Popular restaurants may not take reservations — arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |