Puntarenas is Costa Rica's largest province, stretching along most of the country's Pacific coastline from the Gulf of Nicoya south to the Panama border. It serves as the gateway to surf towns, national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, and island reserves reached by ferry from Puntarenas city.
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
El Avión Restaurant
One of Costa Rica's most unique dining experiences — housed inside a converted 1954 Fairchild C-123 Contraband aircraft on a jungle hillside. Spectacular ocean views, fresh seafood, and a fascinating history (the plane was seized from drug runners in the 1980s).
Barba Roja
A beloved Manuel Antonio institution famous for its sunset views, creative sushi rolls, and fresh ceviche. The open-air terrace overlooking the Pacific is one of the most coveted dining spots on the Central Pacific coast.
La Luna Restaurant
Set inside the Gaia Hotel & Reserve, La Luna is widely regarded as one of Costa Rica's finest restaurants. The seasonal menu showcases local ingredients prepared with Mediterranean technique, with stunning views over the Pacific.
Ronny's Place
A casual, popular restaurant on the road to Manuel Antonio park with sweeping ocean views, cold beer, and a menu of Costa Rican classics and burgers. Known for friendly service and a relaxed vibe — a local favourite.
El Patio de Café Milagro
An award-winning restaurant in Quepos specializing in creative Latin fusion cuisine. The open-air courtyard setting, craft cocktails, and innovative dishes using local ingredients make this a standout dining experience in the area.
Lemon Zest
A bright, cheerful restaurant in Quepos consistently praised for its fresh ingredients, creative menu, and excellent service. Popular for breakfast and lunch. Known for fresh juices, healthy bowls, and flavourful daily specials.
Restaurant Dos Locos
A lively, colourful restaurant in Quepos serving generous Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes with a Costa Rican twist. A favourite with locals and tourists alike for its affordable prices, cold Margaritas, and street-food atmosphere.
Gabriella's Restaurant
A well-established Jacó restaurant serving fresh seafood, burgers, and international dishes. Popular with surfers and tourists for its reliable quality, good portion sizes, and central location on the main strip.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Seafood
El Hicaco
A Jacó seafood staple serving fresh catches from the Pacific in classic Costa Rican style — grilled, fried, or in a hearty stew. Unpretentious and popular with locals who come for consistently fresh fish.
Marea Baja
A relaxed beachside restaurant in Jacó serving wood-fired pizza, fresh seafood, and cocktails. The outdoor terrace is perfect for watching the sunset with a cold Imperial beer or tropical cocktail.
Don Toro
A well-regarded restaurant in Puntarenas City serving quality steaks, fresh seafood, and Costa Rican classics. One of the better-reviewed restaurants in the city with attentive service and a comfortable dining room.
Isla Coco's Bar & Grill
A popular bar and grill on Puntarenas City's waterfront serving cold beers, fresh fish, burgers, and pub-style food. Great for watching football while enjoying a cold Imperial with fresh-caught ceviche.
Salsipuedes
A popular open-air restaurant in Dominical serving the freshest seafood directly from local fishermen. The ceviche is exceptional and the fish tacos are legendary among the surf crowd. Casual and fun atmosphere.
Citrus Restaurant
A creative restaurant in Uvita town serving globally inspired dishes with local Pacific ingredients. Great vegetarian options and an inventive cocktail menu. A favourite for visitors to Marino Ballena National Park.
Boca Negra Restaurant
A charming restaurant in Uvita known for its creative takes on traditional Costa Rican dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and tropical, with open-air seating surrounded by jungle plants.
Restaurant El Avión (Quepos)
A waterfront restaurant in Quepos with views over the harbour and marina. Specializes in fresh Pacific catches — mahi-mahi, snapper, tuna — served simply grilled with rice, beans, and patacones.
La Mariposa Restaurant
Perched high above the Pacific at the Hotel La Mariposa, this restaurant offers one of the most breathtaking ocean-view dining experiences in Central America. The cuisine is international with a focus on fresh local seafood.
Soda Mar y Sol
A beloved beachside soda serving fresh ceviche, fish casados, and cold beers on the Paseo de los Turistas. The ceviche puntarenense is considered some of the best in the country by locals.
Playa Biesanz Seafood Shack
A casual beach-adjacent food spot near secluded Playa Biesanz offering fresh ceviche, fish tacos, and cold beer. Simple and delicious Pacific Coast cuisine in a beautiful setting.
Marisquería Don Rafa
A beloved family-run seafood restaurant in Puntarenas City serving the freshest Pacific ceviche, rice with seafood, and whole fried fish. A true local institution that has been serving the city for over 20 years.
Maracutú
A popular restaurant in Puerto Jiménez serving Brazilian and Pacific fusion dishes — a unique combination reflecting the mix of cultures in the Osa Peninsula. Fresh fish, caipirinha cocktails, and a friendly atmosphere.
El Pelícano Restaurant
A beachfront seafood restaurant at Playa Herradura adjacent to the Los Sueños complex. Known for grilled whole fish, fresh ceviche, and cold beers with views over the tranquil bay. Popular with sport fishermen celebrating the day's catch.
Costa Rican
Soda Sanchez
A quintessential Costa Rican soda (casual local eatery) serving generous casados, rice and beans, fried fish, and fresh fruit juices at rock-bottom prices. The real taste of local Costa Rican cuisine.
Soda La Cantina
A cheerful local soda on the Paseo de los Turistas in Puntarenas City. Serves freshly prepared Costa Rican classics throughout the day. Popular with local workers and budget travellers.
El Descanso Soda
A classic family-run soda in Dominical village serving hearty Costa Rican breakfasts and lunches. The gallo pinto breakfast with eggs, plantain, and cheese is renowned locally. Beloved by surfers who fuel up before hitting the waves.
Soda Típica El Coquito
A no-frills local soda in Santa Elena serving authentic Costa Rican meals. The casado lunch is excellent value — rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein. Beloved by local Monteverde families.
International
Soma Restaurant & Bar
A stylish restaurant and bar in Santa Teresa, one of the most trendy dining spots on the Nicoya Peninsula. Creative tapas, excellent cocktails, and a beautiful open-air space make this a hotspot for the Santa Teresa social scene.
The Monkey Bar
A fun and social bar-restaurant in Manuel Antonio with creative cocktails, cold beers, and a casual food menu. Live music some nights. As the name suggests, monkeys occasionally visit the surrounding trees.
Noa Noa Beach Club
A lively beach club on Jacó's main beach strip with DJs on weekends, tropical cocktails, and a full food menu. The day bed and pool area make it a great spot to spend the afternoon after surfing.
Italian
Lunarossa
An Italian restaurant in Puntarenas City offering fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and seafood dishes. One of the more upscale dining options in the city with a pleasant ambiance and well-curated wine list.
Tramonti Restaurant
A highly regarded Italian restaurant in Manuel Antonio with fresh homemade pasta, excellent pizza, and creative seafood dishes. The terrace views over the jungle and ocean create a romantic setting perfect for a special evening.
Pizza Pura Vida
A friendly pizzeria in Jacó serving wood-fired pizzas with creative toppings including local tropical fruit combinations. Popular for takeaway and family dining. The Pura Vida special pizza with hearts of palm and local cheese is a crowd favourite.
Steakhouse
Wine & Grill By Bon Appétit
An upscale restaurant with an extensive wine list, quality steaks, and creative international dishes. A local favourite for special occasions with an elegant atmosphere and knowledgeable sommelier.
La Fogata Steak House
A well-regarded steakhouse in Jacó serving quality Costa Rican beef, slow-cooked BBQ ribs, and grilled seafood. The open-air grill restaurant has a lively, social atmosphere popular with local families on weekends.
Vegetarian
La Cantina Montezuma
A bohemian café-restaurant in Montezuma village serving healthy bowls, fresh juices, and international dishes. Popular with backpackers and yoga retreaters. The jungle terrace is a peaceful place to enjoy a leisurely meal.
Tepuy Restaurant
A Venezuelan-owned restaurant offering arepas, cachapas, pabellón, and creative Latin dishes in a colourful open-air setting. A refreshing change from seafood menus and beloved by locals and expats.
Caribbean
Calaloo Caribbean Restaurant
A reggae-infused Caribbean restaurant in Dominical serving jerk chicken, rice and peas, plantain chips, and tropical cocktails. A laid-back spot with live reggae music on weekends and a colourful, vibrant atmosphere.
Coffee
Jungle Coffee Café
A cozy café on the road to Manuel Antonio serving exceptional locally sourced Costa Rican coffee, fresh baked goods, and hearty breakfasts. Beloved by visitors and expats. A perfect pre-park fuel stop.
French
Café de Paris
A French-owned bakery and café on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio serving fresh croissants, baguettes, quiches, and excellent coffee. A delightful slice of France in the Costa Rican jungle.
Japanese
Koji's Restaurant
An excellent Japanese restaurant in Santa Teresa serving creative sushi, sashimi, and Asian fusion dishes using the freshest Pacific seafood. A surprising and excellent find in this surf village.
Mediterranean
Gusto Beach
A stylish beachside restaurant in Santa Teresa with a Mediterranean-influenced menu, excellent salads, fresh pasta, and creative fish dishes. Very popular with the wellness and yoga crowd for its healthy options and beautiful setting.
Mexican
Amigos Bar & Grill
A popular sports bar and restaurant in central Jacó with multiple screens, cold beer, and a pub food menu. Great for watching football, surfing competitions, and socializing. A Jacó institution.
Food tours & tastings in Puntarenas
Eat your way through Puntarenas with a guide.
Browse food experiences in PuntarenasWe 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. |