Found in Central America and home to some incredibly beautiful beaches and volcanoes, Costa Rica is simply an amazing vacation destination. With an intriguing history and home to some stunning costa rica villas for rent, it’s easy to see why this country is attracting more visitors every year.
Inevitably, when you visit somewhere new you would like to sample some of the country’s best dishes. After all, eating foods that you’ve never tried before is all part of the fun of being away. Let’s take a look at some of Costa Rica’s best restaurants so you know where to dine so you can enjoy eating new dishes as well as those you enjoy at home:
Pesqueria da Limonata
Situated at Avenida 6 and Calle 5, Alajuela, Pesqueria da Limonata is a must-visit eatery for anyone who loves to dine on seafood and Mediterranean dishes. Guests have the pleasure of watching the chef cook your meals while you sit and wait in a charming yet modern dining area. While the restaurant itself is not decorated in a formal manner it does scream style thanks to its clean wooden floors, the elegant multicoloured wicker seating and the air of sophistication.
The menu itself is impressive with a wide range of dishes available. The description of each dish will give you an idea as to what it is like, and how large your portions are. If you’re not a lover of seafood do not despair, Pesqueria da Limonata also offers steak and pasta dishes meaning there is something for everyone. With the occasional live music session and with a very good team of waiting staff if you would like to dine somewhere a little bit special, this is the place to be.
Bamboocha
Found close to the bus stop in Punta Uva, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Bamboocha is an utterly delightful place to dine. With a more relaxed atmosphere than some restaurants, the meals on offer here are nothing short of exquisite. Serving Caribbean, Italian and pizza dishes, if you are hungry and looking for an eatery that has huge portions, come to Bamboocha. Elegantly presented, the meals are cooked to order and are so obviously prepared with love.
While the menu at Bamboocha may not be as extensive as you might find elsewhere, each dish is nicely priced at will certainly fill a gap! Dine outside and spot the occasional parrot who is watching over your meal to see if you have anything tasty to eat. Enjoy looking out over the lush green landscape and indulge in a few local dishes that taste incredibly fresh. Bamboocha is something of a hidden gem and is well worth a visit during your time in Costa Rica.
Cafe Rico
Situated at Avenida 69, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cafe Rico is considered to be one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. The food that is served at this eatery really is second to none and although the dishes may cost a little more than they do elsewhere they are worth every penny. Don’t be fooled by the restaurant’s casual exterior there is nothing casual about the meals they serve. Offering Costa Rican, European, as well as gluten-free and vegetarian dishes you can visit the restaurant for breakfast, for lunch, or for dinner. Sample a dish made up of locally grown fruit with an egg on top, served in a wooden bowl that looks as though it’s just been carved out of a tree.
Enjoy your meal whilst surrounded by the building’s dark wooden structure and gaze upon the rows of books that can be read while you eat. You do not need to rush your meal, Cafe Rico’s relaxed atmosphere allows you to sit and take your time while you dine on a sumptuous sandwich, washed down with a coffee or one of the many smoothies that are simply divine. If you would love to spend some time in a restaurant that’s memorable, this is the place to be. Sit back, order your meal, and enjoy a good read as the rest of the world goes by. Bliss.
Port Vell
Found at Calle 213, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Port Vell is the ideal place to dine if you are looking to indulge in something healthy. Offering Costa Rican and international dishes, this restaurant proudly serves local meals along with breakfast, brunch and juices. The dishes served are nothing short of divine and they are all elegantly displayed making them even more special than they already are. Order a bowl of oats and grains surrounded by slices of watermelon, banana, mango and jam. Sit in this light-coloured restaurant that has a calming feel and enjoy a meal that is larger than you thought it would be!
The dishes at Port Vell are so, so good and the prices are quite reasonable too. If you are looking for a healthy meal or a glass of juice, visit Port Vell, you will not be disappointed.
While Costa Rica is full to the brim of incredible places to eat, we think that the above four restaurants are some of the very best. Visit Pesqueria da Limonata and watch your meal being lovingly prepared, take a trip to Bamboocha and dine on an Italian or Caribbean dish. Make your way to Cafe Rico and enjoy a meal while you’re surrounded by books, and visit Port Vell to dine on something healthy and incredibly tasty.