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Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in the tourist-heavy beach towns of Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarin
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfe
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in the tourist-heavy beach towns of Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara. Many restaurants, especially tourist-oriented ones with dollar-denominated menus, do not include the 13% tax plus mandatory 12% service. By law, menus are required to show the total price including tax, but many owners flout this law. Be sure to ask if taxes are included; otherwise you may be surprised by a bill that’s 25% higher than you expected.
Fresh seafood is the specialty at this poolside alfresco restaurant, with inventive daily specials that focus on the day's catch prepared with Asian and Mediterranean flavors. After 3:30, the dedicated sushi chef produces such treats as panko-crusted prawn roll with ahi tuna, mango, and avocado. Come for lunch and enjoy the calming sea view peeking through the tropical foliage, or come for a special-occasion candlelit dinner backed by the sound of the surf. It’s pricey, but worth the splurge if you crave a sophisticated scene.
Resort Florblanca, 2 km (1 mile) north of soccer field, Malpais, Puntarenas, 60111, Costa Rica
For the freshest, tastiest, and most affordable seafood in town, make a beeline to this fish market and restaurant that also features the most entertaining chefs. A trio of cheerful Canadian expats shucks, slices, grills, and prepares fresh local oysters, sashimi, grilled fish fillets doused in ginger and sesame dressing, savory fish cakes, and refreshing ceviche. The velvety, flavorful fish pâté is addictive. Take a seat at the counter inside and enjoy the buzz and banter in the open kitchen, or sit at an umbrella-shaded table under palms in the courtyard. There are other restaurants in the Central Valley with the Product C name, but this is the true original.
Centro Commercial Playa Carmen, at Cruce, Santa Teresa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
As if the breathtaking view high in the hills above Playas del Coco weren't enough (you may recognize it from its feature on the television series Restaurants on the Edge), the innovative menu at one of the few oyster bars in Costa Rica takes it a step further. Try the oysters raw or grilled or order the tuna nachos alongside a spicy ginger margarita or watermelon mojito. More creative dishes include avocado fries with chipotle dip, lobster grilled cheese, Korean beef tacos, and the ahi tuna sticky rice bowl. Come for happy hour from 1 to 3 and stay until the sun goes down. Reservations are recommended for sunset dining.
Rooftop of Chantel Suites, up hill in Vista Marina, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The best perch along the Paseo de los Turistas is a table on the breezy veranda of this updated seafood and grill restaurant with a beach view. The menu is modern, with starters like salads, ceviches, and huge disks of patacones (fried, squashed platanos), served with frijoles and shredded beef. Along with the classic fish fillet grilled with butter and fresh garlic, there's a spicier option with a jalapeño and fresh tomato sauce, as well as tuna in teriyaki sauce and grilled salmon. Grilled beef and barbecue pork ribs will satisfy meat eaters. Save room for flan de coco, dense and creamy with toasted coconut and caramel sauce. This place has polished service, with friendly, attentive waiters.
The "crazy coconut" is one of the few places where you can dine with your toes in the sand while watching the sunset without anything separating you from the water. Start with the fried calamari or mixed ceviche, and move on to mains like the blackened swordfish wrap, the sesame-crusted yellowfin tuna taco, or the slow-cooked ribs with pineapple barbecue sauce. Although not on the menu, they usually have a whole lobster for $20. Entrées come with a choice of coleslaw, fruit, fries, or rice and beans, and can be prepared Caribbean-style, with coconut milk. If you haven’t already overdosed on coconut, try the homemade coconut sorbet. Sunset diners should come with mosquito spray, since those little buggers love naked feet in the sand.
A Flamingo institution serving beachgoers and locals for more than three decades, this popular restaurant has an array of sandwiches and salads, as well as reliably fresh seafood in large portions at reasonable prices. Settle in at one of the wooden tables beneath the ceiling fans and massive thatch roof for a traditional Costa Rican ceviche, avocado stuffed with shrimp, or heart of palm and pejivalle (palm fruit). The main fare includes whole fried red snapper, shrimp and fish kebabs, and a delicious plato de mariscos (shrimp, lobster, and fish served with garlic butter, potatoes, and salad). For a lighter meal, you can't beat the scrumptious fish tacos. Save room for Marie's signature banana-chocolate bread pudding. At breakfast, try the unusual papaya pancakes, French toast made with cream cheese and jam, or eggs Benedict. There's free Wi-Fi for customers and live music three times a month (call ahead for schedule).
Plaza commercial center, Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Pleasing a loyal legion of local fans since 1974, Nogui's offers a hearty menu of seafood and meat dishes that pair perfectly with a tamarind margarita. With feet-in-the-sand dining and ocean views, it's a great place to let the kids play on the beach while you enjoy one of Tamarindo's best places to watch the sunset.
Chow down at this casual place a block from the beach, or party at the extensive bar, which occupies about a third of the restaurant. Portions are large, so pace yourself—especially if you order the popular barbecue ribs with mashed potatoes. On the seafood side, you can count on teriyaki tuna, grilled mahimahi, and coconut-crusted sea bass. The salads are topped with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, avocado, and quinoa. The chalkboard menu features the daily specials, your best bet for what's in season. Prices are on the high side, but you can arrive early for half-price cocktails from 4 to 6; the spicy jalapeño margarita packs a punch. There is also Sunday brunch in high season.
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