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Step back 150 years into one of Liberia's grandest mansions, complete with an original ceiling painting of cupids, doves, and garlands of flowers. Creative takes on tropical ingredients, all with a French twist, make this the most sophisticated restaurant in town. Loyal customers drive over an hour for the incredibly fresh ceviche with mango and cilantro. Don't miss the Wagyu beef burger, the chicken pesto sandwich, or the mahimahi with chimichurri. Herbs are grown on-site, juices are 100% natural, and the organic coffee is perhaps the best you'll taste in Costa Rica. Save room for any of the fabulous desserts, like the classic cheesecake, lemon pie, or the molten chocolate lava cake made with Belgian chocolate.
C. Real Antigua, 125 m south of central park, Liberia, Guanacaste, 50101, Costa Rica
Known For
- Wagyu beef burger
- Mouthwatering ceviche
- Organic coffee and delectable crepes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Mon.
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With an atmosphere as fun and funky as the luchadora (Mexican wrestler) legend for which it's named, everyone will have a great time and an even better meal at this Mexican cantina. A large garden strung with lights beckons to families, and the long bar is a great place to try some churros after your meal.
Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Gorgeous garden with kids' playground
- Taco Tuesday specials
- Jalapeño margaritas
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Dawn to dusk, this casually chic restaurant overlooking Playa Pelada is the most scenic place to have breakfast, lunch, cocktails, or dinner, with tables spilling out of the interior onto a wide, covered terrace and onto the sand. The menu is mostly Mediterranean, ranging from Moroccan-spiced or limoncello-marinated fish of the day, to beef or fish carpaccio and brick oven–fired pizzas. At sunset, you can cozy up in a settee on the sand with a cocktail, and share a Mediterranean platter of dips, including harissa-hot hummus served with fluffy pita. Breakfast, starting at 7 am, ranges from typical Costa Rican to full English, with eggs, bacon, sausage, baked beans, grilled mushrooms, and tomatoes. Vegetarians can opt for toast topped with avocado and goat cheese. Some outdoor, picnic-style tables make this restaurant family-friendly during the day, while the terrace tables are more romantic at night.
Playa Pelada, Nosara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Crispy-crust pizza
- Mediterranean platter with hummus and tzatziki
- Spectacular sunsets
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This hip beach café has exactly the kind of ambience one comes to Costa Rica for, with tables scattered along the beach amid palm and almond trees, hammocks swinging in the wind, palm fronds rustling, and surfers riding the glistening waves in front. Seating, or more precisely, lolling, is on reclining, African-style hardwood chairs, or at shaded tables. Along with fresh fruit smoothies, ultrathin vegetarian pizzas, and veggie soy burgers, the menu includes organic chicken and "responsible fish" (caught in nets that don't also trap turtles). Seared ahi tuna with sun-dried tomatoes and olive tapenade served on ciabatta bread is a winner, as are the ceviche, fish-and-chips, pesto pasta, and assorted salads. Mahi tacos are the latest addition to the menu, served with rice and beans.
At main entrance to Playa Avellanas, Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Ave and Ana the pigs, their mascots
- Great spot to camp out for the day
- Flatbread pizza, fresh-fruit smoothies, and organic meats
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You can’t get any closer to the water than at this outdoor beach garden, where rustic tables are shaded by enormous ficus trees draped with wicker lamps. Classic French cuisine with Costa Rican flavors include dishes like fresh seafood with fruit reductions and organic meats seared on hot lava stones. It's one of the few places in Tamarindo serving lamb, and 100% of the ingredients are local. For something light, try the tropical goat cheese salad with mango chutney or the yellowfin tuna tower topped with mango and avocado.
Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Sunset dinners
- Lovely setting on the beach
- Lamb seared on hot lava stones
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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An unexpected outpost of divine French cuisine, this oasis of elegance overlooks a sparkling blue pool edged by lush palms, while lounge chairs shaded by orange umbrellas tempt diners to stay overnight (six stylish rooms are available). Lunch and dinner feature lots of local seafood, produce, and goat cheese from the chef’s nearby farm. Try the fresh grouper fillet bathed in lemon-herb-butter sauce, or the seared ahi tuna with ginger-carrot puree. Vegetarians can feast on ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, sage, and sun-dried tomatoes. Desserts include classic French options—fruit crepes, crème brûlée—as well as chocolate lava cake with raspberry compote. The service here is exemplary. You can order wonderful wines by the glass or bottle—a rare opportunity in these remote parts. While waiting for your meal to arrive, ask to view the photo album of the chef’s famous clients.
Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Tantalizing pasta, steak, and seafood prepared in a French style
- Volcano dessert with chocolate lava
- Fresh catch of the day
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Sept.–Oct.
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Pop into this charming spot with “California cool” and cozy up in the corner booth, where the clean white walls set a backdrop for rainbow-hued books and surf-themed wall decor. Outside, be prepared to share the pura vida vibe and maybe a table—it's communal seating, and it gets busy during brunch with treats like homemade bagels with egg and avocado and rich ricotta pancakes.
Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Acai bowls bursting with healthy goodness like fruit, chia, and homemade granola
- Innovative smoothies with eco-friendly metal straws
- Miami-inspired Cuban sandwich
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun.
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This roadside grill is home to the country's best barbecued pork and beef, slow roasted for 16 to 18 hours over a wood fire and served with dynamite barbecue sauce. Sides go beyond coleslaw or fries to include lentils stewed with bacon and onions. If you've been tempted to try Costa Rican–style chicharrones, try them here—served with refried beans, local cheese, tortilla chips, and salsa. Beyond barbecue, there are imported beef steaks, plus a filet mignon smothered in mushroom sauce. If you can persuade any noncarnivore to enter the premises, the menu also has salads and fish. A playground keeps small children occupied while parents dig in. And there's a Pops ice-cream parlor attached to the restaurant. The Tres Hermanas restrooms are the poshest and cleanest on the long stretch of highway between Puntarenas and Liberia.
Palo Verde National Park, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Barbecue ribs
- Costa Rican–style chicharrones
- Playground to keep the kids busy
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Take a beach break and stop at this funky open-air café for a smoothie or espresso, and stay for a panini or avocado toast—just make sure to get here before the freshly baked bread runs out. The seats may be unconventional (think swings and couches) but the food is pure delight.
In front of Sámara Natural Center, Sámara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Spicy panini
- "Bohemian" smoothie
- Strong coffee
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
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There's something for everyone any time of day at this three-story bakery/bistro/lounge/cocktail bar. In the morning, there are savory quiches and homemade granola as well as tartlets, pies, and every other type of sweets and bread (including gluten-free), while lunch has a more upscale menu with delectable soups (bouillabaisse), salads (poached lobster), sandwiches, and artisanal pizza. Dinner standouts are linguine del mare with lobster, shrimp, octopus, and clams, or tender grilled guava barbecue short ribs.
Corner Of Hwy. 911, Potrero, Guanacaste, 50304, Costa Rica
Known For
- Tapas like fresh-from-the-sea tuna tiradito and sea-bass ceviche
- Rooftop cocktails
- European-style patisserie breakfast noshes
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues.
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A feast for the senses, this plant-filled haven has coffee, smoothies, and food that look lovely and taste delicious. Whether you order the impeccably presented "Eggs Nest" (sous vide eggs in a nest of crispy, fried sweet potatoes) or the art-topped green matcha latte, having an enjoyable meal here is practically kismet. Don't worry about trying everything on the menu, you'll likely be back. Note that the restaurant closes early at 3 pm.
Playa Guiones Norte, Nosara, Guanacaste, 50206, Costa Rica
Known For
- Fresh salads, poke bowls, and brunch food like truffle avo toast
- Outdoor garden setting
- Thirst quenchers like the blue majik (spirulina) smoothie
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner. Closed Mon.
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An exuberant mix of American and Venezuelan favorites makes this breakfast spot a favorite of locals and tourists alike who come for the coffee and stay for the pillow-soft cinnamon rolls and other tasty baked goods. Make sure you try the chicken avo chachapa (a Venezuelan sweet corn pancake with shredded chicken in hogada sauce, cheese, avocado, and egg) or the eponymous guayoyo (a Venezuelan pour-over coffee), or a dirty chai latte. For the less adventurous, there are smoothies, caesar salads, and bagels with cream cheese and homemade jelly.
La Chorrera Shopping Center, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, 50101, Costa Rica
Known For
- Delicious coffee selection
- Arepas and other Venezuelan delights
- Baked goods
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner
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Cool off inside or relax outside on the deck at this little gem on the beach, the perfect spot to replenish the reserves with some healthy food or a good cup of coffee while you watch surfers ride the waves. Pico has the best Wi-Fi in town, so if you must look at your computer on your vacation, do it from here.
Calle Central, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Known For
- Fresh salads and Buddha bowls
- Brunch
- Unimpeded beach views
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The aroma of baking bread is irresistible as you pass this German bakery, just south of the Liberia airport, whose baked goods are delivered all over the peninsula. The display case is filled with tempting strudels, Bundt cakes, and flaky fruit pastries. The cheesecakes and cinnamon rolls are so soft and moist, you might lose your fork. There is also a full-fledged restaurant, serving everything from wood-fired pizzas to fish sandwiches. Vegan and gluten-free choices here as well. The menu is huge, and so are portions, making this the ideal place to come pre- or postflight. The German owner has made sure that Deutsche classics hit the table, including bratwurst with sauerkraut, pork schnitzel, and hearty dark breads. The restaurant also has a gluten-free menu, a beer garden, and playground. It's open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
Liberia, Guanacaste, 50101, Costa Rica
Known For
- Apple strudel and other tempting bakery desserts
- Savory scallops
- Beer garden with a playground for the kids
