Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. The Lookout

    $$$

    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
    4033–7588

    Known For

    • Fresh raw oysters, delivered Wednesday
    • Tuna poke bowl
    • 17 Monkey Head Brewing company beers on tap

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. Citron

    $$$

    It might not be beachfront, but this snazzy restaurant has an upscale vibe with hardwood floors, white brick walls, and a wine bar shaking up divine watermelon martinis. For more ambience, grab a table on the outside deck where dishes like salmon risotto, poached sea bass, and shrimp sautéed in coconut milk are served. For something from the land, try the caramelized pork in a honey-and-lime sauce or the heavily requested Dijon beef tenderloin. Don’t skip dessert—try the Bailey's panna cotta with passion-fruit coulis.

    Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
    2670–0942

    Known For

    • Creamy risotto dishes
    • Lovely deck
    • Caramelized pork tenderloin

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch
  • 3. Guayoyo Coffee House

    $

    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
    2101--1398

    Known For

    • Delicious coffee selection
    • Arepas and other Venezuelan delights
    • Baked goods

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 4. La Dolce Vita

    $$

    Two Italian brothers offer well-prepared Italian classics and thin-crust pizza, as well as some interesting seafood dishes like tuna tartare and tagliolini with crab in a cream sauce. For dessert there's an intriguing panna cotta or classic tiramisu. If it's a romantic night, try to get a table outside next to the fountain, and be sure to check out the selection of Italian wines. There's live music at least once a week. For those lazy evenings after a day at sea, you can call the restaurant and request delivery.

    Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, 50503, Costa Rica
    2670–1384

    Known For

    • Homemade pasta
    • Catch of the day
    • Beautiful courtyard setting
  • 5. Santorini

    $$

    If you're in the mood for something more Mediterranean head to this open-air Greek restaurant for some moussaka or the fresh catch of the day prepared Greek-style---fried whole and served with potatoes and Mykonos salad. There are gluten-free and vegan options, just ask your server. The dolmades, gyros, hummus, and falafel are authentically mouthwatering. You must try the desserts with homemade pistachio ice cream. 

    Main St., Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, 50503, Costa Rica
    4703--6633

    Known For

    • Authentic Greek food
    • Freshly caught seafood in scrumptious preparations
    • Baklava and homemade ice cream
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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