Northwest Pacific Restaurants
Good to Know
Costa Rica's Northwest Pacific offers a vibrant culinary scene, featuring diverse healthy, fusion, and seafood options. From the popular areas of Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, and Coco to the lively Tamarindo, authentic Samara, and distinct Mal Pais and Montezuma, diners can explore a range of sophisticated and casual establishments. Expect open-air settings and exquisite offerings that cater to varied tastes, with many restaurants focusing on fresh, local ingredients. This region promises a delightful gastronomic journey for every palate.
Tempt your taste buds with the delicious offerings and options in Costa Rica’s Northwest Pacific. The restaurants here deliver a variety of healthy options with a focus on fusion and seafood that is certain to please.
Papagayo, Playa Hermosa and Coco Restaurants
This popular area is home to numerous shops and restaurants that cater to resort visitors. The area in general is well known for beautiful beaches and conveniently located to Liberia airport.
Ginger Restaurant - $$$$
Style: Tapas – Fusion
Phone: 2672-0041
Location: Main road to Playa Hermosa, across from the road to the beach area. 100 meters up on hillside.
Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 5 pm – 10 pm
Ginger Restaurant features modern design with eclectic international themed tapas.
Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar - $$$
Style: International
Phone: 2672-0046
Location: Playa Hermosa beachfront, at the end of the secondary beach road at the hotel.
Hours: 7:30 am – 10pm
The open air restaurant is a fusion of jungle, sea and contemporary design with exquisite offerings at a reasonable price.
Café de Playa - $$$$
Style: International – Fusion
Phone: 2670-1621
Location: Playa del Coco beachfront
Hours: 7 am – 11pm
The nicest open air restaurant in Playa del Coco with option to dine in or along the beach.
Tamarindo Restaurants
One of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica, Tamarindo is home to numerous shops, restaurants and bars.
La Laguna del Cocodrillo Bistro - $$$$$
Style: International – Fusion
Phone: 2653-0255
Location: North end of Tamarindo on the beach-lagoon side of the road.
Hours: High Season – 6 pm – 11 pm, Low Season – 6 pm – 10 pm
Nightly specials with a small, but regularly changing menu in an open air environment.
Mama's Deli - $$
Style: Italian
Phone: 2653-0178
Location: Center of Tamarindo
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 am – 10 pm
No frills, open air restaurant which specializes in paninis, pasta and pizza.
Samara Restaurants
One of the most authentic and interesting beach towns in Costa Rica, which has somehow managed to escape mainstream tourism despite its beautiful beaches and offerings.
Las Brasa - $$$
Style: Costa Rican and Seafood
Phone: 2656-0546
Location: Samara center
Hours: 4 pm – 10 pm
Fresh seafood selections and Costa Rican cuisine.
El Ancla - $$$
Style: International
Phone: 2656-0716
Location: Samara beachfront
Hours: Friday – Wednesday, 11 am – 10 pm
Beachfront location with sunset views.
Mal Pais and Montezuma Restaurants
Mal Pais and Montezuma are a couple distinct beach areas located at the southern tip of the peninsula, within a short drive of one another.
Nectar - $$$$
Style: International – Fusion
Phone: 2640-0232
Location: Flor Blanca Resort, Playa Santa Teresa, Mal Pais
Hours: 7 am – 9 pm
Reservations are highly recommended at this popular restaurant with a small, but changing menu.
El Sano Banano - $$
Style: International
Phone: 2642-0638
Location: Montezuma town center
Hours: 7 am - 9:30 pm
Variety of breakfast, lunch and light dinner options including vegetarian menu.
Playa de Artistas - $$$
Style: Mediterranean and Seafood
Phone: 2642-0489
Location: Montezuma, across the street from Hotel Los Mangos
Relaxed beachside restaurant with good food at reasonable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cuisine can I find in Costa Rica's North Pacific restaurants?
Restaurants in Costa Rica's Northwest Pacific emphasize healthy options with a focus on fusion and seafood. Specific styles available include international, Italian, Costa Rican, Mediterranean, and tapas.
Are there beachfront dining experiences in the Papagayo, Playa Hermosa, and Coco areas?
Yes, Hotel Playa Hermosa Bosque del Mar offers an open-air restaurant on the Playa Hermosa beachfront. Additionally, Café de Playa in Playa del Coco provides dining options along the beach.
Which restaurants in Tamarindo offer a unique dining experience?
La Laguna del Cocodrillo Bistro in Tamarindo features nightly specials with a regularly changing menu in an open-air environment on the beach-lagoon side. Mama's Deli provides a no-frills, open-air Italian experience specializing in paninis, pasta, and pizza.
Are there vegetarian options available in the North Pacific region?
Yes, El Sano Banano in Montezuma features a variety of breakfast, lunch, and light dinner options, including a dedicated vegetarian menu.