Northern Zone Restaurants
Good to Know
The Northern Zone of Costa Rica, encompassing popular destinations like Arenal and Monteverde, offers a surprisingly diverse culinary landscape. Visitors can explore a wide array of dining experiences, from international steakhouses and traditional Costa Rican eateries in La Fortuna to Italian pizzerias and international fusion spots in Santa Elena. These vibrant pueblos and cities promise delightful gastronomic adventures for every palate.
Get a taste of the North Zone of Costa Rica. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of great cuisine in some of this region’s pueblos and cities. Be sure to bring your appetite!
Arenal Restaurants:
Arenal Volcano is the most popular attraction in Costa Rica, drawing thousands annually. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in town. The following is a handful of our favorites:
Don Rufino - $$$
Style: International and Steakhouse
Phone: 2479-9997
Location: Downtown La Fortuna
Hours: 11 am – 10:30 pm
Don Rufino Restaurant offers a wide selection of local and international cuisine as well as a bar area.
La Choza de Laurel - $$
Style: Costa Rican
Phone: 2479-7063
Location: Main road of La Fortuna, 150 meters west of the church
Hours: 6 am – 10 pm
La Choza de Laurel is a typical Costa Rican restaurant with great coffee, gift shop and wait staff dressed in traditional clothing.
Lava Lounge Bar and Grill - $$$
Style: International and Costa Rican
Phone: 2479-7365
Location: Downtown La Fortuna
Hours: noon – midnight
The Lava Lounge is better known for their food than atmosphere. The restaurant features a large menu with everything from wraps and salads to seared tuna.
Monteverde Restaurants:
Monteverde is the most popular cloud forest destination in Costa Rica. The town center of Santa Elena offers platy of shops and restaurants. The following are a few of our favorites:
Johny's Pizzeria - $$$
Style: Italian
Phone: 2645-5066
Location: On the road to the reserve between Santa Elena and Hotel Heliconia
Hours: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Great pizza and Italian cuisine with an even better ambiance.
Poco a Poco - $$$
Style: International and Costa Rican
Phone: 2645-0000
Location: Hotel Poco a Poco, neat to the Frog Pond
Hours: 6:30 am – 9:30 am and 11:30 am – 9 pm
Great restaurant with good food, small bar and weekly entertainment.
Morphos - $$
Style: International and Costa Rican
Phone: 2645-5607
Location: Downtown Santa Elena
Hours: 11 am – 9 pm
Good food at a reasonable price, popular with locals and backpackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of cuisine are available in Arenal, Costa Rica?
Arenal's dining scene includes international and steakhouse options at Don Rufino, traditional Costa Rican fare at La Choza de Laurel, and a mix of international and Costa Rican dishes at Lava Lounge Bar and Grill.
Which restaurants are recommended in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
Monteverde features Johny's Pizzeria for Italian cuisine, Poco a Poco for international and Costa Rican dishes with entertainment, and Morphos for international and Costa Rican food popular with locals.
What are the operating hours for some popular restaurants in La Fortuna?
Don Rufino operates from 11 am to 10:30 pm, La Choza de Laurel from 6 am to 10 pm, and Lava Lounge Bar and Grill from noon to midnight.