Soda La Playa serves simple, soda-style fare like ham-and-cheese sandwiches and fries in a casual, local setting, with food generally seen as adequate. Service is often slow and sometimes delivers the wrong order, and some patrons note prices that are higher than other nearby sodas.
The handcrafted, wooden property sits in lush nature with plentiful wildlife, but rooms and the communal kitchen can feel worn, with occasional reports of cleanliness issues or insect bites. It is a short walk to the beach and village, and hosts are friendly and helpful, offering tours, meals and bike rentals.
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- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- LGBTQ+ friendly
El Muellecito serves affordable, hearty Costa Rican plates—popular casados and seafood like fish in garlic sauce—often in large portions. The atmosphere is casual and local with wildlife murals and a big TV for sports, and service is generally friendly though occasional order errors and limited amenities are reported.
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- Wheelchair accessible
Soda Colett serves fresh coconut water, smoothies and juices in a rustic, unpretentious setting and sells handcrafted rugs and souvenirs. The owner is warm, chatty and attentive, and the spot provides basic facilities like toilets and showers for travelers. It’s a casual local stop popular for drinks and beach photos.
Soda Wuacho serves Caribbean-style plates—Caribbean chicken, fish casado, coconut seafood sopa, yucca fries and a vegan casado—often flavorful and homely, with refreshing smoothies. The small beachfront spot feels laid-back and welcoming, with friendly staff who sometimes run a bit slow during busy periods and occasional reports of inconsistent preparation after a recent chef change.
Thirema Cafe serves praised coffee — cappuccinos, taro and matcha lattes, affogatos — alongside breakfast fare like waffles and pancakes and occasional savory dishes such as salmon. It offers a relaxed upstairs terrace for birdwatching and attentive, friendly service, though waffles are sometimes noted as slightly undercooked.
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- Vegetarian options
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
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- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Taylor's Place offers fresh fish, shrimp dishes, grilled chicken and small plates like hummus, often paired with garlic mash and vegetable sides. The restaurant sits in a tropical, relaxed setting a short walk from town and provides attentive, friendly service, though sauce consistency can be uneven at times.
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- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Junior Place serves fresh, authentic Costa Rican dishes, with the house special rice and beans and vegetarian/vegan options standing out. The owners create a warm, homey atmosphere and the service is consistently attentive and friendly.
Cocoman is a small, friendly snack bar in Tortuguero that serves fresh smoothies, iced matcha lattes, coffee and vegan options such as a vegan sandwich and plantain tart. The atmosphere is relaxed with seating available and service is warm and helpful, with reasonable prices for quick snacks or take-away.
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Sunrise Tortuguero serves made-to-order Caribbean and seafood dishes — ceviche, Caribbean seafood soup and red snapper often stand out — with generous portions and attention to dietary needs. The atmosphere is relaxed and local with friendly, family-style service, though guests sometimes note occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes and a slow service pace.
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- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
The Big Bamboo serves fresh, flavorful pizzas (including Hawaii) and fruity smoothies, with pizzas offered in several sizes. The atmosphere is relaxed and pleasant, and staff are consistently friendly and quick with service.
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Coconut Milk serves tasty breakfasts, lunches and refreshing drinks at reasonable prices, with breakfast often noted as a highlight. The restaurant offers a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere on a cozy terrace with a pleasant canal view.
The restaurant offers hearty main courses, decent vegetarian options and cold beer; portions are large. The canal-side setting with dock seating is pleasant for sunset, and staff are generally friendly. However, loud music often plays late into the night and can disturb nearby lodging and wildlife.
- Dinner
- Bar
- Outdoor seating
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- Kid friendly
Fritanga el Gordo serves freshly grilled meats and traditional barbecue dishes noted for their flavor. The spot has a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere with a lively terrace and attentive staff, offering good portions at fair prices.
Tutti's Pizzeria y Restaurante serves hearty pizzas, burgers and local dishes like chifrijo, with vegetarian and vegan options and a selection of craft beers. The off-the-beaten-path spot has friendly, talkative staff and generous portions at reasonable prices, though some items can take a little time to prepare.
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- Delivery
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- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Good Monchis Tortuguero offers tasty, affordable fast-food dishes in a casual, welcoming setting. Staff provide friendly, attentive service that contributes to a pleasant dining experience.
Joe Snack Point serves hearty Caribbean home-style plates — wood-smoked rice and beans, generous portions and notable chicken — cooked to order and affordably priced. Seating is casual and outdoors, like dining on a local's front porch, and the owner and staff are friendly and prompt.
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- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Oasis Fusion consistently serves fresh, homemade meals with a strong focus on breakfast — an all-you-can-eat buffet, made-to-order eggs and à la carte options — and also offers fresh dinner dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive, providing prompt service.
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- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
The restaurant serves fresh, well-prepared seafood—especially ceviche and Caribbean-style fish—along with smoothies and juicy Caribbean chicken. A lovely terrace provides a sunset spot for drinks, and staff are friendly and attentive even when busy.
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- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
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- Wheelchair accessible
Tree Coffee House serves deep-flavored coffee and carefully prepared, fresh dishes, with daily specials that often feature fish, shrimp, chicken and local items like breadfruit. The riverside, authentic Costa Rican atmosphere and a friendly, accommodating team create a welcoming experience, though service can take a bit longer during busy times.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
Restaurant Arrecife Punta Uva sits right on the beach and serves Caribbean-style plates — popular choices include oxtail, tender chicken and coconut rice — alongside a good cocktail and beer selection. The atmosphere is relaxed with live music and dogs on the sand; staff are friendly and usually attentive, though the beachy vibe can make service feel leisurely at times.
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
El Colibrí Azul serves fresh, flavorful dishes—popular items include tuna tataki and seafood paella—alongside cocktails in a simple, calm beachside setting. Service is friendly but can be slow, and guests should be prepared for occasional waits or limited change; portions and quality generally offer good value.
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
El Umbral serves homemade, from-scratch dishes at approachable prices, often enjoyed after a beach visit. The small, secluded spot feels family-friendly and personal, with the owners providing warm, attentive service and charming touches like photos and a hung wish-paper display.
- Wheelchair accessible
Indigo serves fresh, well‑seasoned breakfast and brunch dishes — smashed croissant with fried egg, caprese tostada, lentil burger and house drinks like cinnamon‑honey latte or matcha are frequent highlights. The rustic, reggae‑tinged outdoor seating feels welcoming and relaxed, with friendly, attentive staff. Açaí can be icy and seating near the road may get dusty.
Iguana Verde serves fresh, flavorful Caribbean-style dishes with reasonable prices and consistent quality. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and staff are friendly and attentive, making it a popular stop for visitors.
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- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Soda Olga serves home-style Caribbean plates and generous batidos (smoothies), often noted for flavorful, filling portions and good value. The small, welcoming cafe feels like home and is run by personable owners who provide friendly, attentive service.
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- Coffee
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Soda Rancho La Palma serves typical Tico meals, strong coffee, fresh smoothies and even a tasty vegan plate at budget-friendly prices. The place has a casual, come-off-the-boat vibe and staff accommodate special requests, though they mainly use disposable plastic cups.
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- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Tierra y Libertad Cantina serves creative, balanced dishes like banh mi and Korean BBQ alongside a notable craft beer selection and house-made ginger beer. The atmosphere is relaxed, bar-focused and friendly, and service is attentive with passionate staff who chat about beers.
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- Bar
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Brunch
- Lunch
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- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
McCloud's Munchies serves Caribbean beachside fare, known for jerk chicken and pork with flavorful sauces and rice and beans, often enjoyed with a seaside view. Service is casual and attentive, though a few guests note occasional inconsistency in meat texture or payment handling.
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- Wheelchair accessible
The restaurant serves fresh, handmade Italian-style pizzas—especially margherita—prepared to order and offered at very affordable prices. It is a tiny, one-man shop with a friendly owner-chef, a casual local atmosphere, and short waits while pies are made from scratch.
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Little Blue centers on fried fish, served crispy yet tender and well seasoned, often presented as a shareable, protein-rich option. The setting feels casual and family-friendly, while service is unobtrusive and not frequently highlighted in comments.
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La Ventanita Puerto Viejo serves flavorful Caribbean dishes, with local chefs delivering authentic tastes and standout regional specialties. Atmosphere and service are more understated in descriptions, leaving the food as the main draw.
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La Tablita Típica is a small, family-run soda on Puerto Viejo's main street that serves fresh, homemade Costa Rican dishes like casado económico and ceviche. The atmosphere is unassuming and casual, and the friendly family staff provide attentive service and good value with low prices and included fruit juices.
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The restaurant offers a varied menu of creative, Caribbean-influenced dishes and cocktails with surprising flavor combinations and careful presentation. The dining room maintains a charming, poetic Caribbean atmosphere, and the staff provides attentive, friendly service.
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- Takeaway
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Vida Caribe serves good Costa Rican fare and functions as a convenient post‑tour stop near the Tortuguero canal departures and Moín port. Share plates can be small and prices sometimes feel high, and guests occasionally report billing inconsistencies despite the food and location being popular.
- Wheelchair accessible
They serve inexpensive, generously portioned, well-seasoned dishes such as rice and beans (sometimes with coconut milk), beef steak and fresh papaya juice. The beachside spot offers hammocks, swings and ocean views, though service and drink preparation can be inconsistent and guests may sometimes encounter long waits or unevenly cooked items.
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- Takeaway
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- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
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- Wheelchair accessible
Blue Berry Smoothies & Bowls Cafe serves fresh, healthy smoothie and açaí bowls—especially matcha and dragon-fruit varieties—plus coffee, making it a popular breakfast or to-go spot. The vibe is chill and staff are friendly and helpful, though bowl consistency can vary occasionally.
- Breakfast
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Parking
- Pet friendly
Soda Chitos serves hearty Costa Rican comfort food—chicken that falls off the bone and popular breakfast options—at budget-friendly prices. The casual, welcoming atmosphere and consistent, attentive service keep guests coming back daily.
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Shugaa Place serves strong coffee and a popular Chocolate Banana Cake, and maintains a clean, relaxed vibe. The small espresso bar offers air-conditioned and patio seating, and the owner provides friendly, English-speaking service.
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Dolce Vita offers a wide selection of gelato, including vegan options, plus milkshakes and coffee, with chocolate, coconut and banana flavors often mentioned. Service and availability can be inconsistent and some find the gelato pricey, with popular flavors selling out at times.
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Wheelchair accessible
Heladería Sweet Moments offers creamy, flavorful ice creams with standout lemon pie and key lime cheesecake plus fruit and coffee combinations like mango‑limón and cappuccino. The small, tucked‑away shop sits slightly off the main road with a relaxed, lively energy. Service is often warm and generous but can be inconsistent.
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Coffee
Colphon Place Food Truck serves Caribbean-style dishes with highlights like shrimp and Caribbean chicken, plus a selection of drinks for a simple beach lunch. The truck sits in a chill, scenic spot near the beach with occasional wildlife sightings, and the owners and staff are friendly and attentive.
- Takeaway
- Parking
The restaurant offers affordable, beachside meals—popular dishes include shrimp rice and steak—though seafood quality can be inconsistent, with ceviche sometimes criticized. The small, beachfront spot provides a quiet sea view and generally attentive service, though it can be tucked away and tricky to find.
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible