
The Shack offers fresh seafood such as mahi mahi and fish casado, along with hearty breakfasts, burritos and cocktails, often accompanied by live music. The upstairs dining is relaxed with town views and attentive, friendly staff, though some diners note occasional overcooked fish or frozen-style breakfast sides.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Bar Restaurante offers solid bar-and-grill fare in a friendly, local atmosphere, with staff who are personable and generally provide good service. The kitchen may close early and food can sometimes take a while, so patrons are advised to check their bill carefully.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Hemingway's serves fresh ceviche, hot honey pepperoni pizza and fruity hibiscus margaritas alongside a range of beach-friendly dishes, though prices skew tourist-level. The beachfront setting with sunset views, live music and pool amenities creates a relaxed vibe, but service can be slow or uneven during busy times.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Gritanga serves flavorful tacos—especially birria, shrimp and smoked tri-tip—along with loaded nachos, yuca fries and other homemade Mexican-style fare, often in generous portions that offer good value. The vibe is casual and lively beside a microbrewery in an open food-court courtyard, and service is friendly and fast from hands-on owners and staff.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible

Restaurante Mi Chocita presents a lively, local bar-and-grill atmosphere with colorful artwork on the walls and regular music and karaoke that take song requests. Staff are friendly and attentive, and the menu offers solid bar-style dishes, though the place can get quite energetic at peak times.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible

Mangue sits right on the beach with scenic sunset views and serves tapas-style plates and seafood tacos that many enjoy. Service is often slow and inconsistent, and guests note a limited tapas selection and occasional confusion around happy-hour offers and billing.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible

Bar&Rist La Penca offers affordable, authentic Costa Rican dishes—seafood rice stands out—and delivers good quality near Potrero beach. The casual, convenient spot sits close to the sand and provides friendly, attentive service. Music can sometimes be loud, which may affect the relaxed vibe.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Parking

Soda María Teresa serves fresh, home-style Costa Rican dishes—casados and fish are frequent favorites, with simple vegan and breakfast options available. The tiny, authentic soda feels like a local hub with warm, attentive owners and personal service, though some find prices a bit high for certain dishes.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking

Reparito House serves fresh Mexican fare, with standout dishes like quesabirria, chicken al pastor bowls, steak tacos and a cubano sandwich, plus house hot sauce and well-made sides. The vibe is friendly and family-oriented with attentive service and outdoor seating, though some diners mention small portions and relatively high prices.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Restaurant Arenas serves authentic, home-style Costa Rican dishes, with frequent favorites including seafood sopa de mariscos, mahi mahi casado and a well-liked avocado-topped burger, alongside fresh cocktails. The spot feels local and family-friendly with welcoming, attentive service and good prices; occasional menu items may be unavailable or vary in taste.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

CanaTico serves large-portioned, casual fare — pizzas, ribs and fresh fish (they'll even cook your catch) — plus cocktails and smoothies. The atmosphere is spacious, lively and family-friendly with karaoke and a U.S.-style beach/sports-bar vibe, and staff are generally friendly and attentive, though guests sometimes note occasional requests for extra tipping.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Toro's Chipotle's serves generous, fresh burritos, bowls and breakfast dishes—steak and breakfast burritos and nachos are often ordered—and portions are large enough for leftovers. The restaurant is clean and conveniently located with parking, and staff are generally friendly, though indoor seating is limited and occasional slow service or uneven seasoning is mentioned.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Parking
- Pet friendly

Carpe Diem 2.0 serves fresh, thoughtfully presented breakfast and coffee — popular items include avocado toast, a flat-style omelette, chai, and fresh fruit. The shop offers a friendly, courtyard-style atmosphere next to a microbrewery with attentive staff, though food can sometimes take a while to arrive.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Colorful suites in an ecolodge near the beach offering free breakfast & an outdoor pool.
- Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Parking


El Garden features a small food-court setup with several stalls and a microbrewery, serving popular items like pizza, ceviche, vegan sliders, burritos and notably crispy fries, plus beer and cocktails. The outdoor, relaxed, beach-adjacent atmosphere attracts locals and expats and staff are generally friendly, though a few patrons report occasional billing hiccups.
- Takeaway
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Marisqueria Restauranticos is known for its patacones and fresh seafood like shrimp with rice and ceviche, plus refreshing naturales. The atmosphere feels clean and comfortable, and the staff provide friendly, attentive service. Prices are described as reasonable.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Potrero Brewing offers a wide, well-priced beer selection—hazy IPAs and sours served cold—and staff are friendly, often providing tasters. The open, beachy industrial space flows into a courtyard with food stalls and nearby pizza/burger vans, live music and sports on TV, and a pet- and family-friendly, lively atmosphere that can be noisy.
- Bar
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible

Sunset Playa Potrero Social serves consistently tasty, well-prepared food, with traditional casados often mentioned by diners. It offers a relaxed, rural beachfront atmosphere near Playa Potrero and generally attentive service, though guests are advised to confirm menu prices and orders since occasional billing or order mix-ups occur.
- Dinner
- Parking

The gelateria serves thick, creamy gelato with standout flavors like pistachio, coco, stracciatella, dark chocolate, amarena and mint, and also offers cups, cones and milkshakes. Staff are friendly and attentive, creating a pura vida atmosphere, though tasting samples may not always be offered.
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Coffee
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair accessible

Woodstock Food Truck serves fresh smash burgers on soft brioche, crispy battered fries with house sauces, and balanced sandwiches, paninis and salads, plus fruit smoothies and frozen mint lemonade. The vibe is relaxed and shaded near the beach, with outdoor seating and easy takeout for pairing with a nearby brewery. Service is friendly and attentive, with careful packaging for travel.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Hazel's serves well-prepared steak and seafood — notably tenderloin and sea bass — with premium cocktails and a large wine list. The atmosphere is classy and relaxing, and service is attentive and welcoming, with owners often greeting guests; prices lean toward higher-end, so many reserve it for special occasions.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

La Cantina serves casual comfort fare, with the spicy chicken sandwich standing out as a favorite. Located in the Beach Breaker hotel, it features live music on Thursdays and Fridays and karaoke on Mondays, creating a lively atmosphere while attentive, knowledgeable staff ensure a smooth experience.
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Sentido Norte offers elevated, sunset-facing dining with well-regarded seafood and other dishes—salmon, seabass, tuna, lamb—and notable items like creamy pappardelle with pistachio pesto, plantain chips with guacamole, plus inventive cocktails and mocktails. The atmosphere focuses on spectacular, romantic views, while attentive, personable staff and skilled bartenders enhance the experience; seating can be tight at times.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

El Tony Fast Food offers a wide variety of affordable, quick dishes—quesadillas, fries and coffee are common choices—served with friendly, attentive service from the owner. While many find the food fresh and the atmosphere casual and welcoming, others occasionally report uneven temperature or reheated items, so quality can vary.
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Parking

Burrito Amor serves fresh, flavorful Mexican fare—burritos (chicken, shrimp in a banana shell), bowls and breakfast or vegetarian options—with housemade red, green and white sauces and health-conscious drinks like hibiscus‑coconut mocktails, fresh juices and well-made coffee. The casual outdoor patio with fans creates a relaxed vibe, and staff are friendly, attentive and quick.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Elio's Tiki Room serves a concise menu of well-executed dishes—standouts include red snapper carpaccio (notably citrus-heavy), jalapeño poppers, ribs, burgers and seasonal fish—plus homemade desserts. The tiki-style bar pours strong, creative cocktails and the laid-back, beach-adjacent atmosphere pairs with friendly, attentive service; the spot also stays open late.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking

Tacos y Tacos serves flavorful, well-seasoned tacos; steak and the Landing Strip receive frequent praise, and margaritas are also noted. The setup is a casual food-truck vibe steps from the beach with crate seating and occasional events. Prices lean toward the higher side and portions can feel small.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Parking

Yaya's Café and Bar serves a wide array of breakfasts, homemade empanadas, fresh lattes and smoothies, plus casual lunch plates like fish and chicken casado and craft beers. The spot maintains a friendly, family-oriented, post-surf atmosphere and attentive, accommodating service with staff who often stay late to help guests.
- Breakfast
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Pet friendly

Rustic-chic rooms & suites in a hotel with a saltwater pool, an organic restaurant & loaner bikes.
- Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- LGBTQ+ friendly

La Isla Juice Club serves fresh, healthy smoothies, cold-pressed juices, sandwiches and bowls with premium add-ins like protein or collagen. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming, and the staff provide attentive, charming service.

Zest by the Sea serves fresh, flavorful coffee, sandwiches, wraps and sweet treats — notably its popular OG cookie, plus juices, salads and a standout bacon burrito. The takeout‑friendly, casual spot is convenient for post‑surf or pre‑sunset snacks in Guiones and caters to beachgoers seeking quick, fresh options.
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Parking


The Juice Bar serves fresh juices and smoothies, poke bowls, and baked goods such as passion-fruit crostata and chocolate-almond cookies, with many items praised for flavor. The setting is relaxed on the hotel grounds with a pura vida, wildlife-friendly vibe, and staff are generally friendly and helpful, though service can be slow or occasionally error-prone.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible

- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Parking

Copal Cocktails & Bites serves fresh, homemade breakfasts and brunches—notably generous açaí bowls, smoothies and cold-pressed juices—then shifts into an evening cocktail bar with creative, well-balanced drinks. The atmosphere is laid-back and musical, and the staff are friendly, flexible and attentive, fostering a community vibe with occasional events and yoga.
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Parking

Olo Alaia Coffee Roasters serves consistently strong coffee—cappuccinos and matcha lattes are popular—and staff are knowledgeable about the beans. The cafe offers a relaxed, friendly vibe with an engaging owner, though it leans a bit pricey and opens at 8 a.m.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Parking

Seekret Spot Gelateria in Guiones serves fresh, creamy gelato with about 14 rotating flavors—popular picks include vegan chocolate, lemon, strawberry and mint chocolate chip, often served in waffle cones. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the shop has a casual neighborhood vibe, though some visitors find certain flavors merely average compared with other options.
- Takeaway
- Delivery

Sendero Coffee Truck offers strong espresso, smoothies and light bites by the beach; the atmosphere is relaxed and the staff are usually efficient and friendly. Some note inconsistent pricing and occasional service or payment hiccups.
- Breakfast
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Accepts reservations
- Parking

Señorita Smoothies serves fresh tropical smoothies, açaí and coco bowls, and protein shakes made from high-quality ingredients with customizable options for post-workout or refreshing treats. The small, laid-back food-truck atmosphere offers quick, friendly service from the owner and staff and makes for a pleasant people-watching stop in Puerto Carrillo.
- Takeaway
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly

Norte Nosara offers a tropical, boutique retreat with lush jungle surroundings, a cozy pool and yoga shala, and easy walking access to the beach. The on-site food and drink offerings — fresh juices at Copal and cocktails at the bar — complement the relaxed atmosphere, and staff are generally friendly and organized, though a few guests note occasional maintenance or reception lapses.
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- LGBTQ+ friendly

La Puesta del Sol serves seafood-forward, Italian- and Peruvian-influenced dishes, with highlights like ribeye, tuna tartare, ceviche, seafood fettuccini and shrimp risotto. The small restaurant offers a sunset platform and relaxed, family-run atmosphere, with friendly attentive service and cocktails; reservations are advised and there are occasional minor hiccups (e.g., freezer‑burned ice cream).
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Hula Jungla serves a broad menu of generous portions, from burgers and nachos to seafood like grilled red snapper, enchiladas and pizza, plus cocktails and a mango colada fishbowl. The setting offers a relaxed beachfront vibe with attentive, friendly staff, though some patrons report inconsistent drink strength and occasional issues with meat doneness.
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Chez Nous serves fresh, French-influenced seafood—notably seared tuna, tuna tartare and shrimp dishes with passion fruit or white-wine sauces—plus generous portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant offers a romantic jungle-like setting with pool and pets, and service is personal and attentive from the owner. The approach can be dark and nondescript, so expect a tucked-away entrance.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly

The B&B serves Italian-inspired cuisine—carpaccio, risotto and an Italian-style ceviche—along with hearty breakfasts. Guests enjoy a peaceful, ocean-view setting near a pristine beach, and host Roberto is warm, attentive and helpful with clean, comfortable rooms.
- Breakfast
- Wi-Fi
- Parking

Unfussy rooms with terraces in a casual guesthouse offering an open-air restaurant & a pool.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Soda La Plaza serves traditional, well-priced Costa Rican fare with generous portions, especially casados (fish), fish fingers, empanadas, huevos rancheros and large shrimp salads with sweet fried plantains. The casual, central spot beside the town soccer field features friendly, helpful staff, though some dishes can occasionally come overly salty or dry.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

It serves fresh seafood — tuna tartare, seared tuna, red snapper, lobster appetizers, ceviche and seafood pasta stand out — with beachside seating and Pacific Ocean views. Service is generally friendly and helpful, though guests report occasional reservation and seating hiccups, slow or forgetful service and uneven cocktails.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible

Los Delfines serves classic Costa Rican plates (casado, grilled and whole fish), a notable seafood soup, and crowd-pleasing options like tenderloin and a house burger; natural fruit drinks are popular. The family-run, casual spot has friendly, English-speaking staff and reasonable prices, though some find certain dishes understated and the main-road location can be noisy.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible