Chicharonera Rojas V. offers flavorful fast-food dishes with attentive, friendly service, making it a good choice for families, friends, or couples. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the kitchen consistently delivers satisfying meals.
The restaurant's location can be hard to find and the outdoor area has roaming dogs, which may make the atmosphere feel less safe in the evening. There is little public detail about the menu or service, so prospective diners should check current information before visiting.
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Las Galeras serves seafood-focused, budget-friendly dishes—shrimp rice and fish filet are frequent favorites, and pork plates also get positive mentions. The beach-adjacent, music-filled setting feels relaxed and the staff is generally attentive, though orders can be mixed up during busy periods.
- Wheelchair accessible
Soda El Marisco serves casual, no‑frills Costa Rican seafood with tasty, straightforward dishes like fried fish and ceviche, and an informal, relaxed atmosphere. Some reports indicate the restaurant has been closed for about two years.
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El Tostador serves specialty coffee and espresso, sells whole beans that it can grind, and offers fresh fruit drinks plus made-to-order pastries such as churros. The relaxed downtown cafe is a popular stop before the ferry and staff provide friendly, attentive service.
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Imperial serves authentic Costa Rican dishes, from a hearty seafood soup packed with shrimp, fish, crab, clams and mussels to plantains, rice and black beans, alongside affordable beers and margaritas. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, and staff, including the owner, offer warm, English-speaking service.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Wheelchair accessible
The restaurant's online listing shows an incorrect Puntarenas address; the establishment is actually located in Tango Mar. Visitors should verify the correct location before traveling.
- Wheelchair accessible
Soda Martinez serves well-regarded traditional dishes, especially rice with shrimp or chicken, along with sandwiches and coffee. The outdoor spot by Paseo de los Turistas and the Puntarenas Marine Park offers an ocean view and a cool, fresh atmosphere, while service is often friendly but sometimes slow or understaffed.
- Wheelchair accessible
The shop is known for its ice cream and fruit desserts, with a pleasant location and generally friendly staff. Some visitors note long waits and inconsistent service, and non-ice-cream items like ceviche or Churchill can be watery or underwhelming.
- Wheelchair accessible
The menu highlights tuna (ahi), grilled wahoo, octopus and a seafood coconut soup, and the kitchen will even prepare fresh catch. The garden setting with string lights creates a relaxed atmosphere, and staff are generally friendly and professional, though some diners find certain dishes—like ceviche or casado—milder or uneven in seasoning.
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The restaurant serves fresh, homemade seafood with large, generous portions—highlighted by a lobster platter—and classic Costa Rican dishes. The atmosphere is laid-back and beachfront with a local courtyard feel, and staff are helpful and attentive; rooms, secure parking, and quiet nights add to the practical, relaxed stay.
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Restaurante Playa Carmen sits on the beach with sunset views and occasional wildlife visits, and its cocktails and house drinks are a frequent highlight. Seafood like ceviche and shrimp rice are fresh and generous, and staff are friendly, though service can be slow when busy and facilities are basic.
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Manglar serves a wide seafood-focused menu—especially its fish ceviche—alongside dishes like whole red snapper, shrimp tacos, nachos and wings, all prepared to order. The tucked-away, nature-lined setting offers a relaxed, slightly romantic atmosphere, and staff are attentive and knowledgeable, though meals can take a little extra time when made fresh.
- Wheelchair accessible
Pelican Restaurant serves fresh seafood—fish fillets with fries, potatoes and bright lemony coleslaw—at a casual waterfront spot with sunsets. Staff are generally friendly and communicative despite limited English, though some guests note slow service and a slightly worn atmosphere.
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Cevichera Chema's is known for its ceviche, prepared fresh and offered at affordable prices. The restaurant maintains a casual, friendly atmosphere with attentive, personal service that reflects its local, family-run character.
Restaurante El Vigía serves traditional Costa Rican dishes and generous seafood platters—like the combination seafood with langostino—alongside a modest wine selection. The atmosphere is relaxed and humble, popular as a small bar/soda near the ferry, and the staff are friendly, though some mention occasional concerns about cleanliness.
- Wheelchair accessible
Pizzería Liberiana in Paquera serves large, cheesy pizzas with generous toppings at affordable prices, making it a filling, good-value choice. The staff are friendly and helpful and the atmosphere is casual, though the dining area and bathrooms could use better maintenance.
- Wheelchair accessible
The restaurant serves very fresh seafood — customers often catch their own snapper, and popular dishes include snapper, garlic lobster and shrimp preparations. It sits on the water in a unique floating setting with a local, personable staff; service is generally helpful but can slow and become overwhelmed during busy periods.
- Wheelchair accessible
At Soda Ebenezer, homestyle Costa Rican dishes — especially roast chicken — are consistently praised, and breakfasts draw families and travelers. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with the owner and staff offering personal, helpful service and local tips. It operates mainly on cash (USD accepted), so visitors should be prepared.
- Wheelchair accessible
The restaurant emphasizes fresh seafood and supports the local fishermen's cooperative, offering a casual, community-minded atmosphere and often friendly service. Food quality is inconsistent — some diners enjoy the seafood and warm attention, while others report bland or poorly prepared dishes, uneven service, and occasional high prices.
- Wheelchair accessible
Restaurante Eli serves fresh seafood and generous plates like fish ceviche, tierra y mar rice, pinto with steak, fried cheese and sweet plantain. The family-oriented spot offers friendly, fast service, attractive presentation and reasonable prices, making the short drive outside downtown worthwhile.
- Wheelchair accessible
Soda y Taquería Fiomar offers generous, flavorful plates from an extensive, varied menu, making it easy to return multiple nights. The spot maintains a casual, welcoming atmosphere and attentive, friendly service.
The menu features fresh, generous portions of popular items such as hamburgers, chicken casado, breaded shrimp and kids’ chicken fingers, with a strong value-for-money appeal. The setting is a pleasant, conveniently located eatery and service is typically fast and family-friendly.
Ash Sushi serves fresh, flavorful sushi, bowls and small plates, with well-made rolls, tuna bowls and tasty starters like garlic edamame, gyoza and spring rolls. The outdoor, jungle-side café offers a relaxed, tropical atmosphere and friendly, attentive service with convenient options like WhatsApp ordering and hotel delivery.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Wheelchair accessible
ESH serves fresh Mediterranean street food — shawarma, falafel and pita sandwiches, schnitzel and focaccia — plus fresh juices, kombucha, baked goods and desserts. The tucked-away, hole-in-the-wall spot offers casual indoor seating with air conditioning and a friendly, attentive staff.
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- Kid friendly
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- Wheelchair accessible
Relaxed beachfront lodging offering rustic quarters, a pool & a spa, plus free breakfast & dinner.
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Ubin serves refined, contemporary plates that rework traditional Costa Rican flavors and highlight fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant maintains an elegant, nature-framed atmosphere, and staff provide attentive, warm, professional service that complements the detailed, technique-driven menu.
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- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
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- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Ice Dream Gelato & Coffee Shop serves homemade gelato in a compact, friendly space, with standout flavors such as coconut, passion fruit, stracciatella, caramel, chocolate, coffee and peanut combinations. It also offers good coffee, simple pastries and notable sandwiches, and staff provide attentive, cheerful service.
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- Wheelchair accessible
Humble, woodsy hostel with unassuming quarters & sea views, plus free breakfast & parking.
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- LGBTQ+ friendly
The restaurant serves creative, consistently delicious dishes—popular choices include pastas, desserts, and the Croque Madame—plus curated cocktails and poolside dining. The resort offers a peaceful, nature-filled atmosphere with pools and yoga shalas, and staff are attentive, warm, and accommodating to retreat guests and visitors alike.
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The restaurant serves fresh, affordable seafood—ceviche, red snapper, patacones, calamari and shrimp are frequent recommendations—and offers a simple drinks selection. The atmosphere is very casual and budget-friendly, with basic plastic seating, and staff are friendly though English can be limited.
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Alma Cocina serves fresh, farm-to-table tapas and creative plates, with roast chicken, focaccia with burrata and fish crudo regularly singled out for bright, well-balanced flavors. The cozy, candlelit jungle ambiance feels distinctly Costa Rican, and staff and the chef offer warm, attentive service and allergy-aware accommodations, though some items can sell out later in the evening.
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- Accepts reservations
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Aura serves high-quality, varied dishes — red snapper, pad Thai, surf-and-turf tacos and tuna starters are often highlighted — with creative cocktails and happy-hour deals, though portions can feel modest. The tucked-away, upscale beach vibe includes live entertainment and pool access, and staff are consistently described as friendly and attentive.
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Café Vivo focuses on carefully prepared specialty coffee—pour-overs and an orange cold brew are often praised—alongside fresh smoothies and breakfast items like gallo pinto. The setting is relaxed and nature-oriented with friendly staff, though hours can be limited and service occasionally feels slow or unattended.
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- Kid friendly
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- LGBTQ+ friendly
The café serves good coffee, lattes and boba with light food and outdoor seating. It pairs a relaxed, cat-friendly atmosphere with a rescue/adoption mission, and the owner treats guests warmly and accommodatingly.
Restaurante Kem-Vari serves authentic Costa Rican dishes—gallo pinto breakfasts, casados with fish, shrimp or pork, and fruity batidos—that patrons find tasty and affordable. It has a family-run soda atmosphere with clean dining and friendly staff who address occasional order mix-ups.
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Caravana Café serves fresh, flavorful breakfast and lunch items, with standout dishes including the tofu and pescado bowls, salmon croissant, and jamón panini alongside strong espresso and smoothies. The little cafe features a clean, relaxed patio or bar seating area and friendly, energetic service from the owner and staff.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Kid friendly
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- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Beyan Restaurant is known for carefully presented, fresh breakfasts and seafood dishes—ceviche, inventive French toast and pancakes—paired with strong, well-made coffee and smoothies. The atmosphere is calm, upscale and tropical, and the staff are consistently attentive and personable, so service often stands out.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Rancho Cielo Alto serves a 4-course farm-to-table tasting menu, with diners choosing their protein in advance, featuring bold, flavorful dishes often finished with local chocolate. The intimate, homey dining room opens to Pacific sunset views and an open kitchen, while the owner-chef personally presents each course and staff offer warm, attentive service. Reservations via WhatsApp and BYOB are customary.
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- Accepts reservations
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Ballena Bistro serves flavorful seafood and other dishes — ceviche and tuna tartare are frequent standouts, alongside fish tacos, a fish burger and classic Casado. The setting is charming and family-friendly with ample parking, space for groups and occasional dance nights. Service is attentive and welcoming, with staff and owners known for warm hospitality.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Kid friendly
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- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
This small, cozy bakery offers a wide selection of freshly made sweet and savory pastries — standout items include filled conos, cinnamon rolls, croissants, torta chilena and crusty breads, served with good coffee. Service is friendly and helpful, seating is limited but there are a few outdoor tables, and prices are affordable.
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- Accepts reservations
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- Wheelchair accessible
Serene accommodations in a secluded rainforest ecolodge offering dining, a spa & a yoga studio.
- LGBTQ+ friendly
La Cuchara Parriteña serves inexpensive, flavorful local fare—favorites include arroz con mariscos and hearty hamburgers—offering good variety for locals and tourists. The casual soda-style atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with friendly, attentive staff who convey genuine care.
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KITTOS serves flavorful, fresh fast-food dishes in generous portions and offers good value for money. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, and the staff are friendly and attentive.
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