The Guanacaste province is famous among travelers because of its variety of beaches, fun-filled and extravagant festivals, and luxury accommodation spots. However, most travelers who are visiting Guanacaste for the first time will be in for a surprise as they explore the best restaurants in this province and wow their taste buds. From exquisite local cuisines to popular fast food and American dishes, Costa Rican restaurants offer a wide variety to suit every traveler’s palate.
Top restaurants in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for the most scrumptious and worthwhile meals and desserts in restaurants, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, will become your go-to spot as soon as you try the local cuisines there. However, since each individual has their own unique taste and likings, it’s vital that you make selections accordingly. It's therefore empirical that you do your research before visiting a restaurant during your travel adventures. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best restaurants in Guanacaste, Costa Rica:
1. Café y Macadamia
Today’s restaurants offer more than just a meal on a plate; they present their customers with a wholesome experience backed by the perfect ambiance and environment. The reason we’ve listed Café y Macadamia on this list is that it provides a complete package for foodies. From delicious international and Costa Rican foods made with locally sourced ingredients to a breathtaking view of the natural landscape, this Café offers everything you’re looking for with your dining experience in Costa Rica. Situated near Lake Arenal, it wouldn’t take a lot of time to reach this spot if you’re already in the vicinity.
2. Villa Deevena
Most locals visit Villa Deevena on special occasions or when they’re craving intricately handcrafted seafood dishes. This Los Pargos restaurant is hidden away in a small turf and it’s a Michelin star rated restaurant not too far from Playa Negra. The restaurant offers a peaceful and calm environment backed with a large variety of cocktails to try, making it one of the more popular restaurants in Guanacaste.
3. Seasons
The Seasons restaurant is famous for its Mediterranean food options, which also include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free varieties. The gourmet restaurant is one of the best ones you’ll find in Tamarindo, mainly because its chef is not afraid of getting creative with his dishes and adding his own unique touch to traditional recipes. The place is perfect for families and large groups, as there are various options to try, and we recommend ordering everything off the menu.
4. Walter’s Fish and Cheese
Located in Langosta, Walter’s Fish and Cheese is a restaurant that prepares and presents gourmet Italian dishes. If you get a chance to visit this restaurant on a Friday or Saturday, you will also enjoy live music with delectable meals. The restaurant has an outdoor seating arrangement as well, and although it's relatively smaller, its chef has been preparing praiseworthy meals for a long time. In addition to Italian food, the restaurant is also famous for its long line of Negroni cocktails, craft beers, and wine, which you can order by the glass or entire bottles.
5. Soda Las Palmas
If you’re on the lookout for Central American cuisines in Villareal, Soda Las Palmas is the place to try. The family-owned restaurant has a warm, welcoming environment that makes travelers feel at home. However, it’s not the ambiance that makes visitors want to eat at this restaurant twice; its infamous, traditional Costa Rican food is worth every penny. Soda Las Palmas is easy on the pockets and a delight for food lovers. If you're in Tamarindo, we suggest taking a slight detour to dine at Soda Las Palmas in Villa Real. If you visit before 10 am, you’ll also get a chance to try the famous Costa Rican dish, gallo pinto. It’s also worth mentioning that “Soda” is a term used to describe local, open-air, and family-owned restaurants.
6. Stop Café
Stop Café is a sandwich and coffee shop that's greatly enjoyed by many travelers who want to enjoy a light bite on the go. Located in Villareal, everything in this restaurant is made-to-order with locally sourced, fresh ingredients. In addition to the kind and welcoming hosts, you'll find a great variety of options for sandwiches as well as coffees on their chalkboard menu.
7. El Huerto de Playa Grande
El Huerto de Playa Grande has a variety of cuisines, from the Mediterranean fusions to Italian foods, for you to have your pick. If you’re in Guanacaste and you’re craving some good ol’ pizza, this will be a perfect spot to visit. Their service is incomparable, and the open-air arrangement allows diners to enjoy the pleasant weather. This restaurant also makes the best pasta, seafood, meat dishes, salads, and desserts. If you happen to visit this restaurant during your stay in Guanacaste, you have to try their homemade limoncello.
8. La Marejada
La Marejada is, without question, one of the best restaurants in Playa Grande, if not the entire Guanacaste province. The restaurant has something or the other to offer for each gastronome. Additionally, you can order a whole red snapper, antipasto platters, pasta, or fish tacos while enjoying the charming décor and ambiance of this restaurant. Perfect for those near the beach in Playa Grande, La Marejada is especially an excellent choice for those looking for an intimate or romantic dining experience. Whether you're looking for dinner options or something to devour in breakfast, this restaurant, and its chef will not disappoint you or your taste buds.
Concluding thoughts
This concludes our list of the best restaurants in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Bear in mind that there are plenty more eateries and restaurants, including family-owned businesses, that one can discover while traveling through the region. If you’re looking for a more private experience, you can also book a private chef to come to our remote luxury villa and cook a delicious meal for you made using fresh produce and seafood. Book our villa and enjoy a delightfully luxurious time in Guanacaste, made better with mouthwatering Costa Rican food.