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Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in the tourist-heavy beach towns of Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara. Many restaurants, especially tourist-oriented ones with dollar-denominated menus, do not include the 13% tax plus mandatory 12% service. By law, menus are required to show the total price including tax, but many owners flout this law. Be sure to ask if taxes are included; otherwise you may be surprised by a bill that’s 25% higher than you expected.
Robin's is famous for homemade ice cream in an array of tempting flavors—the Mayan Chocolate is a standout—along with refreshing tropical-fruit sorbets. This casual patio café also serves breakfast all day and lunch and dinner options like overstuffed veggie quesadillas, pad thai rolls, and yummy vegan veggie burgers. Locals line up to buy the dense, fudgy brownies when they come out of the oven. Gluten-free brownies and cookies are also on offer.
This health hub in the heart of Samara has everything to make your vacation green and full of goodness. A juice bar, falafel stand, fitness center, and health-food store are just a few of the offerings. You can grab baked goods, fruits and veggies, jams, cheeses, and plenty of gluten-free and vegan goodies to go.
If you're in the mood for something more Mediterranean head to this open-air Greek restaurant for some moussaka or the fresh catch of the day prepared Greek-style---fried whole and served with potatoes and Mykonos salad. There are gluten-free and vegan options, just ask your server. The dolmades, gyros, hummus, and falafel are authentically mouthwatering. You must try the desserts with homemade pistachio ice cream.
On the road connecting Potrero and Flamingo, this beachfront restaurant welcomes travelers with cheerful decor and witty signs like “Trespassers will be offered a shot.” Water laps just a few feet from your table, and there’s a pier out back, making this a popular lunch spot for American classics like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, BLTs, and fried shrimp. The tasty sangrias and margaritas are sure to keep you dazed during sunset. If you hook it, they’ll cook it with a side of fries for $10. Like many restaurants in Costa Rica, service is slow, but worth the wait. Kids eat free on Wednesday. The Beach House is easy to spot by the rainbow-color picket fence; parking is limited so prepare to walk.
This modern glass building seems almost out of place on the road connecting Liberia to the coast. Filling a void in healthy cuisine, the restaurant serves wraps, salads, sushi, and sandwiches such as organic chicken with fresh basil. Vegetarians have plenty of options, including veggie skewers, orzo salad, spring rolls, asparagus soup, or a portobello sandwich. The bruschetta, tacos, and burgers are particularly delicious, while the seafood dishes are hit or miss. The prices are much higher than what you’ll find in central Liberia, but it’s a good stop for a quick bite.
A popular spot with expats who come for the cold beers, burritos, burgers, and pura vida vibe, The Shack successfully blends a Tico menu with American and British favorites. Grab a seat under the tin roof and try the fresh fish-and-chips, heaping nachos, cheeseburgers, or coconut shrimp. Start the day with their "Tony" sandwich: fried eggs, onion, tomato, spinach, avocado, jalapeño, and cheddar cheese, along with a fresh smoothie. The Shack gimlet, with cucumber and basil, packs a powerful punch.
Chow down at this casual place a block from the beach, or party at the extensive bar, which occupies about a third of the restaurant. Portions are large, so pace yourself—especially if you order the popular barbecue ribs with mashed potatoes. On the seafood side, you can count on teriyaki tuna, grilled mahimahi, and coconut-crusted sea bass. The salads are topped with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, avocado, and quinoa. The chalkboard menu features the daily specials, your best bet for what's in season. Prices are on the high side, but you can arrive early for half-price cocktails from 4 to 6; the spicy jalapeño margarita packs a punch. There is also Sunday brunch in high season.
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