The finest vacations involve immersing oneself in new experiences – be it activities, cultures, languages, or flavors. Costa Rica is an ideal destination to savor all these elements. While opting for an oceanfront luxury villa in Costa Rica with a full kitchen is a great choice, the prospect of cooking every meal might not be as appealing. If you're contemplating a delightful and rejuvenating stay at a vacation rental in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Playas del Coco is the perfect destination. With 85 restaurants and bars listed on Google Maps, you're bound to discover something to satisfy every palate.
We conducted a Facebook poll to determine the locals' favorite dining spots in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica. Let's delve into some of our cherished restaurant discoveries in this vibrant beach town.
Playas del Coco offers a diverse range of cuisines. While the town is not limited to just Costa Rican fare, trying the local dishes is a must!
Costa Rican: Mar y Tierra Restaurante can be found across the street from a popular tourist and expat spot called the Garden Bar. Mar y Tierra serves traditional Costa Rican food like casados, olla de carne, full deep-fried snapper, seafood, typical breakfasts, and much more. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Try the daily special – you won't be disappointed!
Italian: Il Gusto della Vita is sort of a hidden gem located along main street. Situated in the back of Plaza del Coco next to Coconutz Bar and Restaurant, they serve real Italian cuisine complete with homemade pasta. And according to our poll, they make a mouth-watering mushroom risotto!
Asian: While it hasn’t been around for long, a fast favorite for folks in Coco is Masala Indian Restaurant (recently renamed Tandoor). This restaurant is so popular it can also be found in Liberia and Brasilito. Full of authentic Indian flavors, this is one of the only places around to serve lamb. Several vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available. There are many delicious drinks available, too! If you're new to Indian food, the butter chicken is a great choice.
American: Zi Lounge on Main Street Coco has a large American-style menu with a little something for everyone, including burgers, steak, pasta, pizza, seafood, and even some typical Costa Rican meals. The Chef Specialties menu offers some delicious choices including the generous chicken Milanese – prepare to take home leftovers! This is also the place to end up if you're looking for a fun night out. Start your evening at Coconutz and walk down the block to Zi’s where you can hear live music and dance parties have been known to erupt!
Mexican: Found on a busy corner near the beach, El Capricho Mexican Restaurant and Bar is a great place for people-watching and some authentic Mexican cuisine. Tacos de Birria and the chorizo hamburger are among the dishes that can't be missed. The margaritas are excellent and the “Bulldog” (margarita with an upside-down bottle of Corona) is perfect for the adventure seeker!
These next restaurants didn’t fall into a nationality-type category per se but they are too good to be missed!
Pizza: We know pizza is originally Italian fare, but the pizza you find nowadays is hardly sticking to its original design. However, the pizza at Ristopizza Napolitano comes pretty darn close! Considered by many to be the best wood-fired pizza in town, this restaurant is worth leaving downtown for. It's found up the main street by the anchor that welcomes you into Playas del Coco. According to the raving reviews, you simply must save room for the tiramisu!
Seafood: The top restaurant mentioned in our Facebook poll has got to be Mar Azul. Another restaurant found off the beaten path, it is worth locating on Google Maps! Here you can choose your choice of fish and how it's prepared along with a sauce and sides and stunning cocktails. Choose indoor dining with AC or eat al fresco and cool off in the pool!
Fusion: If you want your food to look as good as it tastes, the beautiful cuisine at Nikkei in the Pacifico Village Shops is the place for you. Considered an upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion menu, you can enjoy sushi rolls, beef tataki, grilled octopus, and ramen. With a professional chef in the kitchen, the menu is always evolving so you'll have to keep going back to try it all!
Steaks: We would be remiss not to mention Che Sirloin Steakhouse and Grill when talking about the best restaurants in Playas del Coco. This steakhouse was mentioned time and time again in our Facebook poll for having the best steaks, gourmet burgers, big portions, and a lovely atmosphere. This restaurant can be found in the outdoor courtyard of El Pueblito Sur, at the entrance of the Las Palmas neighborhood.
Wraps: Who doesn't love a quick wrap you can hold in one hand and a cold beer in the other? The only restaurant serving up Lebanese food in Playas del Coco, Le Coq serves up flavourful chicken shawarma, falafel, souvlaki, and more along the main street with an ideal perch for people-watching. No matter what you get, order the garlic potatoes on the side – trust us!
We would be remiss not to mention our top spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast: Rambutan Restaurante is part of the M&M Beach House Hotel located on the beach. Here you can get a hearty breakfast served late for those who want to sleep in on their vacation. They have Costa Rican and American style breakfasts, an omelet, skillet, and even a breakfast burrito! Don’t forget to order a fresh smoothie or iced coffee topped with whipped cream.
Lunch: Johann Bistro has tasty sandwiches served in an air-conditioned space, which is perfect for escaping the early afternoon heat. This is also a great place for a light lunch of chicken Caesar salad or some of the best sushi in town. They also serve “Salty Crepes” for those who like to brunch.
Dinner: This one was a toss-up between La Dolce Vita and Soda Mediterranea as both gained a lot of praise on our “best restaurants in Coco” poll. Luckily, both restaurants can be found in El Pueblito Sur where you will dine in the cozy courtyard with a Mediterranean feel. Both feature homemade pasta and fresh seafood and serve a carpaccio that’s worth writing home about!
While we only chose one restaurant per category there are many more that are worth a try. If you are planning a trip to Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, plan to eat at one or all of these wonderful restaurants!
Find the best vacation rentals in Guanacaste, Costa Rica! Rich Coast Vacations offers affordable condos and luxurious oceanfront villas in Costa Rica with add-ons such as in-house services, car rentals, tours, and vacation specialists to give you the trip of your dreams. Contact us today at [email protected].
Written by Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International
Sign in to leave a comment.