The following is a list of restaurants and directions that we like to recommend to our guests.  Of course there are many more restaurants but these are our personal favorites.  Having lived in New York and San Francisco and traveling the world over, we love our food and we have selected these restaurants for you because we love their food and also the unique experience each place offers.  Feel free to call us with any questions.  We listed the restaurant numbers for you and we are also happy to call and make the reservations for you as well.
For your personal comfort and enjoyment, we recommend bug spray and/ or long pants especially in the evening at restaurants.  All places are kid friendly but I highlighted in bold which places are very kid friendly which means that your kids will probably enjoy the experience as well.

Please keep in mind that restaurant schedules and menus are subject to change.

Most restaurants now have a Facebook Page that you can search for the most up to date schedules, menus, contacts, events, directions, etc. 

Ylang Ylang

in Ojochal – Indonesian – 2786-5054 - Open Wed.-Sat. at 5pm – Res. Required
Go south on the highway about 20 minutes and you will see signs for Ojochal. You will pass a gas station on your left and then a few miles later is Villas Gaia will be on your right as a landmark and then there will be a bridge.  Turn left just before the bridge into the town, then take first left, then take your next left going up the hill until you see Ylang Ylang on your left.
Although one of the pricier restaurants in the area (about $100 per couple), you will get an absolutely delicious meal.  The chef is trained in Indonesian cuisine.

Exotica

in Ojochal – French Fusion – 2786-5050 – Open Tues.-Sat. 4pm-9pm – Res. Required
Go south on the highway about 20 minutes and you will see signs for Ojochal. You will pass a gas station on your left and then a few miles later is Villas Gaia will be on your right as a landmark and then there will be a bridge.  Turn left just before the bridge into the town and follow road over a bridge and drive towards the left about 1-2 miles and you will see Exotica on your right. This is one of the most famous and long standing restaurants in this area.  Consistently delicious cuisine.  A unique tropical French dining experience with a delightful French Canadian hostess.

Fabrizio's Italian

in Ojochal – Italian and Pizza – 8642-4082 – Open Daily. 12pm-9pm – Res. Recommeded.
Go south on the highway about 20 minutes and you will see signs for Ojochal. You will pass a gas station on your left and then a few miles later is Villas Gaia will be on your right as a landmark and then there will be a bridge.  Turn left just before the bridge into the town and follow road over a bridge and drive towards the left about 1-2 miles and you will see Exotica on your right. Keep going and about half a mile up road on your left is Fabrizio's. This is one of the best italian restaurants we have experienced.  The chef Fabrizio is from Italy and his food is absolutely phenomenal.  Homemade pastas and bread.  We recommend his beef and tuna carapaccio and pasta carbonarra. Reasonably priced, child friendly, can BYOB.

Citrus 

in Ojochal – French/Asian/American Fusion – 2786-5175 – Mon-Sat. 12pm-10pm – Res.Recommended.                    Go south on the highway about 20 minutes and you will see signs for Ojochal. You will pass a gas station on your left and then a few miles later is Villas Gaia will be on your right as a landmark and then there will be a bridge.  Turn left just before the bridge into the town and cross the little bridge.  You will see Citrus in front of you.                                Another famous and longstanding restaurant.  This French chef is the “go to” catering service for all of the major events and weddings in this area.

Azul at El Castillo

in Ojochal – Mediterranean – 2786-5543 – Tues.-Sun. 12pm-9pm – Res. Recommended
Go south on the highway about 20 minutes towards Ojochal and then cross over the bridge.  Turn left at the next turn.  Go up the road about a mile and you will see a big gate with a paved driveway.  This is Azul.
This is a must for a sunset cocktail.  Stay for dinner too.  An elegant trendy vibe with great food.  We recommended the fried calamari and moroccan chicken.

Villas Gaia

in Ojochal – Variety – 2786-5044 – Daily 6am-9pm
Go south on the highway about 20 minutes towards Ojochal.  You will see Villas Gaia on the right side of the road just before the entrance to Ojochal. Nice jungle atmosphere.

Villa Leonor

in Ballena – variety and Sunday BBQ – 8390-0130 – Daily 10am-8pm (res.after 6pm)
Go south on the highway about 15 minutes.  At mile marker 170 turn right.
We love this place.  We recommend going for lunch.  There is a beautiful calm beach here, a river and a restaurant with a bar, swimming pool, showers and bathroom.  Perfect to spend the afternoon at the beach with all of the necessary amenities.  Stay for an early cocktail to watch the sun set on the beach.  We recommend their tuna if available. Great for kids.

Ballena Bistro

in Ballena – variety – 2786-5407 – Tues & Wed 11:30-3:30 / Thurs – Sat 11:30-8:30 / Sunday 9:30-2:30 for brunch
Go south on highway about 13 minutes.  Ballena Bistro is at mile marker 169. Very comfortable and friendly.  Food is fresh and healthy.

Los Suenos Tranquilos

in Uvita – Comida Tipico (Costa Rican) – Daily
Go south on highway, pass the gas station.  At the intersection with BCR, turn left and drive up about a mile.  On your left you will see an arch that says Los Suenos Tranquilo.  Turn left here and go over little bridge then turn left up to the restaurant. So we had to throw a little Tico place in here.  We think this is the perfect place for local food if you have kids.  There is a swimming pool with a slide.  We sometimes have birthday parties here because it gives the kids something different to do.  The cost is $2 (1 mil colones) pp to use the pool.  Food is good.

Roadshack Deli

in Uvita – Sandwiches & Salads – 4702-3782 – Daily 11am-7pm
Go south on highway, pass the gas station.  At the intersection with BCR turn right and drive down about a block and the deli is on the left. Casual place, good food, friendly service. A little swing for kids.

Cafe Sibu

in Uvita -- Coffee Shop and cafe / coffee bar/ Breakfast and Lunch -- 8308-6604 -- Mon-Sat. 

Go south on highway, pass the gas station and Sibu is just past the next intersection on your right.  Great meeting spot.  European coffee shop/ meeting/ study spot vibe.  Great coffee.  Offers gluten free pizza.

The Dome

in Uvita – Breakfast/ Lunch / Espresso / Bar – 2743-8506 – Mon-Sat.
Go south on highway, go over bridge and the Dome is on your right.
Great place to meet for breakfast or lunch, coffee or a cocktail.  TV with sports.  Casual and friendly.  We recommend the flatbread pizzas, the jerk chicken and the curried chicken.

The Baker Bean

in Uvita -- Breakfast/ Lunch / Dinner -- 2743-8700 -- Mon-Sun.                                                                      

Go south on the highway, just past gas station on the right is The Baker Bean.  Good bagels and pizza. Very casual.

La Fogata

in Uvita – Pizza / Roasted Chicken – 2743-8224 -  Daily 12-10pm
Go south on highway, cross over bridge and make the first right just before The Dome Plaza.  Drive down about a block and it is on your left. Another longstanding restaurant with consistant quality.  Casual, great atmosphere.  I love sending clients here because you get the vibe of a jungle pizzeria.  We recommend the bbq chicken pizza!!

Hotel Cuna Del Angel

between Uvita and Dominical – Gluten Free – 2787-4343 -  Daily 6am-10pm – Res. Recommended
Go north on the highway about 10 minutes.  You will see signs for the hotel on the left and turn left. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Gluten free and mostly organic restaurant.  We recommend their ceviche, crème of mushroom soup, Asian chicken salad, pastas, chicken dishes and their molten chocolate cake.  Many other things are delicious as well.  It’s hard to believe it’s gluten free!

Bar Jolly Roger

between Uvita and Dominical – Wings & Burgers – Daily at 4pm
Go north on the highway about 10 minutes.  The entrance is on the right, you will see signs.  It is across the street from Cuna Del Angel.  You will need 4x4.  Go up the hill a few miles.
We love this place.  Not healthy but totally delicious.  If you think you don’t like chicken wings, you will after eating here.  They have 27 flavors of wings, great burgers and pizzas.  Sports bar atmosphere.  Fun place.  Kid friendly (your kids can run around all night and nobody will notice! Hopefully…don’t tell them I said that). Poker on Saturday night.

PorQue No at Costa Paraiso

Dominicalito – Yummy/Healthy – Tues- Sun – Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner – Res.Recommended
Go north on the highway about 14 minutes, after you pass soccer field on the right start looking for signs that say PorQue No / Costa Paraiso.  It will be a quick left turn down a steep hill.
Great Variety of yummy food.  Lists gluten free options.  Pizza too.  We recommend the yucca enyucados for breakfast.  All of the salads are great and the crusted snapper.  Homemade bread for their sandwiches.  I love to recommend this place because it is situated in one of the most beautiful spots on the coast.  The waves crash on the rocks in front of you.  At night, they have a light shining on the waves so there is always a view of the ocean.

Sushi

Dominical – Daily - 1pm-11pm
Go north about 15 minutes, turn left into Dominical just before the bridge.  As you drive straight, the sushi place is directly in the Plaza in front of you. Great sushi, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Kid friendly.  Has a little playground.

Tortilla Flats

Dominical – Daily – Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Go north on the highway about 15 minutes, turn left into Dominical just before the bridge.  When you reach the “T”, turn left and drive down until you see the “ICE” Electric/Phone company builing.  Turn right and go to the “T”, then turn right and you will see Tortilla Flats. This is a great “Cheers” type of bar/restaurant.  Right on the beach.  Menu with a lot of variety. Casual and fun. Kid friendly.

Roca Verde

Dominicalito – Daily
Turn on highway and go north.  Drive about 10 minutes, pass the soccer field on the right and in a few more minutes on the left you will see a sign for Roca Verde.  Just south of Dominical. This is another great place on the beach.  Beach is beautiful and very little people.  Restaurant is a little pricey but very good and dinner is excellent.  Live music on Fridays.