Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Restaurants

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.

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  • 1. Pangas Beach Club

    $$$

    You can’t get any closer to the water than at this outdoor beach garden, where rustic tables are shaded by enormous ficus trees draped with wicker lamps. Classic French cuisine with Costa Rican flavors include dishes like fresh seafood with fruit reductions and organic meats seared on hot lava stones. It's one of the few places in Tamarindo serving lamb, and 100% of the ingredients are local. For something light, try the tropical goat cheese salad with mango chutney or the yellowfin tuna tower topped with mango and avocado.

    Tamarindo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
    2653–0024

    Known For

    • Sunset dinners
    • Lovely setting on the beach
    • Lamb seared on hot lava stones
  • 2. Restaurant Deevena

    $$$

    An unexpected outpost of divine French cuisine, this oasis of elegance overlooks a sparkling blue pool edged by lush palms, while lounge chairs shaded by orange umbrellas tempt diners to stay overnight (six stylish rooms are available). Lunch and dinner feature lots of local seafood, produce, and goat cheese from the chef’s nearby farm. Try the fresh grouper fillet bathed in lemon-herb-butter sauce, or the seared ahi tuna with ginger-carrot puree. Vegetarians can feast on ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, sage, and sun-dried tomatoes. Desserts include classic French options—fruit crepes, crème brûlée—as well as chocolate lava cake with raspberry compote. The service here is exemplary. You can order wonderful wines by the glass or bottle—a rare opportunity in these remote parts. While waiting for your meal to arrive, ask to view the photo album of the chef’s famous clients.

    Playa Negra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
    2653–2328

    Known For

    • Tantalizing pasta, steak, and seafood prepared in a French style
    • Volcano dessert with chocolate lava
    • Fresh catch of the day

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Sept.–Oct.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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