Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast Restaurants

We’ve compiled the best of the best in Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast - browse our top choices for Restaurants during your stay.

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  • 1. Barakka Bistro

    $$$ | Italian

    An expat Italian-French couple have fused the cuisines of their respective countries into Cahuita’s most stylish and cozy dining spot. Combine...

    An expat Italian-French couple have fused the cuisines of their respective countries into Cahuita’s most stylish and cozy dining spot. Combine a ricotta cannelloni with a croque madame in bechamel sauce, or steak tartare with a variety of bruschettas. Round out the meal with a marmalade crepe or tiramisu for dessert. The menu is small, but mixing and matching is easy here. Partake in wines of both countries (of course) or freshly squeezed fruit juices. The flags of both nations prominently hang on the wall here too in the unlikely event you forget what the offerings are.

    Cahuita, Limón, Costa Rica
    -2755–0145

    Known For

    • Innovative blending of two cuisines
    • Macadamia pesto
    • Attentive service

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon.
  • 2. El Refugio Grill

    $$$ | Argentine

    This tiny rancho-style restaurant in the middle of a forest clearing is one of Costa Rica's top Argentine restaurants. The menu varies throughout...

    This tiny rancho-style restaurant in the middle of a forest clearing is one of Costa Rica's top Argentine restaurants. The menu varies throughout the year and might consist of beef in chimichurri sauce, spinach crepes, curried shrimp, mussels in white wine, or milanesa de corvina (sea-bass cutlet). All meals here kick off with homemade chips and guacamole, a house specialty. The place feels remote and, indeed, you’re a long way from most lodgings when you’re out here in Punta Uva. Take a taxi to and from if you’re without your own wheels.

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    -2759-9007

    Known For

    • Intimate and secluded forest setting
    • Hearty Argentine menu
    • Homemade guacamole and chips

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch
  • 3. La Pecora Nera

    $$$$

    For nearly 30 years, the owner of this Italian restaurant has gone to great lengths to assure ingredients are authentic, including importing olive oil and...

    For nearly 30 years, the owner of this Italian restaurant has gone to great lengths to assure ingredients are authentic, including importing olive oil and wine from Italy. You’ll be surprised at all the additional light Tuscan entrées, appetizers, and desserts the chef-owner has concocted that day. Start with bruschetta and carpaccio, and move on to fillet with Gorgonzola sauce or homemade pasta. Be prepared for a long, leisurely dining experience with attentive service, often from the owner himself, with all the flair of an opera tenor. It's worth the wait, especially when you sink your teeth into the tiramisu; this is one of the country's top Italian restaurants.

    3 km (2 miles) southeast of town at Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0490

    Known For

    • Innovative Italian menu
    • Exuberant owner
    • Leisurely dining experience

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 4. Stashus con Fusion

    $$

    This restaurant epitomizes Puerto Viejo: lively, organic, popular, but confident enough not to seek trendiness. Ordering is by sauces: Thai peanut, Indonesian-Caribbean curry, Mexican chipotle,...

    This restaurant epitomizes Puerto Viejo: lively, organic, popular, but confident enough not to seek trendiness. Ordering is by sauces: Thai peanut, Indonesian-Caribbean curry, Mexican chipotle, Jamaican jerk-style, or Malaysian-guayaba curry, which is served on vegetables, chicken, shrimp, or fish (marlin or tuna). You can't go wrong with the Caribbean pad Thai or Indian butter chicken. Live music gets going later on Saturday evening, although the place closes at 10.

    Beach Front Rd., Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    8385–6887

    Known For

    • Live music
    • Mix-and-match menu
    • Organic offerings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed. No lunch
  • 5. Amimodo

    $$$

    The name translates to "my way," and the exuberant Italian owners really do it their way, combining the cuisine of their native northern Italy with...

    The name translates to "my way," and the exuberant Italian owners really do it their way, combining the cuisine of their native northern Italy with Caribbean flavors. Antipasto might be classic bruschetta or jamón de atún (tuna ham) with avocado dressing, and ravioli might be stuffed with tropical shrimp, pineapple, and curry, with avocado sauce on the side. The tropical veranda with gingerbread trim spills over onto the beach with abundant greenery, and the restaurant is a popular gathering place for Puerto Viejo's Italian expat community.

    In front of Salsa Brava, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0257

    Known For

    • Ever-changing creative menu
    • Tropical veranda setting
    • Exuberant service
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 6. Aroma, Coffee Bar & Breakfast

    $$ | Vegetarian

    Fortify yourself for a day of sightseeing with a vegan breakfast, perhaps banana pancakes or crepes, at this semi-open-air spot. For lunch,...

    Fortify yourself for a day of sightseeing with a vegan breakfast, perhaps banana pancakes or crepes, at this semi-open-air spot. For lunch, dig into a variety of vegan burgers and salads (mango is a favorite) with fruit cheesecakes for dessert. Accompany it all with a selection of gourmet coffees, milkshakes, or smoothies—the banana-coffee smoothie is one of the innovative flavors these folks have concocted. Decorated in lots of red, the space may be small, but they'll squeeze you in.

    Cahuita, Limón, Costa Rica
    -8808–6445

    Known For

    • Great selection of smoothies
    • Cheery owners
    • Extensive vegan menu, a rarity in Costa Rica

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No dinner
  • 7. Bread & Chocolate

    $$

    The takeaway line for brownies—made with their own processed cocoa—forms at the gate before this place opens at 6:30 am. Stick around, though, for a...

    The takeaway line for brownies—made with their own processed cocoa—forms at the gate before this place opens at 6:30 am. Stick around, though, for a hearty breakfast of cinnamon-oatmeal pancakes, French toast, or creamy scrambled eggs, washed down with a cup of French-press coffee.

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0723

    Known For

    • Jerk chicken
    • Fresh-baked goods
    • Homemade sauces

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner
  • 8. Brigitte's Ranch

    $ | Café

    Fuel up for the day's activities at this informal, open-air café on the Playa Negra road. A hearty breakfast—served until noon—of banana pancakes...

    Fuel up for the day's activities at this informal, open-air café on the Playa Negra road. A hearty breakfast—served until noon—of banana pancakes and fruit with honey or pineapple jam does the trick. Gallo pinto is on the menu, though most travelers have had their fill of that ubiquitous dish by the time they get to the Caribbean. Omelets, toast, and American-style cereals round out the offerings.

    Playa Negra road, 1½ km (1 mile) from town, Cahuita, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    -2755–0053

    Known For

    • Hearty, fortifying breakfasts
    • American-style omelets
    • Tasty gallo pinto

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch or dinner
  • 9. Budda Café

    $

    Pizza, crepes, pastas, and fresh fish are on the menu at this small, canal-side café in the center of town. Wood lattice over the windows,...

    Pizza, crepes, pastas, and fresh fish are on the menu at this small, canal-side café in the center of town. Wood lattice over the windows, a thatch roof, and, not surprisingly, a small Buddha statue make up the furnishings. Ambient chill out music might be playing in the background.

    Next to police station, Tortuguero, Limón, 70205, Costa Rica
    2709–8084

    Known For

    • Good cocktail selection
    • Friendly service
    • Cool canal-side setting
  • 10. Café Viejo

    $$$

    This is the hot place to see and be seen on Puerto Viejo's main drag. The owners learned to cook at the knee of their...

    This is the hot place to see and be seen on Puerto Viejo's main drag. The owners learned to cook at the knee of their Italian grandmother back in Rimini, and have concocted a menu, several pages long, of pizzas and handmade pastas. The hand-rolled strozzapreti with shrimp and zucchini is a top seller. Recorded reggae and mambo music plays in the background.

    Avda. 71, corner of C. 215, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0817

    Known For

    • Traditional Italian cooking
    • Impressive pizza variety
    • Place to view Puerto Viejo's passing parade

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No lunch
  • 11. Caribeans

    $

    At first glance, this small café could use a spelling lesson, but since Caribeans deals in coffee and chocolate, the play on words is apt....

    At first glance, this small café could use a spelling lesson, but since Caribeans deals in coffee and chocolate, the play on words is apt. Treat yourself to a latte, mocha, or coconut cappuccino, all made from organic, fair-trade coffee from the Turrialba region in the far-eastern Central Valley, and roasted here. For something more substantial, opt for a smoothie or pastry. 

    2 km (1 mile) southeast of town at Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0504

    Known For

    • Organic, fair-trade coffee
    • Locally roasted beans
    • Coconut cappuccino

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun.
  • 12. Cheeky Monkey

    $$ | Pizza

    Flatbread pizza is the name of the game at this dining spot, which you'll see as you head out of town toward Playa Cocles. The folks here come...

    Flatbread pizza is the name of the game at this dining spot, which you'll see as you head out of town toward Playa Cocles. The folks here come up with some innovative combinations, such as date and gorgonzola or camote (a Central American sweet potato) with jalapeño and chimichurri sauce, in addition to more standard pizzas. In the morning, there's a variety of breakfast panini and eggs. A good selection of cocktails and Cheeky Monkey’s homemade ice cream round out the offerings.

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica
    -2750–0530

    Known For

    • Inventive pizza toppings
    • Homemade ice cream
    • Good cocktail selection
  • 13. Chile Rojo

    $$

    Not a thing about the name or furnishings reflects its Thai and Middle Eastern offerings, but this restaurant does a brisk business. Choose from Thai...

    Not a thing about the name or furnishings reflects its Thai and Middle Eastern offerings, but this restaurant does a brisk business. Choose from Thai grilled tuna, falafel, hummus, samosas, or sushi. The menu features plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The spacious, open second-floor setting catches the breezes and lets you watch the passersby on Puerto Viejo's main drag down below. You'll have plenty of time for people-watching; service tends to be slow here.

    Main St. oceanfront, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0421

    Known For

    • Vegetarian dishes and fresh sushi
    • Lamb curry
    • Friendly, leisurely service
  • 14. Como en Mi Casa ArtCafe

    $

    Everything is made on-site at this small second-floor café. Start off the day with an order of vegan pancakes and fruit smoothie, or ease into...

    Everything is made on-site at this small second-floor café. Start off the day with an order of vegan pancakes and fruit smoothie, or ease into lunch with veggie burritos and a tomato, oregano, and olive oil bruschetta. You'll find some gluten-free options on the menu, too. Bopping tunes make for an upbeat vibe, and there is a nice balcony with Wi-Fi for dining outdoors.

    100 meters (328 feet) east of bus stop, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    8674–2853

    Known For

    • Fresh homemade bread
    • Friendly service
    • Many gluten-free offerings

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner
  • 15. De Gustibus Bakery

    $

    Follow your nose to this bakery where breads, cakes, and pastries lure customers from the point of "just a bite" to breakfast-on-repeat---it’s hard to resist...

    Follow your nose to this bakery where breads, cakes, and pastries lure customers from the point of "just a bite" to breakfast-on-repeat---it’s hard to resist the chocolate-filled cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, French toast, and pancakes. Swing by later in the day for a vegan burger or burrito. If you plan to grab a coffee and go, avoid the glass display case tempting chocolate croissants dusted in powdered sugar.

    Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, Costa Rica
    2756–8397

    Known For

    • Chocolate pastries
    • French toast
    • Exceptional breakfasts
  • 16. Dorling's Bakery

    $

    What this small bakery misses in ambience and decor, it makes up for in quality baked goods to go. This is a great place to...

    What this small bakery misses in ambience and decor, it makes up for in quality baked goods to go. This is a great place to stop for breads made with banana, carrot, and natilla (sour cream), or for something more substantial, grab pizza, pasta, or sandwiches before a day of sightseeing. 

    Tortuguero, Limón, 70205, Costa Rica
    2767–0444

    Known For

    • Hearty, fortifying breakfasts
    • Canal views
    • Variety of breads

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 17. Dread Nut Coffee

    $

    An easy-to-miss Caribbean-style clapboard house near the bus stop makes a great place to fortify yourself for a day of sightseeing. The industrious staff here...

    An easy-to-miss Caribbean-style clapboard house near the bus stop makes a great place to fortify yourself for a day of sightseeing. The industrious staff here start the day with omelets and freshly baked banana bread, bagels,and pastries, and lunch gives way to a variety of sandwiches—you choose from ingredients to construct your own.

    50 m east of bus stop, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    8995–6103

    Known For

    • Homemade ice cream
    • Cool tropical vibe
    • Organic coffee

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • 18. Koki Beach

    $$$

    This slightly elevated terrace restaurant with colorful furniture (and colorful characters) is a great place to watch Puerto Viejo's parade of evening passersby and the...

    This slightly elevated terrace restaurant with colorful furniture (and colorful characters) is a great place to watch Puerto Viejo's parade of evening passersby and the ocean waves lapping on the beach across the street. The mostly surf-and-turf menu means lots of shrimp and sea bass and lots of beef and chicken, all served on or off skewers according to your preference. A great selection of drinks rounds out the offerings. Live music gets under way many evenings, usually in the later hours.

    Avda. 71 and C. 219, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2750–0902

    Known For

    • Live music
    • Good drink selection
    • Place to see and be seen

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No lunch
  • 19. Miss Edith

    $

    Miss Edith—women in Caribbean communities are addressed as "Miss" regardless of marital status—is revered for her flavorful Caribbean cooking, vegetarian meals, and herbal teas for...

    Miss Edith—women in Caribbean communities are addressed as "Miss" regardless of marital status—is revered for her flavorful Caribbean cooking, vegetarian meals, and herbal teas for whatever ails you. She dishes up food (albeit at a slower pace than you might be used to back home) at her semi-open-air restaurant on an easy-to-miss street at the north end of town. Jerk chicken and rondón, a fish stew, are specialties (the latter is quite labor-intensive; stop by in the afternoon to see if it will be on the menu that night). There is a bit of Christian overlay here—a Jesús te ama (Jesus loves you) sign greets you at the entrance—but nothing about the place crosses a line into proselytizing.

    75 m east of police station, Cahuita, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2755–0248

    Known For

    • Jerk chicken
    • Rondón (fish stew)
    • Jesus-themed decor

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No credit cards
  • 20. Pizzeria Cahuita

    $$

    Pastas and meat entrées are on the menu, but the real draw here is the 30 varieties of thin-crust pizza whipped up and served with...

    Pastas and meat entrées are on the menu, but the real draw here is the 30 varieties of thin-crust pizza whipped up and served with style by a gregarious Italian family from Ravenna. The Cuatro Quesos (four cheeses) with mozzarella, Gorgonzola, Parmesan, and fontina is the most popular. These folks do a brisk carry-out business, too. Note that prices do skew higher here than for a comparable "family pizza night" back home.

    Cahuita, Limón, 70403, Costa Rica
    2755–0179

    Known For

    • Handmade ravioli
    • Friendly service
    • Takeout

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs.

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