Dining Guide

GUANACASTE COAST

Where to Eat on the Guanacaste Coast

From $5 casados at local sodas to $45 oceanfront fine dining. These are the restaurants we eat at ourselves.

Read our full restaurant guide →

Flamingo

Hazel’s Flamingo

PlayaCR Pick

Beachfront dining in Flamingo with a menu built around fresh, local ingredients. Known for creative cocktails, ocean views, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels like you’re eating at a friend’s beach house. One of our favorites on the coast.

Beachfront Cocktails + fresh menu

Coco Loco

Beachfront

Right on Flamingo Beach. Chef Jean-Luc Taulere’s seafood and tropical fusion. The ceviche in coconut shells is the signature. Best sunset view of any restaurant in the area.

$15-35/person Seafood, fusion

Angelina’s

Fine Dining

The upscale option in Flamingo. International menu, good wine list, polished service. This is where you go for a date night or special occasion.

$25-45/person International

A’lo Nico

Breakfast/Lunch

Chef Nico and his wife Andrea run this Costa Rican-French fusion spot. Breakfast and lunch only, 9am-3pm. Closed Sundays. Small and personal.

$8-18/person Closed Sundays

El Tiki

Casual

Tacos, ceviche, smoothies. Casual outdoor spot. Cash only. Good for a quick, affordable lunch between beach sessions.

$8-18/person Cash only

Tamarindo

Pangas Beach Club

Upscale

Tables in the sand under giant trees at the south end of Tamarindo Beach. Fresh seafood, grass-fed beef, premium cocktails. The best date-night spot in Tamarindo. Reservations recommended Dec-Apr.

$20-45/person Seafood, grill

Dragonfly Bar & Grill

Fusion

Running since 2005. Creative global fusion menu, sushi, steaks, handcrafted cocktails. Romantic atmosphere. One of the most consistent restaurants in town.

$20-45/person Global fusion

Seasons by Shlomy

Mediterranean

Israeli-born Cordon Bleu chef cooking since 2003. Poolside at Hotel Arco Iris. Dinner only. Cash only. One of the best meals on the coast if you can get a table.

$25-50/person Dinner only, cash only

Potrero

The Beach House

Beachfront

Right on Playa Potrero. Seafood, burgers, pasta. Great sunset views. Open 11am-10pm. Chill vibe, good for families.

$12-30/person

Potrero Brewing Co.

Craft Beer

Local craft brewery with rotating food vendors (tacos, poke, sliders). Live music nights. Family-friendly. The best casual hangout in Potrero.

$8-15/person Live music

Soda Marcell

Local Soda

The real deal. Tico breakfast, casados, huge portions. 7am-2:30pm. This is where locals eat. Inside Super Marcell on the main road.

$5-10/person Cash only

Brasilito

Patagonia Del Mar

Argentine

Argentine grill, seafood, and international cuisine right on Brasilito Beach. Tuna tartare and ribeye are standouts. Pool access for diners. Open 7am-10pm.

$15-40/person Beachfront + pool

Masala

Indian

First Indian restaurant in Guanacaste. Authentic dishes, creative cocktails, atmospheric decor. 400m north of the Westin. A nice change from the usual seafood.

$12-25/person