Looking for the best restaurants in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica? This Caribbean coastal town that is popular with backpackers and surfers has a ton of amazing spots to satisfy any craving you might have.
We’re a couple living in Costa Rica, and we visit Puerto Viejo often. I am a self-proclaimed foodie, so we have spent a lot of time munching our way through Puerto Viejo. We created this list of our 12 favorite places to eat in Puerto Viejo to include a mix of local and international flavors, budget-friendly and high-end options, and meals for all times of day.
So, let’s dive into the 12 best eats in Puerto Viejo. And stick around for some handy dining tips at the end!
Restaurants at a Glance
- Best Breakfast Place: Café Rico
- Best Authentic Caribbean Place: Jammin
- Best Date Night Place: Soca
- Best Beachfront Dining: Grow
- Best Casual Dining: Chill and Cheese Snackbar
- Best Pub Experience: Green Jaguar Irish Pub
Map of Puerto Viejo Restaurants
You can also open this map in Google Maps here.
1. Cafe Rico
Café Rico is a cozy place for a leisurely breakfast or brunch. They serve up a variety of dishes, from hearty pancakes to tasty avocado toast as well as some delicious coffee and tea based bevarges. Personally, I love the friendly staff, lush garden, and insane selection of books they have.
Where to Stay in Puerto Viejo: Our Top Picks
Hotel Aguas Claras
📍 Playa Chiquita
Part of the Cayuga Collection and one of the most high-end stays in the area, with a pool and free bikes.
Check prices →La Paz del Caribe
📍 Playa Cocles
A peaceful jungle B&B with comfy bungalows, lovely hosts and a breakfast guests rave about.
Check prices →Pagalù Hostel
📍 Puerto Viejo town
Clean, modern and friendly. The best pick if you want to save money without roughing it.
Check prices →Planning a trip to Costa Rica? We’ll walk you through it step by step
Sign up now & get your free trip planning checklist instantly.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes. There are plenty of vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? No, but you should have no problem finding a table.
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM (closed Thursdays and Fridays)
- Rating: 5.0/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. The Beach
The Beach is located on the Selina Hotel property. The restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience with ocean views. We like the diverse menu which features things like Caribbean cuisine, burgers, international food items, and pizza. We suggest coming here for lunch to enjoy the atmosphere in the daylight.
3. Port Vell
Port Vell is an amazing breakfast and brunch spot located in the heart of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. They are known for their homemade dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. I love that they offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options as well as a mix of sweet and savory dishes.
4. Como en la Gloria
Como en la Gloria is a tasty Spanish restaurant offering an array of gourmet dishes. This eatery serves up a variety of tapas, seafood, and paella. I think this is the perfect place for a date night when you get a bit tired of Costa Rican cuisine and need some variety in your life.
Price Point: $$-$$$
Vegetarian Options? Yes, but they don’t have a huge selection.
Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 8584 8190
Opening Hours: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM (Closed Mondays)
Rating: 5.0/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. KOKi Beach Restaurant & Bar
KOKi Beach Restaurant & Bar offers a fun outdoor dining experience with oceanfront views. This popular spot features a diverse menu of Caribbean, Latin, and Costa Rican cuisine. It is mostly known for its fresh seafood and fantastic cocktails. Personally, I love it for the vibrant atmosphere.
6. Jammin
Jammin doesn’t look like much from the outside but the food speaks for itself. Here you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and AMAZING Caribbean cuisine. Plus, everything on their menu is vegan. I personally love the Jerk Jack Fruit.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, everything is vegan.
- Takes Reservations? No
- Opening Hours: 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed Sundays)
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. Soca
Soca offers a refined dining experience with ocean views. It is definitely the fanciest restaurant in Puerto Viejo and is perfect for a romantic dinner. I suggest coming here for a seafood or steak dinner. The attentive service, boutique style atmosphere, and beautifully presented dishes (such as ceviche served in a coconut shell) make it a memorable spot for dinner.
Travel Essentials for Your Costa Rica Trip
Don’t let unplanned medical expenses or trip interruptions overshadow your dream Costa Rican vacation.
- 🚗 Save 10% on your car rental with Adobe Rent-A-Car: free second driver, 0% deductible, and top service.
- 🚐 Compare shared shuttles or private transfers: easy rides from airports to anywhere in the country.
- 🎟 Book your tours on Viator: secure payments, verified operators, and free cancellation.
- 💳 Protect your trip with Heymondo Insurance: covers flight delays, medical care, and lost luggage.
- 🌿 Effortless Costa Rica travel: Our local planner organizes it all, stays, transport, and exclusive experiences.
8. Chill and Cheese Snackbar
Chill and Cheese Snackbar offers a casual dining experience with a focus on comfort food. This place is mostly known for their delicious burgers. I like that the service is fast and everything I have eaten here has been good.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have a vegetarian patty option for burgers. Also, snack items such as quesadillas can be made with mushroom filling.
- Takes Reservations? No, but you should have no problem grabbing a table here.
- Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 9:45 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Que Quilombo
Located in Playa Chiquita (just south of Puerto Viejo), Que Quilombo is a cozy, family-run restaurant. This place serves up a variety of dishes including pizza, but really you should come for the steaks. They take their meats very seriously and I have had some of the best steaks of my life here. Also, the service is great here. Everyone is so friendly and helpful.
Price Point: $$$
Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are a few vegetarian dishes including pizza options.
Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 63794300
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Rating: 5.0/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Green Jaguar Irish Pub
Green Jaguar Irish Pub can best be described as a traditional Irish pub fare with Costa Rican influences. They have a wide selection of beers and hearty dishes like fish and chips, burgers, shepherds pie. I also love the lively atmosphere here.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they actually have a vegan section on their menu.
- Takes Reservations? I don’t think they take reservations, but you can always call them at +506 6062 9988.
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 PM (closed Sundays)
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
11. Sage Restaurant
Sage Restaurant Playa 506 is located south of Puerto Viejo in Cocles. This restaurant is known for its fusion cuisine that combines local ingredients with international flavors. I love the beautifully presented dishes and the relaxed, beachfront setting. Plus, they have an extensive bar menu.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes
- Takes Reservations? Yes
- Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
12. Grow
Grow is a farm-to-table restaurant that emphasizes sustainability and local produce. Everything served here is vegetarian or vegan. The menu features fresh, organic dishes such as bowls, salads, and smoothies. The location just in front of the beach definitely adds to the charm.
Price Point: $$
Vegetarian Options? Yes, the entire menu is vegetarian or vegan.
Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8370 6334
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Closed Sundays)
Rating: 5.0/5 stars on TripAdvisor
Other Things to Know About Eating in Puerto Viejo
- For groceries, check out Super Old Harbor and Mega Super located in the downtown area. They usually have the best variety and are conveniently located.
- Most places don’t require reservations, but during high season, it’s wise to call ahead.
- Many restaurants don’t have websites. Some use Facebook, but visiting in person is often best to see the menu.
- If you have allergies, inform your waiter. I suggest carrying a card with your allergies translated into Spanish. I am potentially deathly allergic to shellfish, so I completely understand the struggles.
- For a fun experience, try a local cooking class to learn how to make traditional Costa Rican dishes. We suggest this awesome one with a local woman named Josephina.
- Tap water is generally safe to drink here, but I suggest buying bottled water just to be on the safe side. We like to buy large jugs and refill our water bottles as needed.
- Most places accept cash and credit cards, but it’s always good to check first. There are ATM’s at the Banco Nacional and BCR located at the tip of the downtown area.
- Tipping is not required but appreciated. Read our guide on tipping in Costa Rica for more details.
- Restaurants are generally casual. However, it can get cooler in the evening, so bring a light cover-up.
Conclusion: Restaurants in Puerto Viejo
In conclusion, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca offers an impressive variety of dining options to satisfy all taste buds and budgets.
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy breakfast, an authentic Caribbean feast, or a romantic dinner by the sea, this Caribbean town has something for everyone.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, feel free to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan your adventures!
You Might Also Like:
🌴 Plan Smarter, Travel Easier
Before you go, here are the tools we personally use for every Costa Rica trip:
🚗 Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having your own car gives you the most flexibility to explore beaches, volcanoes, and waterfalls at your own pace.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared or private shuttle services
🏄🏽 How can I book tours and activities?
We love Viator for its wide selection, verified reviews, and free cancellation on most tours.
🍍 I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
No worries! We’ve got you! You can:
- 📧 Sign up for our email list (we walk you through the planning process step-by-step)
- 🗺️ Visit our Start Here Page for planning guidance.
- 💼 Check out our ready-made Costa Rica itinerary for the perfect one-week trip plan
- 🤖 Try Slothy, our free AI trip planner, for a personalized route with hotel and destination suggestions.
✈️ What is the best way to book a flight?
Use Skyscanner to compare flights into both San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR).
🛏️ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We like Booking.com for hotel bookings and VRBO for private villas and vacation homes.
🗣️What is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
💰 What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
📞 What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get instant 4G data when you land. No kiosk or SIM swap required.
🌴 Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
🛂 Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays, and tours in every region of the country.
Read more about Sarah
Sarah McArthur
Sarah is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes. Originally from the US, she has lived in San José, Costa Rica since 2016 with her husband Thomas, who takes the photos you see on this site.
Together they have been writing about Costa Rica since 2017, drawing on years of road trips, hotel stays, and tours in every region of the country.
Read more about Sarah
