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The 11 Best Restaurants in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica?
This beautiful Pacific Coast beach town in the Guanacaste Province offers a fantastic variety of dining options for all food palates. From beachfront bars to high-end restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
We’ve compiled this list of our 11 favorite spots based on our frequent visits to the Playa Flamingo area.
So, let’s dive into the best dining experiences in Playa Flamingo. And don’t miss our tips at the end to make sure you have the best experience.
Playa Flamingo Restaurants at a Glance
- Most Unique Experience: Castillo De Lilo
- Best Beach Bar: Coco Loco
- Best Breakfast Place: Surf Box
- Best Relaxed Lunch: a’lo Nico
- Best Sunset Views: Gracia Mar Vista
- Best for Steak: Angelina’s Restaurant & Bar
- Best for Seafood: Soda El Estero Azul
Map of Playa Flamingo Restaurants
Playa Flamingo is located on the Pacific coast about an hour south of the Liberia International Airport. This beach town is known for its nice hotels, clear waters, and white sands.
We created this clickable map so you can easily see where each restaurant is located and find the perfect place that best suites your trip plans.
If you are staying in downtown Playa Flamingo you can easily walk to a lot of the restaurants on this list. Otherwise, a rental car is helpful to get around to other spots. Save 10% plus get other great perks with our rental car discount here.
You can also open this on Google Maps here.
1. Hazel’s Steak & Seafood
Hazel’s Steak & Seafood offers a menu featuring fresh seafood and perfectly grilled steaks. I have found that all the food here tends to be really good. They also make excellent cocktails.
However, the best part about this place is definitely the location. The restaurant is set directly next to the water with views of the marina.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? This is probably not the best option for vegetarians. There are some salads and appetizers that are vegetarian but the main courses are very meat and fish dominant.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 8386 2149
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed on Mondays)
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Castillo De Lilo
Castillo de Lilo is a castle located north of Playa Flamingo in Playa Potrero on a hill above the Pacific Ocean with amazing views. A dining experience here will take place on the large castle terrace.
There are multiple ways to visit. You can opt for a full dining experience with a three-course meal and tour of the castle or a sunset aperitif option. They also are happy to host weddings or special events.
The setting is amazing and unique, but the real star here is definitely the food. Everything is carefully and thoughtfully prepared. The presentation and taste are exceptional.
- Price Point: $$$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there is a vegetarian menu option
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you need to make reservations in order to visit. Please use the button below to contact them and reserve a table.
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. a’lo Nico
A’lo Nico is a great place to go for breakfast or lunch. They serve things such as Costa Rican breakfast, omelets, wraps, burgers, and sandwiches. Their portions are very generous and the relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for a laid-back meal.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have good vegetarian options. For breakfast, I like their huevos rancheros and for lunch I suggest the falafel or eggplant wrap.
- Takes Reservations? I don’t think they take reservations, but you can always call them at +506 2654 4008
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
4. El Tiki
El Tiki serves casual street food filled with fresh, local ingredients. It’s a great spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
They serve wraps, quesadillas, tacos, sandwiches, and salads. They also make some great mixed drinks including an extensive selection of unique gin and tonics.
I like to come here for lunch or a late-night bite with a cocktail.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have a vegan section of their menu.
- Takes Reservations? No, and you really don’t need reservations here.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. Coco Loco
Coco Loco is the quintessential Playa Flamingo experience, in my opinion. This restaurant has tables inside, but I definitely suggest sitting directly on the beach in their beach bar. The laid-back vibe and stunning ocean views make it a must-visit for anyone in Playa Flamingo.
I suggest trying their signature coco loco cocktail served in a coconut and their Peruvian ceviche that is served in a pineapple. Overall, their menu consists of elevated bar food with a tropical twist.
Coco Loco actually catered our wedding, so we are big fans of them!
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes. Tell them if you are a vegetarian or vegan. They have a whole separate menu for you.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 4700 3939 or fill out their contact form here.
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
6. Gracia Mar Vista
Gracia Mar Vista offers a stunning setting with panoramic views and a menu that blends local and international flavors. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. I suggest opting for a dinner reservation around 5:00 PM so you can enjoy the sunset views over the infinity pool with your meal.
The menu has a little bit of everything on it. They also have a tapas menu, which I recommend. It is perfect if you are traveling as a couple or family because you can try a little bit of everything.
Price Point: $$$
Vegetarian Options? Yes, several tapas and a few of the main courses are vegetarian.
Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 6110 1687
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. Angelina’s Restaurant & Bar
Angelina’s Restaurant & Bar is my favorite place in downtown Playa Flamingo for a romantic dinner. The setting is beautiful and the food is excellent. They serve a variety of dishes, but I suggest opting for a steak here.
- Price Point: $$$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, but it is somewhat limited. They have a plant-based burger, two vegetarian pasta dishes, and a few vegetarian salads.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, it is a good idea to reserve. You can email angelinaflamingo@gmail.com or call +506 2654 4839 to request a reservation.
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
8. Surf Box
Surf Box is my favorite place for breakfast and also a good option for lunch in Playa Flamingo.
They serve a variety of breakfast options including omelets, ricotta pancakes (which I dream about), avocado toast, waffles, and so much more!
For lunch they offer a variety of sandwiches, tacos, and salad bowls.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are plenty of great vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? I don’t think they take reservations, but you can always call them at +506 8349 9773
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Amigos Tacos y Beer
Amigos Tacos y Beer keeps it simple, and I like that. This relaxed taco shack serves tacos, burritos, nachos, chips and salsa, beers, and cocktails.
The one downside is the seating area is somewhat between buildings. It is comfortable and fine, but not especially nice looking or anything.
- Price Point: $
- Vegetarian Options? You could get any dishes with just the toppings (which would be vegetarian) but I’m not sure if they have a vegetarian protein option.
- Takes Reservations? No
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Soda Y Restaurante El Estero Azul
Soda Y Restaurante El Estero Azul is the best place around for authentic Costa Rican cuisine with a focus on fish or seafood. Plus the portions are large and come at a very reasonable price point. If you feel like going crazy, I suggest getting the whole red snapper.
The restaurant is also located directly on the beach, which is always nice. It isn’t a fancy place by any means, but don’t let that deter you. The food speaks for itself.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? This isn’t really the best spot for vegetarians. You will be very limited in your options.
- Takes Reservations? No
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
11. Top Spritz
Top Spritz is the new restaurant in town. So far, it is definitely delivering as a contender as one of the best restaurants in Flamingo. This place serves up amazing pizzas with a wide selection of toppings. They also have calzones, pastas, and salads.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are many vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 4705 4255
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
Other Things to Know About Eating in Playa Flamingo
- Most restaurants in Playa Flamingo do not have websites. Some may have Facebook pages, but some don’t have their menu listed. You will usually have to stop at the restaurant if you want to check out the menu.
- If you have any food allergies, definitely let your waiter know. I suggest carrying a card with your allergies translated into Spanish to prevent any language-related miscommunication. As someone with a potentially deadly seafood allergy, I get it! The struggle is real.
- Most places take cash and credit card, but it is best to check before eating. The nearest bank is the Banco Nacionel de Costa Rica which is on the main road before you enter the downtown Flamingo area. .
- Tipping is not required in Costa Rica, but it is becoming more and more common. You can find out more in our guide to tipping.
- You can usually drink the tap water in Flamingo. However, I would still suggest buying bottled water just to be on the safe side. We like to buy large jugs and just refill our water bottles as needed.
- Flamingo is pretty safe, but petty theft does sometimes occur. A lot of the restaurants here are somewhat open-air. It is best to never leave your wallet or cell phone on the table. also, do not leave your purse or backpack on the back of your chair. Instead, put it on the floor between your legs with one strap looped through your leg.
- Once the sun goes down the mosquitos can be intense. If you plan on an outdoor dinner, bring bug spray.
Conclusion: Playa Flamingo Restaurants
In conclusion, Playa Flamingo offers a fantastic variety of dining options for every taste and budget. From beachfront bars to fine dining and international cuisine, this coastal town has something for everyone.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Playa Flamingo or need more dining recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re always here to help you plan your trip!
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Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
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Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
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Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.
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