Are you looking for our favorite restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica?
Monteverde, Costa Rica (also known as Santa Elena) is a popular cloud forest destination filled with adventure activities and excellent hikes. The area is also home to several amazing restaurants at a variety of price points.
We created this guide to share our 16 favorite places to eat in the area and to give you some advice about dining in Monteverde. As you read, note that we ranked each restaurant by its price point from $-$$$$.
Don’t Want to Read It All?
Here’s the short version of what you should know about eating in Monteverde:
- For a splurge: San Lucas Treetop Dining, a nine-course dinner in a glass box 50 feet up.
- For lunch after zip lining: Monteverde Brewing Company.
- For traditional food: Soda La Amistad and Restaurante Finca Bosque Verde.
- For drinks: Natu Speakeasy Bar, and a sunset dinner at The Fig.
- Good to know: most restaurants here don’t have websites, so check Google Maps for hours.
- While you’re there: here are our favorite things to do in Monteverde.
Monteverde Restaurants at a Glance
- The Best High End Restaurant: San Lucas Treetop Dining
- The Best Costa Rican Food: Soda La Amistad Monteverde
- The Best Place for Craft Beer: Monteverde Brewing Company
- The Best Place for a Unique Experience: Restaurante Finca Bosque Verde
- The Best Cocktail Bar: Natu Speakeasy
Monteverde Restaurant Map
We created a clickable map to make finding each restaurant a bit easier for you. Enjoy!
1. San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience
San Lucas Treetop dining experience is, as the name suggests, more than just a restaurant. This unique place is located on the Chira Glamping hotel property. All table are secluded with an open air feel and impressive cloud forest views.
Where to Stay in Monteverde: Our Top Picks
Koora Monteverde
📍 Monteverde
A luxury eco-boutique hotel in the cloud forest with sweeping views and spacious suites.
Check prices →Casitas del Bosque
📍 Monteverde
Cozy private cabins in the forest, each with a kitchenette and a private terrace.
Check prices →Hostel Cattleya
📍 Monteverde
A welcoming, budget-friendly stay with options from dorm beds to two-bedroom apartments.
Check prices →This meal is a 9 course menu that changes based on what is fresh. It’s definitely a memorable experience and great for a special occasion! If you are looking for a very very nice romantic meal, this is the perfect place for it.
- Price Point: $$$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they offer this experience catered to normal diners, pescetarians, vegetarians, and vegans.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you need to make a reservation. You can do that here.
- Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
2. El Sapo Restaurant & Bar
This beautiful restaurant is located at Senda Monteverde Hotel. The views and overall design of this place is perfect. Plus, the food is always excellent. They also make their own pastas as a main dish, which I think are so good.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have vegan and vegetarian options. They are also happy to cater to any allergies. Plus, their menu has symbols indicating all allergens.
- Takes Reservations? I can’t find a spot to reserve on their website, but you can call the hotel concierge directly here +506 4001 6349
- Opening Hours: 06:30 AM – 10:00 AM | 11:30 AM – 3:15 PM | 4:30 PM – 9:15 PM
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
3. Monteverde Brewing Company
Monteverde Brewing is our favorite place to stop for lunch on our way back into town after zip-lining or hiking at the Santa Elena Reserve.
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They serve elevated bar food such as burgers, salads, and sandwiches.
Plus, this is a brewery so you should definitely try some of their beers!
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have a vegan burger, cauliflower wings, and a few salad options.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8489 7075
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Get More Info on Monteverde Brewing Company
4. The Green Restaurant
Our favorite hotels in
Monteverde
Splurge · $$$$
Koora Monteverde
📍 Monteverde · ⭐ 9.6 on Booking.com
Luxury eco-hotel with big cloud forest views.
Mid-range · $$
Casitas del Bosque Monteverde
📍 Monteverde · ⭐ 9.6 on Booking.com
Boutique cabins tucked into the forest.
Budget · $
Lidia’s Mountain View
📍 Monteverde · ⭐ 9.3 on Booking.com
Simple, friendly stay with mountain views.
This restaurant is very unassuming. It is located on the second floor of a small shopping center. However, the food is really good. They serve a variety of standard fare, but I suggest coming here for meat. They have excellent steaks.
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- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? There are a few pasta dishes and salads for vegetarians, but I don’t think this is a very good vegetarian restaurant choice.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, I strongly suggest making a reservation here. You can call them at +506 2645 7755
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Get More Info on The Green Restaurant
5. Mar y Tierra
This restaurant is located in the same plaza as the Green Restaurant. They serve up a variety of traditional Costa Rican dishes from fajitas to rice dishes, to meats and fish. Basically, they have a little of everything.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? This restaurant is not a good option for vegetarians.
- Takes Reservations? Yes. You can call them at +506 2645 5450
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
6. Restaurante Dolce Aroma
This is a cafe that serves things like crepes, sandwiches, and smoothies.
If you come here, definitely try a crepe. They have both sweet and savory options.
This is a good place to come for lunch or an afternoon sweet treat.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are several vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? I don’t think you need a reservation here. It is fine to just stop in.
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
7. Natu Speakeasy Bar
Natu is the place to go if you would like a delicious professionally made cocktail. And when I say “professionally made” I am not exaggerating. Jafe (the bartender) once won second place as a mixologist in Latin America.
They serve some food as well, but I can’t comment on that because we’ve never eaten here.
Note: This is in the same plaza as Monteverde Gastroclub, Restaurante Mar & Tierra, and The Green Restaurant. We suggest eating at one of those restaurants and coming here for a pre or post-cocktail.
- Price Point: $$$
- Takes Reservations?
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
8. Restaurante Finca Bosque Verde
If you are looking for a unique cultural experience, this is the place to go. This is run by a family of local farmers that serves traditional meals out of their wooden bungalow.
The owners are the sweetest people. They will likely encourage you to walk around their property filled with fruit trees while they prepare your food.
Keep in mind that they don’t speak English, but they are so welcoming even if you don’t understand Spanish.
Also, they have very little online presence. If you are wondering if this place is still open, as of March 2024 it is.
- Price Point: $
- Vegetarian Options? I am not sure if they have vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? It is best to message them on WhatsApp before coming because they sometimes close if there isn’t much business that day. +506 2645 5210
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM We suggest coming here during daylight hours to enjoy the property.
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Get More Info on Restaurante Finca Bosque Verde
9. Soda La Amistad Monteverde
A soda is a traditional Costa Rican restaurant serving basic (but excellent) dishes.
This is our favorite soda in Monteverde because it feels like you are eating at a good friend’s house who just prepared you some delicious local dishes.
I suggest trying a traditional Costa Rican casado.
- Price Point: $
- Vegetarian Options? There are a few vegetarian options, but not many.
- Takes Reservations? You can contact them at +506 2645 6108
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
💡 Sarah’s Tip
Most restaurants in Monteverde don’t have websites, so check opening hours on Google Maps or ask your hotel before you head out for dinner.
10. Restaurante Celajes
This amazing restaurant is located on the Hotel Belmar property. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
We tend to opt for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a local soda, but if you would like a more elevated meal they serve great breakfast options here such as pancakes and french toast.
Typically we come here for dinner if we would like a nice date night type of meal. I like their beef tenderloin a lot and Thomas always gets the catch of the day.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are only a few vegetarian options but they are all excellent!
- Takes Reservations? Yes. It is best to make a reservation. You can make your reservation here.
- Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
11. Nativo Restobar
They serve standard fare (meat dishes, pastas, burgers etc.) but with a Costa Rican twist.
What I especially like about this place is that everything always feels very fresh. Plus, you will always have great service here.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? There are a few vegetarian dishes. However, it is rather limited.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8728 8812
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
12. El Jardin at Monteverde Lodge
This restaurant is located at the beautiful Monteverde Lodge and Gardens. Everything here is beautifully presented and prepared in an elevated style.
For example, I love their strip loin. It is served with chimichurri, peach palm puree and roasted heart of palm. How amazing does that sound?!?
We usually come here for a nice date night meal, but they are also open for breakfast and lunch.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have an entire plant based menu. I recommend the pumpkin agnolotti. Also, if you have any allergies, their menu indicates which items contain gluten, dairy, or nuts.
- Takes Reservations? Yes. It’s a good idea to make a reservation here. You can call them at +506 4070-0425
- Opening Hours: 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM | 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
13. The Treehouse Restaurant
The Tree House Restaurant is, as the name says, a restaurant with a giant tree in the middle.
In our opinion, the food isn’t overly impressive. You are better off eating at one of the other places on this list.
However, it is such a unique atmosphere that we suggest just coming here for a beer or cocktail instead. They have live music every evening starting at 6:30pm.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are a few vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? Yes. You can email them at reservaciones@TreeHouse.cr
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
14. Monteverde Gastroclub
If you are tired of traditional Costa Rican food and are looking for a bit of variety in your life, this is the place to go. This is a Japanese restaurant that serves sushi, bowls, fried chicken etc. But really, come here for the sushi.
This is a small restaurant that seems very unassuming, but we really like the relaxed atmosphere.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8499 1083
- Opening Hours: 3:00 PM – 10:30 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
15. Taco Taco
Taco Taco is a restaurant with a cafe vibe that serves tacos. Who would have thought?
I wouldn’t say they are the most amazing tacos I’ve ever eaten (I’m a bit of a taco snob), but they are good. They also have a decent selection of craft beers.
Really, it’s just a dependable spot with decent food and fast service. We like to come here for lunch when we need a break in the middle of the day.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options?
- Takes Reservations?
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
16. The Fig Sunset Restaurant
This beautiful restaurant is located on the Hotel Ficus property. They serve elevated Costa Rican fare with fresh ingredients. We suggest timing your visit with the sunset. This is a great place to have a really nice view.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? There are very limited vegetarian options. Mostly this is pasta dishes.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 2645 6200
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor
Other Monteverde Food Tips
- If you would like to buy food, there are a few grocery stores in Monteverde. I like the MegaSuper in the center of town. There is a large parking lot here and a decent variety of products.
- Most restaurants in Monteverde 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. There are a few ATM’s in town if you need.
- 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 drink the tap water in Monteverde. 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 waterbottles as needed. We like Lifestraw bottles for the added protection against bacteria.
- Monteverde tends to be somewhat cooler anyway, but it can really cool off once the sun goes down. I suggest bringing some kind of cover up for dinner if you will be sitting outside.
- Monteverde is known for being a great area for coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production. You can combine learning about all three of these delicious treats with a fun combo tour.
- If you are looking for a completely unique dining experience, you should take a cooking class with Yolanda at her family’s farm, Finca El Paraiso. They have 4 fun options.
Check out our Complete Guide to Monteverde for More Info on Visiting this Area
Conclusion: Monteverde Restaurants
Now you know the 16 best restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica at all price points and for all interests.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Costa Rica don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan your trip!
You might also be interested in:
- 15 Monteverde Hotels Worth Booking: From Budget Cloud Forest Stays to Luxury Eco-Lodges
- Monteverde Weather by Month: What the Cloud Forest Really Feels Like Year Round
- The 5 Best Places to Go Zip Lining in Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in Costa Rica: Plan Your Visit
- La Fortuna to Monteverde and Back: Every Transportation Option for This Route
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Meet the writer
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 around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
Meet the writer
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 around the country. We personally vet everything before we publish it.
Follow along on Instagram · Pinterest · Substack
or join our email list for trip planning help.
