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The 10 Best Restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica
Are you looking for the very best restaurants in Montezuma, Costa Rica?
Montezuma is a peaceful beach town on the Pacific Coast of the country. It is known for its relaxed vibes, impressive waterfall, and beaches that you can walk for hours. There are several restaurants in the surrounding area, but there are 10 places that really stand out as being the best.
We visit Montezuma often (it’s our favorite place in Costa Rica) and have had several amazing restaurant experiences as well as some not-so-great experiences. We created this list based on what we love at a variety of price points and for different food interests.
Let’s get to the top 10 restaurants in Montezuma!
Montezuma Restaurants at a Glance
- Best Date Night Spot: Tasting menu at Ubin By Keilor Sanchez
- Best Breakfast Place: Restaurant Amor de Mar
- Best Place for Craft Beer: Butterfly Brewing Company
- Best Traditional Costa Rican Restaurant: Soda Típica las Palmeras
- Most Unique Place: Indigena Cafe
- Best Pizza Place: Tierra y Fuego
Map of Montezuma Restaurants
We created a map of all our favorite Montezuma restaurants so you can easily find the best places near where you are staying. You can get a clickable version of the map here.
1. Ylang Ylang Restaurant
Ylang Ylang Restaurant is located on the property of the unique Ylang Ylang Beach Resort. We love this place because it is close to the downtown, but is still very secluded in a beautiful garden area on Playa Montezuma.
The Ylang Ylang Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a great spot to stop for lunch while doing the Montezuma beach walk.
They have a diverse menu with a little of something for everyone. I suggest opting for a fresh fish dish.
Also, if you opt to stay here as a hotel guest, breakfast and dinner are included in the room rate.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes! They offer a raw foods menu, a vegan menu, and a gluten free menu. They are pleased to cater to any food needs.
- Takes Reservations? I suggest making a reservation if you plan to come for dinner. You can call toll free at 1-888-795-8494. Or, write the front desk on Whatsapp at +50684838448
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Cocolores
Cocolores is a beach front open-air restaurant in a garden. It has a relaxed atmosphere to it and is a very popular spot.
They serve a mix of dishes such as fajitas, pastas, salads, and shishkabobs. But, really I suggest coming here for one of their fresh seafood or fish dishes as your main course.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? They have a few vegetarian options, but not many.
- Takes Reservations? I don’t think they take reservations, but you can always call them or stop by and ask. +506 2642 0348
- Opening Hours: 1:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily but we suggest coming here for dinner
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. Butterfly Brewing Company
This is one of our favorite hang-out spots in all of Costa Rica. They brew their own beer here and also make delicious dishes.
It’s a good spot to hang for lunch or an afternoon beer and snack.
You can also (usually) park here to access the Montezuma Waterfall from above. Just ask them about it first though.
In the past, they had a beautiful butterfly garden that you could visit, but it, unfortunately, closed during COVID.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they are good about always having a few vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8853 9908. I don’t think they take reservations, but you can ask.
- Opening Hours: 11:00am – 6pm Tuesday – Saturdays. The kitchen closes at 5.
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Get More Info on Butterfly Brewing Company
4. Soda Típica las Palmeras
If you would like to try authentic Costa Rican dishes, this is a great place for that. This is an open-air restaurant with a rustic charm located just past the Montezuma Waterfall.
I suggest trying a traditional breakfast with gallo pinto in the morning and a traditional casado (pictured above) at any other time of the day.
Just be warned, their portions are generous.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? There are a few vegetarian-friendly options
- Takes Reservations? No
- Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Get More Info on Soda Típica las Palmeras
5. Tierra y Fuego
This is an Italian restaurant that serves a variety of dishes. However, in my opinion, you should definitely get a pizza here. They have a wood fire oven and serve delicious pizzas.
Keep in mind that this restaurant is not located directly in downtown Montezuma but actually in the hills above town.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have several vegetarian pizza options.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8408 3171
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Thursday – Sunday (closed Monday -Wednesday)
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
6. Indigena Cafe
Indigena Cafe is south of Montezuma on the road to Cabuya and Cabo Blanco.
It is such a unique place that I definitely suggest visiting.
At its heart, this is a chocolate-making shop. However, they also have an on-site cafe that serves a wide variety of items made from cacao as well as delicious meals.
The atmosphere is just the best. You will likely meet the owner who will tell you all about cacao and chocolate production. He will then serve you lots of delicious food and drinks.
I suggest coming here for lunch after a hike at Cabo Blanco Reserve.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes
- Takes Reservations? Usually, you don’t need to make reservations here. However, it’s not a bad idea to call and just make sure that they are actually open on the particular day you plan to visit +506 6253 3280
- Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday – Sunday
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. Restaurant Amor de Mar
If you are tired of traditional Costa Rican breakfast and are looking for a slightly more elevated breakfast experience, this is the place to go.
This restaurant is located within the Amor de Mar hotel.
They serve things such as egg dishes (I love their eggs florentine), crepes, smoothies, fresh juices, and more.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian options
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 2642-0262
- Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 1:00 PM every day except Tuesdays
- Rating: 5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
8. Sano Banano Restaurant
This restaurant is located in a beautiful beachfront garden and is part of the Sano Banano hotel. There is also an inner part with more coverage if it is raining.
They serve a mix of dishes from sandwiches to pastas, to seafood, to meat. Basically, there is something for everyone.
I suggest coming here for dinner.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are several vegetarian options. They are great about marking their menu with what is vegetarian, vegan or gluten free.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 2642 0638
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Ubin By Keilor Sanchez
This restaurant is run by Keilor Sanchez. He is a professional chef, originally from Montezuma, who moved back after 20 years of training and running restaurants.
The restaurant is located within the nYa hotel property. It is open throughout the day, but I suggest coming here for dinner.
If you would like a high-end experience, opt for the 5-course tasting menu. Just note that you will need to contact them at least 24 hours in advance so that they have time to get all the ingredients.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes
- Takes Reservations? Yes. It is a good idea to reserve. Call at +506 8374-2609
- Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Playa de los Artistas
This is a relaxed beachfront dining spot that serves up AMAZING fresh fish and seafood dishes. The menu here frequently rotates depending on what is in season.
I love coming here because the menu options are always a surprise, but it’s always delicious.
Just note that they have very limited hours. You can only come here for lunch.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they are great about always having a few vegetarian-friendly food options.
- Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 2642 0920
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Thursday- Sunday
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 stars on TripAdvisor
Other Things to Know About Food in Montezuma
- In the downtown area, there is a grocery store called Super Montezuma. It is almost always impossible to park here and they don’t have a great selection. However, it is fine for basic things like drinks, pasta, a few vegetables etc. For a wider variety head into Cobano and go to MegaSuper.
- Most restaurants in Montezuma 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.
- There are a few restaurants in town that cater towards tourists and have been known to drastically overcharge people. I suggest only going to one of the 10 places we suggested or read reviews on Tripadvisor before choosing another place.
- Most places take cash and credit card, but it is best to check before eating. There is a cashpoint at the Super Montezuma. For an actual bank you will need to go to Cobano.
- 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.
- For more restaurant options you can always head to Santa Teresa. Just note that we suggest driving around instead of through the tip by Cabo Blanco. The road is unpaved and includes river crossings.
- You can usually drink the tap water in Montezuma. 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.
- Once the sun goes down the mosquitos can be intense. If you plan on an outdoor dinner, bring bug spray.
Check out our complete Montezuma guide for more info
Conclusion: Montezuma Restaurants
Now you know all of our Montezuma restaurant recommendations!
In conclusion, there are several great dining options in Montezuma for all budgets and food interests. If you opt to go to another restaurant in town, don’t forget to check the reviews ahead of time.
If you have any questions about Montezuma restaurants don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you out!
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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.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
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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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