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10 Best Restaurants in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
Are you looking for the best restaurants in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica?
This vibrant Pacific beach town offers a fantastic variety of dining options that everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, international cuisine, or a casual bite, you’ll find it here.
We visit the Playas del Coco area often and have compiled this list based on all the places we love to eat at while in the area.
So, let’s dive into the 10 best dining experiences in Playas del Coco. And don’t miss our tips at the end for a seamless dining experience!
Playas del Coco Restaurants at a Glance
- Best Seafood Restaurant: Restaurante Mar Azul
- Best Beach Bar: Father Rooster
- Best Craft Beer: Numu Taproom & Bistro
- Best Italian Restaurant: La Dolce Vita
Map of Playas del Coco Restaurants
Most of the restaurants on this list are located in the downtown area of Playas del Coco. However, it is helpful to have a rental car to get around in this town.
If you are staying right at the beach you can easily walk to Johann Bistro, Tandoor Indian Restaurant, Le Coq, and Santorini Greek Restaurant.
You can also open this map on Google Maps here
1. Restaurante Mar Azul
If you are looking for fresh fish or seafood, this is the place to go in Playas del Coco.
They serve a few different steak dishes as well, but I strongly suggest going for their Fish Market section of the menu.
Basically, this allows you to choose your protein (catch of the day, octopus, shrimp, lobster, or whole red snapper), then choose how you would like it cooked, then choose your sauce, and then choose your side dishes. It’s awesome!
They also serve amazing cocktails in a beautiful setting.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? This is not the best option for vegetarians.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 8697 8602
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM Friday – Sunday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM Monday – Thursday
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Father Rooster
Father Rooster is located just south of Playas del Coco on Playa Ocotal. This restaurant offers a laid-back vibe and tasty local cuisine. It is also located directly on the beach, which we love!
We like to come here for a long leisurely lunch or just before sunset for some cocktails and dinner.
The menu has a bit of everything including salads, tacos, and a variety of main courses including fish, seafood, and beef-based dishes. I suggest opting for the tacos or a fresh fish dish.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are several vegetarian appetizers, vegetarian tacos, and a vegan poke bowl made with watermelon as the base.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, use this link to contact them on WhatsApp.
- Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
3. The Lookout
I need to preface this by saying we haven’t been to the Lookout in a few years. When we used to go, it was excellent.
However, the restaurant closed for a while, and now that it has responded there are a lot of negative reviews. So, I am unsure if I can fully recommend coming here for dinner anymore.
Despite that, the views of the coastline from the restaurant are amazing. It is really the perfect place to watch the sun go down.
In the past, this restaurant was perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion. The menu features fresh seafood and international dishes.
If you want to try it out, just keep in mind that the road here is a bit crazy. It is good to have a 4×4 or at least an SUV with decent clearance.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are a few good vegetarian options on the menu
- Takes Reservations? Yes, it is a good idea to reserve. This can be done by calling +506 8397 8690
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
4. Numu Taproom & Bistro
The first time we came here we were just looking for a casual setting to enjoy some craft beers. However, we quickly discovered they also serve excellent food.
Here you can enjoy a variety of local and international brews paired with delicious bistro fare. I always struggle with what to order here because everything is exactly up my alley as far as taste goes.
I can recommend the beef empanadas and the yellowfin tuna tiradito as appetizers. And, if you come for dinner the red snapper and beef tenderloin are both excellent.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, I definitely recommend the pumpkin risotto as a main course for dinner
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can reserve on their website here.
- Opening Hours: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
5. La Dolce Vita
La Dolce Vita offers a taste of Italy in Costa Rica. Their menu features fresh pizzas, pasta, meat dishes, fresh seafood, and more in a charming ambiance. However, if you like pasta, I suggest getting one of their homemade pasta dishes.
This is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a family meal. The ambiance is really nice with tables both inside and outside in their courtyard area.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian pizza and pasta options.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 2670 1384
- Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Closed on Wednesdays
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
6. Steak House Sal y Fuego
If you are a steak lover, this is the place to go. Steak House Sal y Fuego offers expertly grilled meats in a rustic and inviting setting.
Everything I have eaten here has been next-level amazing.
This place is always a bit of a party, so I don’t suggest it for a romantic meal.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? This is not the best place for vegetarians.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 6050 3232
- Opening Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
7. Johann Bistro
Johann Bistro serves sandwiches, salads, pizzas, sushi, ice cream, and crepes (both savory and sweet). Despite being a somewhat varied menu, everything we have eaten here has been very good.
We like this place because the atmosphere is relaxed but modern, the prices are very fair, and the food is top-notch.
Usually, we come here for lunch.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are several great vegetarian options. They also have gluten-free bread.
- Takes Reservations? You shouldn’t typically need reservations here but, you can always call them at +506 8850 8811
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Closed on Mondays.
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
8. Tandoor Indian Restaurant
Sometimes you just need some good Indian cuisine, or maybe that’s just me.
Tandoor Indian Restaurant has a very extensive menu, which made me a bit nervous the first time I visited. I often have this mindset that restaurants are best when they keep their menu short and stick to what they do best. However, everything I have eaten here has been really good.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there is an extensive vegetarian menu.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can reserve on their website here.
- Opening Hours: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Rating: 5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Santorini Greek Restaurant
Santorini Greek Restaurant serves a menu full of Mediterranean delights. It’s a great spot for enjoying fresh, flavorful dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. I recommend their Gemiste and Thomas loves their whole red snapper.
This is a great place to go as a family or with a group of friends. It can get a bit loud in the restaurant, so I don’t really recommend it for an intimate meal.
- Price Point: $$$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are a few different excellent vegetarian options.
- Takes Reservations? Yes, you can call them at +506 4703 6633
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM daily
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Le Coq
Le Coq is my favorite place to go for a relaxed cafe-style lunch. They serve a variety of salads, pita sandwiches, and plates with things like schwarma. It’s a great place for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Price Point: $$
- Vegetarian Options? Yes, they have falafel and veggie plates or pitas.
- Takes Reservations? No, but if you need to reach them you can call +506 8969 7465
- Opening Hours: 12:00 PM – 7:30 PM. Closed on Sundays
- Rating: 4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor
Other Things to Know About Eating in Playas del Coco
- Most restaurants in Playas del Coco 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.
- 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 Playas del Coco. 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.
- Coco 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: Playas del Coco Restaurants
In conclusion, Playas del Coco offers a fantastic variety of dining options to suit every taste and budget. From beachfront bars and casual bistros to fine dining and international cuisine, this town has something for everyone.
If you have any questions about planning your trip to Playas del Coco or need more dining recommendations, feel free to leave a comment below. We’re always here to help you plan your adventures in Costa Rica!
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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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