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The 12 Best Restaurants in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
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.
- 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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
Read More About the Author
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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