12 Best Restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: Where to Eat

Santa Teresa Restaurant Map

We created a map of all the restaurants on this list. Most are located directly in the downtown area just off of the main road, but this will help you to find a place in a location that works best for you.

1. Manzú Restaurant

This is a very nice restaurant located directly on the beach. I suggest coming here for dinner and enjoying the sunset view, but they are also open for breakfast and lunch. 

I would call the food here elevated cuisine with a Costa Rican twist. They serve a mix of meat, seafood, fish, risotto, and pasta. I suggest getting the Pura Vida tasting menu for a true culinary experience. 

• Price Point: $$$
• Vegetarian Options? There are a few vegetarian options. There isn’t a huge selection, but enough that I think you will find something you’ll like. Plus, their menu is clearly labeled with allergens. 
• Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 2101 0222
• Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
• Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

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2. Katana Asian Cuisine

This is an Asian fusion restaurant that serves a mix of dishes such as bao, wok dishes, and sushi rolls. The food is always very freshly prepared and delicious.

I also really like the atmosphere here. It is an open-air restaurant with a Balinese design flair to it. 

• Price Point: $$
• Vegetarian Options? There aren’t a ton of vegetarian options, but their pad thai or curry can be made vegetarian with tofu. 
• Takes Reservations? You can call them at +506 8640 0107
• Opening Hours: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM daily
• Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

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3. Banana Beach Restaurant

Banana Beach is our favorite spot to just chill during the day with a cocktail and lunch. This is a beach bar / restaurant located directly on Santa Teresa beach with ocean views. They have a variety of seating options from beach chairs to actual tables. 

They updated the menu a few years ago, and I liked it a lot more before. They used to have this tuna sashimi salad that I was obsessed with. Ugh! I miss it! 

However, it is still worth visiting for the ambiance. 

If you are really looking for a good dinner it is probably better to go here for some sunset cocktails and go to one of the other places on this list for your actual meal. 

• Price Point: $$
• Vegetarian Options? 
• Takes Reservations? I’m pretty sure that they don’t take reservations, but you can always call them at +506 2640 1117
• Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 11:45 PM daily
• Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

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4. Eat Street

Eat Street has somewhat of a food truck/cafe vibe. It’s very relaxed and the service is quick.  The menu here consists of things like healthy bowls, burritos, tacos, and burgers.

Eat Street is open all day, but I think it is the perfect place for a quick and casual lunch. 

• Price Point: $
• Vegetarian Options? Yes, there are several vegetarian options on their menu. 
• Takes Reservations? No
• Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Just note that their breakfast is for pick-up only)
• Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

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5. Soda Tiquicia

Santa Teresa is filled with so many great restaurants, but a lot of them cater to the pallet of tourists. I love Soda Tiquica because this is the best traditional Costa Rican restaurant in the area.

I mean, you’ve got to eat some traditional food while in the country!

I suggest ordering a typical Costa Rican breakfast with gallo pinto in the morning or a casado for lunch or dinner. 

• Price Point: $
• Vegetarian Options? This probably isn’t the best place for vegetarians. There aren’t many meat-free options
• Takes Reservations? No
• Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Rating: 4.5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

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6. Cafe Social

This is a good place to go for breakfast or lunch. They serve things like acai bowls, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. I love their eggs benedict with spinach and onions for breakfast. 

• Price Point: $
• Vegetarian Options? Yes. You will have no problem finding tasty vegetarian dishes here. 
• Takes Reservations? I don’t think they take reservations (you also really don’t need one), but you can always call +506 2640 0809
• Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Rating: 5/5 Stars on TripAdvisor

Get More Info on Cafe Social

Other Things to Know About Eating in Santa Teresa

• There are a few different grocery stores in downtown Santa Teresa. We usually shop at either Super Ronny #1 or #2. This store can be a bit pricey, but they typically have the best selection of items.
• Most places take cash and credit card, but it’s best to check before you order. If you need an ATM there are a few banks and cash points near the intersection where you turn right to enter Santa Teresa.
• It is not required that you tip in Costa Rica, but it is somewhat expected at more touristy places. You can find out more in our guide to tipping.
• We typically walk everywhere in downtown Santa Teresa, but be careful. In a lot of spots there isn’t a sidewalk and the edge of the road can be very uneven.
• Santa Teresa is typically very safe, but it is best not to walk alone at night.
• Service here is probably a bit different than you are used to. Usually you won’t get the attentive service you are used to. You may have to wave a waiter over if you need something. Also, they will not just bring the bill at the end of the meal. You need to ask for it.
• Did you know that the Nicoya Peninsula (where Santa Teresa is) is one of the few Blue Zones of the world? This means people here regularly live a very long life. A big part of that is due to the typical diet here.
• The sun sets between about 5:15 and 6pm all year round. I say this because this is a great time to enjoy dinner at one of the beachfront restaurants.
• Don’t forget bug spray when you go out to dinner. Once the sun goes down the mosquitoes can come out in full force. 
• You can drink the water in Santa Teresa at most places, but I don’t really recommend it. Instead, it is best to buy a large jug of bottled water at the grocery store and use it to refill your water bottle.
• Santa Teresa is a very relaxed town with a laid-back atmosphere. For dinners, I usually wear a light casual dress with flip-flops. Thomas wears linen shorts with a polo or light linen shirt. 
• It cools down a bit after the sun sets. Maybe bring a light cardigan or long-sleeved shirt when you go out to dinner.

Conclusion: Santa Teresa Restaurants

In conclusion, there are tons of food options for all budgets and interests in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. You will have no problem finding great places to eat here.

If you have any questions about finding great restaurants in Santa Teresa don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan.

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