Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Costa Rica

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Costa Rica? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Sendero kitchen

4.9

4.9 (34)

$31 to $50

International

Nosara

About the restaurant

Embark on a culinary adventure guided by the creative Chef Olivier Palazzo. With a unique blend of American flair, French techniques, and a passion for crudos and Mexican cuisine, each dish is a symphony of bold flavors and exquisite presentation.

Step into our oasis-like patio, where you can dine under the stars surrounded by lush greenery. Whether it's a romantic evening or a lively gathering with friends, our restaurant offers an unforgettable experience that seamlessly combines gastronomic excellence with natural beauty.

Top review

KazVIP

Dined on Jun 26, 2025

Lovely experience and ambiance with good to great food.

Restaurante Chirriboca

4.8

4.8 (52)

$31 to $50

International

Nosara

About the restaurant

PANORAMIC RESTAURANT

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled dining experience at Restaurante Chirriboca, where elegance meets nature. Perched with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Nosara Biological Reserve, our guests are treated to stunning vistas of Playa Nosara, Playa Ostional, Rio Nosara, and Rio Montaña. Indulge in our global classics infused with local flavors, offering fresh, delicious, and gluten-friendly options. Enjoy a warm ambiance and exceptional service that ensures a memorable dining experience. Join us and savor the beauty of nature with every bite.

Top review

Kate

Dined on May 16, 2025

The kids and I had a lovely dining experience! Make sure to request a seat outside closest to the sunset view. The waiter was kind and helpful and took us right to our seats (which turned out to be the best in the house) and let us take our time as the sunset rolled in and the sky exploded with color. Food was delicious! I had the ribeye which was perfectly cooked and the kids had the pasta. They do have a kids menu and mocktails for the little ones too. Just taking in the view was more than enough entertainment for us. If visiting the the lodge don’t forget to look to the right to see a “monkey bridge” on your drive up the hill right before you turn into the lodge… we had the pleasure of seeing a Mama and her new baby swinging across the ropes as we passed. For reference we arrived a little before 5pm to get the best seats, reservation was at 5pm, sunset was at 5:50pm and the colors exploded for the half hour after it set. We got dessert and stayed until after dark. The gentleman at the front desk was kind enough to call us a Tuk Tuk to get back to our hotel in town.

Mamagui Nosara

4.9

4.9 (45)

$31 to $50

Italian

Nosara

About the restaurant

Born in Benevento, Chef Gerardo Giardino embarked on his culinary journey at the age of 16. With a wealth of experience gained in kitchens across Athens, New York, London, and now Costa Rica, his culinary passion centers around crafting authentic Italian dishes, reminiscent of a mother's loving preparation. Set in the just renovated El Pueblo building in Nosara, you will find us on the ground floor, with tables set all over the Carabbean-vibe inspired terrace! Join us for a dining experience that promises to delight your taste buds and leave a lasting impression.

Top review

KEVIN

Dined 2 days ago

Incredible food, staff, vibe, and space. As always. Top tier Italian in Nosara… or anywhere really.

Restaurante Sofia - Tamarindo

4.8

4.8 (56)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Cabo Velas

About the restaurant

Restaurant with authentic Mediterranean cuisine, with recipes from 22 countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Food prepared with love and local materials. Executive chef Mehmet Onuralp has completed internships in cuisines in different Mediterranean countries to bring authentic flavors to our table. Our concept not only includes gastronomy, but also health, the arts, conversation and the friendship that is born and strengthened around the table.
Fine Dining - Wines - Events - Terrace and Garden - Prívate Parking

Top review

thomas

Dined 4 days ago

Service was excellent and waitress attentive and friendly. Food very good. A bit pricey. Would go back.

Sentido Norte

4.8

4.8 (512)

$50 and over

International

Brasilito / Playa Flamingo

About the restaurant

Sentido Norte, a Relais & Châteaux restaurant and bar at Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas, proudly offers the best of Coastal Costa Rican cuisine. All food & drink is inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance, combining uniquely local and native ingredients in the glass and on the plate.

Dining in Sentido Norte is like dining in a local friend’s gourmet kitchen. Everything is accounted for, every request can be met, and every–from dish to drink–is delicious.

We strive to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all our guests. To maintain this environment, we kindly ask that you refrain from bringing your own beverages, food, or outside drinks. Our restaurants are completely smoke-free, pet-free, and we welcome children aged 10 and above. Please note that we reserve the right to decline service to any party upon arrival if necessary. Thank you for your understanding.

Top review

La-a

Dined 6 days ago

My wife and I were traveling to Costa Rica for our honeymoon. This place is a MUST visit. Either for a romantic date or an unforgettable vacation dinner with the family.

CHAO PESCAO

4.8

4.8 (224)

$30 and under

Latin American

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Chao Pescao is our neighborhood restaurant offering a gastronomic journey through Latin America and the Caribbean curated by Costa Rican born Chef Keivin. The menu style is shared plates, and this is your chance to discover some of the unique flavors of the region. Our award-winning mixology program has also made this restaurant a guest favorite. Mixology, cooking classes and live music are offered throughout the week. Our communal table is perfect for large parties.

Dining Visitors to Peninsula Papagayo
If you are not a homeowner or guest staying at one of the resorts or homes within Peninsula Papagayo, please contact Guest Services at gscenter.papagayo@andaz.com to advise the date and time of your reservation, so we may coordinate your entry into Peninsula Papagayo with the security teams. Visitors are only permitted with confirmed dining reservations and advance notice to security. You may be required to show a copy of your dining confirmation.

Top review

CLAUDIO

Dined 3 days ago

It was a very nice experience, with a high quality food and great service

Don Rufino

4.8

4.8 (701)

$30 and under

International

Alajuela

About the restaurant

Don Rufino is about contemporary food, with a local touch. Fine, local, fresh ingredients, the use of novel cooking techniques and great passion, are the main components found in our kitchen and in each dish served.

Top review

Ivan

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing staff and very accommodating for a birthday. Great quality food for a good price. Thanks!

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Pesce - Four Seasons Costa Rica

4.7

4.7 (110)

$50 and over

Italian

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Elegant evenings are effortless with our classic Italian cuisine, featuring local seafood, pastas and an extensive wine list, amid panoramic ocean views.

Top review

richard

Dined on May 23, 2025

Carbonara was heavy, but the spicy shrimp sphagetti dish was good.

Tropic Tamarindo Costarican Cousine

4.7

4.7 (36)

$50 and over

Latin American

Tamarindo

About the restaurant

Tropic is a vibrant restaurant near the beach in a lush, jungle inspired setting, known for its creative Costa Rican cuisine, features fresh, locally sourced ingredients present in fun and imaginative ways. Tropic provides an unforgettable experience, blending the flavors of Costa Rica with a modern twist and offering unique tropical cocktails.

Top review

thomas

Dined 3 days ago

The vibe was amazing and the food very good. Waiters super friendly. Highly recommend.

Huacas Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (113)

$30 and under

Contemporary Latin

Nosara

About the restaurant

Huacas Restaurant at Tierra Magnifica is an elegant open air restaurant for guests 15 and older, with the best view in Nosara, offering creative dishes and mixology crafted with ingredients from the surrounding community, the real flavors of Costa Rica.

We want you to taste the Earth and Ocean with every meal we prepare for you.

*All dietary restrictions and desires are happily accommodated. (Vegan, Keto, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, etc).

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day of the week.

15-year-old and above age policy.

No pets allowed.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE RESERVING A TABLE AT HUACAS RESTAURANT, LOCATED IN TIERRA MAGNIFICA BOUTIQUE HOTEL, UP THE HILL IN LAS HUACAS, OVERLOOKING PLAYA GUIONES.

OUR BEACH RESTAURANT HUACAS CANTINA AT THE BEACH BREAK SURF CLUB AND HOTEL, IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF PLAYA GUIONES. HUACAS CANTINA IS A CASUAL BEACH BAR AND RESTAURANT AND DOES NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS.

Top review

Lauren

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

It has a gorgeous view and property. The service is awesome. They have small portions. As a vegetarian, I did not like the cabbage rolls. They were the only vegetarian main dish unfortunately. Drinks were delicious thankfully!

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