Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Guanacaste

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Guanacaste? 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!

Mamagui Nosara

4.9

4.9 (51)

$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

Sergio

Dined 3 days ago

I always go back to Mamagui when I’m in Nosara, an amazing Italian restaurant with very friendly staff and a real Italian Chef. The menu changes according to whatever is fresh and available. I highly recommend, including for families with kids.

Sendero kitchen

4.9

4.9 (36)

$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

Meredith

Dined 7 days ago

Carlos was an awesome waiter and really made us feel like family. His food recommendations were spot on and everything was delicious. Highly recommended!!

Sentido Norte

4.8

4.8 (515)

$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

Nancy

Dined on Jul 8, 2025

Magnificent views, services was top notch. Dinner was delicious, for the price, dishes were small but very tasty. Drinks were great The ambience was very romantic

Huacas Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (115)

$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

Carmen

Dined on Jul 8, 2025

In life, there are meals that become memories, moments where flavor and atmosphere, come together. Huacas is one of those places. Every bite tells a story, where each element shines and yet comes together in perfect harmony. It’s more than just food; it’s a full experience, one I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Ostra Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (159)

$31 to $50

Southeast Asian

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Ostra pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Southeast Asia. While tradition is at the heart of our menu, some dishes are reimagined, blending local ingredients with Southeast Asian staples to create something familiar yet distinct. Within Ostra discover Perla, our Sushi Bar, which highlights the freshest local catch.

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 gscenter.papagayo@andaz.com to share your reservation details, 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.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 3 days ago

Our first night in Costa Rica and had a lovely meal! The spring rolls, snapper and passion fruit pancetta were delish.

Discover more

Experience

Sushi by Perla

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.

Tropic Tamarindo Costarican Cousine

4.6

4.6 (37)

$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 on Jul 3, 2025

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

Rio Bhongo Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (61)

$30 and under

International

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

At the center of the resort adjacent to the main pools with breathtaking views of Culebra Bay, Rio Bhongo offers the comforts of home infused with Costa Rican culture. Don't miss our expert barista and our extensive coffee program. Dinner offers a selection of grilled meats and fresh fish. The terrace provides a beautiful setting underneath a 40 year old Higueron tree, beautifully lit and magical at night. This restaurant is ideal for large parties or multiple families who wish to dine together.

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

Sara

Dined on May 23, 2025

Everyone very nice and the food is great. We are at andaz resort and eat it almost every day and they are the best

Malu at El Mangroove

4.4

4.4 (21)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Among our restaurants, you will find Malu. It is the perfect place to eat during your stay in Guanacaste

Top review

Kimberly

Dined on Jun 21, 2025

Definitely recommend for dinner. Our server, Stacy, was amazing. The food was good other than the squid. It was overcooked and deep friend but other than that everything was exceptional.

Tamarine - JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa

4.4

4.4 (33)

$30 and under

Contemporary Asian

Tamarindo

About the restaurant

Our Asian-Fusion Guanacaste Restaurant offers dishes from China, Japan, Thailand and Peruvian. Our Chef incorporates traditional recipes with a touch of Costa Rican ingredients. We recommend making a reservation before your visit.

Top review

lawrenceVIP

Dined on Jun 25, 2025

Excellent food and drinks. A little slow with service but it's vacation mode!

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