Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Guanacaste

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

La Cosecha

5.0

5 (44)

$50 and over

Farm-to-table

Nosara

About the restaurant

Thursday-Saturday, join us for a single seating and allow us to take you on a truly unique 2.5-hour, 6-course journey through the senses. We're taking a wildly crafted, wild-hearted, high-vibration approach that has us bursting with creative delight! Our intention, as always, has been to serve only beautiful organic food and drink, created with elegance and creativity, igniting body, mind, and spirit.

You'll have the option of adding a wine pairing or a non-alcoholic elixir pairing. Bottles and glass pours are also available.

Top review

Dean

Dined on Apr 13, 2025

Excellent food and service! Very unique experience to have such fine dining in Nosara. Everything was perfect, from the service to the conversations with the Chef. Highly recommended!

CHAO PESCAO

4.8

4.8 (206)

$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

SUSAN

Dined on May 2, 2025

Setting is lovely, service is exceptional and food is exquisite. It is an ideal taste experience to try dishes from many different Central and South.American countries. The only problem is deciding what to eat. Plan on repeat visits to try them all!

Restaurante Chirriboca

4.8

4.8 (51)

$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

Brooke

Dined on Apr 18, 2025

Absolutely wonderful dinner - cannot find a more pretty setting for dinner overlooking Rio Nosara and the coastline. Food was delicious and service was very good too. Excellent value for what you get !! Highly recommend - don’t let the drive deter you !

Tropic Tamarindo Costarican Cousine

4.8

4.8 (31)

$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

Sam

Dined on Apr 25, 2025

The best ceviche in Tamarindo and the best octopus we've ever eaten, plus Chihuahuas.

Sentido Norte

4.7

4.7 (499)

$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

ronVIP

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Always such a magical experience. Sunset at the Gong Bar, as good as it gets. Dinner after words never disappoints and is always amazing. Service is exceptional.

Huacas Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (107)

$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

ChrissyVIP

Dined on Apr 19, 2025

Wonderful experience! Great views and food was very good. Service was also excellent and attentive. Recommended for a nice dinner out in Nosara.

Meso

4.7

4.7 (30)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Explore our newest restaurant and prepare your taste buds for “Mesoterranean cuisine,” an innovative blend of vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a touch of Mesoamerican influence, complemented with refreshing tropical renditions of classic Mediterranean cocktails. Located at Nacascolo beach at Casa de Playa.

Top review

KathrynVIP

Dined on Mar 28, 2025

This beach club location and restaurant are wonderful. I recommend arriving mid morning, enjoying all the pool and beach fun and having lunch. A perfect Costa Rica day. Cocktails were delicious and our party of 5 all enjoyed their meals. One was a little charred/over cooked but still edible.

Sendero kitchen

4.7

4.7 (30)

$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

Pablo

Dined 5 days ago

Really cool atmoshphere and venue. Food and drinks were delicious. A must visit in Nosara

The Beach House Bar & Restaurant - Potrero

4.5

4.5 (102)

$30 and under

American

Potrero

About the restaurant

Formerly a private residence, The Beach House has been transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar, renown for its fresh Seafood and equally excellent American fare. Located directly on Playa Potrero, The Beach House offers awesome daytime and nighttime views of the Pacific Ocean, interrupted only by some of the most spectacular sunsets the area has to offer!

Top review

JenVIP

Dined on Apr 29, 2025

Great spot with great views. Happy hour drinks, fish of the day and burrito bowl were prepared just right and good prices. Our server was friendly and we enjoyed talking with him. We’ll be back

Malu at El Mangroove

4.5

4.5 (19)

$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

Catherine

Dined on Mar 19, 2025

Fantastic food and absolutely amazing service from Johnson and his staff. Will definitely be back and highly recommend.