Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Costa Rica

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes 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!

Sentido Norte

4.9

4.9 (425)

$50 and over

International

Brasilito / Playa Flamingo

About the restaurant

Sentido Norte, a 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.

Sentido Norte is an adults only restaurant. Children under 12 years of age are not permitted at the restaurant.
Service animals are welcome!

Top review

Felix

Dined 1 day ago

Food really good and service amazing . Best view for sunset

CHAO PESCAO

4.9

4.9 (165)

$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

Shana

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

Great meal with fabulous service. We look forded to coming back.

Amana

4.9

4.9 (63)

$30 and under

Contemporary Latin

San José

About the restaurant

A modern culinary concept that aims to combine local ingredients with techniques and preparations from across the world.

Located in Barrio Escalante, Amana offers an inviting, casual, and warm atmosphere right outside the heart of the capital; paired with creative dishes, attention to detail, and exceptional service.

Our kitchen is led by San Pellegrino Young Chef 2024 Regional Finalist (Latam & Caribbean) and Costa Rican winner of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs: Kenneth Ruiz.

Chef's Table available Thu-Sat, seating between 6:30pm and 8:30pm (8 people per night max)

Top review

Daniel

Dined 6 days ago

The Chef's Table experience, add the wine tasting to it and it is the perfect night.

Azotea Calle 7

4.8

4.8 (359)

$30 and under

Dining Bar

San José

About the restaurant

The rooftop of Hotel Presidente is home to Azotea Calle 7, a perfect shelter from the busy –and sometimes chaotic– heart of San José. You can enter through Calle 7, between Avenida Central and Avenida Segunda, either by climbing the red spiral staircase that takes you right into the red-brick terrace, surrounded by colorful veraneras (bougainvillea plants), palm, jicaro, orange and lime trees whose fruits might end up in your cocktail.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined 2 days ago

We had a wonderful experience here with both the quality of the food/drinks and the attentiveness of the staff. Highly recommend!

Los Tres Mexican Bistró

4.8

4.8 (26)

$30 and under

Mexican

Santa Ana

About the restaurant

Los Tres®️ es un tributo al legado familiar de los tres Luis Alfaro: abuelo, padre e hijo, pioneros de la comida mexicana en Costa Rica desde 1972. Este restaurante nos transporta al pasado, presente y futuro, fusionando ideas de las tres generaciones. La alta cocina de asador y parrilla regiomontana está presente, empleando ingredientes de primera provenientes de nuestra huerta y proveedores especializados.

En Los Tres®️ te sentirás como en casa, en un espacio familiar que trasciende. Como bistró mexicano, combinamos la atmósfera acogedora y el servicio atento de un bistró con la rica tradición culinaria mexicana. A través de cada platillo y bebida, te brindaremos una experiencia única .

Top review

Jose

Dined 7 days ago

This was my second time in this restaurant and it never disappoints. The food is excellent.

Jaguar Negro

4.7

4.7 (1063)

$30 and under

Mexican

San José

About the restaurant

La experiencia comienza cuando pasas por las puertas de Jaguar Negro y te transportarás a un oasis tropical mexicano con aires relajados y elegancia casual. Primero descubres un jardín secreto rodeado de agua y plantas nativas mexicanas y desde ahí emprendes un viaje sonoro, sensorial y visual que te transportará a México sin salir de Costa Rica.

Nuestro menú esta inspirado en la cocina de cantina, en los platillos de tradición y en las técnicas ancestrales que acompañan cada preparación. Todo se disfruta alrededor de una mesa pensada para ser compartida.

Top review

Geraldine

Dined on Nov 29, 2024

I loved it very good food classy and the darkness was just right

Buchon Cantina

4.7

4.7 (61)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

San José

About the restaurant

Buchón es nuestra interpretación de una cantina de vinos en el corazón de San José. Tapas, una tienda fabulosa de botellas de vino y cócteles clásicos para pasarla muy bien.

Top review

Bernardita

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

It's the fourth time I visit Buchon and it's definitely one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. It is very difficult to find a place that has amazing food, amazing drinks, amazing ambience and service, and amazing prices. No matter what type of food you like, I guarantee you'll have an incredible experience at Buchon. Their menu changes seasonally but it has always delivered and they maintain customer favorites. The burger and cheese cubes are a MUST. If it's your first time visiting, don't worry about parking on the street or with the local guachiman, you're in good hands!

Rio Bhongo Restaurant

4.7

4.7 (48)

$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

Janice

Dined on Dec 10, 2024

All four of us enjoyed our meals. The steak was done just right and we would recommend to order with the veggies. The shrimp on both the smaller salads, made them very tasty. And finally the guacamole and chips were a good appetizer.

La Cava Alta Fiori

4.7

4.7 (73)

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Escazu

About the restaurant

La Cava Alta Fiori,antiguo Monasterio Le Monastère, un restaurante moderno, con una vista espectacular a todo el Valle Central, cuya esencia es la gastronomía mediterránea.
Su apuesta culinaria integra la cocina gourmet de Francia, Italia y España traída a nuestro país con una variedad de ingredientes propios que se mezclan en cada platillo, entre ellos, culantro coyote, jengibre, chile, rábano fresco, pejibaye, y otros importados para lograr una explosión de sabor en el paladar; la oferta gastronómica también incluye variedad de carnes, en nuestros platos fuertes; así como diversidad de tapas, entradas frías y calientes.
Cordero Cuatro estaciones, el Fideuá Mar y Tierra, con mejillones, camarones y trozos de res grillados y cortes de res tan exclusivos como el Tomahawk, el Rib eye de la mas alta calidad, acompañado de una amplia variedad de vinos y cocteles.

Top review

Gaby

Dined on Nov 23, 2024

Amazing place! Great view and even better food. Server was excellent

Sikwa

4.2

4.2 (19)

$30 and under

Latin American

San Pedro

About the restaurant

At Sikwa, we believe that food is the universal language that communicates our history, culture, and traditions. Inspired by the richness of Costa Rica, we offer a culinary experience that connects the past and present. We work with local communities and collaborators such as Proyecto Jirondai and Koswak Usure to keep traditions alive and promote sustainable practices. Every dish at Sikwa tells a story of respect for the land and love for culture, using local and seasonal ingredients. More than a restaurant, Sikwa is an act of cultural preservation and a commitment to education and community development.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 1 day ago

The food, service and setting were fantastic. I can recommend the restaurant without hesitation

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