The only thing better than enjoying a delectable meal in Costa Rica is having such a gastronomic experience with a stunning view. There are quite a few restaurants throughout the country that offer patrons breathtaking vistas of the mountains, volcanoes, rainforest, valleys, and beaches of Costa Rica. These are a few that stand out above the rest.
El Mirador Restaurant
Restaurant with Rooms, Central American, Fusion, Healthy, Seafood, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian, $$$
El Mirador is one of two restaurants at the beachfront and rainforest resort Arenas Del Mar in Manuel Antonio, which has been awarded the Certificate of Sustainable Tourism. The view of the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park from this exquisite eco-friendly restaurant was listed in 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. The menu features locally inspired dishes made with sustainably sourced ingredients.
Pangas is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The ambience and setting are both unbeatable, as it sits on the far north end of the beach overlooking the Tamarindo estuary. While not physically far away from the rest of town, it feels peacefully removed from it all. The fresh fusion fare is divine and the menu has something for vegetarians, meat-eaters, and seafood lovers. This is a great place to go with a group and split a bunch of different items. It is also a perfect spot to have a sunset cocktail and appetizer.
Café y Macadamia is a must-try if you are driving up to the Arenal Volcano. They have salads, sandwiches, soups, traditional Costa Rican dishes, and international plates too. Everything is locally sourced, fresh, and tantalizingly delicious. They also make incredible coffees, smoothies, teas, and juices, while the view of Lake Arenal and the surrounding countryside is absolutely breathtaking.
Coco Loco is an exquisite beachfront bar and restaurant located on the white sands of Playa Flamingo. Here, you can sip a rum drink out of a fresh coconut with your toes in the sand. The service, setting, food menu, and cocktails are something to rave about and Coco Loco has been a local favorite since it opened in 2012. This is truly the perfect spot to enjoy happy hour, watch the sunset, and wrap up your perfect beach day in Playa Flamingo.
Drake Bay Café is part of the luxurious Drake Bay Getaway Resort on the Osa Peninsula. This à la carte café uses locally sourced ingredients—many of which come from their two organic gardens—to create delectable, healthy, and creative dishes that are inspired by some of Costa Rica’s traditional plates. The views of the rainforest and ocean are just as awe-inspiring as the food and drinks whipped up here.
Mirador Ram Luna has been providing guests with excellent city views, delicious Costa Rican food, and live music, dancing, and shows since the mid 1960s. On Wednesdays and Thursdays you can enjoy a traditional Costa Rican menu, accompanied by marimba music and Costa Rican folk dancing. Mirador Ram Luna is highly recommended for visitors who want to experience some of the vibrancy and flavor of traditional Costa Rican culture.
What what was once the home and chapel of an elite family in the early 1990s, and then a monetary, is now the famous French restaurant Le Monastére. Elevated in the hills behind San José, Le Monastére offers patrons a 270-degree view of the city, Central Valley, and Gulf of Nicoya. Servers are dressed in 19th-century French monk frocks, classical music floats along the airways, and the vistas perfectly accompany the gourmet menu.
