19 Best Restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Visiting Santa Teresa and looking for the best restaurants Santa Teresa Costa Rica can offer? You’re in the right place. Keep reading to find our selection of the top Santa Teresa restaurants you need to try today.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is a renowned surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula with a buzzing atmosphere, attracting both wave chasers and those in search of a vibrant beach lifestyle.
Santa Teresa’s streets are lined with some pretty amazing places to stay ranging from cozy bungalows to luxurious resorts, and the culinary scene is equally impressive.
Offering an abundance of dining options where visitors can savor everything from local Costa Rican dishes to Asian fusion, all while soaking in the laid-back, yet lively vibe that defines this enchanting coastal paradise.
After spending about 3 months in Costa Rica, a lot of that time in Santa Teresa, we managed to visit quite a few amazing, good and not-that-great Santa Teresa Costa Rica restaurants.
Here’s the rundown of what stood out the most to us, essentially our selection of the best restaurants in Santa Teresa Costa Rica.
*This ‘ best restaurants santa teresa costa rica’ guide might contain affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you. This helps me to keep providing you with top quality content for free.
Best Santa Teresa Restaurants Costa Rica
This guide is split up into two sections, firstly the best restaurants Santa Teresa has, ideal for lunch and dinner. In the second section, we’ve included the best cafes, bakeries and bars – better for breakfast, lunch or a casual coffee or meal in town.
Before heading out to eat at these restaurants it’s better to call ahead and make dinner reservations in particular as they do fill up quickly, especially in the high season months of December and January.
Many of these restaurants in Santa Teresa close for the low season so it’s worth calling ahead to check.
The Best Restaurants in Santa Teresa
Uma Santa Teresa
One of my favorite dining experiences in Santa Teresa was without a doubt Uma. Uma Santa Teresa at Playa Cielo offers a refined dining escapade nestled in the vibrant heart of Santa Teresa, right on the beach.
Choose between the elegant restaurant setting and the laid-back charm of the beachside terrace and enjoy a long, casual lunch to splendid views.
We found the menu to be rich in Mediterranean-style food, with a touch more elevated flair than most streetside spots in Santa Teresa. Book a table for sunset and kick off the evening with a beachfront cocktail and an array of dishes like local grilled snapper for dinner.
Uma’s atmosphere, combined with its delicious dishes, captures the essence of luxury dining amidst the natural beauty of Costa Rica. This was easily one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica.
La Cevicheria
With a simple setup and understated decor right on Santa Teresa’s main road, La Cevicheria is the best restaurant in Santa Teresa for fresh seafood and of course, ceviche.
Their mixed tropical ceviche, paired with fried shrimp and patacones drenched in an exceptional sauce is super fresh and flavorful. The Mexichino Ceviche, a blend of red snapper and octopus accompanied by fried plantains is another superb option.
For those who tend to be a little more indecisive, they also provide a unique service where you can have a ceviche tailored to your taste preferences.
Amici Santa Teresa
In the heart of Santa Teresa, Amici Ristorante is THE place to go for Italian cuisine, where the allure of homemade pasta and divine pizzas speaks directly to the soul.
While this is the spot for pizza (the flour is imported straight from Italy), there are also a number of heavenly sides like burrata, prosciutto and arancini.
For anyone craving a light yet doughy pizza, this is the place to go in Santa Teresa.
Convivio
Convivio has quickly risen to prominence as one of Santa Teresa’s most recent culinary additions. The restaurant’s ambience effortlessly blends modern, minimalist design with a touch of bohemian flair surrounded by the luscious Nicoya surroundings.
As one of the town’s more upscale dining destinations, Convivio offers a menu filled with gourmet delights such as tacos, pastas, grilled dishes, ceviche and salads. A dining experience here is perfect for a romantic date night or a festive celebration.
Make sure not to miss the cocktails too. They are really good.
Eat Street
Eat Street Santa Teresa is a vibrant culinary hotspot that embodies the essence of street food culture with a unique, tropical twist.
Essentially a large covered spot of many different food trucks and small cafes, this bustling gastronomic avenue offers a diverse array of food options, ranging from local Costa Rican delicacies to international cuisines.
Here you’ll find some mean smoothie bowls and coffee at Sunrise Cafe, a wholesome bowl at Happy Bowls or some Tex-Mex delights from NoMad.
Eat Street is the perfect solution for a meal with friends when everyone feels like eating something different.
Koji’s
Koji’s Sushi Bar stands out as an essential destination for sushi in Santa Teresa.
Tucked away, this modest yet remarkable spot is celebrated for offering an excellent selection of sushi rolls that are both beautifully presented and delicious.
The chef’s flair for innovation and meticulous craftsmanship ensures each roll is a masterpiece, combining freshness with unexpected flavors.
Highlighting their menu is the “Pura Vida Roll,” which artfully blends the richness of local tuna with the creamy texture of avocado. Koji’s promises an unforgettable sushi experience, making it a more upscale culinary hot spot in the area.
El Corazon
This vibrant plant and fish-focused restaurant near Koji, just off the main road in Santa Teresa is a great flavor-packed option great for vegetarians and vegans.
The food is so good however that even meat eaters won’t mind, even though you will find a couple of meat dishes on the menu.
The dishes are not only fulfilling but are crafted with such creativity that they leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
Expect a fusion menu full of hearty salads, bowls, grilled local fish, Middle Eastern plates and many other dishes made for sharing.
El Corazon is the perfect spot for a casual dinner in one of the best restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
Zula Restaurant
Zula Restaurant in Santa Teresa is the place to go for those craving authentic Israeli cuisine, offering a laid-back atmosphere where the flavors of the Middle East come to life.
Recognized for serving the best Israeli fare in the area, Zula is the go-to spot for a variety of hummus plates, perfectly baked pitas, and moreish nibbles ideal for light dining.
Not to be missed are the traditional shakshuka and the mahi-mahi platter, a generous serving complemented by hummus, fries, and the indispensable pita bread.
Katana
Katana Asian Cuisine stands out as a gem in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, for sushi aficionados and food lovers alike.
While Koji often receives praise for its upscale sushi offerings, Katana emerges as a compelling alternative, delivering equally exquisite sushi experiences for more affordable prices.
With fantastic dishes and unmatched ambiance, this was easily one of our favourite Asian restaurants in Santa Teresa and we couldn’t help coming here often.
The beautifully crafted rolls showcase the chef’s attention to detail and dedication to flavor, while the dumplings, juicy and delicious, promise a delightful and memorable dining experience.
Beyond sushi, Katana’s menu features a variety of Asian-inspired dishes, ensuring that every visit is both unique and satisfying.
El Facon
For fans of Argentine cuisine, this is one of the best restaurants Santa Teresa has to offer. However, El Facon isn’t just for meat-centric eaters as there are plenty of vegetarian options, to get your teeth stuck into too.
With its distinctive wood-fired kitchen and traditional clay oven, they can craft and prepare dishes a little differently. Expect plenty of steak and grilled meat but there are also burgers, empanadas and seafood like ceviche and shrimp.
For something lighter or plant-based friendly they have hummus, eggplant milanesa, falafel burgers and grilled vegetable platters.
At El Facon you can also enjoy a dining experience, combined with the vibrancy of some local live music, making it an ideal venue for those seeking both quality food and entertainment.
READ MORE: Where to Stay in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
El Tercer Ojo (Third Eye)
Tercer Ojo (or Third Eye in English), offers a captivating dining experience in the heart of Santa Teresa, blending eclectic Caribbean flavors with a dash of mystique.
This free-spirited venue is not just about savoring delectable cuisine; it’s an invitation to immerse yourself in intriguing tarot readings.
With zesty ceviche, richly flavored Caribbean Bowl, and perfectly sweet plantains, amongst others, this spot is also one to visit for cocktails.
Sundowners with a side of tarot readings? Don’t mind if we do.
Manzú (at Nantipa)
Manzú, the glamorous beachfront restaurant and bar nestled within the Nantipa Hotel in Santa Teresa, shines brightest as the sun dips below the horizon.
This sophisticated spot offers an enchanting cocktail hour experience, complete with an on-beach bar in Santa Teresa that skillfully crafts all your favorite classic drinks.
Choose from a range of seating options, ranging from traditional tables to casual beach bean bags and cozy low-stool arrangements.
Manzu is a great spot for dinner too so make sure to stay after sunset and cocktail hour. There’s a great atmosphere and the superb dishes make it a standout destination for both casual drinks and memorable dining under the stars.
I highly recommend booking a beach table for sunset in advance. You can do it through their website.
Top Cafes, Bars and Bakeries in Santa Teresa
The Bakery, Santa Teresa Costa Rica
The Bakery is hands down, the best restaurant Santa Teresa Costa Rica has for baked goods. With a delightful blend of Parisian charm and Australian laid-back café culture, this is the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch.
Here, the pastries are so authentically delicious, that one might easily mistake their location for a quaint streetside café in Paris.
The menu is a vibrant showcase of variety, featuring everything from creamy avocado toast and refreshing acai bowls to hearty paninis, shakshouka and fresh salads.
Don’t miss the nutty croissants with almond and hazelnut definitely being the most tempting.
Ani’s Bowls
A favourite restaurant in Santa Teresa for casual bites, Ani’s is the place to go for coffee and much, much more.
It’s best for breakfast or brunch, where you can sit down to steaming cups of coffee, avocado toast, filling breakfast burritos and smoothie bowls.
Their cute little terrace is a wonderful place to sit down in and enjoy the atmosphere or just take your food to go and have it at the beach nearby.
Earth Cafe
We spent a lot of time at Earth Cafe on our last trip to Santa Teresa. There’s something about the super chilled atmosphere here, the simple but incredibly tasty food and they also have a lovely garden in the back, perfect for relaxing and perhaps a bit of computer work.
The food at Earth Cafe is mostly vegan, incredibly delicious, wholesome and nutritious. With offerings such as vibrant poke bowls, and bountiful Buddha bowls brimming with crisp vegetables and vegan desserts, this cafe makes embracing a healthy lifestyle effortlessly delicious.
Perfect for both breakfast and lunch, its location near Playa Hermosa adds to its charm and is the perfect place to stop for some grub on the way to the beach.
There are also a huge amount of gluten-free options here too.
Zwart Art Cafe
One of the coolest cafes in town, Zwart Art Cafe is a gallery-and-cafe with a large selection of good coffee, snacks and vibrant art pieces. This is the gallery of local artist Margriet Zwart and you’ll find all her brightly colored, fun canvases lining the walls.
Grab a table and try the culinary highlights which include the fish tacos, as well as the vegan surfer bowls. There are also some great breakfast options too like pancakes and quinoa porridge.
Bali Beach Deli
Simple, colourful and friendly, Bali Beach Deli is a wonderful little cafe in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Run by surfers who understand the importance of fueling the body with the right ingredients, this cafe is a treasure trove of health-conscious delights.
From the vibrant acai bowls and revitalizing fresh juices to the colorful salads and an array of vegetarian plates and sandwiches, each offering is crafted with care and a deep understanding of nutritional value.
It’s an ideal spot for a late breakfast or lunch and has a friendly and very laid-back atmosphere.
The Somos Cafe
The Somos Cafe in Santa Teresa offers a unique blend of hospitality and gastronomy, combining a hotel, cafe, and surf shop into one vibrant hub.
This spot is a favorite day and night, during the day it attracts individuals looking for a cozy place to work while at night, those looking for a lively social scene.
The decor is a delightful balance between funky and bohemian, adorned with lush plants and stylish rattan lighting, while a vintage airstream trailer repurposed into a bar and kitchen serves as its quirky centrepiece.
There’s tasty banana bread, great smoothie bowls, breakfast tacos and burritos to munch on while drinks include superb, creative cocktails with a Mexican flair.
The Roastery
Just great coffee and friendly owners/staff. What more would you need first thing in the morning?
I hope this helps you when deciding where to eat in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Let me know all your questions and comments below. I always love hearing from you!
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