Must-Try Dishes and Restaurants in Guanacaste

Guanacaste, Costa Rica, is a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious food. From gallo pinto breakfasts to exquisite beachfront dinners, the region is a real gem for foodies.  

Here’s a guide to the best restaurants in Guanacaste and the must-try dishes that capture the essence of Costa Rica’s local cuisine. Whether you like fresh seafood, traditional Costa Rican stews, or an international flavor fusion, Guanacaste will surely excite your palate somehow.  

Must Try Dishes in Guanacaste 

The cuisine of Guanacaste reflects most of the local culture. The province has some of the best dishes in Costa Rica, expressing the warmth and simplicity of the original recipes, which use local ingredients.

Let’s explore some of the famous dishes Guanacaste has to offer –  

Gallo Pinto 

This traditional breakfast dish in Costa Rica consists of rice and beans sautéed with onions, peppers, and cilantro. It is served with eggs and tortillas, making it an excellent addition to the local dishes of Guanacaste. Its flavor and texture are savory, comforting, and satisfying. 

Casado  

A casado is more than lunch; it is the taste of an experience on the plate. This traditional food in Guanacaste often includes rice, beans, a fresh salad, and plantains. It can also include meat such as chicken, fish, or beef. The balance in flavor and variety of what’s included in the casado represents Costa Rica’s desire for healthy, delicious food. 

Arroz con Pollo 

A very common dish prepared for special occasions, arroz con pollo, is a flavorful combination of rice, tender chicken, and colorful vegetables. It is flavored with herbs and spices and served at gatherings all over Costa Rica, symbolizing the love of fresh, hearty food in the country. 

Olla de Carne 

A comforting stew in the making, olla de carne combines beef with fresh tropical vegetables like carrots, plantains, and yucca. It is the ultimate meal for cooler days or when you feel the need to warm up. 

Tamales 

Tamales wrapped in banana leaves are originally from Costa Rica, giving them a unique smoky flavor. Filled with pork or chicken and seasoned, they are most often found as holiday delicacies but can be served at restaurants and markets every day and year-round.  

Chorreadas 

Chorreadas are the perfect sweet and savory snack, served with natilla, Costa Rica’s answer to sour cream. These pancakes are a delicious expression of Guanacaste’s agricultural soul, as corn is a crop that has been around here forever. 

Top Restaurants in Guanacaste 

Time to explore the top Guanacaste restaurants, both local and international. This is your Guanacaste dining guide to the best spots in the region.

El Huerto De Playa Grande 

• Location: Playa Grande, Guanacaste  

• Address: 933, Provincia de Guanacaste, 50308, Costa Rica  

• Website: https://elhuertodeplayagrande.com/index.php/en/   

• Specialty Cuisine: International  

• Signature Dishes: Seafood and wood-fired pizzas  

• Price per Person: $20-$35  

• Overview: A charming restaurant with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. 

El Huerto in Playa Grande is one of the best places to grab a meal in Guanacaste. Focusing on fresh, locally produced ingredients, it offers a new international twist on local dining in Guanacaste: fresh seafood and wood-fired pizzas. It’s really perfect for anyone who craves a casual yet highly savory meal. 

La Luna Restaurant: Nosara 

• Location: Nosara, Guanacaste  

• Address: X82G+RCV, Provincia de Guanacaste, Nosara, Costa Rica  

• Specialty Cuisine: Mediterranean  

• Signature Dishes: Mezze platters and fresh fish  

• Price per Person: $25-$50  

• Overview: Offers stunning ocean views and a diverse menu. 

The Mediterranean-inspired menu on tap at Nosara makes La Luna a hit with travelers and locals who keep coming back. Breathtaking ocean views go well with the combination of mezze platters or fresh fish. This BBQ place is in the heart of Playa Hermosa and close to some of Tamarindo’s best dining venues.  

La Cantina BBQ  

• Location: Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste  

• Address: F29J+HXX, C. Central, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tilarán, Barrio El Carmen, Costa Rica  

• Specialty Cuisine: BBQ  

• Signature Dishes: Ribs and grilled chicken  

• Price per Person: $15-$30  

• Overview: Known for its lively atmosphere and hearty BBQ dishes.  

For smoky BBQ lovers, La Cantina in Playa Hermosa is a must-try Guanacaste restaurant. The lively atmosphere and flavorful BBQ dishes—such as ribs and grilled chicken make for a welcome experience after a long day on the beach. 

Restaurante Coco Loco (Playa Flamingo) 

• Location: Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste  

• Address: 600 metros de Margaritaville resort, Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo, 50304, Costa Rica  

• Website: https://cocolococostarica.com/   

• Specialty Cuisine: Seafood  

• Signature Dishes: Lobster and ceviche  

• Price per Person: $20-$40  

• Overview: Offers beachfront dining with a focus on fresh seafood. 

Located right on the beach in Playa Flamingo, Coco Loco has gained fame for its fresh seafood, particularly exceptional ceviche and lobster. Eating here is about the view as much as the food; expect absolutely breathtaking ocean views paired with every bite. 

Dragonfly Bar & Grill (Tamarindo) 

• Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste  

• Address: Corona Street 150 meters behind Hotel Pasatiempo Guanacaste Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica  

• Website: https://www.dragonflybarandgrill.com/  

• Specialty Cuisine: Fusion  

• Signature Dishes: Tuna tartare and Thai curry  

• Price per Person: $25-$45  

• Overview: A unique blend of Asian and Latin flavors in a vibrant setting.  

Asian and Latin flavors merge at Dragonfly in Tamarindo, making it a unique haven for lovers of fusion food. The standouts here include tuna tartare and Thai curry, especially when enjoyed in the lively atmosphere, with memories that one never wants to forget. 

Pangas Beach Club Tamarindo 

• Location: Tamarindo, Guanacaste  

• Address: The main road to Tamarindo, 500m SW from Auto Mercado, in front of El Tesoro, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica  

• Website: https://www.pangasbeachclubcr.com/  

• Specialty Cuisine: Seafood and International  

• Signature Dishes: Grilled octopus and seafood paella  

• Price per Person: $30-$50  

• Overview: Offers a stunning beachfront location and a diverse menu 

Another gem in Tamarindo, Pangas Beach Club, offers seafood with a view right on the sand. From seafood paella and grilled octopus to a wide variety of other items, this restaurant brings just the right mix of laid-back beachfront atmosphere and refined cuisine to be one of the best places to answer your question – where to eat in Guanacaste.  

Restaurant	Location	Specialty Cuisine	Signature Dishes	Price per Person
La Sodita Italiana	Playa Potrero, Guanacaste	Italian	Pizza and homemade pasta	$15-$25
El Huerto De Playa Grande	Playa Grande, Guanacaste	International	Seafood and wood-fired pizzas	$20-$35
La Luna Restaurant at Playa Pelada	Nosara, Guanacaste	Mediterranean	Mezze platters and fresh fish	$25-$50
KayaSol Restaurant	Nosara, Guanacaste	Costa Rican and International	Gallo pinto and tropical smoothies	$10-$20
La Cantina BBQ	Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste	BBQ	Ribs and grilled chicken	$15-$30
Restaurante Coco Loco	Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste	Seafood	Lobster and ceviche	$20-$40
Dragonfly Bar & Grill	Tamarindo, Guanacaste	Fusion	Tuna tartare and Thai curry	$25-$45
Pangas Beach Club	Tamarindo, Guanacaste	Seafood and International	Grilled octopus and seafood paella	$30-$50
Lola’s on the Beach	Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste	Beachside Café	Fresh salads and smoothies	$15-$25

Conclusion 

The food scene in Guanacaste is a beautiful mix of tradition and innovation. Enjoy the local favorite gallo pinto, casado, or something entirely innovative in one of its most upscale restaurants, whose kitchens blend a great variety of landscapes and flavors.  

As if that weren’t enough, many of these dining options also practice sustainability and use locally sourced ingredients to prepare your favorite dishes.  

This guide to must-try dishes and restaurants in Guanacaste is a doorway to experiencing the best of Costa Rican culture. From rustic, simple traditional food to fusion cuisine, Guanacaste offers a dining experience as warm and inviting as its people.