The mixed paella was the star &mdash; so much flavor in every bite. Chef even came by to check on us, which was a nice touch. Service was solid too.

The road up is rough, definitely need a 4x4, but that sunset from the top gets me every time. Split the ribeye with my wife, plenty for two. Owners still remember us from last visit, that&#39;s why we keep coming back.

Came for the view, stayed for the food. The chef came out to discuss the menu, and the catch of the day was perfectly cooked. The brownie dessert was a sweet ending.

The menu&#39;s got everything from casados to fish tacos &mdash; those were solid. Desserts looked good too. Staff kept checking in, place was clean.

Stopped by for a quick bite before heading out. Got a smoothie and it was solid, not too sweet. Place has that funky decor, kinda kitschy but it works. Staff kept it moving, no long wait. Good spot if you&#39;re in the area and need something fast.

Came here on a busy Friday night, place was packed. Got the tasting menu, every plate came out looking like a painting. Took a few pics, then ate it all. Flavors were solid, nothing crazy but definitely above average. Service was on point, the guy running the place knows his stuff. Only thing, you gotta reserve or you&#39;re not getting in.

Stopped by this beachfront spot with my friends and honestly the pool area is what got us. Super chill vibe, not too crowded when we went. The staff were really nice too, made us feel welcome. Great place to just hang out after swimming. Wish we had more time to stay longer! 🏖️

The gnocchi and cr&egrave;me br&ucirc;l&eacute;e were really good&mdash;flavors felt refined but not fussy. Service was attentive without hovering. Nice spot if you want a relaxed dinner.

The ice cream cookie sandwich is the move here. Owner said it&rsquo;s his grandma&rsquo;s recipe, and honestly that thing is solid. Porch is kinda dark and low-key, good spot to just sit and chill for a while. Service was fine, nothing crazy. I&rsquo;d go back just for that dessert though.

Stopped by for a quick lunch. Got the chicken breast in spicy sauce &mdash; sweet and spicy hit the spot. Portion was big for what you pay. Place is clean, nice vibe. Service was fast enough for me. Solid spot in Uvita if you want real Costa Rican food without the tourist fuss.

The patio is really nice at night, calm and chill. Gets busy during high season though, so come early or grab a reservation.

The trout lunch was a solid pick &mdash; came with a nice risotto and the smoothie hit the spot on a hot day. Good enough stop during the Envision festival.

Service was quick and friendly. The flavors were on point&mdash;nothing fancy, just solid food done right. I had the grilled chicken and it was decent, maybe a touch dry on the edges, but the seasoning carried it. Pretty good spot if you&#39;re in the area and want a no-fuss meal.

The coffee just kept coming, which I loved. Portions are huge, honestly almost too much for one person. Owner came by and told us a bit about the place, that personal touch made it feel less like a tourist stop. Solid spot for a filling breakfast, nothing fancy but it works.

The ceviche was spot on&mdash;fresh fish, lime just right, not overdressed. Sat by the window around sunset, that view alone is worth stopping for. Staff left me alone until I needed them, which I appreciate. Place got a bit noisy later, but that&rsquo;s on me for staying so long. Solid spot if you&rsquo;re in the area.

Stopped by for a late bite after walking around the park. The Pollo Al Bosque was solid, though I wish they&#39;d given me a bit more sauce on the side. Had a glass of their house red instead of the usual beer&mdash;it paired better with the grilled chicken than I expected. Pineapple smoothie was a nice way to finish.

The seafood sampler with the octopus and shrimp was solid, but honestly, for that price I expected a bigger portion. Server was nice though.

The hummus shakshuka was so creamy, I kept going back for more. Fries came out super crispy too. Place had a chill vibe, mostly locals which I liked. Solid spot if you&#39;re craving Middle Eastern food around Santa Teresa. Just wish the pita was a bit warmer, but no big deal.

The octopus and sweet potato main looked almost too pretty to eat. And that eggplant tapa, wow, delicate with a little sweetness. Didn&#39;t expect to like it that much. Cava sangria on the side was a good call. Wish I lived closer to come back for another round.

Been here a few times this year, food&#39;s always solid. Right on the beach which is hard to beat. Just don&#39;t be in a rush&mdash;service drags when it&#39;s packed.

Falafel platter was fresh, salad bar had good options. Mango ginger slushy was a nice touch. Pricey but portions are decent.

Came here for the first time and honestly the vibe was nice. Got seated right away, no wait. Food was tasty but the courses came out a bit slow between each one. Still, I&rsquo;d come back if I&rsquo;m in the area again. Just maybe not when I&rsquo;m starving 😅

Food was fresh and the flavors were on point. Service stayed attentive but not hovering. Live music gave the place a nice vibe without being too loud. Solid stop if you&#39;re in the area.

The pistachio gelato here is legit. Creamy, rich, not too sweet. Mint chocolate chip was solid too, real mint not that fake toothpaste taste. Best ice cream I&#39;ve had in town, hands down. Wish the portions were a bit bigger for the price though.

Stopped here while wandering around Monteverde and honestly so glad we did. The mint lemonade was super refreshing and portions were big enough to share. Great spot if you&#39;re hanging with friends. 😊

Fish tacos were solid. Big crispy pieces, not stingy with the fish. Hibiscus margarita was a nice change. Service quick, friendly enough. Prices fair for what you get. Place was busy but we didn&#39;t wait long. Good spot if you&#39;re in the area and want something fresh.

The veggie curry was fresh and tasty, especially with some hot sauce on top. Coconut flan was a nice finish too. Service was solid, and the view didn&#39;t hurt either.

Pizza by the quarter or half made it easy for our group of seven. Around $60 and everyone left full. Solid deal for the area.

Been coming here for a while now, and the vegetarian options are still the reason I keep going back. Summer rolls with tofu are always solid, fresh and light. Even got the passion fruit panna cotta again this time, still good. Place gets busy around sunset, but that&#39;s fine. Just wish they&#39;d add a couple more vegan mains, but I&#39;m not complaining.

Your ultimate guide to dining in Puntarenas. Discover top-rated restaurants and local favorites, based on authentic traveler ratings and reviews. ▸ See menus & photos ▸ Find hidden gems ▸ Plan your perfect trip.

The best restaurants in Puntarenas

Sabor Espanol

The Bamboo Room Restaurant

Azul

Maracuya Restaurante

Ballena Bistro

Heliconia

Villa Leonor at Ballena Beach Club

Citrus Restaurante & Catering

Ranchos Remo Lodge + Gusto Italian Restaurant

Carlito's Restaurant

Soda Ranchito Dona Maria

Pizzeria La Fogata

Sibu Restaurant & Coffee Store

Restaurant Pura Vida (at Hotel Cristal Ballena)

Sunrise Breakfast Place

La Luna Restaurant

Restaurant Villa Bosque

The Hook Up

Zula Restaurant

Bajo El Arbol Tapas Bar

Clarita's Beach Bar & Resort

Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar

Restaurante Delfín Blanco

Victoria's Gourmet Italian Restaurant

Sol Ice Cream & Drinks

Tico y Rico Monteverde

Los Almendros Restaurant Esterillos Oeste

Morpho's Restaurant

Pizza Pata • Pochotal

Ohana Sushi, Tapas Y Bar