Top Restaurants in Mal Pais
Top Things to do in Mal Pais
Best Costa Rican food near Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Find out what Costa Rican restaurants to try in Mal Pais. Near the southernmost tip of Peninsula de Nicoya, Mal Pais offers rocky coves, white sand beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, surfing, and relaxation near a remote fishing village and Cabo Blanco National Park. The prime attraction is surfing at beaches like Playa Mar Azul, Playa Santa Teresa, Playa Manzanillo, and Playa Carmen. Plus there is fishing, boating, snorkeling, diving, hiking, horseback riding, biking, and 4-wheel drive touring. A 4-wheel drive vehicle comes in handy for navigating unpaved roads in this still mostly wild area, particularly during the rainy season. Though locals zip around on quad bikes and motorcycles transporting their surfboards. Allow the better part of a day driving from San Jose Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to Mal Pais. Budget extra time to board the car ferry from Puntarenas across the Golfo de Nicoya to Paquera on the Peninsula de Nicoya. Or take the short flight from San Jose to Tambor Airport (TMU), and be within an hour of Mal Pais. Some Mal Pais beaches have little sand, and judging point break direction and swell size requires surfing acumen. A Mal Pais surf camp may be perfect for family members wanting to learn to read the surf better. Santa Teresa’s beaches have more white sand, and point breaks like Suck Rock are almost legendary among surfers flocking here when the seas around Playa Carmen get too rough. Playa Carmen has enough variety to accommodate all levels of surfers, but the swells can get too rough and too frequent to get out during the rainy season. A bit to the north, with waters calmed by a rock jetty, Playa Manzanillo is known for its annual sand castle competition.
Things to do in Mal Pais
10. El Jardin at Monteverde Lodge & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 323 reviews
The service style is personalized, informal, caring. Our food is what a Costa Rican grandmother would cook if she was also a creative and contemporary professional chef. The atmosphere is quiet,laid back and tranquil with an open fireplace. No background
Reviewed By niagara_chris
After careful research I booked this restaurant for our 25th anniversary dinner. My wife and I both liked the decor and found our waiter very polite. Unfortunately our food fell short of our expectations. There were a couple quirky things during our meal as well. I had ceviche and then the tuna main course. My wife had a tenderloin steak. The presentation of my appetizer was excellent and it tasted good. My main course was basically raw and tough, so I was unable to finish it. I actually like raw fish and sushi but the tuna just didn't work for me. Oh well, we were both in good spirits so it wasn't a big deal. I noticed my wife was working a bit to cut through her meat so I gave her my steak knife, which helped. She had to work at it a bit too much for the cut of meat she ordered, so it was a bit disappointing for her as well. Our super polite waiter had an accident and knocked over the wine/champagne bucket on a stand at the table beside us. The water and ice cubes all ended up on our feet and under our table. He was so embarrassed. We weren't upset or bothered, but he apologized about 5 or 6 times and then it got a bit awkward. Then he brought us two strawberry daiquiris after our meal was over, which seemed odd to me. I was drinking water during the dinner, so I just let it sit on the table until we left. We were thinking that offering a free desert of something like that might of been a nice gesture. No worries. I suspect this was just a miss on this night and at that time for this restaurant. If we hadn't already had great breakfasts and lunches and dinners elsewhere during our trip maybe I would have been a bit grumpier with our outing. I did not complain about the tuna, by the way, or ask to have it cooked more. I know that tuna is generally served med rare or rare. It was just raw and tough and I wasn't in the mood to complain. Too much in love, I guess to let a restaurant's off night spoil our anniversary dinner!Dear niagara_chris,We are very sorry to hear that we spoiled your anniversary dinner, please accept our sincere apologies.After we received your review, we were very worried because you were talking about some of the favorite dishes among our guests, so our executive chef, Federico Barrantes, decided to investigate. He usually travels a lot, but he spent the entire last week in Monteverde, using your feedback to re-train our kitchen staff in the different cuts of meat, cooking gradation and the correct use of the meat thermometer. He also explained to Carlos, your waiter that night, that even though to err is human, he only needs to apologize once when he makes a mistake, otherwise as you well put it in your review, it becomes awkward.Chris, we understand that you were celebrating your anniversary on that night, and exactly for that reason,we wish you had told us that you didn't enjoy dinner while you were still in the restaurant; we would have gladly done everything possible to make things right during your special celebration. Our guests feedback is what we appreciate the most because it helps us to improve.Please let us know if you are ever back to El JardÃn, we would love an opportunity to make it up to you.Sincerely,Jenn Dunn Guest Satisfaction Specialist
9. Restaurante Don Luis
Overall Ratings
4 based on 573 reviews
Fusión y sabor contemporaneo!
Reviewed By MaozD
It doesnât happen too often to be surprised by food dishes in a restaurant. In Don Luis it happened twice and I wish weâd have a chance to for the 3rd time. Donât miss the Avocado salad, mango soup (amazing), Salmon with mango chimichurri , Hamburger with blue cheese, egg and avocado.
8. Restaurante Thomas & Thiago
Overall Ratings
4 based on 380 reviews
Best food in Town Excellent prices Great service Parking area All our prices include Taxes
Reviewed By AlexF0289
Are here 1 night on a visit to monteverde and we were very impressed. Had the shrimp pasta and tuna steak with vegetables which were both amazing. Shared the tres leches cake to finish. An excellent meal and the staff were very friendly. Best food on our trip.
7. Raulito's Pollo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By rowena17
We were in Monteverde only for 2 days and we enjoyed our meal so much the first day that we just had to go back for lunch the next day. The chicken was tasty and succulent, and the portion size generous. We could see the chickens being roasted on a spit in the kitchen. Raulitoâs versión of chimichurri sauce went very well with the chickenItâs a really casual place, with high chairs at the counter, or a couple of tables at the side. Excellent value for money. It was about CRC 2,875 for chicken with one side (options of papas fritas, arroz or pinto). I had just the chicken with a tortilla and thatâs about CRC 2,300. Service was prompt and the owner, Señor Raul, is really friendly. Totally recommend if you are looking for a tasty, no-fuss meal.
6. Adventure Dining
Overall Ratings
5 based on 527 reviews
Adventure Dining is a trademarked name If you enjoy spectacular view in a romantic setting, this is your place. Located in the heart of Pura Vida Gardens, you will dine at sunset overlooking CR's tallest waterfall and miles of gulf coastline. The views ar
Reviewed By clstephens
The gardens that Cindy and David have created are spectacular. My group of 4 went here on Valentine's Day and it was such an amazing experience. The walk through the gardens before dinner and taking in the breathtaking views was a great start to an amazing night. The food that was served was good. David was a wonderful host as Cindy was injured and not super mobile during our visit. taking time to visit with everyone. The open bar was fantastic. The quesadillas during appetizers were our favorite. I would definately recommend eating here and will do it again on my next trip to Costa Rica. Pura Vida!Ms. Stephens,That you very much for your great review of Adventure Dining. Cindy and I enjoyed your company and thank you for making our Valentines Day enjoyed for us also. Your group has greatPersonalities and we hope to see you again.David and Cindy
5. Restaurante Los Toneles
Overall Ratings
4 based on 154 reviews
This is the Costa Del Sol Hotel Restaurant, we serve all kind of international food, including Costa Rican and Cuban dishes, as well as Bar and Grill.
Reviewed By 954oles
My wife and i were traveling to JRO, for our flight back to Denmark. We stoped for lunch, and were overwheled at the delicious food served in no time, and the enthusiasm of Elmez, Our host and his team. Deffenitely worth a stop. Highly recomend able. Hola! Gracias por visitar nuestro restaurante. Nos agrada mucho saber que les gustó la comida, nuestra consigna ha sido siempre trabajar con eficiencia y eficacia al servicio de nuestros clientes. Nuestra misión es cautivar con la buena comida el gusto de cada comensal y ustedes no fueron la excepción. Gracias por su comentario!
4. The Green Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 405 reviews
Own-Production. Fresh. Organic. Healthy. Local ingredients. Fusion & International Cuisines. The Green started in 2014 with a simple idea of offering excellent food with natural ingredients, together with a friendly environment where the "pura vida" that
Reviewed By Anil A
Loved this place. Very good food and reasonable prices. The size of portions was adequate. They also have a limited outdoor seating.
3. Restaurante Celajes at Hotel Belmar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 260 reviews
Our lively Restaurante Celajes features splendid balconies overlooking the Pacific Ocean and offers inventive, farm to table, world-class dishes, created by our chef and served artfully by our warm and friendly staff. We use only the best local ingredient
Reviewed By nolanar
Stayed in the Belmar so a walk across from the rooms was very convenient.The road leading up is off road so will be a rocky ride for 300meters once off the main road .Interior is overwhelming of wood. Rather dark. The cocktails are excellent- some local concoctions.Terrible bread at the start- wheaty and sweat. The tuna crudo- excellent, scrimp ceviche- average.Lomo curador en Sal was too salty, grilled octopus was excellent again too salty.Cardamom and orange tart was excellent.Good Waitering. Food generally too salty!
2. Restaurant Brisas del Lago
Overall Ratings
5 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By jbt816
We've read many good reviews about Brisas and were really expecting greatness. We arrived at 1130 but they were still closed. I got the waiters attention and he said they were having some trouble and it would be 12. We waited and after 10 minutes, he opened the doors.I order the chicken with mustard and spinach and my wife ordered a salad with smoked salmon. I was so sad when it was gone. The Dijon mustard sauce was wonderful. The chicken was perfect. I'm sitting here wanting to order again. Prices were very reasonable. More so than at other places around here.The staff was friendly and helpful. I'll be returning!(sorry about the pics, I started wolfing it down before I remembered to take a photo)
1. Product C
Overall Ratings
5 based on 185 reviews
We are a small family-run restaurant that serves up daily, locally caught, fresh fish, lovingly cooked in a friendly ambience near the beautiful beaches of Mal Pais, Costa Rica. We have outdoor shaded patio seating and are open Monday to Friday from 11am
Reviewed By ramonm273
The price is NOT high at all! I mean, the place looks fancy and clean so we almost didnât sit down because we thought the serving was gonna be small... wrong!! The servings are big, the service was really casual and cool, yet attentive. But the flavor: 10/10. My gosh the Sailor Bowl - creamy, toasty, nutty, fishy, just perfectly salty and kinda guilt-free cuz the rice was whole grain...If you are nearby, donât think twice before dropping by and having at least 79 Sailor Bowls on my behalf. And the fish pâte, I give you my word youâre gonna like it.So happy you enjoyed our little restaurant and took the time to wtite those enthousiastic comments!
Top 10 Seafood food in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
