Top Restaurants in Jaco
Top Things to do in Jaco
Top 10 restaurants in Jaco, Costa Rica
The tiny hamlet of Jaco is located in the Pacific Coast province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. It’s the ultimate hideaway for sun seekers and active travelers, with cinnamon-hued volcanic-sand beaches, lush green rain forest and verdant mountains. Surfers flock here from around the world, but families, and honeymooners also find much to love, thanks to the multitude of beaches, outdoor activities, dining, shopping and nightlife. Explore the Costa Rican rain forest by horseback, learning about the flora and fauna in this impressive eco-system. Take an ATV tour to beaches, remote villages and waterfalls. Try your hand at sport fishing, paragliding, sea kayaking or even bungee jumping. Spend an afternoon at the Pura Vida Gardens and Waterfalls, where you’ll find millions of plants, flowers and orchids from around the world. Zip line through the jungle, play a round of golf or take an aerial tram tour of the rain forest. Expert surfers will want to check out La Roca Loca and Playa Hermosa for a challenge.
Things to do in Jaco
1. Lemon Zest Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Located in the heart of Main street in Jaco, Costa Rica.
Reviewed By lplage - Forida
Absolutely the best food in town. The chef here is amazing. The wait staff are also very accommodating. This is the only restaurant after two weeks we went back to twice. The shrimp and the doctor are absolutely to die for. We had to American waiters at times we went there Johnny and ?? Both were awesome.
2. Soda Jaco Rustico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 562 reviews
Reviewed By Jems245
That were the most tasty soda so far at Costa Rica (we ate at least at 5 other sodas). The chicken and the crabs were great.
3. Papas and Burgers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By RHONKE - Edmonton, Canada
Like many other reviewers, our family had a hankering for some good comfort food. We ordered a few different types of burgers. They had no avocado for the one burger, but we still ordered it. We ordered our burgers well done as I've always wanted my ground beef to be cooked. While we waited, we shared the space with roaming dogs, watched a lot of different people check in and out of the hostel and waited longer than I would have expected for a burger.....which by the way still ended up being undercooked. The burgers were OK. One as to have caramelized onions and the other burger sautéed onions. Both only had raw red onions. The fries were good and the service average at best, much like the good. My girls were disappointed that we didn't choose Ridiculous Burgers on the main strip. Oh well, can't win them all.
4. The Pizza Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 350 reviews
New York Style Pizza in Jaco Beach Costa Rica. We offer whole pizzas, pizza by the slice, calzones, ice cold beer on tap, and run weekly specials. We make our own dough and sauce in the shop from scratch, and use only the freshest and finest ingredients available. Great for a quick lunch, or sitting down with the family for dinner. Open late on Fridays and Saturdays. Check our Facebook page for weekly specials!
Reviewed By Deborah W
Great pizza! We had the cheese pizza and beer... prices very reasonable. We will be back thanks!!!!!!!
5. Poseidon Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
Open 7am-10pm Daily. Breakfast until 2pm. Lunch until 5pm. Dinner 5pm-10pm. Our open air restaurant provides a casual dining atmosphere. Breakfast/Lunch are a combination of Mexican and American Classics. Dinner brings in the Asian Cusine, including our Famously Gigantic Ahi-Tuna Steak. Our Mahi-Mahi is the freshest you can get. Don't forget about Smoked items like Babyback Ribs, Salmon, Mahi Pork Tenderloin and more.
Reviewed By LessWork M - Reston, Virginia
We had a 7:45pm reservation but weren't seated until 830pm, thankfully there were seats at the bar so we ordered some shrimp fritters and two glasses of wine.
Once seated the lovely waitress (who was born in CR but grew up in California hence her English was perfect) was very accommodating to my partner and me.
I had the mahi mahi with the thai peanut sauce which was incredible and a very generous portion. My partner had the filet which sadly was a bit tough. Jaco is near the ocean, thus I blame him for not ordering seafood, I bet if he did his meal would have been perfect!
All in all we'd definitely return and really enjoyed our meal!
Side note, we asked for an Aperol Spritz since they had the Aperol liquor but they had never made one before... thankfully they made it for me after I told them the recipe, which was so very sweet of them!
6. Graffiti Restro Cafe and Wine Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
We are a funky boutique style restro with a blackboard menu that changes daily with the local availability of the freshest products, fruits, vegetable, seafood and meats. We pride ourselves in the Slow Food movement and maintain by using local fresh, healthy and sustainable products from the region. We have no rules or boundaries when it comes to our food and our ambiance is just as eclectic. We are off the main track and a little difficult to find on purpose. Our concept: Ghetto Gourmet, is to appeal to Anyone with a fine palete for food and drink in a comfortable, climate controlled, safe and intimate setting.
Reviewed By PlainTraveler - Chicago, IL
5 family members out for dinner. The plaza where this is located has music and lots of families in the courtyard enjoying themselves.
We have discovered the meat in Costa Rica is excellent. My brother’s pork chops were plentiful/3, with pot roast styled vegetables and sauce. Out if this world good. Two sisters split the huge hamburger and side salad. Side salad was ok. Other sister had the Thai soup and my sister-in law had an excellent steak salad.
7. Adventure Dining
Overall Ratings
5 based on 465 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 are breathtaking. All inclusive. Roundtrip transportation, entrance into the Gardens, unlimited coctails (premium liquors) fabulous dinner, desert and a surprise plus music for your listening or dancing pleasure. American owned and operated. Don't miss this...."The dining experience of your lifetime." DAVID AND CINDY LOOK FORWARD TO MEETING YOU!!
Reviewed By sunsets18 - Toronto Ontario
Adventure Dining was the highlight of our 2 weeks in beautiful Jaco Costa Rica. The Ambiance, Gardens, great food, Breathing Taking Views and a sunset that left you breathless all made for the perfect evening. Our meal was delicious and plentiful. The staff were lovely and friendly and it is all run by our incredible hosts David and Cindy . They are really special people and we all enjoyed our evening with them. They are friendly , warm, engaging , funny and gracious. Not to sound corny but it was magical, crazy , fun, perfect evening. Its worth every penny . Hats off to our driver Johnny , you had a wild group of people in your bus and you handled it all with laughter and smiles and navigated those roads beautifully. Adventure Dining is a MUST, LOVED IT. LOVED IT. LOVED IT.
8. The Coffee Shop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 184 reviews
The Coffee Shop is the best place in Jaco Beach to get a home cooked breakfast. Open everyday of the week starting at 7:00am . Free WIFI, fresh baked bread and cinnamon rolls
Reviewed By mlazazz - Vancouver, Canada
Every morning we woke up in Jaco it all started at this perfect little breakfast/lunch spot. From the friendly canadian owner to the smiling and helpful servers this place was top notch. Home cooked food and fresh coffee a perfect start to any day . Fresh cinnamon buns every morning (and they sell out) perfect to take for the road. Great place. 5 Stars. for a hungry traveller..
9. Mono Verde Tapas & Wine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 328 reviews
Mono Verde tapas & restaurant is a high end cuisine establishment with reasonable prices. Offering $2 margaritas with different flavors, sangrias, wide wine variety and more. If you are a sport fishing lover then feel free to bring us your catch to be cooked for you as you desire. Enjoy our later night weekend parties with the best live music of Jaco beach!
Reviewed By wheaties68 - Montana
We have made 8 or 9 trips to CR since 2004. Jaco is always our base. We did not discover Mono Verde until 3-4 years ago, it is consistently very very good. We had a lighter meal last evening, burgers for some ravioli for the others. The ravioli was just wonderful, as good as anywhere I have every eaten. Great atmosphere, great service. Mono Verde ranks right along side with Graffiti, and Lemon Zest as the best dining in town.
10. Green Room
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
We are a laid back casual artisan restaurant in the heart of Jaco Beach. We serve upscale comfort, and gourmet food without all the fuss of fine dining. We work with several organic farms, and artisan food producers in our area and throughout the country. We combine these local flavors with international cooking techniques to bring you a truly unique dining experience. Everything we serve at Green Room is made fresh with the best ingredients our country has to offer! Sometimes it takes a little longer, but we hope that if you have taken the time to join us you'll appreciate having your food prepared to order. If you're used to McDonald's and Subway maybe we aren't for you :-) So if you're in Jaco, come by...relax and enjoy some great food in our laid back dinning room or in the garden....stay for some live music, bar games, or just to chat! We have live music every Friday with local and visiting musicians....as well as specials every day, and evening. We serve brunch, lunch, and dinner six days a week for dine-in, take out, or Delivery...and also have a full bar and weekly artisan cocktail specials. So if you want a break from the usual Jaco tourist traps, come by for a visit...hope to see you soon, PURA VIDA!
Reviewed By Leapfrogchamp - Stony Plain
My wife is celiac, and we have recently visited Jaco. While we were there, we searched for a restaurant that had gluten free options. From the moment that we walked in, we felt comfortable. The ambiance, the staff, service, the prices, AND the amazing food! Whether or not you are looking for healthy menu options, you will love every bite you take here. The waiter took our order, brought us our drinks, and within 15 minutes, our meals arrived. After our first meal here, we returned 3 other times during our 4 day stay in Jaco. There is outdoor Seating, indoor Seating, café type Seating near one of the entrances, and there is a stage with live music at night. Prices were very reasonable and you can tell how much care and attention go into every plate served. There are many vegan options as well
