Top Restaurants in Mal Pais
Top Things to do in Mal Pais
Where to Eat in Mal Pais: The Best Restaurants and Bars
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
1. Tramonti
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 957 reviews
Reviewed By redeco - Warren, Massachusetts
While staying in Monte Verde, I had a very pleasant evening at Tramonti. The large dining room was busy, but pleasant, and the food was exceptionally well-prepared.
The menu here is primarily Italian with very good pizza, and superb pasta dishes.
I started with a Hearts of Palm Salad - que delicioso! The greens were crisp and the combination of flavors were just what I needed before my rich pasta dish. My main course was Spaghetti alla Carbonara, a dish that is very popular in Rome - Spaghetti with eggs, cheese, and pancetta. The pancetta was cooked until just crisp-tender and tossed with the freshly cooked spaghetti, eggs, and cheese. I've never had better. I finished with Tiramisu. All accompanied by a nice imported Italian red wine. Lovely.
After dinner, I took a minute to watch the pizza chef making pizzas before putting them into his brick oven. The pizza looked heavenly. I'll be back. Enjoy.
2. Stella's Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 732 reviews
Stella's Bakery has been in operation for 23 years and offers the best home cooked meals, pastries, baked goods, sandwiches,shakes,smoothies and many more delicious items you can taste while in Monte Verde. Please visit us, we are open Tuesday to Sunday from 7:00 a.m till 4 p.m Also we count with dinner options during the high season with organic and exlusive options.
Reviewed By Helen S - London, United Kingdom
Stella's has a great breakfast menu with lovely friendly staff. There is a pretty little garden in the rear which attracts a number of different birds creating a wonderful atmosphere. I saw green toucans here amongst others. There was also a cheeky capuchin monkey loitering around.
Highly recommend for breakfast
3. Las Piedras
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 267 reviews
Reviewed By Lindunia - Midlander, UK
Rustic little ‘shack’ type restaurant. Really reasonable prices for fresh, tasty, local grub! Nothing fancy, it does what it says on the tin.
There’s a large barbecue pit where the meat is cooked, and we really enjoyed it. As per everywhere in Costa Rica (it seems), the meals are huge and we shared the ‘half chicken’ meal between two - more than enough!
The staff are super friendly and accommodating.
It’s worth a visit if you’re staying in the area for a few days and fancy a reliably good meal.
4. Restaurante Sofia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Don. T - Nelson, Canada
This is a splurge spot for us. However, if you can resist the beguiling cocktails, the yummy appetizers and tempting desserts-- the entrees are not very expensive. I loved the chicken served with an absolutely unique platano side dish. I believe one could trust anything on their small but interesting menu. And, they give you a proper cloth napkin, something missing in many Costa Rican restaurants.
5. Restaurante Morpho's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By katherinesN7893OL - bethesda, United States
WE went here because it was recommended by our hotel and because we got a coupon for two free drinks. My husband got a fruit smoothie; I opted for bottled water. The waiter agreed that the water could count as one of the free drinks but when the check came we were charge for the water! We ordered Costa Rican food; it was good but not remarkable. The decor of the restaurant, however, is very cool.
6. Cafe Cabure
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
Informal sophistication from breakfast to dinner in covered balcony overlooking Monte Verde Cloud Forest. A well balanced menu includes the freshest salads, to unique dishes from Argentina and the World made all with freshest available ingredients. Homemade burgers and fries or Freshly made lasagna all done with the same passion for good food. Desserts start with Fudge Brownies and top with Handmade Chocolates from Costa Rica done daily. Chocolate tours for groups available upon request.
Reviewed By Cynthia Z - Lancaster, Pennsylvania
We went to Café Cabure around sunset and were treated to an amazing view. We did not have a meal but coffee and chocolate and everything was delicious. We went back the next day and bought chocolate to bring home.
7. The Bakery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
The best fresh baked cakes, bread, croisants, pastries, coffee and refreshing drinks! We are open all day for breakfast, lunch, dinner and any time in between. Fusion cuisine with fresh daily products and original flavours.
Reviewed By Karl R - Margate City, New Jersey
We’ve been staying in Santa Teresa for a week and only today stopped into The Bakery for breakfast. Wow it was awesome...French Toast, Pancakes with Coconut & Fresh Fruit, a killer Breakfast Burrito, but the best was the poached eggs over a sweet potato pancake...MoreWow, we feel humble to your kind words but are very pleased as well to hear you enjoyed your visits!
8. Amphitheater Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 286 reviews
This amazing Greek Amphitheater offers sunset views on the Pacific Ocean and the Rain Forest. It is a local favorite known for service, consistency and quality. Outdoor dining is available at Anfiteatro Restaurant for those looking for succulent specialties and intimate surrounding. El Anfiteatro opens from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Reviewed By Eddie M - Jasper, Alabama
We were there for the sun set and to have drinks. The view for the sunsets is nothing short of fabulous and a gathering place for people. We decided to stay for dinner and I am glad we did the food was very good and the wair staf was excellent.
9. Tico y Rico Monte Verde
Overall Ratings
4 based on 482 reviews
We are located in the heart of Monte Verde , Santa Elena down town, right on the wide bricked main street. We focus on serving typical dishes, including the Costa Rican famous casados We give each customer a real typical experience, great taste, spices and flavors. We also serve pastas, meats, seafood at an excellent price.
Reviewed By PicMorDaisies - Canada
We had walked into Santa Elena from our hotel in Valle Escondido and were browsing around looking at restuarants for lunch when a fellow on the street recommended Tico y Rico and gave us a card for a free dessert or drink with your meal. We decided to give it a try and were happy we did. We opted for the free drink and it was a very delicious papaya juice. We both had casados and they were substantial mail course , Mine was the asado of chicken in salsa which came with a fried egg plus a tortilla with cheeses so a very substantial meal. The chicken itself was excellent. Very large servings and good prices
10. Restaurant Brisas del Lago
Overall Ratings
5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By barrshar - Plattsville, Ont
This is a very quaint little restaurant with an international chef. We started off, for me shrimp salad which has nice size shrimp and a very tasty dressing. My husband had bruschetta which he said was excellent. For the main, I had fish topped with...MoreMuchas Gracias. Los esperamos pronto. Chao. !!
