Where to Eat in Playa Flamingo: The Best Restaurants and Bars

September 4, 2017 Russell Mellin

Discover the best restaurant in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica including Angelina's Restaurant & Bar, Papaya, The Shack Restaurant and Bar, Soda Y Restaurante El Estero Azul, Marie's Restaurant, Coco Loco, Soda Brasilito, Mariner Inn, Cafe del Manglar, NASU Restaurant
Things to do in Playa Flamingo

1. Angelina's Restaurant & Bar

2nd Floor, Centro Commercial, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Central American, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Lunch, Late Night HK$63 - HK$275 +506 2654 4839
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 512 reviews

Angelina's Restaurant & Bar

Angelina's is a fine dining restaurant situated near the crescent-shaped shores of Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica. Since 2008, we have been serving locals and visitors of the Playa Flamingo area. We pride ourselves on our attentive service, our globally inspired locally sourced cuisine, and our unique open-air dining room that inspires us every day. Our food is authentic, fresh, and inspired by the bounty of the northwest coastal Guanacaste region. Named after our beloved grandmother, Angelina's represents her Italian roots and heartfelt dedication to her family. We welcome you into ours!

Reviewed By krsthom - Sherwood Park, Canada

This is a very nice, upscale restaurant and the wonderful staff make it even more special as they have a focus on customer appreciation that is second to none! I had the Flamingo arugula salad & grilled shrimp which was delicious and my husband had the catch of the day which was Mahi-Mahi & crisp romaine salad which he thought was very tasty! Along with drinks and the relaxed atmosphere we had a lovely time at Angelina's and will be back next time we are in here!

2. Papaya

200 Metros Sur Del Puente | Conchal Hotel, Brasilito 50308, Costa Rica Buffet, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, Seafood, Central American, Costa Rican, Fusion, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$39 - HK$235 +506 2654 9125
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 346 reviews

Papaya

Informal dining in a beautiful relaxed environment. Serving super fresh seafood, steaks and vegetarian options. Live dinner music through high season Tuesdays and Saturdays. Breakfast and dinner specials daily (best value in town!) and Happy Hour with signature cocktails and local beers 2x1 Chef Hilda Rodriguez creates signature dishes including cocounut Mahi-Mahi, lobster with mango chili salsa, fresh seared sesame-crust tuna, Thai style coconut curries, and our famous Surf 'n' Surf. We highly recommend Reservations in high season.

Reviewed By Troutish - Vermont

Great atmosphere and better food! A troubadour, Darin Talbot, was playing during dinner. Very mellow, easy listening that added to the experience. Often, dinner music is too loud and makes conversation difficult...not so with Darin. Really created a pleasant experience. Waitstaff was very friendly and the food was to die for. Similar to Anders in quality of food but much less expensive. Will go back again!

3. The Shack Restaurant and Bar

2009 Highway 911, Surfside | Between Flamingo Adventures and Panache, Playa Potrero 55215, Costa Rica Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Accepts Credit Cards Central American, American, Bar, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks HK$24 - HK$94 +506 2654 6038
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 467 reviews

The Shack Restaurant and Bar

Nos alegra ofrecer comida típico de Costa Rica y los Estados Unidos, cafe caliente, cerveza fría, música en vivo cada jueves, y espacio afuera para disfrutar a la naturaleza. Estamos un restaurante de la comunidad! Vengan para compartir comida rica y relajen un rato con sus amigos aquí. Nos avisa que la hora de cerrar (9:30pm) es solamente para la cocina... El bar queda abierto hasta ustedes no quieren mas guaro! * * * * * * * * * We're happy to offer typical Costa Rican and American dishes, hot coffee, cold beer, live music every Thursday, and an outdoor space to enjoy the natural environment. We're a community restaurant! Come to share a great meal and relax for a while with your friends. Please note that the closing hour listed (9:30pm) is for the kitchen only... The bar is open until you don't want any more guaro!

Reviewed By Diana P - NYC

Really cute breakfast place...outdoor "Shack" on the side of the road-picnic tables, shade, intimate and clean
Owner is an expat-from Boston. Super interesting guy
Food is delicious! *One of the best breakfast joints in Playa Potrero
(also Perlas Pub does a great breakfast!)
Typical breakfast fare, eggs, pancakes etc...but all high quality ingredients and home made
GLUTEN FREE, VEGAN and VEGETARIAN!!
GF pancakes are SOOOOO good! We splurged and added chocolate chips and bananas
Coffee is serve yourself
They close around 2PM ish (2:30?)
So if you go later in the day for brunch, they don't make a new pot of coffee at 1PM since they'll be closing soon
Good stuff.
Go there
Doug the iguana is well fed with the red flowers from the trees by the owner -cute!

4. Soda Y Restaurante El Estero Azul

Road From Flamingo Resort To Potrero, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Takeout Central American, Costa Rican, Latin, Seafood, South American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Late Night
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 130 reviews

Soda Y Restaurante El Estero Azul

Restaurant Estero Azul is located near Flamingo on your way to Potrero. Before you turn right at the beach at Restaurant Plemar keep on going straight all way to the back of the road (about 100m). You'll find a fisherman's house with a small eating place next to the beach. Here they'll serve you the catch of the day without paying Flamingo prices. This google search (El Estero Azul Playa Flamingo) has little information but at least lets you know it's legit. GREAT PLACE!

Reviewed By Pjurn

Estero Azul is an amazing place for a simple but delicious breakfast on the beach or for fresh shrimp and avacado salad with a cold beverage at lunch Staff is friendly and accommodating and the setting is perfecto!

5. Marie's Restaurant

playa flamingo, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Seafood, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$8 +506 2654 4136
Excellent
43%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 626 reviews

Marie's Restaurant

Reviewed By krsthom - Sherwood Park, Canada

We have been to Marie's many times and tried many things on the menu and are always happy with the food and the service! It is easy walking distance from most places in Flamingo and has parking out front. The one meal we have never ate here is breakfast and next time we will have to do that as have not been disappointed with any of the other meals we have had!

6. Coco Loco

Flamingo Beach Road | South End of Playa Flamingo, Playa Flamingo 50308, Costa Rica Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$55 - HK$220 +506 2654 6242
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Coco Loco

A casual beach restaurant offering gourmet local cuisine at very reasonable prices. Feet in the sand outside or covered area. Gorgeous sunset view or watch the waves any time of day. Open for lunch and dinner. Visa and Master card accepted. We close annually from September to November for the rainy season.

Reviewed By Diana P - NYC

If you're looking for a more commercial beach (still not crowded) but you can rent chairs and a tent/shade, Playa Flamingo is the place.
Grab a drink (in a coconut!) and some yummy fish tacos at Coco Loco! Perfect beach bar/restaurant.

7. Soda Brasilito

Playa Brasilito DI Fronte Piazza, Brasilito, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Latin, Seafood, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch
Excellent
44%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 157 reviews

Soda Brasilito

Reviewed By The_Guanacos - Atlanta, Georgia

Good portions and fair service. This is where the locals eat. We enjoyed their breakfast/brunch and would go back.

8. Mariner Inn

Mariner Inn | Frente la Antigua Marina, Playa Flamingo, Playa Flamingo 5111, Costa Rica Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Bar, Costa Rican, Mexican, International Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night HK$55 - HK$110 +506 2654 4081
Excellent
34%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
6%
Terrible
6%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 99 reviews

Mariner Inn

Reviewed By krsthom - Sherwood Park, Canada

We have been by this place many times, but never stopped in for a meal until this last trip and we were happy we finally did! It is under new management, but apparently they have kept the terrific chef and the wonderful server we had named Charlie who I must add was excellent & very professional and together with these two on board we had a very tasty meal here! I had the Caribbean Ceviche which was very, very tasty along with a perfectly made Mojito - kudos also to the bartender and my husband had a very large, loaded, tasty hamburger and potato wedges which were perfectly crispy! Will be back & hopefully the management keeps the staff they have!

9. Cafe del Manglar

2 Cuadras Al Norte Del Camaron Dorado | de el Bar Don Brasilito Media Cuadra al Norte, Brasilito 50308, Costa Rica Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Serves Alcohol Central American, Latin, International, Spanish, South American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch HK$47 - HK$157 +506 8485 3953
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 120 reviews

Cafe del Manglar

2 Cuadras Norte Del Restaurante Camarón Dorado Frente Al Mar Santa Cruz Guanacaste.

Reviewed By LeopoldinaIL - Arlington Heights, Illinois

Fantastic place! Completely authentic, wonderful food, down-to-earth, perfect combination of relaxing and rich cultural experience. Personal attention to every visitor. Once visited you will never forget it.

10. NASU Restaurant

1.5 Km North East from Banco Nacional at Playa Flamingo, at The Bahia Del Sol Hotel | Santa Cruz, Tempate, Playa Potrero 50304, Costa Rica Validated Parking, Full Bar, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout Costa Rican, Seafood, International, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$78 - HK$314 +506 2654 5339
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 112 reviews

NASU Restaurant

The best of traditional and gourmet cuisine in front of the beach. Book now! Nasu Restaurant specializes in seafood and international food, offering creative tropical gourmet cuisine. You can sample traditional Costa Rican dishes or choose from among the most sophisticated international recepies, served with a tropical touch. All this, combined with the finest selection of wines, beers, liquors or fresh tropical fruit juices. With its elegant open palapa and spectacular ocean and pool views, this fine restaurant is the ideal setting for a perfect meal.

Reviewed By Jon P - Bethesda, Maryland, United States

I had two breakfasts and one dinner at Nasu this week. The setting is lovely and several dishes were tasty and well-prepared. Unfortunately all meals were marred by service problems that suggest serious training deficits and management weakness.
Example 1: At breakfast I ordered the Huevos Rancheros Casserole that the menu described as including fresh bread and avocado. The "casserole" was 2 fried eggs and a tortilla combined in a casserole tin (no salsa, cheese, etc), and no bread or avocado accompaniments. When I asked about the bread and avocado I was told the kitchen was out of avocado but the waiter did bring bread.
Example 2: At dinner we ordered caeser salads (four ingredients) but the kitchen forgot the shaved parmesan.
Example 3: Our "Seafood Platter for 2" was lame. All the seafood was cooked together in a single sauce which overwhelmed the individual flavors - it was more like a ciopino with small bites instead of big chunks, or a seafood sloppy joe.
Example 4: We requested a dessert menu at dinner but the waiter proudly delivered it verbally instead. Unfortunately he told us only about three desserts and not a fourth.
None of these issues are dispositive individually, but they evidence an overall lack of attentiveness and attention to detail. I will not plan a return visit.

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