Location: Playa Samara
Top Restaurants in Playa Samara
Top Things to do in Playa Samara
Where to Eat in Playa Samara: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Horseback riding, fishing and yoga are just a few of the myriad things to do on the gorgeous Playa Samara. The white-sand beach is the perfect place to relax with a book or run wild with the kids, offering a fabulous setting for any beachside activity you could dream of. Offshore, a coral reef rewards snorkelers with active, beautiful marine life.
Things to do in Playa Samara
1. El Lagarto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 740 reviews
Reviewed By AntoniaRobinson - uk
We shared a starter of prawns jalapeño which were really good but very fiery, and surprising quite a small portion, only 4 prawns. We then shared a 600 gm sirloin steak with grilled vegetables which was truly excellent! The wooden barbecue gives the most wonderful flavor and everything is cooked to perfection over this. The raw ingredients are also very good quality. The reason for4 stars not 5 is we found it a bit expensive and also be warned pay in dollars as their exchange rate for colones is rotten.
2. Bar Arriba
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 201 reviews
Reviewed By John B - Chatham, Canada
We have been here twice and while the food was decent, I strongly urge you to check your bill before paying. The second time we were here for happy hour. Cocktails are 2 for 1 with prices clearly marked on the drink menu at 3000 Colones. We are a couple in our 60s and clearly tourists to the the young local bar staff. We were charged 4000 Colones for my wife's cocktail, and had 2 glasses of wine added to our bill that we didn't have. This certainly seemed like a flagrant attempt to pad the bill, and not an accident. We are in Samara for a month, with plans on returning for future winters, but will definitely will not go back. The music was also far too loud for a dinner time crowd.
3. Restaurante Casa Esmeralda
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 450 reviews
Reviewed By Emma F
Our server was very attentive. He filled our water promptly and was great in asking if we needed refills on our micro brews - which were delicious. The food was great, I would definitely go back!
4. Samara Pacific Lodge Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 318 reviews
Just minutes from Samara´s town center, Samara Pacific Lodge´s unique atmosphere and restaurant will make your visit a truly memorable experience. Don´t make your dinner a “bare necessity” but an outstanding evening of tastes and enjoyment. Our Chef finds her inspiration by combining tropical country´s wealth of products with European know how. The originality, attention to detail and outstanding tastes of every dish will make your visit unique and memorable.
Reviewed By chrisfromthecape - West Yarmouth, Massachusetts
Each night their menu changes. Since they only use the freshest ingredients and have a very creative order and chef H night you have four different selections of which to choose for a entrée. We ate there three times. The first night was our anniversary and the meal was exceptional. I ordered the beef with onion sauce and he ordered a seafood dish with shrimp and squid that was DEVINE. The second night that we ate there we both ordered the coconut shrimp that was quite good. Third night there was an octopus and pasta dish that we probably should’ve gotten because everybody who ate it pretty much licked to their plates!!!!
Service is excellent. The restaurant has maybe 8 tables and it fills up quickly so make a reservation. The restaurant is owned by a nice young couple who run a fine restaurant flawlessly.
5. Gusto Beach
Overall Ratings
4 based on 955 reviews
Gusto Beach Risto Bar Sporting Club. Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Italian Restaurant, Pizzeria and BBQ. Tropical Bar, Wine Bar and Happy Hour. Special Events, Live Music and Party. Sporting Club, Beach Volley, Beach Tennis and SUP. Beach Chairs and Umbrellas. Boutique Gusto Store. Info Corner Angler Stories Ocean Tours.
Reviewed By ElizabethN234 - Lincoln, NE
This place is a little pretentious for my taste, but they do make a wonderful Tuna steak or salad (when they have tuna). Good place for special occasions.
6. Samara Organics Mercado Organico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 177 reviews
Samara Organics is a family owned and operated local organic cafe and market. Located across the street from the beach at The Natural Center in the middle of Samara next to Hotel Casa del Mar and in front of Restaurant Gusto Beach. Our market offers a variety of products, many of them locally made like salsas, butters, oils, vinegars, pasta, super foods, coffee, granola, cereal, milks, goat yogurts and cheeses, chocolate, body products, gifts, art, and more. Our cafe offers sweet and savory treats, espresso, juices and smoothies. On Tuesdays from 8 to 11 organic fruits and vegetables are delivered along with fresh breads, goat cheeses and dips. You can even preorder online as veggies sell fast! Good Food ~Great Friends~Mellow Vibe! Come enjoy with us!
Reviewed By Jarred T
We are grateful for this little store. They stock difficult to find quality items, are centrally located and are super friendly! Excellent iced coffee and locally made chocolate and peanut butter. Thank you guys ?Thank you Jarred! We appreciate the time you took to review our store. Thanks so much for coming in and supporting our efforts. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Angelina
7. Lo Que Hay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Lo Que Hay (It Is What It Is) is a lively beachside bar, serving tapas, tacos, nachos, and more. We've got delicious food, excellent views, and live music twice a week. Add in our extensive cocktail menu, ice-cold beer, and super staff, and we bet you'll feel right at home here. Bienvenidos!
Reviewed By Grantman66 - Portland, Oregon
We tried Lo Que Hay twice. It's proximity to the beach made it easy to visit. Our dinner experience was a 3. Very poor service, mediocre food but good ambiance. Our breakfast experience was quite the opposite. Beautiful setting looking out at the beach, very timely service, even friendly and a good overall breakfast. Really a pretty good place to start your day of enjoying what Playa Samara has to offer. My take is that the locals fill the bar in the evening and most of the staff, being friends with the locals, would rather BS and drink than work. Don't blame them just wouldn't eat dinner there again knowing that.
8. Ma Ma Gui
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 498 reviews
Reviewed By Sharon C - Toronto, Canada
We really enjoyed dinner here on a Saturday night, serenaded by 2 talented Costa Rican musicians. Folks were dancing in the streets to the melodious harmonies and gentle rhythms of two Spanish guitars and vocals. Definitely an evening to remember and a place worthy of return!
9. Coco's Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 606 reviews
Reviewed By John B - Chatham, Canada
Had dinner here near the end of happy hour. I have discovered that none of the restaurants around here put hardly any alcohol in the drinks, and this place didn't offer beer or wine with happy hour, so you're stuck with what they offer. Prices are average for this area. We got plenty of food, so if you're hungry, it's good for a fill up, but don't expect to be wowed. Enchiladas were decent, the cabbage with pico de gallo was good, but the rice was hard and chewy, and the beans seemed direct from the can. Nothing was hot. Service was attentive. A very average experience at best.
10. Panaderia & Heladeria Princesa Bakery & Ice Cream Parlor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Canadian owned bakery with daily soup, sandwiches, stuffed baked potatoes, salads and personal pizza. Ice cream, cakes for all occasions. Alfajores, empanadas, Freshly ground coffee, cappuccino, espresso, latte, ice coffee, milkshakes & fruit smoothies. Cinnamon, Apple or Dulce de Leche Rolls Vegetarian options
Reviewed By Wubbelina - Vernon, BC
We love this place. I would visit in the AM and we would have coffee and a cinnamon or apple bun, then take bread/sweet bread back to the hotel. Joannie is very friendly and has a great little bakery. A must if you are in...MoreThank you so much for the great review It was our pleasure to serve you We appreciate it The Princesas
