Where to Eat in Santa Teresa: The Best Restaurants and Bars

March 31, 2018 Augustus Redeker

Surf’s always up in the Costa Rican beach town of Santa Teresa. Bright sun and gleaming sands make the perfect backdrop to hang ten in the crystal-clear waters, and fishing, snorkeling and kite-surfing are popular among vacationers. Yoga and spa services are a must for the ultimate relaxation, and, at night, catch a glorious sunset on the same beach where earlier you caught a wave.
Things to do in Santa Teresa

1. Las Piedras

200 mts N from the croossroads, Mal Pais, Costa Rica Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Steakhouse, Latin, Barbecue, Argentinean, Central American, Grill Dinner, Lunch, Late Night HK$8 +506 2640 0453
Excellent
71%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 267 reviews

Las Piedras

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.

2. Brisas del Mar

Hotel Buenos Aires, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Reservations French, Seafood, Costa Rican, International, Central American, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$157 +506 2640 0941
Excellent
72%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 556 reviews

Brisas del Mar

Our restaurant Brisas del Mar is rated as one of the finest restaurants of all Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. Cosy and friendly atmosphere await for you with amazing international dishes that can only be outraged by the incredible ocean view... Open to the general public with ever-changing menu using the freshest local ingredients. The best Cockteleria withe the best ocean view under a sky full of stars... we welcome Large groups, Romance, Local cuisine, Special occasions!! Open for Breakfast/ Dinner, Reservation.

Reviewed By ny12ny - Sunnyvale, California

My boyfriend and I went here for dinner one evening in the midst of a downpour and the staff couldn't have been more friendly and accommodating. The power went out several times throughout dinner and the food was a bit slower than normal. In response the staff made us a small appetizer and gave free drinks and were constantly bringing us candles and checking in on us. The view is incredible and looks out over all of Santa Theresa, super romantic if you are looking for a date night (there are even large couches to sit on overlooking the ocean). The fish was super tasty and the tuna amazing. Overall, this was my favorite meal in Santa Theresa on so many levels and highly recommend it.

3. Burger Rancho

Main Street, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi American, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +506 2640 0583
Excellent
64%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 837 reviews

Burger Rancho

Reviewed By Ashley S - Sudbury, Massachusetts

We (two families of 4) visited Burger Ranchero for lunch and had a great meal. Plenty of burger options, yummy fries/rings, and cold draught beer. What more could one look for in a lunch spot!? Some members of our group ordered fish tacos and said they were good. Only reason I didn't give 5 stars is b/c it sits right next to the road and there was plenty of dust kicking up. Sort of par for the course in ST in dry season, and not a reason not to go. The food is worth it!

4. Kika

Main road | North of the school, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar International Dinner, Late Night +506 2640 0408
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 230 reviews

Kika

Reviewed By RyanCampbell

We dined, sang and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at this energetic, fun filled restaurant on opening evening. Gaston and Rafa were energetic hosts and continued to entertain when they started playing a set of popular favourites on stage! Great night had!! The lightly sealed tune and Grandma's Pork were standout dishes.

5. The Bakery

50 meteers north of Franks at Playa Carmen, Mal Pais, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi French, American, Cafe, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +506 2640 0560
Excellent
73%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

The Bakery

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!

6. Ginger Cafe

Meters North 30 | Playa Santa Teresa de Cobano, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Seating, Waitstaff, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating Cafe, European, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch +506 8878 6483
Excellent
69%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 144 reviews

Ginger Cafe

Reviewed By alyson w - Dallas, Texas

Made a quick stop at Ginger Cafe for lattes and breakfast sandwiches before heading out for a scuba diving trip. Adorable cafe, wonderful ambiance, delectable pastries and out-of-this-world espresso beverages. Wait staff was efficient and polite. Wish we could have lingered a bit longer on their patio...maybe next time!

7. Olam Pure Food

East of Brunela 75m | 100 Meters East of Brunelas, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Private Dining International, Indian, Thai, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Drinks HK$47 - HK$94 +506 2640 0991
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 245 reviews

Olam Pure Food

OLAM Pure Food specialises in vegetarian and vegan cuisine incorporating organic and locally produced ingredients. We are located inside Nautilus Boutique Hotel in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. We are dedicated to wellness while not sacrificing any of the taste. We have the best smoothies in town, and serve breakfast, lunch & dinner (call us for timings). We have a selection of coffee, juices, beer and wine, the most amazing assorted desserts, and fresh baked bread and cakes. We offer a lot of gluten-free options, too! All of this awaits to soothe your soul, strengthen your body and thrill your taste buds. Who knew eating well could be so divine?

Reviewed By cecibono - London, United Kingdom

Slightly difficult to find but definitely worth it. Loads of gluten free options: I tasted the pancakes with almonds, honey and fruit and they were super good. The smoothies as well are incredible. Highly recommended for a post early morning surf session. 3 mins up the street in front of Selina Hostel. Credit card accepted

8. Chicken Joe's

Main Road, accross from Soccer Field, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Central American Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +506 2640 1110
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 327 reviews

Chicken Joe's

Relaxed beach food restaurant serving rotisserie chicken ,tacos ,ceviche and other items with a Peruvian flare .

Reviewed By Mcfille

First I was surprised by the prices, according to TripAdvisor it's a "cheap" restaurant but the prices started at around 5000 colones, same prices as most restaurants in Santa Maria. However when we got the 1/4 chicken with sides we ordered we were pleasantly surprised by the size of the portion and especially the taste, very good chicken and also the sauce! I can really recommend it but I wouldn't call it cheap, rather moderate.

9. Koji's

Buenos Aires Road | Below Hotel Horizon, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night +506 2640 0815
Excellent
75%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 668 reviews

Koji's

Kojis Restaurant Japanese Cuisine located in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica *Cash only * Cocina Japonesa Ubicado en Santa Teresa, Costa Rica *solo efectivo*

Reviewed By okmac

We enjoyed an evening dining al fresco under the lights at Koji's. The menu is presented on a large chalkboard. The fish is fresh and very tasty. The grilled veggies were wonderful. We sampled a variety of sushi rolls and really enjoyed all the different flavor profiles and combinations. A wonderful dinner.
CASH only

10. Zula Restaurant

700 m Norte de Mal Pais/Santa Teresa Cruce, Santa Teresa 111111, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Reservations Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Israeli, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$39 - HK$94 +506 2640 0614
Excellent
67%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 381 reviews

Zula Restaurant

Family Run Restaurant serving traditional Israeli and Costa Rican food.We offer breaksfast,lunch and dinner! Our traditional dishes include: Gallo Pinto/CR Casados/Shakshuka/Schnitzel/Falafel/Shish Kababs!!!! All these can be combined with our fabulous hummus plates, pita sandwiches or Israeli plates! <br>We have the best smoothies in town- mango/banana/guanabana/watermelon/papaya/pinapple and a local favorite our own healthy green smoothie! Come found out what is in it! <br>We also offer the exotic traditional Israeli Shisha smoking pipe!

Reviewed By Wendy H

I have eaten here a number of times and always enjoyed the food. Their falafel is great, so is the schnitzel. The Seating arrangement has been changed since I visited last year and is actually more comfortable and looks nicer. Service is good and friendly.

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