Most Popular South American food in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

November 30, 2019 Alice Mieles

Discover Restaurants offering the best South American food in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica. 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

10. Isla Coco's Bar & Grill

Mts Este del Faro 150 150 Mts Este del Faro, Barrio El Carmen, Puntarenas 60101 Costa Rica Seafood, Costa Rican, Latin, Spanish, Pub, South American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Table Service [email protected] +506 8876 9354 http://www.facebook.com/Islacocos
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4 based on 95 reviews

Isla Coco's Bar & Grill

It is a pleasant place , open-air .... Our products come from handcrafted providers being of the highest quality .

Reviewed By EdPhoto

We stopped in at Isla Coco's for lunch. It was a Saturday and we arrived 30 minutes early, before the 12 noon opening time. A waitress came out and offered us a table and served us drinks while we relaxed and waited for the staff to get organized. We ordered fish (tuna) tacos and whole red snapper. The food was prepared perfectly and quite good.Hola , muchas gracias por su recomendación, nos complace saber que fue de su agrado..!!Gracias de parte de nuestro personal..!

9. Referee's Pub & Grill

50 meters east of Farmacia Don Gerardo, 60109 Costa Rica Bar, Pub, South American, Central American Lunch, Dinner Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol, Outdoor Seating, Table Service [email protected] +506 4700 8745 https://www.facebook.com/refereessportbar/
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4 based on 56 reviews

Referee's Pub & Grill

Reviewed By lifeinthetopbunk

This sports bar was open for the Women's World Cup final at 9:00 am on a Sunday, so I was happy! They have a good selection of international beers, a great-looking menu (cheaper too than most of the restaurants downtown), and an excellent sound system with TVs throughout the bar. The friendly bartenders and atmosphere made me feel immediately at home.

8. Cafe Escondido

50 Meters South of Butterfly Garden, Santa Elena Costa Rica Costa Rican, Pizza, Cafe, Fast Food, South American Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Breakfast Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Table Service [email protected] +506 2645 6601 http://www.escondido.cafe
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5 based on 49 reviews

Cafe Escondido

Fresh Local Food ... Typical Costa Rican Dishes... International Family Favourites... Healthy Options... Wood Fired Brick Pizza Oven...cafe Vibe By Day - Atmospheric By Night ... Spectacular Views All Day Every Day.

Reviewed By mattg201797

We’re staying at the Monteverde Inn, which is the same property as Cafe Escondido. The food here is so good!... we’ve ate in town, and it’s totally not up to scratch compared to Cafe Escondido. Traditional pizza oven , fantastic views, great service and cooking from Gustavo and Helen .. I had steak tonight , and wifey had chicken fajitas. Kids loved it too. Romantic, with family or with pals for a few beers , it’s great!... thanks guys..

7. Vista Hermosa B&B Restaurant

Lot # 14, Villas Del Mar Vista Hermosa Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Tambor CR0000 Costa Rica International, South American Dinner, Drinks Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +506 8730 9014 http://www.vistahermosabedandbreakfast.com
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4 based on 62 reviews

Vista Hermosa B&B Restaurant

Please Call ahead to Book!!! We are a small 24 seat restaurant with a warm friendly atmosphere offering exceptional friendly service. We purchase the best quality and freshest products available. All of our beef is USDA Choice. Our top sellers are Baby Ba

Reviewed By timwood69

Went here on 23rd March while staying at Tango Mar. I phoned Judy to make a reservation on the day and she kindly picked us up (and took us back) The food was excellent particularly the steak which was one of the best I have ever eaten. Judy and her staff were friendly and attentive, the bar area and the eating area are beautiful, wine was good too definitely our best meal in Costa Rica I cannot recommend it highly enough. I was very angry at the 1 star review that was put on on the day we visited by someone who had made no reservation and got lost ( but didn't think to phone!) this place is beautiful but off the beaten track and if no one has made reservations then it doesn't open. Believe me this place deserves to be the no 1 restaurant in Tambor and the reviews are true. Thank you Judy for a great last night in Tambor.

6. Restaurante Arrecifes

50 Mts North of Hotel Heliconia Costa Rica Seafood, Costa Rican, South American Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +506 2645 7158 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Restaurante-Arrecifes/1439877196323517
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4 based on 68 reviews

Restaurante Arrecifes

Reviewed By HikerBob66

We were in Monteverde without a car, so we taxied to Arrecifes, taking our host's recommendation. It's out of the town center on a very un-glamorous road so our view was of trucks and motorcycles as darkness fell. Although it was open from noon, our 5:30 arrival was obviously too early and service was slow for us, the only diners in the restaurant. At 6 a waiter showed up and then another couple. The food was satisfying although not cheap.

5. The Papaya Lounge Restaurant

Hotel Moana, Mal Pais Costa Rica Costa Rican, Seafood, Spanish, Contemporary, South American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Outdoor Seating, Seating, Full Bar, Reservations, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +506 2640 0230
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4 based on 131 reviews

The Papaya Lounge Restaurant

Reviewed By sarahYjan

We stayed at moana lodge for 3 nights, papaya lounge is the hotel restaurant. The first night we had dinner at the restaurant, the ocean views are amazing (high climb to the restaurant but 100% worth it!). The frensh bartender makes delicious cocktails and does a great job! Happy hour is from 4 till 6 perfect for watching the sunset! The food is oké, but little pricy, its a tapas concept so you can taste a lot of everything. Some or better then others, we loved the fresh calamari with home made sauce. The food itself was overall too salty. I self use a lot of salt while cooking at home, but the food in papaya lounge was really toooo much salted. Otherwise the dishes were perfect! The 2nd and 3th night of our stay the restaurant was closed, which was not so pleasant while we had no transportation. I couldn't understand because breakfast was served in the morning! it couldn't be that hard to make something for a few couples, if you can bake eggs in the morning you can improvise a little menu too! We enjoyed the food in town more, and for the same money you get better food! For cocktails tough its 100% recommended !

4. Soda La Amistad

Southwest From Supercompro 300 n Walk down the Street past the church at the T -intersection Turn Right Towards the Super compro Supermarket as the road curves left,walk down the concrete steps the dirt Road below at the dirt road turn left and walk up th Latin, South American, Central American, Costa Rican Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night Takeout, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Table Service [email protected] +506 2645 6108 http://www.facebook.com/pages/Soda-La-Amistad/267542249922838
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4 based on 477 reviews

Soda La Amistad

The best traditional and typical. Fast food: Veggie burgers and fries, hamburgers with meat, chicken sandwich, meat, cheese and ham, Nachos and more. Casado with Chicken, Bistek, meat sauce, fish. Spaghetti with meat and garlic bread and spaghetti with ve

Reviewed By KaZThisisproaging

We happened on this quaint, small, but friendly soda and are SO glad we did. We got our usual cascados and they were plenty of well cooked, perfectly seasoned, and delicious dishes. I even got my favorite Tamarindo drink!! The ladies couldn't be nicer and were fine with me speaking in my broken but heartfelt Spanish. They don't rush you. They make you feel at home. There are plenty of other sodas in the area but this cottage-industry, small-run soda definitely is worth your time, your appetite and your money. Incredibly reasonable prices!

Where to Eat in Mal Pais: The Best Restaurants and Bars

3. Restaurante De Lucia

125m Sur Del Hotel Heliconia Frente a Monteverde Country Lodge, 5-5655 Costa Rica International, Grill, South American, Costa Rican, Bar, Pub Drinks, Lunch, Dinner Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Validated Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Wine and Beer, Table Ser [email protected] +506 2645 5337 http://www.costa-rica-monteverde.com
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4 based on 229 reviews

Restaurante De Lucia

Restaurante De Lucia is one of the oldest and most renown restaurants in the Monteverde area with a little over 22 years since it opened it's doors to the public. It's a family owned business with a friendly and comfortable environment and a very nice loc

Reviewed By Don. T

Restaurante de lucia is a bit off the well traveled tourist road but definitely worth the short way on a dirt road. It is a quiet lovely, uncluttered dining room and our waiter was just the right amount attentive, available but not hover-y. However, what brings me to writing this review is that they have the best fish tacos I have ever eaten. Generous servings of pan fried to perfection, very fresh fish.

The 10 Best Things to Do in Mal Pais, Costa Rica

2. Restaurante Sofia

Turnoff to Jardin de Mariposas 25 meters west of Cerro Plano School, 60109 Costa Rica Latin, South American, Central American, Costa Rican Lunch, Dinner, Drinks Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Table Service, Accepts Credit Cards +506 2645 7017
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4 based on 297 reviews

Restaurante Sofia

Reviewed By TBoneTravels

We have been coming here for years; the variety offered and the excellent fruit shakes keeping bringing us back. Try the Maracuya (passion fruit milkshake- awesome!). The sweet potato & plantain soup is delicious as is any of the seafood main dishes. Highly recommend this place for such a variety of quality healthy dishes and a quiet ambience

Best Costa Rican food near Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

1. Product C

Centro Comercial Playa Carmen, Mal Pais Costa Rica Seafood, Costa Rican, South American Lunch, Brunch, Dinner Reservations, Seating, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Cash Only, Table Service, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards [email protected] +506 2640 1026 https://www.facebook.com/productcplayacarmen/
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5 based on 185 reviews

Product C

We are a small family-run restaurant that serves up daily, locally caught, fresh fish, lovingly cooked in a friendly ambience near the beautiful beaches of Mal Pais, Costa Rica. We have outdoor shaded patio seating and are open Monday to Friday from 11am

Reviewed By ramonm273

The price is NOT high at all! I mean, the place looks fancy and clean so we almost didn’t sit down because we thought the serving was gonna be small... wrong!! The servings are big, the service was really casual and cool, yet attentive. But the flavor: 10/10. My gosh the Sailor Bowl - creamy, toasty, nutty, fishy, just perfectly salty and kinda guilt-free cuz the rice was whole grain...If you are nearby, don’t think twice before dropping by and having at least 79 Sailor Bowls on my behalf. And the fish pâte, I give you my word you’re gonna like it.So happy you enjoyed our little restaurant and took the time to wtite those enthousiastic comments!

Top 10 Seafood food in Mal Pais, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica

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