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Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica Food Guide: 10 International food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Cruz
Find out what International restaurants to try in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz sizzles with culture and energy. The historic city is considered an epicenter of Costa Rican folklore, and is a magnet for those interested in experiencing traditional food, music, dance and festivals. The month of July is especially busy with local festivals, and Santa Cruz’s notorious annual rodeo takes place in January.
Things to do in Santa Cruz
10. Shrimp Hole
Overall Ratings
4 based on 785 reviews
The Shrimp Hole, casual seafood restaurant with the sunny deck, situated only one block from the beautiful beach of Tamarindo. This tropical 'hole in the wall' style restaurant serves a simple but mouth watering menu. We use sustainably farmed shrimp and
Reviewed By Yaoxian C
It was a dark and stormy night - on a Sunday evening off peak season that means most restaurants are closed. Not Shrimp Hole (which I had been trying to get to for several days).Fantastic fresh seafood, amazing friendly service and a VERY clean and comfortable air conditioned spot while lightning and thunder went on outside. Ordered a poke bowl, a classic, a beer and a cocktail FOR MYSELF (I was hungry) and nothing disappointed. Never having another poke bowl in NY again.
9. La Esquina Restaurant & Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 330 reviews
Reviewed By skyr529
Great owners and Great pizza. The new location is open air and very clean. We eat in one night and did a picked up order to take to the house. Service was outstanding and the owners made us feel extra special.
8. a'lo Nico
Overall Ratings
5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By linkexpeditions
The food here is good and not expensive. Customer service is good and the cooks are locals. You can find here dishes like omeletts, gallo Pinto (Local typical breakfast) and more! We suggest it for breakfast a lot!
7. El Pelicano
Overall Ratings
5 based on 117 reviews
An unparalleled dining experience, El Pelicano is the culinary jewel of Tamarindo. A dining experience like no other in Tamarindo: an elegant atmosphere with a âchicâ outdoor terrace offering a view to Tamarindo Boulevard
Reviewed By David D
I went through the (easy) hassle of joining TripAdvisor just to rave about this restaurant. We have been in Tamarindo for a week, eating everywhere, and gave El Pelicano a try because (a) it just looked nice, and (b) well, it looked nice, haha! The three of us were very glad we did. My son (15 yrs old) got adventurous and tried Seabass for the first time and loved it. Two of us split a steak and chicken dish and both were delicious!!! Oh, we started with a sushi appetizer that was great too. The sauces were wonderful for the entres.Out waiter was Kevin, who was incredibly nice and attentive. We have found almost everyone in Costa Rica is really enjoyable, and obviously that was the case at El Pelicano. Ironically, we walked by the restaurant a couple days before and told the host, Santos, that we would be back in two days and it was pretty funny that he remembered us when we walked by tonight. Really nice guy too! The restaurant is a little pricier than others in town, but we all thought it was well worth it!!!! I think we'll go back on Sunday before we leave :)
6. La Bodega
Overall Ratings
4 based on 759 reviews
La Bodega is an organic cafe/store located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. We carry foods and specialty items made 100% in Costa Rica. Fresh homemade sandwiches, salads, baked goods, coffee and drinks are available daily! We provide organic, sustainable and loc
Reviewed By MauiPigFarmer
Visited here for lunch after spending the morning at a pretty secluded beach about 10 miles away. We purposefully avoided the restaurants facing the beach. Found this little gem quite by accident. For $11USD I had a grilled Caribbean chicken sandwich, fried plantains and hibiscus lemonade.All absolutely delicious.Hi MauiPigFarmer,Thank you for the excellent review!We are very happy that you wandered away from the main strip and came and found us :)And more so that you found us worth the extra exploration ;)Safe Travels!Buki
5. Santa Rita Cafe
Overall Ratings
5 based on 336 reviews
Santa Rita Café is a small coffee shop located at the heart of Tamarindo. Its a family owned business designed to stand out creatively and gastronomically. Established by a couple (an architect and a chef), the idea is to create experiences while offering
Reviewed By Maps516996
Weâve been to Tamarindo many times but just discovered this gem of a cafe (itâs on the second floor of a building set back a bit from Calle Central). A variety of tasty breakfasts and lunches (the homemade banana bread French toast is to die for), refreshing smoothies, and a cheery decor with indoor and shaded outdoor seating make it a lovely spot for breakfast/lunch. The barrista is superb and makes the most delicious almond milk cappuccinos Iâve ever had (soooo much better than Starbucks). I love this place!!
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4. Pangas Beach Club
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1643 reviews
Reviewed By mackfamtraveler
We recently dine at Pangas on the second night of our vacation. One of our travelers was having a bday and they brought him a nice dessert. The table and view were breath-taking. The wait staff was very attentive and made great suggestions. So glad we went and would go back 1000 more times.
Santa Cruz Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Santa Cruz
3. PUNTO TRANQUILO
Overall Ratings
4 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By jessicabwell
I have been trying all the local spots since moving to the area 3 weeks ago and this is my absolute favorite. It will be the place we go for dinner always because to the quality to price ratio. I had one of my best meals for an affordable price here and the service is amazing! Highly highly highly recommend
Best Fusion food near Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
2. Villa Deveena
Overall Ratings
5 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Laurieslife
This family run Villa sports the BEST restaurant in Costa Rica. Patrick, the Chef is phenomenal and has cooked for royalty and many US Presidentâs.The food is exquisite, perfectly executed and incredible tasting. Dean (Patrickâs son) loves to fish and the specialty of the day is always his catch. Fantastic family, super friendly (you are welcomed like an old friend) , we went twice and could have ate there again and again. Simply the BEST! Thank you!
Most Popular Central American food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica
1. Cactus Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 74 reviews
The Cactus Restaurant is located in Pinillia just off the road to Playa Avellanas and only five minutes from Hacienda Pinilla. We have local and international cuisines for you such as delicious cassado and tayuya, excellent ceviche, as well as tasty tacos
Reviewed By courtina
What a gem right outside the gates of hacienda pinilla. So far have eaten here twice during our ten day stay. First time everyone got fish and they ran out right at my order (sigh) so we came back a second time. Everything is awesome on the menu and they even made me a special fish plate as requested a salad and fish. Considering the prices inside the gates this place is worth the five minute trek. Do yourself a favor and go!Dear courtina, thank you very much for your very nice review and for your recommendation. We are very happy that you enjoyed our food at the Cactus. Pura Vida
Where to eat Costa Rican food in Santa Cruz: The Best Restaurants and Bars
