Top Restaurants in Santa Cruz
Countries
Santa Cruz Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls 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
1. Sabanero Steakhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
Sabanero steak house features premium cut from Costa Rica and USA.
Reviewed By jdocBaltimore - Baltimore
The Sabanero Steakhouse serves both Costa Rican grass fed beef and gain fed Angus beef from the U.S. as well as some non-beef dishes. The local beef is somewhat less expensive and we found it to be delicious. Terrific homemade bread. Service was top notch but this is the most expensive restaurant at the hotel.
2. Tamarine Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Dave M
Just came back from eating dinner with my family. We expected higher price as this is a upscale hotel. However we expected a upscale service too....alas! We waited 20 minutes before a waiter showed up, we were experiencing the ignore of all the staff for that long before someone showed up (or I made her show up). Food was ok, but horrible horrible horrible service for the price. STAY AWAY!!!
3. Restaurante Azul Pool Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 106 reviews
Reviewed By allentxtraveler - Allen, TX
The food was delicious, had no complaints. I did notice that the pool side prices were higher than room service, which is exactly opposite of my normal experience with resorts. Not sure if this was a labor issue, or something else, but the same food was available from your room for less, and the room service experience was fast and great.
4. El Sabor Soda Y Restaurante
5. Arenas restaurant
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 12 reviews
Reviewed By vswartz - Findlay, Ohio
The restaurant has a menu with many American selections, including steak, chicken, pasta and a few Tico (traditional Costa Rican) style selections. The vegetables and fruit are very fresh. Portions are very generous (American style). At times there are buffets, especially at breakfast. However you are always welcome to order from the menu. We did the all inclusive, which includes beverages (soft drinks, coffee, house brand alcohol) buffets, most menu items. There is a small up-charge for some menu items, but it is minimal ($2-5).
6. Hotel Iguanazul
Overall Ratings
4 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Heather F - Worcester, Massachusetts
We went for dinner at sunset. The sunset view was incredible. Palm trees frame a perfect Pacific Coast sunset over the water, and it was truly the prettiest sunset we saw on vacation. When it came time for dinner, however, the food and drink were not good. We never returned after our initial visit (and we stayed in town for an entire week and passed this place daily on our way to the beach.) The frozen drinks were watered down and the only alcohol in them is in the straw, which made for a terrible first sip and then nothing for the rest of the drink. The fish was overcooked, and the chicken came out undercooked and pink. When it came time for dessert we all passed because we just wanted to go. The 4 of us are pretty easy going, and we didn't even realize that we all hated our food until the next day when someone finally brought it up! (No one wanted to ruin dinner the night before.) When in Playa Junquillal, I highly recommend going to Lochito's or Mundo Milo instead. Those two restaurants serve much better food and have better service too!
As for parking, the parking lot says that the parking is only for guests, so I'm sure if you're eating at the restaurant, you're fine. We walked because we rented a house nearby.
7. Soda El Mango
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By gil40100 - Dax, France
A soda under a big Mango tree, very known by the inhabitants of Santa Cruz. Classical menu of Costa Rica but good quality. And often, don't forget to take a fresh fruit juice (maracuja of course is the best...)
8. YOGER'S
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By MountaineerFaith - Western Maryland
On the main road through Santa Cruz, Guanacaste, Costa Rica is a new gem with frozen delights. Worth a stop if you are travelling through on your way to a beach destination, or if you are staying in town or a resident. They offer a wide selection of various smoothies with yogurt or ice cream, a banana split, coffee drinks.....All very fresh ingredients. If you like fruit, give the fruit salad a try:)
We were staying nearby while on a Missions trip and the team enjoyed the great atmosphere and hospitality of Yoger's. The owner was very personable and the restaurant very clean. Thank you for making us feel at home! We will be back! Nos vemos pronto:)
9. La Venus Del Diria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By SandmannX - Frankfurt
We stopped at La Venus Del Diria for lunch. It is located on Ruta 904, just two blocks North of the Santa Cruz Bus station and across the street from the local BCR branch. It's more a "Soda" than a restaurant but the restaurant-claim reflects in the prices. Both my girlfriend and I had Casados, which tasted OK, were well sized, but rather expensive. Avoid the bathrooms unless you really need to use them.
10. Restaurante Shogun
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By PedroFBR
Shogun has a great culinary experience for those who love Asian Food, This guys have a complete variety in the Menu, from Korean food to Chinese, Japanese and Filipino... the taste is amazing , prices are very affordable and service great too. Sushi is prepared nicely and fresh, my wife and I live in Flamingo and visit the place at least 2 times a week.... Love it !!!
