Top Restaurants in Santa Elena
Top Things to do in Santa Elena
Countries
Top 10 South American food in Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Discover Restaurants offering the best South American food in Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica including Restaurante Sofia, Restaurante De Lucia, Soda La Amistad, Restaurante Arrecifes, Cafe Escondido, Referee's Pub & Grill, Soda La Campesino, Bromelias Del Rio, Restaurante Pura Vida, El Ranchito de Juanita
Things to do in Santa Elena
10. El Ranchito de Juanita
Reviewed By PolinaMC
I asked our wonderful birdwatching guide Oscar where to eat in the area and this was one of the 2 places he recommended. We loved the setting (beware, it is a soda so do not expect elegance, but it looked very comfy and truly authentic). Attended solely by locals. We were 10 people and everyone was very happy! Most of us had Casado with pork (it was specially prepared from what looked like smoked meat) and tasted very good close to bacon, and that is considering the fact that I have not personally ordered or bought pork for over 10 years. Casado with chicken was also very good. Great homemade sauce to put on the rice (hot if you eat the peppers which are inside). And yes, the most delicious ceviche. One thing to take into account however is that there is no menu in English and owners do not speak English. And yes, you see how the food is prepared.
9. Restaurante Pura Vida
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By happicamperSF
This is an overdue review for Nov 2014 visit. Just down the street from Las Orquides Hotel the restaurant was a quick walk. After checking out menus downtown when walking around we found this place was really reasonable. Food was good and fair portion size. Friendly local spot.
8. Bromelias Del Rio
Overall Ratings
4 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Sara4travel
We stopped here for dinner after a long hike. Dining room is small with only about 10 tables. It was a great atmosphere. The food was simply delicious. Prices varied - you can get salads and sandwiches reasonably priced and entrees were a bit more but were worth the price. You must have a crepe for dessert!
7. Soda La Campesino
Overall Ratings
4 based on 32 reviews
Reviewed By Laura G
I had the vegetarian casado, my husband had the fish casado - both of us were happy with the food. Dessert was complimentary, nice touch. Service was quick and the guy running the restaurant was very friendly.
Top 10 International food in Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
6. Referee's Pub & Grill
Overall Ratings
4 based on 56 reviews
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.
5. Cafe Escondido
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
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
Weâre staying at the Monteverde Inn, which is the same property as Cafe Escondido. The food here is so good!... weâve ate in town, and itâs 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 , itâs great!... thanks guys..
Best Healthy food near Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
4. Restaurante Arrecifes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 68 reviews
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.
Most Popular Central American food in Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
3. Soda La Amistad
Overall Ratings
4 based on 477 reviews
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!
Top 6 Contemporary food in Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
2. Restaurante De Lucia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 229 reviews
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.
1. Restaurante Sofia
Overall Ratings
4 based on 297 reviews
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 Fusion food near Santa Elena, Province of Puntarenas, Costa Rica
