Where to eat South American food in Santa Cruz: The Best Restaurants and Bars

January 23, 2020 Esmeralda Fenner

Discover Restaurants offering the best South American food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica. 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

8. Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant

Metros Oeste del Estacionamiento del Hotel Tamarindo Diria 100, Tamarindo Costa Rica Steakhouse, Latin, Argentinean, South American, Central American, Healthy Lunch, Dinner, Late Night Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music +506 2653 0612 https://www.facebook.com/pages/Patagonia-Argentinian-Grill-Restaurant/171984092993169?fref=ts
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Overall Ratings

4 based on 2641 reviews

Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant

Reviewed By garyc316

I have been coming to Tamarindo for the last ten years. At first there was no place to get a good steak until the Patagonia opened about 5 years ago. Now It's a place I might return twice during my 1 week stay. I enjoy the Sangria and a Strip Steak.

Top 10 Healthy food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

7. Cafe Playa Negra

Calle principal, de los Pargos Contiguo a Remax, Los Pargos, Playa Negra 5150 Costa Rica Latin, Cafe, Costa Rican, Peruvian, South American, Central American Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Late Night Seating, Serves Alcohol, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Table Service [email protected] +506 2652 9351 http://www.cafeplayanegra.com
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4 based on 133 reviews

Cafe Playa Negra

Great food and prices for the adventurous that want to try the energizing peruvian ceviche or for the most conservative that want a fine Tuna steak or a good hamburguer. Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner. Surf videos, bar and great music.

Reviewed By Francis N

Was there during World Cup this year....very good service, drinks and food. Enjoyed relaxing out of the sun with a cold one! The meals were very good, esp the fresh fish plates. Very nice smoothies too. A very nice setting to watch the waves and surfers. Friendly and helpful staff everytime.

Most Popular Central American food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

6. La Plumeria

Tamarindo Playa Jardin del Eden Boutique Hotel, Tamarindo 50309 Costa Rica International, Contemporary, South American, Costa Rican Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Table Service, Accepts Credi [email protected] +506 2653 0137 http://www.jardindeleden.com/costa-rica/tamarindo-beach/restaurant/
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4 based on 148 reviews

La Plumeria

The scenery is majestic, and the architecture and ambiance reflect the vibrant heritage and distinctive character of Costa Rica. Jardin del Eden's exclusive enclave combines an intimate boutique hotel and truly unsurpassed amenities, including an acclaime

Reviewed By sjtam

We ate nearly all our meals at La Plumeria during a five night stay at Jardin del Eden. This hotel offers a half board (2 meal) option, but just be sure to confirm that your rate and your booking actually includes it as I don’t think it’s automatic. The buffet breakfasts, which I think are always included, are bountiful and phenomenal. These include a rotation of fresh tropical fruit juices, a huge selection of fruits, such as papaya, pineapple, lychee, bananas, kiwis, unsweetened house made fruit yogurts, all types of breads, homemade and delicious tropical fruit jams, sweet and savory pastries,pinto gallo rice, meats such as chicken or beef, cold cuts, an egg made -to -order station, and a silver ice bucket of cava , ready for mimosas. The open air atmosphere is tranquil, lovely and sunlit during the morning, with bird calls and monkey howls, and romantic with low tea candles at night. A soundtrack of soft jazz plays all day/eve. There are three or four different dining room sections, including two poolside tables, and a comfy living room with six tables for 2, separated by a little foot bridge over a koi pond fountain. At lunch, the menu is a la carte, and choices include excellent tiradito and ceviche, shrimp, chicken, salads, and really good burgers. If you’re staying at the hotel, after breakfast you’re asked to choose your evening meal appetizers and entrees from a choice of two selections each, and one dessert is offered each day. During our stay there were a couple of fresh fish dishes, shrimp kebabs, veal, steak, rice and always well prepared fresh veggies. For starters we enjoyed refined soups such as tomato and pineapple creamy gazpachos, and desserts such as churros, passion fruit mousse and pannacotta. The plates were often decorated with a creative brush stroke of fruit or beet purée, and the chef’s overall skill with fine dicing , careful prep and execution is evident in each dish. The portions are on the smaller side, but more than adequate. There is also a full wine list, with some really nice offerings from Peru, Argentina and Chile. Cocktails include all the tropical rum and tequila based cocktails you’d expect, as well as the local guaro sugarcane liquor. After your relaxing dinner you can relax even more with the Costa Rican liqueur, caffe Rica. Breakfast is served from 7am -10am, Dinner from 7-9pm. ( I suggest making earlier reservations (before 8) for more attentive and prompter service, as we noticed a lag between courses after 8pm)

Top 10 American food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

5. Mundo Milo

Center, Just Off 160, Playa Junquillal Costa Rica Seafood, South American, Costa Rican Dinner, Lunch Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service +506 2658 7010 http://www.mundomilo.com
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4 based on 85 reviews

Mundo Milo

Reviewed By Lisa S

The charming Mundo Milo is tucked 1 minute up a sleepy side road just as you approach Junquillal Beach. The setting is lovely, with candle-lit tables surrounded by tropical vegetation. We had white fish with coconut curry and mixed seafood pasta. Both were excellent. The service was gracious and the prices reasonable. We would definitely recommend Mundo Milo and hope to return soon.

Where to eat Costa Rican food in Santa Cruz: The Best Restaurants and Bars

4. Sabanero Steakhouse

JW Marriott Gunacaste Resort & Spa Hacienda Pinilla, Santa Cruz 50301 Costa Rica Steakhouse, Costa Rican, South American Dinner Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Table Service, Outdoor Seating, Parkin [email protected] +506 8358 7597
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4 based on 129 reviews

Sabanero Steakhouse

Sabanero Steak House an Wine Spectator award winning restaurant offers a refined dining experience, the coziness of a Costa Rican hacienda and sleek modern decor. Savor our signature homemade bread, along with specially selectd steaks, fresh seafood and s

Reviewed By ShayneU

We enjoyed an amazing dinner for our large group and Jonathon our server was both friendly, knowledgeable and attentive. We started with a complimentary ceviche which was delicious. We ordered a Costa Rica style filet mignon which did not disappoint along with grilled vegetables which we shared. Our wine, Canyon Road was both economical and an amazing Merlot for the price. Highly Recommend

Most Popular European food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

3. Restaurante Azul Pool Grill

Hacienda Pinilla, Santa Cruz 50309 Costa Rica Seafood, South American, Costa Rican Lunch, Dinner Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Full Bar, Takeout, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service +506 2681 2000
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4 based on 131 reviews

Restaurante Azul Pool Grill

Reviewed By ShayneU

Everyday from 5-6 pm we enjoyed Happy Hour at the Azul Pool Grill. Prior to that we had amazing servers, Frank, and Joseph around the poo who kept us fed and hydrated. One of our favorites around the pool were the Chicken Wings. Pass on the Nachos, not good. Service was both friendly and attentive. That's why we love Costa Rica!!

Best Seafood food near Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

2. El Pelicano

Calle Central Hotel Tamarindo Diria, Tamarindo Costa Rica International, Central American, Seafood, South American, Costa Rican Dinner, Lunch Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Full Bar, Live Music [email protected] +506 4032 0032 http://www.tamarindodiria.com/costa-rica-resorts/tamarindo-diria/restaurants/
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5 based on 117 reviews

El Pelicano

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 ‘chic’ 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 :)

Most Popular Mexican food in Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

1. Jalapeno Eatery & Market

Los Pargos / Playa Negra, Playa Negra 0000 Costa Rica American, Latin, Central American, Mexican, South American, Costa Rican Breakfast, Lunch Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Cash Only, Free Wifi, Parking Available [email protected] +506 2652 9270 http://www.facebook.com/JalapenoPlayaNegra/
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4 based on 232 reviews

Jalapeno Eatery & Market

Familiar, friendly, fun and casual restaurant with a variety of fresh, local and organic .We serve delicious, fresh and healthy food. Our tortillas are rolled by hand with no lard or Manteca added. Our home-made hot sauce has become famous for its great f

Reviewed By Travels-with-a-team

If you are looking for a fresh cooked to order breakfast served by the nicest family look no further than Jalapenos. Mike and his wife made us feel like part of their family while sitting outside in the cutest garden.The burritos were amazing. They were huge and delicious and filled us up till dinner time.If the setting and food weren't enough they invited us behind the restaurant to see and hand feed their chickens. For is city slickers from the US it was a definite highlight.

Best Latin food near Santa Cruz, Province of Guanacaste, Costa Rica

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