A big part of visiting any destination is its food. In this post, we’ll give our top picks for restaurants in Samara, Costa Rica. This beach town may be small, but it’s packed with great options. Our family always finds ourselves coming back here. Samara has everything from delicious local restaurants, cafés, and beach bars, to steak houses and fine dining. We’ll also give information on specialty food shops with fresh bread and organic and vegan options.
Restaurants in Samara, Costa Rica
Teca Beach
We first visited Teca Beach back when it opened in 2021. We have since been back a couple of times and are always impressed with the consistently good food. The chef at Teca Beach is French and you’ll see this influence in his dishes. We’ve enjoyed many of them, but some highlights were the beef tenderloin with sweet potato gratin, tuna steak, and classic burger with frites.
The ambiance at Teca Beach is cozy and inviting. Check out their live music on Mondays.
Located in the center of town along the soccer field.
Restaurante Agua Dulce
For upscale Costa Rican food, there’s Restaurante Agua Dulce. They serve all the classics like gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast, casados for lunch (traditional plates with beef, chicken, or fish alongside salads and sides), ceviche, rice dishes, and a variety of fish and meat dishes. They also have delicious fresh fruit smoothies. Prices are good and the service is very friendly.
Located in the center of downtown, across from Pali grocery store.
Mar y Fuego
If you’ve had your fill of rice and beans, head to Mar y Fuego. They have some of the best brick-oven pizza we’ve had in Costa Rica, made with quality ingredients. The pizza menu is huge, but they also have burgers, steaks, grilled fish, and a few pasta dishes. The small dining room is open air and comfortable.
Located on a side street near the beach.
Las Olas Beach Bar
Samara is one of the few places in Costa Rica with beachside dining. A great spot on the northern end of Samara Beach is Las Olas Beach Bar. This locally-owned spot has tables set up right on the sand. The rustic building doesn’t look like much but it’s a well-known hangout that will let you mix with the locals.
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Las Olas has a big menu with casual food like tacos, burritos, fajitas, nachos, and burgers. You’ll also find some fish and pasta dishes. Happy Hour is every day from 4-6 p.m. This is a fun spot with live music, open jams, and karaoke night.
Las Olas is a good spot for families because it’s so laid back. They also have a kids’ menu.
Gusto Beach
Another great spot for seaside dining is Gusto Beach. Gusto is more upscale than Las Olas with higher prices to match. Still, you can’t beat the amazing view from one of their beach chairs.
Gusto Beach has a large menu with Italian specialties like antipasti and pasta, to salads, poke bowls, pizza, and focaccia. They also have a snack menu if you’re just planning on a light meal and drinks. Full menu available on their Instagram page.
Gusto Beach is very popular so be sure to make a reservation if you’re visiting during high season (December through April).
On the beach in the center of town.
Sweeties by Celia
For several years now, Sweeties by Celia has been a favorite in Samara. People love the small, but well-curated menu, and the owner herself. When you arrive at the outdoor food court, Celia will greet you with her big smile and tell you about the chalkboard menu for the day. Offerings are constantly changing, but she always has something vegan and gluten free. Her made-from-scratch cakes and cupcakes are also delicious.
Located in the center of Samara, next to Pali grocery store.
Malibu Restaurante
If you’re visiting Samara’s weekly farmers market, a great stop for lunch is Malibu Restaurante right next door (formerly called Soda Colochos). This simple soda (local restaurant) has some of the best traditional food we’ve had in Samara. It’s also a great place to beat the heat on hot days as it’s nestled under the Guanacaste trees.
Kalimba Restaurant
For a fine dining experience, we recommend the restaurant at Villas Kalimba. Kalimba Restaurant has thoughtful, well executed dishes. Some of our favorites have been the tuna tartar appetizer, pasta carbonara, ravioli with speck, and fish with capers and tomatoes. Be sure to save room for dessert; they are a real treat. The tiramisu is not only delicious but served in a cute mini-Dutch oven.
Kalimba Restaurant overlooks the hotel’s pool and lush gardens. It only has a handful of tables so advanced reservations are best.
Located on the southern end of the main road that runs along the beach.
El Lagarto
El Lagarto has been a staple in Samara for many years. Although now located near the beach, the restaurant still serves delicious BBQ from its wood-fired grill. Steak, chicken, and seafood come with a baked potato and veggies. Prices are on the high side, but they source good-quality meats and seafood.
Full menu on their website. El Lagarto also has a couple of options for vegetarians and vegans like grilled vegetables or mixed mushrooms.
Open daily at 3 p.m. Great location on the northern end of the beach.
Roots Bakery & Cafe
For coffee or a sweet treat, heads to Roots Bakery and Café. This small, locally owned café has coffee and tea as well as delicious homemade pastries, tarts, scones, cinnamon rolls, croissants, pies, and much more. They also offer breakfast. Roots Bakery has a few tables inside (with A/C) and a nice outdoor courtyard with more seating.
Located on the main road out of town, left side in a small plaza.
Microbar
Craft beer lovers should definitely check out Microbar. This unique bar features 24 taps with local beers so is a good place to get a sense of Costa Rica’s craft beer scene. The small space has a cool vibe with eclectic decor. Limited food menu.
Located on the main road parallel to the beach, just after the school.
Specialty Food Shops
Boulangerie (Bakery)
The Boulangerie just outside town is the best place for homemade breads and authentic French pastries. The French owners prepare delicious baguettes, brioche, chocolate croissants, eclairs, fougasse bread, and sometimes muffins.
Open Tuesday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Arrive early for the best selection.
Located north going out of town just past the small river, right hand side of road.
Samara Organics
If you’re looking for specialty ingredients or natural foods, Samara Organics is the perfect stop. This market has locally made cheeses, fresh produce, breads, granolas, nut butters, kombucha, and a lot of gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan options. They also have books, paintings, jewelry and natural beauty products made by locals.
Located on the main road parallel to the beach, after the school.
Conclusion
As you can see, for such a small town, Samara has a great selection of restaurants. You’ll get to try authentic Costa Rican food and also international cuisine from the many expats who now call Samara home.
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Have a question about restaurants in Samara or have one you love? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip? Check out these posts:
Things to Do in Samara: Nine fun activities to check out, including nearby local beaches, dolphin watching, and lesser-known nature hikes.
Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials – This comprehensive list will make sure you have everything you need for your trip.
Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Costa Rica: Will you be able to use your credit card at restaurants? This post has all the details on money.
