The small town of Uvita on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is quickly turning into a culinary hotspot. Spread out among the thick rainforest are over 75 restaurants. You can find everything from casual spots serving burgers and pizza to upscale establishments with cocktail bars, vegan food, and international cuisine. Don’t worry, though, even fancier places in Costa Rica still have a laid-back feel. In this post, we’ll give 10 great options for restaurants in Uvita.
Restaurants in Uvita
Tribu
For upscale, creative food, head to Tribu.
The small, but varied, menu at Tribu features bowls made with simple, fresh ingredients. All the dishes we’ve had have been great, but we love the Koren-style chicken bowl and vegan bowl with homemade lentil croquettes. Tribu also has delicious smoothies. For the latest menu, check out their WhatsApp.
Tribu has only a few tables so be sure to make a reservation in advance if you’re visiting during high season (December-April). Closed Sunday and Monday.
Located just outside town on the road to the Uvita Waterfall.
Indomitos Cafe & Bar
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, you will definitely want to check out Indomitos.
Indomitos has a big menu with things like veggie burgers, burritos with soy meat, tofu salads, and seitan tacos. They make a lot of their own sauces and rolls. The garlic veganaise on the Beyond Burger is divine! Open for lunch and dinner every day.
Located on Calle Uvita, the road going inland with BCR bank on the corner.
Mestizo Tradicion y Fusion
Mestizo Restaurant draws inspiration from Peru, Japan, and of course, Costa Rica. You can get traditional Peruvian dishes like causa limeña and chaufa rice and also ceviche, sushi, Ramen soup, steak, and a variety of mains. The open-air dining room has an upscale ambiance. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a nice dinner out.
Metizo Tradicion y Fusion has a kids’ menu with things like a fish burrito and chicken quesadilla.
Located on the paved road to Bahia Ballena near the entrance to Highway 34.
Restaurante Kem-Vari
For traditional Costa Rican food, there’s Restaurante Kem-Vari.
This super simple soda (small local restaurant) serves all the classics like casados and rice dishes for lunch, and of course, gallo pinto (rice and beans) for breakfast. This is a popular spot with locals and a great place to experience the culture.
Located on Highway 34, left side, just south of the main area of Uvita. Across from Osa Mini-Golf.
Pizza Time
When you just want to kick back with some comfort food, we highly recommend Pizza Time. Their wood-fired pies are delicious. The large, laid-back dining room is perfect for families and groups. If you like bagels, be sure to check out their sister restaurant, Bagel Time, in the same building.
Located on Highway 34, right side, before you get to Maxi Pali.
Mosaic Wine and Sushi Bar
This wine bar, café, and sushi restaurant just outside Uvita has a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere with good food and drinks to match.
Mosaic is no doubt the best place in town for wine. In their dedicated wine room, you’ll find an assortment of carefully curated bottles from around the world.
Mosaic emphasizes local ingredients and sustainability. In addition to sushi, they have paninis, charcuterie boards, and salads. Be sure to reserve a table in advance in high season.
Located on Calle Uvita, the road going inland with BCR bank on the corner.
Ballena Bistro
A little south of Uvita is the popular Ballena Bistro. This restaurant has been around for many years. The food and hospitality were great on our first visit more than a decade ago and nothing has changed since.
The menu is varying but some highlights are the tuna poke bowl, mahi-mahi sandwich, and coco mango curry. Ballena Bistro has vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices. Be sure to try their homemade ice cream!
Located on Highway 34 in Ballena, right side of road.
Le French Cafe
This busy café serves breakfast all day so if you’re craving eggs benedict or some authentic French crepes, it’s the place to go. Le French Cafe has other choices as well, including tartines (open-faced sandwiches), frozen smoothie bowls, croissant sandwiches, paninis, salads, and burgers.
Le French Cafe has a separate bakery where you can take home breads, pastries, and delicious desserts.
Located in Plaza Bahia Moana on the paved road to Bahia Ballena near the entrance to Highway 34.
Que Tuanis Cafe
This laid-back restaurant right in the center of Bahia Ballena is run by friendly local women. They serve up a mix of traditional Costa Rican food and casual fare like burritos, burgers, and wraps. Que Tuanis Cafe is also a great spot to get coffee or ice cream. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Located across from the soccer field in Bahia Ballena.
Bar & Restaurant Los Laureles
Los Laureles is a long-standing favorite in Uvita.
Popular with expats who now call Uvita home, this small restaurant run by a local family serves traditional food like chifrijo and patacones. Other popular dishes are fish tacos, nachos, and burgers. The friendly owner, Cindy, is what makes the place.
Located on Calle Uvita, the road going inland with BCR bank on the corner.
Conclusion
As you can see, Uvita has a lot of awesome restaurant options. We hope this list gives some ideas on where to get great food on your visit.
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Have a question about restaurants in Uvita or have one to add? Leave a comment below.
Looking for more information to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts.
Uvita Waterfall: This small, but gorgeous, waterfall is just outside the main area of town. It’s easy to access and totally worth visiting if you have a couple of extra hours.
A Locals’ Guide to Dominical: The surfer town of Dominical is only 15 minutes north of Uvita and has its own great restaurants to try.
The Whale Tail at Marino Ballena National Park: The whale-tailed-shaped sandbar at Uvita’s national park is a fun place to explore at low tide.
