Where To Eat In Puerto Viejo – Here Are All The Unmissable Spots!

I have to say… I loved the food in Costa Rica! It ticked all the boxes. Fresh and flavorful ingredients – tick. Generous portions – tick. Casual dining – tick. Healthy options that still taste amazing – tick. If there’s one thing I recommend, it’s to try as much as you can while you’re there. That’s part of the fun of traveling anyway, isn’t it? Here’s my guide on where to eat in Puerto Viejo with all the great local spots you don’t want to miss.

Where To Eat In Puerto Viejo – Here Are All The Unmissable Spots!

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Tamara

One thing’s for sure. When you leave Tamara, you won’t leave hungry!

It’s a cool local spot in town with a reggae vibe and lots of delicious food. I had the garlic squid which was fantastic and the portion was huge.

Tamara is a great place to go when you want to eat some authentic Caribbean food, listen to live music, and chill out.

Partner with:

• Shopping in town
• Chocolate tasting at Choco
• Playa Negra

Ceviche at Tamara

Garlic squid at Tamara

GypSea Cafe

This is a bold call but this was one of the best Acai Bowls I’ve ever had. Maybe it’s because vacation food is always better, but you really can’t beat the fresh ingredients served in a coconut bowl with lots of toppings.

The ginger lemonade is also super refreshing. I actually went here a couple of times because everything was just so good!

Aside from those, they’re also known for their impressive eggs Benedict’s, Italian style coffee, and Gian Luca’s Eggs menu.

The cherry on top of the delicious food is the casual atmosphere of outdoor dining in the jungle setting.

Partner with:

• Horse riding on the beach tour
• Playa Chiquita

Acai bowl at GypSea Cafe

Cocomar Comida Caribeña

Cocomar is a great option for lunch while you’re in town checking out the local boutiques.

It’s a small restaurant that packs a big punch when it comes to flavorful food.

I had heard great things about the passionfruit ceviche and it certainly lived up to the hype – fresh, tasty, and a cool unique take on the classic ceviche.

They also offer up some classics like Caribbean chicken and red snapper.

Partner with:

• Shopping in town
• Chocolate tasting at Choco
• Playa Negra

Delicious passionfruit ceviche at Cocomar

Restaurante Rio Negro

Here’s a wonderful local spot with cool, casual jungle vibes.

With the open air outdoor setting surrounded by trees and fairy lights, it’s hard to beat the ambiance at Restaurante Rio Negro.

You’ll also get some great food and cocktails while you’re there. I loved the ceviche and the super fresh and flavorful guacamole.

I made a video of my solo date there which you can see below too.

Partner with:

• Playa Cocles

Tostas

Take your toast to another level at this awesome local spot.

I loved visiting Tostas for their delicious, fresh smoothies and loaded toast, but they also have things like crepes, smoothie bowls, and vegan ‘ceviche’ made of fruit.

It’s a great spot for a light meal and, let’s be honest, food doesn’t get much more picture perfect than when it’s decorated with flowers, right?

I have to add a special mention of the vegan Snickers – it’s amazing! I’d even go so far as to say it’s better than the OG Snickers.

Partner with:

• Punta Uva
• Playa Chiquita
• Stay at a unique treehouse
• Horse riding tour

Tostas

The amazing vegan Snickers at Tostas

Soda Playa Chiquita

A ‘soda’ is a small, casual, mom and pop style local restaurant in Costa Rica so you will probably see the term a lot while you’re out and about.

At these local gems you can usually get generous portions of food for a good price.

Soda Playa Chiquita is no exception. It’s simply wonderful, the portions are great value, and the Caribbean Chicken here is fantastic!

If you’re wanting to try a local food experience while you’re visiting, this is a great spot to try.

Partner with:

• Punta Uva
• Playa Chiquita
• Stay at a unique treehouse
• Horse riding tour

Soda Playa Chiquita

Soda Playa Chiquita

Panaderia Frances

I’m still dreaming of the delicious, fresh baked goodies from Panaderia Frances.

It’s a small bakery that will blow your mind!

Whether you’re looking for sweet or savory, it’s got a bit of everything. I especially loved all the coconut items. There was one with coconut and chocolate filling which was incredible and I also loved the large scroll with coconut topping.

There’s a large range of food though so whether you’re looking for ham and cheese filling or a chocolate eclair, they’ve got you covered.

Partner with:

• Sunrise at Playa Cocles
• Jaguar Rescue Center
• Stay at Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

Amazing baked goods at Panaderia Frances

Lydia’s Place

I didn’t get to go to Lydia’s Place because they were closed during my visit. Just an annual vacation closure, not closed for good.

But, everyone I spoke to who had been there spoke really high of it so I want to add it here for you too.

Hopefully you get the chance to check out this local gem!

Partner with:

• Shopping in town
• Playa Negra

Fruit from a side of the road stand

I think getting some fruit from a local fruit stand is one of the quintessential, must-do experiences.

It doesn’t really matter what you get either – it’s all so fresh, juicy, and all round delicious. I loved my mangoes and rambutans!

Don’t miss the ice cold fresh coconuts which are a refreshing treat on the hot days.

You’ll definitely want to have some cash in small change for this too.

Partner with:

• Renting a bicycle and cruising to different beaches

NOA Beach Club

The dining experience doesn’t get much better than this.

At NOA Beach Club you can eat and drink just a few steps from the beach.

There’s a covered, open air dining and lounge area as well as tables and chairs outside on the grass.

The smoothies and cocktails are amazing, as is the food. I loved the ceviche and heard great things about the pizza and sushi.

I wouldn’t go here if you’re in a rush as sometimes it can be a little slow, however if you’re on vacation time then it’s a wonderfully relaxing spot.

• Playa Cocles
• If you’re staying at Le Cameleon, take one of the free classes at NOA Beach club in the evening
• Volleyball and aerial yoga on the beach (in front of the beach club)

Breakfast at NOA Beach Club

Where to stay in Puerto Viejo

I recommend staying at Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel because, well, it’s amazing!

It was actually so amazing that I extended my stay and added a few days there and I feel like I’ve been raving about it ever since.

There’s a lot to love about the hotel but, to me, the top highlights were:

• Seeing sloths every day on the property!
• Beachside accommodation and access to the NOA Beach Club
• Delicious breakfast
• Free classes (e.g. cooking and cocktail making)
• Jungle Man tours
• Quiet location

Here’s my full review and video tour if you’d like to see more.

No matter where you choose to stay, I recommend doing a search on Booking.com. This is what I use to book accommodation when I’m traveling and I can always snag a good deal there.

Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel

Best things to do in Puerto Viejo

If you want to maximize your trip, check out my guide on all the best things to do in Puerto Viejo here.

It’s full of the best tours, beaches, and all the things you don’t want to miss while you’re there.

I also wrote this guide on how to plan a trip to Puerto Viejo.  It’s got all the logistics and planning tips you need to prepare for your visit.

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