Playas del Coco, or Coco Beach, is one of the most unique towns in Guanacaste. In this one town, you can find something for everyone! The same goes for the bars, restaurants, and cafés found in Coco Beach.
Playas del Coco has one main street which is lined on either side with shops and restaurants. There are also a couple side streets that have some great places to eat.
Below, you’ll find a list of my favorite bars and restaurants in Coco Beach. I’ve categorized them all into the kind of atmosphere you’ll find there. To find directions, just plug the name of the restaurant into Google Maps or click on the name of the restaurant.
After two years of living in Playas del Coco, these restaurants have become my tried and true places to eat!
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Where to Eat in Coco Beach, Costa Rica
Family, Budget-Friendly Restaurants with Great Food!
- The Wave – Coco’s newest restaurant! An upscale sports bar that seems to always have something going on, the Wave is the perfect place to enjoy wings and a Costa Rican beer. They also have plenty of TVs to catch your favorite team’s game, pong tables, corn hole and more! There are plenty of tables, with space both indoor and outdoor. This spot is located in Pueblito, only a block from the gray sand of Coco Beach.
- Johann’s – A relaxing Asian fusion restaurant with seriously amazing sandwiches, sushi, and pizza! Johann’s is air-conditioned and is great for any time of day. They also have a lovely assortment of coffees and smoothies.
- Claudio y Gloria – If you’re looking for authentic Costa Rican food, check out this little restaurant located right off the beach! It is actually quite historic as it’s one of the first restaurants in all of Coco Beach.
- Zi Lounge – This casual restaurant has a large menu and many different pizza flavors to choose from! It has its own bar so there are also many cocktails and appetizers. The pizza is renown in Coco!
- El Capricho Mexican Restaurant & Bar – Arguably the best Mexican restaurant in the Carrillo area, El Capricho has a fun and lively atmosphere. Here you can enjoy wonderful drinks (alcoholic and otherwise) and authentic Mexican dishes. They also have live music and karaoke many nights of the week!
- La Dolce Vita – A cozy and classy Italian restaurant with amazing pasta, pizza, and desserts! This is a great option for dinner and is located in the very cute plaza called Pueblito Norte. On several days of the week there is even live music in Pueblito Norte to enjoy as you dine.
- Che Sirloin – Also in Pueblito Norte, this restaurant’s speciality is steak. They have wonderful steak dishes, hamburgers, and drinks!
- Buzzed Monkey – If you’re missing home or would like a taste of authentic barbecue, check out this restaurant. It has a very relaxed atmosphere and is owned by a man from Georgia. You can expect to see a football game on the TV and enjoy Southern comfort food.
- Coconutz – Coconutz is another fun choice if you are looking to meet other travelers or expats. They have good food, great drinks, many different TVs, and live music almost every night of the week!
Coco Beach Restaurants with a Classier Feel
Numu Taproom & Bistro by Chef Nicolas – Although it’s new to the Coco area, this brewery restaurant has been received very well. You can catch the game here on one of their many TVs and taste a variety of home-brewed beers. You can also expect excellent service, fabulous cocktails, and delicious dishes. I recommend the stuffed mushroom and a passionfruit margarita!
Cafe de Playa – Watching the sunset in Coco Beach is a pastime… And this restaurant is hands-down the best place to bid the sun goodnight. They have outdoor, beachfront seating with delicate lights strung overhead. There are also hammocks and comfortable sofas to sit in as you enjoy the sky come alive over the Pacific ocean. The food is spectacular, although a bit pricey, and the drinks are wonderful.
Mar Azul – This restaurant specializes in fresh-caught seafood. The options on the menu are unique in the way they combine ingredients and flavors. They also have a pool that you can enjoy, perfect for the kids as you sit back and enjoy the food.
Playas del Coco Cafes & Breakfast Joints
Java – A picturesque cafe, Java has an amazing selection of coffee, smoothies, and tea. You’ll also find delicious paninis and waffles. This is both the local’s and the tourist’s choice for a wonderful breakfast and amazing coffee or tea in Playas del Coco.
Guayoyo – Another wonderful cafe that will make you want to stay a while! Tasty food and spectacular coffees and teas. Orders are slow to come out at this restaurant so be sure you have time to spare. There are plenty of interesting knick-knacks on sale to look at as you wait.
Rambutan Restaurant – Hotel M&M – This restaurant is not very well known, even for the locals. It is actually a hotel with a restaurant. The breakfast here is very affordable and authentic. You’ll enjoy Costa Rican breakfast options as well as international options with an amazing view of the beach.
Pro Tip: Sit on the second floor for a gorgeous view of the Pacific Ocean!
Pro Tip #2: Order the bacon! They have the best bacon I’ve found in the Coco area.
Night Life – The Best Places to Go Out in Coco Beach!
Zarpe – A trendy bar that specializes in mixology. You won’t find a menu here–instead the server may ask you a series of questions to find the perfect concoction for your unique tastes! Zarpe is an experience that makes you feel like you’re really in the big city of San José.
Cava – A classy wine bar that just opened this past year! You’ll find a fabulous selection of wines as well as some tasty dishes. Cava has a quiet atmosphere that is perfect for unwinding after a busy day of exploring.
Tortuga – A fun place to begin the night out! This beachfront bar restaurant has great small plates and a laidback atmosphere. You can expect to see a game on and hear reggaeton or hip hop coming from the speakers. I recommend a chiliguaro and a chifrijo or a poke bowl!
Zi Lounge – As mentioned before, Zi has great food at all hours, but at night it transforms into Coco’s best dance club! You’ll find a different DJ almost every night of the week. They also have hooka!
Looking for a complete list of activities you can do in Coco? Check out the top 17 things to do in Guanacaste.
Final Thoughts on the Best Places to Eat in Coco Beach, Costa Rica
When it comes to bars and restaurants, there is no shortage in Coco Beach! The atmosphere, cuisine, and drink selection differs in every local listed above! No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’ll be sure to find something you enjoy.
After living in this area for almost two years, the restaurants mentioned above have become my tried and true.
If you’ve chosen your destination, simply type the name of the restaurant into Google Maps for directions or click on the hyperlink!
¡Buen provecho! Let me know what you try!
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