Restaurants

Curious about the best food in Jaco? You can find all types of cuisine here – from local favorites to Indian food. So no matter what your palette is, you’ll find something to eat in Jaco. If you’re planning on traveling to this charming Costa Rican destination and are wondering what to eat, you’re in the right place. This list is a comprehensive guide to all the top restaurants in Jaco, Costa Rica. With these restaurants, you won’t go hungry on your trip. Without further ado, let’s see what’s cookin’ in this beach town! 

If you rise and shine early, you’ve got plenty of places to grab some delicious coffee in town. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you’ll be impressed with the delicious, full-body flavors of Costa Rican brew. Bohio Cafe is arguably the best cafe in town–the coffee they serve is roasted on-site and brewed in espresso-based drinks. You’ll also enjoy Los Cafeteros, Jet Fuel, and Cafe Artesanal. Each has its own unique menu offerings, from avocado toast to breakfast smoothies.

While you’re here, make sure to try the typical breakfast of gallo pinto at least once. Flavorful beans mixed with yesterday’s rice and an aromatic blend of herbs and spices come together beautifully with eggs, tortillas, and local cheese on this beloved breakfast plate. Just check out any local soda for an inexpensive gallo pinto–Miro’s Restaurant is a great option for a typical breakfast after a morning hike on Miro Mountain. Other places serving breakfast and brunch include Green Room, Cafe Bohio Hermosa, Zona K, Sunrise, and Cafe Manon.

There are endless lunch options along the avenue. From typical casado plates to ceviche and hamburgers, there is something for every palette. Jaco Walk is a great place to dine as there are a large variety of options and a playground area for kids. Best seafood and ceviche can be found in Mahi Mahi Chillout, Caliche’s Wishbone, Tangeri, Koko’s and Samudio’s. Get your hamburger fix at Green Room, Jaco Bar, or Public House.

Sushi, Italian, French, Mediterranean, and more flavors are found all throughout Jaco. For a fancy night out, try Lemon Zest, Amancio’s, Tsunami Sushi, Casa Jorge, Ohana, Ser, Jerah, or Amara. Make sure to set a reservation ahead of time as dinner hour is popular in Jaco and restaurants will be packed, especially during the high season and on weekends. If you’d like to avoid the crowds, consider hiring a private chef to your rental for a truly special dining experience.

Who doesn’t enjoy happy hour, especially on vacation? Beachfront bars are a great happy hour spot–enjoy the ocean breeze as you sip your cocktails at Mahi Mahi Chill Out, Aloha, Samudio’s, Malecon, Tangeri, Koko’s, and El Point.

Maybe it’s a rainy afternoon or your kids are burnt out from a long beach day, but if take-out sounds like the best option, we’ve got you covered. In Jaco, most restaurants utilize the services of express workers. These are people that deliver door to door on motorcycles. If the restaurant you want to order from doesn’t have an express, you’ll have to call one separately to go and pick up your food and deliver it–we have a convenient list of express drivers here. Keep one of these numbers written down as you can also utilize them for basic errands when you don’t feel like going out, like picking up supplies from the grocery store, pharmacy, or liquor store.

Some of the best restaurants in Jaco Costa Rica are the typical sodas. Here you will find plates of rice, beans, protein, salad, and sweet plantains for under $6. While there are restaurants featuring flavors from all over the world, don’t forget to enjoy the cultural experience of eating a casado!

As we’ve mentioned a few times already, restaurants in Jaco feature food from all over the world. In addition to traditional Costa Rican dishes, entice your taste buds with Asian, Italian, French, Mediterranean, BBQ, American, Thaliandese, Chinese, and more! Vegans and vegetarians will also find plenty to enjoy!

Nothing says tropical vacation more than a fruity smoothie. Almost every restaurant in Jaco serves “naturales,” or smoothies of 1 fruit blended with ice and water. You’ll also find multi-fruit blends and the famous acai bowls at Gaia, Sepalo and Manduka.

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Pops is the most famous Costa Rican scoop, and you’ll find one in the heart of the town. Gelato lovers should check out the indulgent flavors of Rebelisimmo. Read more here for our take on the best ice cream and dessert spots.