Best restaurants in Montezuma: where to eat?

Montezuma may be a small, laid-back beach town, but when it comes to food, it’s got some serious flavor! Whether you're craving traditional Costa Rican food with a view, world-class Italian dishes in the jungle, or fresh seafood by the beach, this little bohemian paradise does not disappoint. We’ve gathered our favorite restaurants in Montezuma after several visits (and a lot of happy bellies). Here is our selection of the top restaurants in Montezuma you shouldn't miss.

Fine Dining Restaurants

Ylang Ylang Restaurant

• General Location: Ylang Ylang Beach Resort,10–15 minute walk on the beach from Montezuma.

• Type of Food: International Menu, Seafood

• Price Range: Approximately $20–$45 per person

• Phone: +506 2642‑0402

• Website:  https://ylangylangbeachresort.com

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Yes, especially for dinner

• Do They Deliver?: No

Located in the Ylang Ylang beachfront resort, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with healthy, vegetarian, vegan, sushi, and seafood options—all locally sourced. It even earned praise as a top sustainable eatery, with locally sourced organic produce. Thanks to its serene oceanfront setting, candlelit lighting, and attentive, family-run service, it’s often praised for its romantic and peaceful, relaxed tropical ambiance, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a memorable beachfront dining experience.

Agra Restaurante (in Nya Hotel)

• General Location: Hotel NYA, ontezuma, Playa Montezuma

• Type of Food: Elevated Costa Rican fusion, open-air fine dining

• Price Range: Approximately $25–$45 per person

• Phone / Website: Instagram

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Yes

• Do They Deliver?: No

Located within the lush grounds of Nya Hotel, the restaurant formerly Ubin, by Keylor Sánchez, is now Agra Restaurante, a new culinary destination in Montezuma, Costa Rica, led by renowned chef, nutritionist, and culinary consultant Álvaro Rodríguez. With over a decade of experience in acclaimed restaurants like Opera, Belmar, and Kura, Chef Álvaro brings a bold and deeply rooted culinary vision to Agra. At Agra, you'll discover Wild Gastronomy — an immersive dining experience where natural, seasonal flavors shine and every dish tells a story of Costa Rica’s biodiversity and culinary heritage. We were lucky enough to try all the breakfasts, and it was a real explosion of flavors! Whether you're a curious foodie or a nature-loving traveler, Agra offers more than just a meal — it's a real culinary journey.

Playa de los Artistas

• General Location: Beachfront near Montezuma, in front of the Hotel Los Mangos.

• Type of Food: Premium seafood & steak, Mediterranean cuisine, daily-changing menu

• Price Range: $30–$60 per person

• Phone Number: +506 2642 0316

• Website: Instagram

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Yes

• Do They Deliver?: No

Playa de los Artistas is a charming beachfront restaurant in Montezuma, renowned for its artistic, rustic ambiance and romantic oceanfront setting. The menu changes daily and features Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a focus on fresh seafood, all prepared in a wood-fired oven or outdoor grill. Guests rave about the flavors, presentation, and cozy candlelit atmosphere, especially at sunset. With its bohemian vibe and creative cuisine, it’s considered one of Montezuma’s must-visit dining spots.

Casual Dining Restaurants

Tierra y Fuego

• General Location: Las Delicias (7–10 min drive uphill from Montezuma center)

• Type of Food: Authentic Italian (wood-fired pizza, fresh pasta, grill)

• Price Range: $6–$20 per person (₡3,600–₡10,800)

• Phone Number: +506 7047 9426

• Website: Instagram

• Do I Need a Reservation? Yes—highly recommended

• Do They Deliver? No

Let’s be honest—Tierra y Fuego completely blew us away. Set in the jungle with a cozy, romantic atmosphere, this restaurant, owned by a lovely Italian couple, makes you forget you’re in the middle of rural Costa Rica. They serve exquisite homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and creative cocktails. The truffle pasta was the best pasta we've ever had in Costa Rica; the margarita pizza was perfection, and their limoncello spritz? Chef’s kiss. If only Montezuma weren’t so far from Quepos… we’d be regulars! And the best part? It's very good value for money, the prices are not excessive at all for imported Italian products that will take you on a journey. Don't miss it!

Cocolores

• General Location: Beachfront, behind Hotel Pargo Feliz, central Montezuma

• Type of Food: International fusion (Thai, Mexican, Greek, Tico‑fusion)

• Price Range: $6–$17 per person (₡4,000–₡11,000) 

• Phone Number: +506 2642‑0348 

• Do I Need a Reservation? Recommended for beachfront seating

• Do They Deliver? No

This beachside gem is an institution in Montezuma. And you will understand why. Cocolores blends local charm with an international menu, featuring ceviches and seafood pastas, but the star of the show is definitely the tuna with coconut curry. It’s flavorful, perfectly cooked, and melts in your mouth. The open-air seating under colorful lanterns and the sound of the waves make it feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard. The service is very friendly, fast, and excellent! Go for sunset if you can—pure magic!

El Chelo (Pizzería Chelo)

• General Location: New location on Cóbano–Montezuma road, ~5 min from the center

• Type of Food: Argentine-style pizzas, house-made pastas, empanadas, grilled meats

• Price Range: $6–$20 per person (₡3,500–₡12,000)

• WhatsApp: +506 8817‑2179

• Website: https://pizzeriachelo.com

• Do I Need a Reservation? Recommended for weekends/groups

• Do They Deliver? Yes, including delivery & frozen items via WhatsApp 

El Chelo recently moved to a new spot just outside the town center, and it’s worth the short drive. The new location feels more open and relaxed, and their Argentinian-style grilled meats and burgers hit the spot after a beach day. Super friendly staff, cold beers, wood-fired oven, casual comfort food, live music and large portions—what more could you want?

To find the new location, don't search "El Chelo" but "restaurante, pizzeria y parrilla El Chelo" or click here to find directions on Google Maps

Budget Dining Restaurants & Cafés

The Bakery Café

• General Location: In town, close to the hotel NYA, Montezuma

• Type of Food: Café and breakfast/brunch favorites

• Price Range: $5–$12 per person

• Phone Number: +506 8478 2211

• Website: Instagram

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No

• Do They Deliver?: No

  
  

The Bakery Café in Montezuma is a locally run, cozy, vegetation‐surrounded spot just a few steps from the beach, beloved as a local gathering place. Open from early morning to mid‑afternoon, it serves freshly baked breads, cakes, international dishes (avocado focaccia, smoothie bowls, pancakes), and specialty coffees—including plant‑based milk options—making it popular with vegetarians and vegans  Friendly service, free Wi‑Fi and a charming outdoor seating atmosphere complete with friendly local wildlife. It’s not unusual to see capuchin monkeys swinging through the trees overhead while you enjoy your meal.

Sano Banano Restaurant

• General Location: Steps from the main beach

• Type of Food: Healthy Costa Rican breakfasts/lunches, gluten‑free, vegetarian options

• Price Range: $5–$15 per person

• Phone Number: +506 2642 0638

• Website:

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No

• Do They Deliver?: No

  
  

Sano Banano in Montezuma is a vibrant, family-run café and hotel since 1989, located steps from the beach and town center . With a lush garden patio, it offers a fun, artsy ambiance and plenty of outdoor seating under tropical foliage. The menu features a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, and non‑veg options—clearly marked—with standout dishes like tofu scramble, vegan fajitas, nachos, bowls, and fresh seafood. Guests regularly praise the friendly, attentive service, laid‑back atmosphere (often with live music or iguanas overhead), and good pricing for Costa Rica. Whether you're stopping for a healthy breakfast, casual lunch, or relaxed dinner with drinks, Sano Banano delivers a warm, natural setting to unwind.

Soda Típica Las Palmares

• General Location: 1 km of Montezuma center, Cabuya road, few meters from Montezuma Waterfall

• Type of Food: Traditional Costa Rican casados and seafood

• Price Range: $7–$12 per person (₡4,500–₡8,000) 

• Phone Number: +506 8848 8998 

• Website: Facebook

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No

• Do They Deliver?: No

  
  

If you want to eat like a local, Soda Típica Las Palmares is a must. Not only does it serve delicious and generous casados (try the vegetarian one!), fresh seafood, but it also comes with one of the best views in town—overlooking lush hills and the ocean, and a friendly owner. It’s the kind of hidden gem that feels like a reward after a hike to the Montezuma Waterfall or a road trip. Bonus: super affordable prices and capuchin monkeys sometimes drop by.

Final Thoughts

Montezuma’s food scene offers a rich variety—from upscale, jungle-side Italian and inventive fusion to authentic sodas and comforting cafés. These nine restaurants cover every budget and mood. Whether you're indulging in truffle pasta, savoring tuna curry by the sea, or enjoying hearty casados at local sodas, you’re in for a culinary treat.