Best restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica: where to eat?

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, is more than just a world-renowned surf destination — it’s also a gourmet paradise for food lovers. From pristine beaches and jungle landscapes to vibrant local culture, this small coastal town offers a diverse culinary scene that caters to every taste and budget. Whether you’re seeking romantic beachfront fine dining, fresh sushi, casual cafés, or budget-friendly local sodas serving traditional Costa Rican dishes, Santa Teresa has it all.

In this guide, we highlight the best restaurants in Santa Teresa, focusing on spots that are locally owned, use fresh, high-quality ingredients, and provide memorable dining experiences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this curated list will help you discover where to eat — from upscale culinary gems to casual hangouts and hidden budget-friendly treasures — making your time in Santa Teresa both delicious and unforgettable..

Fine Dining Restaurants

These upscale dining experiences combine excellent food, beautiful settings, and attentive service — perfect for date nights, honeymoons, or special occasions.

Manzú Restaurant

• General Location: Beachfront at Hotel Nantipa, Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: International with a focus on seafood

• Price Range: $25–$60 per person

• Phone Number: +506 2101 0222

• Website: nantipa.com/manzu-restaurant

• Do I Need a Reservation? Yes, recommended even more for sunset service.

• Do They Deliver? No

Manzú offers a refined beachfront dining experience with panoramic ocean views, chic décor, and an open-air setting that perfectly complements its creative, seasonally inspired menu. Known for celebrating the best of Costa Rican ingredients—especially fresh-caught seafood—this award-winning restaurant is widely regarded as one of the top dining destinations in Santa Teresa. With its open kitchen, attentive service, and legendary sunset tables, Manzú is the perfect choice for romantic dinners, celebrations, and unforgettable special occasions.

Katana Asian Cuisine

• General Location: 600 meters north of the main crossroads, Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: Asian fusion

• Price Range: $20–$40 per person

• Phone Number: +506 8640 0107

• Website: Instagram: @katana.santa.teresa

• Do I Need a Reservation? Yes, recommended on busy nights / high season.

• Do They Deliver? Varies — check their contact or social for current options.

Katana is a standout in Santa Teresa’s dining scene, offering a lush, jungle-inspired ambiance and a menu of creative Asian fusion dishes ranging from sushi rolls and pad thai to ramen bowls and even butter chicken. Known for its inventive cocktails and cozy atmosphere, Katana has become a local favorite thanks to its honest, well-executed flavors and strong community ties. As one of the few restaurants in town specializing in Asian fusion, it’s a must-visit for both locals and travelers craving something beyond the typical surf-town fare.

Yasumi Sushi — Santa Teresa

• General Location: 150m north of Super La Hacienda

• Type of Food: Sushi / Japanese (hand rolls, omakase nights).

• Price Range: $12 to $50 per person

• WhatsApp: +506 8666 5213

• Website: yasumicr.com / Instagram @yasumi.cr.

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Yes — they run reservation-only nights and omakase events.

• Do They Deliver?: Occasionally — check their site/IG or call.

Yasumi Sushi has quickly become a beloved spot in Santa Teresa, offering a focused menu of fresh hand rolls, sashimi, and exclusive omakase experiences. What makes it truly special is the intimate counter setup, where you sit right in front of the chef as your sushi is prepared — a rare experience in a small beach town. We had a great time here: everything is beautifully crafted, the flavors are top-notch, and while it’s a bit pricey (and not the place to go if you’re super hungry), it’s absolutely worth it for the unique atmosphere and authentic sushi experience.

Casual Dining Restaurants

For laid-back meals that are still packed with flavor, these spots are perfect for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for delicious food without a stuffy atmosphere.

Eat Street Santa Teresa - Food market

• General Location: Main road area in Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: Multi-vendor: bowls, tacos, burgers, healthy bowls, coffee & cocktails.

• Price Range: $6 to $20 per person

• Phone Number: +506 8862 9124

• Website: www.eatstreetst.com

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No — walk-in friendly.

• Do They Deliver?: Yes — Eat Street offers pickup and delivery services (their marketplace vendors).

Eat Street is a lively food court built from colorful shipping containers, bringing together a variety of local and international vendors under one roof. From healthy bowls and poke to Tex-Mex, burgers, tacos, coffee, and cocktails, it’s the perfect spot for groups with different tastes. With its upbeat music, community vibe, and reliable delivery and pickup options, Eat Street has become a go-to hangout in Santa Teresa for both locals and travelers looking for variety in a fun, social setting.

El Carmen

• General Location: Playa Carmen (beachfront, just south of central Santa Teresa).

• Type of Food: Homemade-style Costa Rican & seafood, beach staples

• Price Range: $8 to $25 per person

• Phone Number: +506 8645 4668

• Website: elcarmensantateresa.com.

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Not usually for lunch; recommended for larger groups or sunset tables.

• Do They Deliver?: Usually no — primarily beachfront dining.

El Carmen is a beloved beachfront restaurant in Playa Carmen, known for its homemade Costa Rican dishes, fresh seafood, and refreshing cocktails, all served with direct ocean views. Casual and friendly, it’s a classic spot for beachside lunches or relaxing at sunset, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of surfing.

La Cevicheria

• General Location: 50 m north of Rancho Itaúna, Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: Latin American / Seafood / Ceviche-focused

• Price Range: $15 to $35–40 per person

• Phone Number: +506 86931036.

• Website: Facebook

• Do I Need a Reservation? Recommended during busy evenings or high season

• Do They Deliver?: Yes — takeout and delivery options are available

La Cevicheria is a standout seafood restaurant in Santa Teresa built around the idea of celebrating fresh, locally caught seafood through classic and inventive ceviches, fish dishes, and poke. The flavors are bright, fresh, and balanced, with options that include mixed seafood ceviche, mahi & shrimp ceviche, whole grilled fish, and more. The service is friendly (staff like “Carlos and Andrés” often get called out in reviews for being welcoming), and people love that you can enjoy your meal in a relaxed setting without sacrificing quality. It’s especially praised for its passion fruit juice, the “ceviche tico,” and its ambiance. While prices are not super cheap, for seafood lovers, the experience is well worth it.

Budget Dining Restaurants

Santa Teresa may have upscale dining, but some of its most authentic flavors can be found at sodas, taco stands, and local eateries that are easy on the wallet.

The Bakery

• General Location: 30m norte de Banco Nacional, Main road, Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: Bakery and café

• Price Range: $10–$20 per person

• Phone Number: +506 2640 0560

• Website: thebakerysantateresa.com Instagram: @thebakerysantateresa

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No

• Do They Deliver?: Yes, available for takeaway and local delivery.

The Bakery is a Santa Teresa institution — famous for its fresh bread, pastries, and hearty breakfasts that fuel surfers and travelers before hitting the waves. From flaky croissants and cinnamon rolls to shakshuka, sandwiches, and great coffee, it’s the perfect place to start your day or enjoy a laid-back brunch. The casual café atmosphere, consistently fresh food, and friendly service make it a must-visit for anyone spending time in town.

Chicken Joe's

• General Location: Main road across from the soccer field, Santa Teresa

• Type of Food: Costa Rican rotisserie chicken

• Price Range: $5–$10 per person

• Phone Number: +506 2640 1110

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No

• Do They Deliver?: No

Chicken Joe’s has earned legendary status in Santa Teresa for its juicy rotisserie chicken, flavorful sides, and friendly local vibe. Popular with surfers, backpackers, and families alike, it’s a casual spot where you can grab a hearty, budget-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and quick. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the food is consistently delicious — making it one of the town’s most reliable dining options.

Munchies Santa Teresa

• General Location: Central Santa Teresa, near the main road.

• Type of Food: Burgers, fries, tacos, wraps, and comfort food.

• Price Range: $5 – $12 per person.

• Phone Number: +506 8679 6417

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/goodmunchies.st

• Do I Need a Reservation?: No.

• Do They Deliver?: Yes, available via WhatsApp/local delivery.

Munchies Santa Teresa is the go-to spot for late-night cravings and comfort food on a budget. Famous for its loaded burgers, cheesy fries, tacos, and wraps, it’s a casual hangout where surfers, backpackers, and locals refuel after a long day on the waves. The portions are generous, prices are fair, and the vibe is pure Santa Teresa — relaxed, social, and open late when most other places are closed.

Conclusion

Santa Teresa may be a small beach town, but its culinary scene is anything but. From upscale beachfront restaurants like Manzú and Katana to casual cafés and sushi spots like Yasumi and El Carmen, as well as budget-friendly gems like Munchies and The Bakery, there’s something to satisfy every craving and budget. Many of these restaurants are locally owned and proudly Costa Rican, offering not only delicious food but also authentic flavors and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a fun group meal, or a quick, hearty bite after surfing, this guide will help you explore Santa Teresa’s best dining spots and make your visit truly unforgettable. Grab a table, try something new, and savor the flavors of Costa Rica’s vibrant coastal cuisine.