Top Local Lunch Spots in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Red’s Cafe, Playa Hermosa, CR
For a small town of only around 3,000 residents, Santa Teresa is booming with good restaurants; not just good for the area, but good in general. Many of those who live in the area are nature loving, food conscious folks who care about what ingredients they use and you can tell that by tasting their food. There is no shortage of daytime cafes serving up local specialties such as ceviche, casados and fish tacos and staples such as fresh fish, salads and tropical smoothies and most cater to vegetarian and vegan diets. If the vibe is chill and the food is fresh and tasty, I’m sharing the pura vida love.
Horizon Cafe
turmeric-ginger immunity shot @ Horizon Cafe, Playa Carmen, CR
A peaceful yoga center, hotel and vegetarian cafe with a must see view of the ocean offering breakfast, lunch and an array of healthy elixirs, smoothies, teas and coffee. I really enjoy the basic breakfast with omelet, fresh fruit salad, toast & tahini and green tea. If you like hot sauce, they make their own and it’s delish, so don’t forget to ask for it. Book a yoga class in their pavilion then head downstairs and fill your belly with goodness, you won’t be disappointed.
Earth Cafe
ohm bowl @ Earth Cafe, Santa Teresa, CR
Order at the counter then grab a table inside or outside at this cute trendy cafe that is known for their divine variety of healthy bowls. Their menu also has delicious fresh salads, sandwiches, coffee, carrot cake and tropical smoothies. I recommend the Ohm bowl and the Pina Colada smoothie!
Almacen
house cured tuna sandwich @ Almacen Deli, Santa Teresa, CR
Custom sandwiches made to order using local cured meats and the best variety of cheese in town. Laticia, the owner, also cures fresh tuna and salmon and in addition to the usual sandwich toppings, she has an eclectic selection of accompaniments such as artichokes, sun dried tomatoes and homemade spreads such as pesto and kalamata olive. There is a small seating area inside and a table outside if you want to eat and have a glass of wine, or you can take them to go and walk across the street to the beach.
Product C
mahi tacos + captain @ Product C, Playa Carmen, CR
There is nothing C rated about this family owned lunch spot with a loyal local following. A seafood only restaurant in the center of El Carmen plaza, they buy fish from the local fishing village daily and serve up handcrafted tuna burgers, sashimi, ceviche, tacos and homemade sauces. Be sure to get there early because they often run out of fish and don’t forget to order yourself a Captain, a secret blend of ice tea, lemonade and vodka, it’s never too early for a stiff one like this!
Drift Bar
veggie spring rolls + margarita @ Drift Bar, Santa Teresa, CR
What began as fresh juice cocktails ‘to go’ has grown into a full-service vegetarian restaurant and catering business. Sharon, the owner, crafted an extensive menu of fresh juice cocktails, from classics like the Dark and Stormy, to local mix such as The Uchuva, made with fresh goldenberries, rosemary, vodka and lime. Although Drift now serves breakfast and baked goods, I found the fresh lunch items to be their best and really enjoy the fresh salads, samosas and spring rolls. Dine on their large patio than be sure to grab a couple cocktails to go; the path to the beach is right across the street.
Red’s Cafe
mahi tacos @ Red’s Cafe, Playa Hermosa, CR
Alonzo started this soda to offer his surf clients a place to eat after their lesson. Walking distance to Playa Hermosa, the small cafe sits right next door to Super Hermosa and serves up simple and delicious comida such as fish tacos with homemade tortillas, burritos and of course casados. Don’t miss their homemade spicy carrot habanero sauce and house made pickled veggies.
Red’s Cafe, Hermosa Beach, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
