Arenal Costa Rica Restaurants

There are plenty of Arenal restaurants and eateries throughout the area, ranging from family-owned establishments – called sodas – serving up traditional Costa Rican cuisine to international gourmet dining. You can find Arenal, Costa Rica restaurants both in towns like La Fortuna and El Castillo, along the main routes to top attractions like the volcano, the lake or the waterfall. Plus, as many resorts and hotels are located outside of town limits and out in the rainforest, they more often than not have reputable restaurants and bars on site that are open to guests and non guests alike.

Anch’io Italian Restaurant

Italian

+506 2479 7024 view our site

Crispy, thin-crust pizza cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven is Anch’io’s claim to fame, though there are also other Italian favorites like salads, pastas and focaccias on the menu. Pleasant patio seating.

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Benedictus Steak House

Steakhouse

+506 2479 1912 view our site

Located about five kilometers from La Fortuna along the road to the lake and across the road from the Volcano Lodge Hotel, this upscale restaurant is known for its excellent steaks, but the menu also includes lamb, chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Almost everything used in its dishes come from the organic farm surrounding the restaurant.

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Cascajo’s del Arenal

Costa Rican

+506 2479 9674 view our site

This atmospheric, open-air restaurant, located just under a kilometer east of the Tabacón hotel, is on a bit of a hill and easy to miss, so keep your eyes up! Costa Rican dishes are accompanied by excellent volcano views as well as the friendly resident coati (looks kind of like a cute raccoon), who happily mingles with guests.

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Chifa la Familia Feliz

Peruvian-Chinese fusion

+506 8469 6327 view our site

This welcoming restaurant, one of the best in the area, is located in La Fortuna, where it delights diners with Peruvian-Chinese fusion dishes. The kitchen is open to the dining area, so you can check out what’s going on behind the scenes, and there are tables indoors and outdoors. .

More Info

Don Rufino

Costa Rican Fusion

+506 4279 9997 view our site

This popular La Fortuna social hub is a hopping indoor-outdoor restaurant specializing in Costa Rican fare with a modern fusion edge. The grilled meats are considered a highlight, but there are also plenty of local staples and international options on the extensive menu ranging from seasoned tuna to Cajun shrimp pasta, barbecued chicken and more. It has an open-air bar overlooking that is popular hangout for mingling over drinks.

More Info

El Gran Abuelo Parrillada y Restaurante

Grill

+506 2479 1749

El Gran Abuelo, located about eight kilometers outside of La Fortuna, grills up one of the best steaks in town, not to mention wood-fired pizza, all sorts of grilled meats and plenty of local and international options for all preferences. Accompany your meal with one of the artisanal beers they have on hand.

More Info

El Novillo del Arenal

Steakhouse

+506 2479 1910 view our site

Located a few kilometers outside of La Fortuna on the road to Tabacon, El Novillo is an informal restaurant with some serious steaks. It’s open-air, with tables set under a big roof. It has garnered a reputation through word of mouth as one of the Arenal area’s top steakhouses, and after one bite of one of their big, tender, wonderfully-prepared steaks you’ll see if’s for good reason.

More Info

Fusion Grill & Restaurant

Fusion

+506 2479 1949 view our site

Run by five Costa Rican siblings, this family-run restaurant has been around for years, offering diners the best local flavors. The open-air dining room has a vibe bordering on swanky and unbeatable views of the volcano. In addition to tender grilled steaks, fresh seafood and a slew of other options, the ceviche also gets an enthusiastic thumbs up. Excellent desserts, too!

More Info

Inspira Café

Costa Rican

+506 2479 7139

Created by local restaurant EL Abuelo, also on this list, the Inspira Café and Restaurant is a relaxing, friendly eatery that serves up traditional local dishes with a modern twist. Delicious, fresh entrees, organic locally-harvested coffee and excellent fruit smoothies. Lunch and dinner menus change daily.

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Kappa Sushi Fortuna

Sushi

+506 2479 1639 view our site

Located in La Fortuna, about 25 meters north of the Banco Nacional (National Bank), Kappa Sushi offers fantastic, innovative sushi – try the dragon roll! – at a fair price. The products are extremely fresh, and you can tell by the quality and flavors of the dishes; after all, even though you’re surrounded by rainforest, mountains and farms, the ocean is actually quite close. In addition to seafood, the menu also has numerous vegetarian-friendly options.

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La Choza de Laurel

Costa Rican / International

+506 2479 7169 view our site

Dedicated to cooking up delicious typical dishes from Costa Rica and Latin America, La Choza del Laurel is an open-air restaurant with picnic tables in La Fortuna, about 400 meters west of the church. Grilled steaks, barbecued chicken and fresh fish are only a few of the items on its extremely long menu. Try local favorites like the black-bean soup or the choza platter (chicken, rice, beans, chayote, corn and plantains).

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La Parrilla de Maria Bonita

Steakhouse & International

+506 2479 7625 view our site

Specializing in meat dishes like churrasquito cooked over a wood fire grill, the international offerings in this simple restaurant also include soups, salads, quesadillas, burgers and much more. The restaurant has a balcony with a few tables for al fresco dining, and inside you can watch the chef preparing dishes thanks to the open, counter-style kitchen with outdoor wood fire grill.

More Info

La Ventanita Café

Latin American / Tex-Mex

+506 2479 1735 view our site

You’ll find the quaint La Ventanita Café in El Castillo about between the school and church to the north and and Butterfly Conservatory and Ecozoo to the south. Casual, outdoor seating and fantastic wraps, burritos, chifrijo (rice, pinto beans, fried pork with tomato salsa and corn ships) and natural fruit juices and smoothies. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options.

More Info

Marisqueria Snapper’s House

Seafood

+506 4279 9997 view our site

Fresh seafood is the specialty at Snappers House, and it does not disappoint. Located in La Fortuna, just in front of the court house (Juzgado), this great little seafood eatery is known for its fresh products, flavorful dishes and reasonable prices. There are all sorts of fish and other fruits of the sea on the menu; the red snapper is particularly popular!

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My Coffee Lounge

Coffee & Casual Dining

+506 2479 8749 view our site

In addition to plenty of delicious Costa Rican coffee and coffee drinks, the menu at My Coffee Lounge also features a wide variety of extremely tasty options: traditional casados, salads, sandwiches, fajitas, paninis, fresh fruit juices and smoothies and much more.

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Nanku Restaurant

Costa Rican

+506 2479 0707 view our site

The delicious dishes gracing the menu at Restaurante Nanku are prepared with the freshest local produce, much of which is grown on their own farm. It’s an open-air restaurant in central La Fortuna, one block east of the central park. Ceviche, meats, rice, seafood, quesadillas… it’s all excellent. Folks rave about their sangria and desserts!

More Info

Nenes Restaurant

Local & International

+506 2479 9192 view our site

This local establishment has been around for over two decades and has become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike who come in for its famous steaks and delicious ceviche. You’ll find it in central La Fortuna, about 50 meters north of the pharmacy

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Novillitos Steak House

Steakhouse

+506 2479 8606 view our site

This pleasant, unpretentious steakhouse – a La Fortuna favorite – offers diners a variety of fire-grilled meat dishes, its specialty. It’s known for the excellent quality of its meat cuts, but the menu also features a variety of other international dishes to suit all palates.

More Info

Pizza John’s Jardin Escondido

Pizza

+506 8801 0967 view our site

This airy pizzeria in El Castillo is known for its mouth-watering Italian thin-crust pizza. Their selection of homemade ice creams, with both traditional and unique flavors (the chocolate-ginger is a favorite) are also a hit!

More Info

Que Rico Arenal

Italian

+506 2479 1020 view our site

Part of the Arenal Volcano Inn, about 6.5 kilometers north of La Fortuna in front of the Arenal volcano, this favorite Italian restaurant has great views of the volcano and primarily Italian favorites. In addition to pizza and pasta, you can also choose from numerous other international and Costa Rican dishes. Great dessert menu, too!

More Info

RainForest Café

Coffee Shop

+506 2479 7239 view our site

With its chill, coffeehouse vibe and tasty menu options, the Rain Forest Café and Restaurant is the perfect place to sip on one of its 28 different coffees or a fresh fruit smoothie, delight in one of its mouthwatering gourmet desserts or enjoy a casual meal.

More Info

Red Frog Coffee Roaster

Coffee

+506 8674 695 view our site

You’ll find the Red Frog Coffee Roaster, a rustic little coffee shop that’s a must for any coffee lover, just west of La Fortuna. Locally harvested coffee is brought in and roasted right on site by owner Roy, who will also happily tell you all about the coffee process from bean to steaming delicious sip. If you’re hungry, fret not, the Red Frog also has a menu boasting a range of delicious traditional Costa Rican dishes.

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Restaurante Café Mediterraneo

Italian

+506 2479 7625 view our site

This popular, family-friendly Italian eatery with indoor and outdoor seating serves up dishes like pasta and wood-oven pizza. Sit outside on the restaurant porch for volcano views while you dine!

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Restaurante Mi Casa

Costa Rican

+506 2479 7633 view our site

You’ll find Mi Casa about two kilometers west of central La Fortuna. With indoor and outdoor seating, which has views of the Arenal volcano, this highly recommended eatery specializes in typical Costa Rican fare. Start your day with their traditional – and filling! – Costa Rican breakfast, or later in the day try their excellent steaks, barbecued chicken, fajitas… it’s all delicious!

More Info

Restaurante Pizzeria La Parada

Costa Rican / International

+506 2479 9547 view our site

La Parada, open 18 hours a day, is popular eatery that includes an a la carte restaurant, pizzeria and buffet. It specializes in grilled meats and pizzas, but also has a wide variety of national and international favorites. Some specialties include churrasco, shrimp cocktail, surf and turf, nachos, burgers and, of course, its pizzas. It’s across the street from the southern side of La Fortuna’s park.

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Rio Lounge

Costa Rican

+506 2479 1777 view our site

Located very close to the La Fortuna waterfall, the Rio Lounge is a popular spot to stop for a snack, lunch or fresh fruit smoothie. Beautiful views from the outdoor tables and excellent menu with fresh products and delicious dishes highlighting the best of Costa Rican flavors. Try the Tropical Ceviche!

More Info

Soda La Hormiga

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 2479 9247

Another of La Fortuna’s excellent sodas, Soda La Hormiga has been serving up variations of two of Costa Rica’s most popular dishes – Gallo Pinto and Casado – at great prices for over a decade. It’s located in central La Fortuna, right by the Bus Station and Mega Super supermarket.

More Info

Soda Mima

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 8830 3649

This family-run eatery is a casual little restaurant right along La Fortuna’s main street, right by the church. Try the traditional breakfast, featuring gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, fried banana and fresh cheese, or the ever-famous casado for lunch or dinner.

More Info

Soda Viquez

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 2479 7133

This friendly, family-run favorite is a must if you’re in search of some hearty local flavor. Known for tasty food, big portions and low prices – like the true soda it is – it specializes in traditional Costa Rican fare like casados, rice dishes and fresh fruit juices.

More Info

My Coffee Lounge

Coffee & Casual Dining

+506 2479 8749 view our site

In addition to plenty of delicious Costa Rican coffee and coffee drinks, the menu at My Coffee Lounge also features a wide variety of extremely tasty options: traditional casados, salads, sandwiches, fajitas, paninis, fresh fruit juices and smoothies and much more.

More Info

RainForest Café

Coffee Shop

+506 2479 7239 view our site

With its chill, coffeehouse vibe and tasty menu options, the Rain Forest Café and Restaurant is the perfect place to sip on one of its 28 different coffees or a fresh fruit smoothie, delight in one of its mouthwatering gourmet desserts or enjoy a casual meal.

More Info

Don Rufino

Costa Rican Fusion

+506 4279 9997 view our site

This popular La Fortuna social hub is a hopping indoor-outdoor restaurant specializing in Costa Rican fare with a modern fusion edge. The grilled meats are considered a highlight, but there are also plenty of local staples and international options on the extensive menu ranging from seasoned tuna to Cajun shrimp pasta, barbecued chicken and more. It has an open-air bar overlooking that is popular hangout for mingling over drinks.

More Info

Fusion Grill & Restaurant

Fusion

+506 2479 1949 view our site

Run by five Costa Rican siblings, this family-run restaurant has been around for years, offering diners the best local flavors. The open-air dining room has a vibe bordering on swanky and unbeatable views of the volcano. In addition to tender grilled steaks, fresh seafood and a slew of other options, the ceviche also gets an enthusiastic thumbs up. Excellent desserts, too!

More Info

Inspira Café

Costa Rican

+506 2479 7139

Created by local restaurant EL Abuelo, also on this list, the Inspira Café and Restaurant is a relaxing, friendly eatery that serves up traditional local dishes with a modern twist. Delicious, fresh entrees, organic locally-harvested coffee and excellent fruit smoothies. Lunch and dinner menus change daily.

More Info

La Choza de Laurel

Costa Rican / International

+506 2479 7169 view our site

Dedicated to cooking up delicious typical dishes from Costa Rica and Latin America, La Choza del Laurel is an open-air restaurant with picnic tables in La Fortuna, about 400 meters west of the church. Grilled steaks, barbecued chicken and fresh fish are only a few of the items on its extremely long menu. Try local favorites like the black-bean soup or the choza platter (chicken, rice, beans, chayote, corn and plantains).

More Info

Nanku Restaurant

Costa Rican

+506 2479 0707 view our site

The delicious dishes gracing the menu at Restaurante Nanku are prepared with the freshest local produce, much of which is grown on their own farm. It’s an open-air restaurant in central La Fortuna, one block east of the central park. Ceviche, meats, rice, seafood, quesadillas… it’s all excellent. Folks rave about their sangria and desserts!

More Info

Anch’io Italian Restaurant

Italian

+506 2479 7024 view our site

Crispy, thin-crust pizza cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven is Anch’io’s claim to fame, though there are also other Italian favorites like salads, pastas and focaccias on the menu. Pleasant patio seating.

More Info

Pizza John’s Jardin Escondido

Pizza

+506 8801 0967 view our site

This airy pizzeria in El Castillo is known for its mouth-watering Italian thin-crust pizza. Their selection of homemade ice creams, with both traditional and unique flavors (the chocolate-ginger is a favorite) are also a hit!

More Info

Que Rico Arenal

Italian

+506 2479 1020 view our site

Part of the Arenal Volcano Inn, about 6.5 kilometers north of La Fortuna in front of the Arenal volcano, this favorite Italian restaurant has great views of the volcano and primarily Italian favorites. In addition to pizza and pasta, you can also choose from numerous other international and Costa Rican dishes. Great dessert menu, too!

More Info

Restaurante Café Mediterraneo

Italian

+506 2479 7625 view our site

This popular, family-friendly Italian eatery with indoor and outdoor seating serves up dishes like pasta and wood-oven pizza. Sit outside on the restaurant porch for volcano views while you dine!

More Info

Restaurante Pizzeria La Parada

Costa Rican / International

+506 2479 9547 view our site

La Parada, open 18 hours a day, is popular eatery that includes an a la carte restaurant, pizzeria and buffet. It specializes in grilled meats and pizzas, but also has a wide variety of national and international favorites. Some specialties include churrasco, shrimp cocktail, surf and turf, nachos, burgers and, of course, its pizzas. It’s across the street from the southern side of La Fortuna’s park.

More Info

Chifa la Familia Feliz

Peruvian-Chinese fusion

+506 8469 6327 view our site

This welcoming restaurant, one of the best in the area, is located in La Fortuna, where it delights diners with Peruvian-Chinese fusion dishes. The kitchen is open to the dining area, so you can check out what’s going on behind the scenes, and there are tables indoors and outdoors. .

More Info

Restaurante Pizzeria La Parada

Costa Rican / International

+506 2479 9547 view our site

La Parada, open 18 hours a day, is popular eatery that includes an a la carte restaurant, pizzeria and buffet. It specializes in grilled meats and pizzas, but also has a wide variety of national and international favorites. Some specialties include churrasco, shrimp cocktail, surf and turf, nachos, burgers and, of course, its pizzas. It’s across the street from the southern side of La Fortuna’s park.

More Info

El Gran Abuelo Parrillada y Restaurante

Grill

+506 2479 1749

El Gran Abuelo, located about eight kilometers outside of La Fortuna, grills up one of the best steaks in town, not to mention wood-fired pizza, all sorts of grilled meats and plenty of local and international options for all preferences. Accompany your meal with one of the artisanal beers they have on hand.

More Info

Marisqueria Snapper’s House

Seafood

+506 4279 9997 view our site

Fresh seafood is the specialty at Snappers House, and it does not disappoint. Located in La Fortuna, just in front of the court house (Juzgado), this great little seafood eatery is known for its fresh products, flavorful dishes and reasonable prices. There are all sorts of fish and other fruits of the sea on the menu; the red snapper is particularly popular!

More Info

Nenes Restaurant

Local & International

+506 2479 9192 view our site

This local establishment has been around for over two decades and has become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike who come in for its famous steaks and delicious ceviche. You’ll find it in central La Fortuna, about 50 meters north of the pharmacy

More Info

Benedictus Steak House

Steakhouse

+506 2479 1912 view our site

Located about five kilometers from La Fortuna along the road to the lake and across the road from the Volcano Lodge Hotel, this upscale restaurant is known for its excellent steaks, but the menu also includes lamb, chicken, pork, seafood and vegetarian dishes. Almost everything used in its dishes come from the organic farm surrounding the restaurant.

More Info

El Gran Abuelo Parrillada y Restaurante

Grill

+506 2479 1749

El Gran Abuelo, located about eight kilometers outside of La Fortuna, grills up one of the best steaks in town, not to mention wood-fired pizza, all sorts of grilled meats and plenty of local and international options for all preferences. Accompany your meal with one of the artisanal beers they have on hand.

More Info

El Novillo del Arenal

Steakhouse

+506 2479 1910 view our site

Located a few kilometers outside of La Fortuna on the road to Tabacon, El Novillo is an informal restaurant with some serious steaks. It’s open-air, with tables set under a big roof. It has garnered a reputation through word of mouth as one of the Arenal area’s top steakhouses, and after one bite of one of their big, tender, wonderfully-prepared steaks you’ll see if’s for good reason.

More Info

Nenes Restaurant

Local & International

+506 2479 9192 view our site

This local establishment has been around for over two decades and has become a favorite of both locals and visitors alike who come in for its famous steaks and delicious ceviche. You’ll find it in central La Fortuna, about 50 meters north of the pharmacy

More Info

Novillitos Steak House

Steakhouse

+506 2479 8606 view our site

This pleasant, unpretentious steakhouse – a La Fortuna favorite – offers diners a variety of fire-grilled meat dishes, its specialty. It’s known for the excellent quality of its meat cuts, but the menu also features a variety of other international dishes to suit all palates.

More Info

La Parrilla de Maria Bonita

Steakhouse & International

+506 2479 7625 view our site

Specializing in meat dishes like churrasquito cooked over a wood fire grill, the international offerings in this simple restaurant also include soups, salads, quesadillas, burgers and much more. The restaurant has a balcony with a few tables for al fresco dining, and inside you can watch the chef preparing dishes thanks to the open, counter-style kitchen with outdoor wood fire grill.

More Info

La Ventanita Café

Latin American / Tex-Mex

+506 2479 1735 view our site

You’ll find the quaint La Ventanita Café in El Castillo about between the school and church to the north and and Butterfly Conservatory and Ecozoo to the south. Casual, outdoor seating and fantastic wraps, burritos, chifrijo (rice, pinto beans, fried pork with tomato salsa and corn ships) and natural fruit juices and smoothies. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options.

More Info

Kappa Sushi Fortuna

Sushi

+506 2479 1639 view our site

Located in La Fortuna, about 25 meters north of the Banco Nacional (National Bank), Kappa Sushi offers fantastic, innovative sushi – try the dragon roll! – at a fair price. The products are extremely fresh, and you can tell by the quality and flavors of the dishes; after all, even though you’re surrounded by rainforest, mountains and farms, the ocean is actually quite close. In addition to seafood, the menu also has numerous vegetarian-friendly options.

More Info

Cascajo’s del Arenal

Costa Rican

+506 2479 9674 view our site

This atmospheric, open-air restaurant, located just under a kilometer east of the Tabacón hotel, is on a bit of a hill and easy to miss, so keep your eyes up! Costa Rican dishes are accompanied by excellent volcano views as well as the friendly resident coati (looks kind of like a cute raccoon), who happily mingles with guests.

More Info

La Ventanita Café

Latin American / Tex-Mex

+506 2479 1735 view our site

You’ll find the quaint La Ventanita Café in El Castillo about between the school and church to the north and and Butterfly Conservatory and Ecozoo to the south. Casual, outdoor seating and fantastic wraps, burritos, chifrijo (rice, pinto beans, fried pork with tomato salsa and corn ships) and natural fruit juices and smoothies. There are vegetarian and gluten-free options.

More Info

Red Frog Coffee Roaster

Coffee

+506 8674 695 view our site

You’ll find the Red Frog Coffee Roaster, a rustic little coffee shop that’s a must for any coffee lover, just west of La Fortuna. Locally harvested coffee is brought in and roasted right on site by owner Roy, who will also happily tell you all about the coffee process from bean to steaming delicious sip. If you’re hungry, fret not, the Red Frog also has a menu boasting a range of delicious traditional Costa Rican dishes.

More Info

Restaurante Mi Casa

Costa Rican

+506 2479 7633 view our site

You’ll find Mi Casa about two kilometers west of central La Fortuna. With indoor and outdoor seating, which has views of the Arenal volcano, this highly recommended eatery specializes in typical Costa Rican fare. Start your day with their traditional – and filling! – Costa Rican breakfast, or later in the day try their excellent steaks, barbecued chicken, fajitas… it’s all delicious!

More Info

Rio Lounge

Costa Rican

+506 2479 1777 view our site

Located very close to the La Fortuna waterfall, the Rio Lounge is a popular spot to stop for a snack, lunch or fresh fruit smoothie. Beautiful views from the outdoor tables and excellent menu with fresh products and delicious dishes highlighting the best of Costa Rican flavors. Try the Tropical Ceviche!

More Info

Soda La Hormiga

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 2479 9247

Another of La Fortuna’s excellent sodas, Soda La Hormiga has been serving up variations of two of Costa Rica’s most popular dishes – Gallo Pinto and Casado – at great prices for over a decade. It’s located in central La Fortuna, right by the Bus Station and Mega Super supermarket.

More Info

Soda Mima

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 8830 3649

This family-run eatery is a casual little restaurant right along La Fortuna’s main street, right by the church. Try the traditional breakfast, featuring gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, fried banana and fresh cheese, or the ever-famous casado for lunch or dinner.

More Info

Soda Viquez

Traditional Costa Rican

+506 2479 7133

This friendly, family-run favorite is a must if you’re in search of some hearty local flavor. Known for tasty food, big portions and low prices – like the true soda it is – it specializes in traditional Costa Rican fare like casados, rice dishes and fresh fruit juices.

More Info