Breakfast & Lunch
There are so many fun things to do in Puerto Viejo, so you'll probably need some tasty morning grub to fuel your adventures. From steaming cups of Costa Rican coffee and sweet pastries to huge spreads of international and local fare, you have your pick of delicious breakfast and lunch spots in Puerto Viejo.
De Gustibus Bakery
If you'd like to choose from a little bit of everything, consider a meal at De Gustibus Bakery, just on the edge of town. It's perfect for those with big appetites, as you'll have your pick of big breakfasts and lunches, both traditional Costa Rican and international. For breakfast, try the customary gallo pinto breakfast spread or the French toast and pair it with a fresh batido (smoothie). For lunch, go for the pizzas or chicken with fried plantains. If you just need a nibble or something sweet, the cakes, pies, and pastries are a must.
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Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Bread and Chocolate
Another excellent spot for breakfast and lunch, Bread and Chocolate offers fresh baked goods and coffee, plus international and local breakfast and lunch dishes. For a twist on a classic, try the banana coconut pancakes for breakfast or the jerk chicken sandwich for lunch. You'll also find options like biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, waffles, and BLTs, plus daily soups and sandwiches. Any trip to Bread and Chocolate should include a dessert—genuinely amazing with bean-to-bar chocolate and local ingredients like coconut and passion fruit.
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C. 215 Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee
Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee is a delicious play on words, as this decadent cafe focuses on coffee and chocolate beans. The spot feels like a treehouse, and you can enjoy exceptional coffee, pastries, bonbons, and chocolate, including drinking chocolate. The chocolate is homemade, and to learn more about the process from bean to bar, you can opt for an interactive tour with tastings, which runs daily. If you need a snack, a pick-me-up, or want to learn more about the area's chocolate production, this is the place to go.
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Next To Tasty Waves Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
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Dinner
No guide to Puerto Viejo is complete without some advice on where to fill up after a day of coastal adventures. Grab a late lunch or dinner at one of the area's delicious restaurants, many featuring seafood dishes and traditional Caribbean fare.
Restaurante Tamara
When deciding how many days to spend in Costa Rica, give yourself enough time to enjoy a meal at this local staple. Restaurante Tamara was once the only restaurant in town, opening in 1981. Today, it's one of the best places to experience the region's “original” local food. It's hard to go wrong with any dish here, but we recommend the ceviche, chicken with Caribbean sauce, or any seafood dish. The restaurant also has vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
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Av. 71, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
La NENA
For traditional Caribbean food, we recommend La NENA at Playa Cocles, one of the best beaches in Puerto Viejo. This is just a small restaurant off the side of the road serving simple but delicious food. You'll choose from staples like burritos, fajitas, beans and rice, and more, but don't expect much in terms of decor or ambiance. If you need a recommendation, try the rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, served with chicken and plantains.
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Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Limon, Costa Rica
Marisquería Moprí
If you want to try the region's seafood, head to Marisquería Moprí. This is undoubtedly a locals' joint, so just like with La NENA, don't expect any frills. Instead, you'll get simple, honest, and delicious food. Try the Caribbean lobster when in season, or go with the whole fried fish. Another tasty classic is the mixed seafood served with coconut rice. You'll also find dishes like a traditional breakfast and a seafood salad, plus chicken and beef entrees.
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Talamanca, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
Beach Bars
Although Puerto Viejo's beach bars also serve meals throughout the day, they're a great option for a nightcap in a lively atmosphere. Plus, nothing quite beats enjoying a meal or cocktail with the sand and waves at your feet.
NOA Bar, Restaurant & Beach Club
Located within the Hotel Le Cameleon, this restaurant, bar, and beach club serves a mix of Costa Rican Caribbean cuisine and creative international dishes. For mains, you can choose from plates like rice and beans with meat in Caribbean sauce, fried chicken ballotine stuffed with vegetables, and seafood pasta. There's also pizza and sushi, plus unique cocktails using local ingredients.
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Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica
KOKi Beach Restaurant, Bar & Lounge
If you don't mind the tourist prices, enjoy lunch, dinner, or a nightcap at KOKi Beach, a restaurant, bar, and lounge right on the sand in the main town. The decor is colorful and warm, and you get a great view of the sea right from your table. The ambiance is pretty cool and lively, with daily happy hour and tasty Caribbean food. Try unique dishes such as rice and meat served in a halved pineapple, grilled octopus, and shrimp ceviche. KOKi's bar has it all, so you can go with your favorite classic or opt for one of the signature tropical cocktails.
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Av 71 y Calle 219 Caribe Sur, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Costa Rica