Best Places to Eat in Samara Beach, Costa Rica

Whenever I travel, one of the first questions I ask is simple: where should I eat? Not just because I need a meal, but because food has become one of the best parts of discovering a place. The older I get, the more I understand that eating is not only about the dish in front of you. It is the setting, the people, the service, the conversation, the view, and sometimes that one unexpected bite that stays with you long after the trip is over.

Samara Beach has some amazing places to eat, and after more than 10 years of living, visiting, and exploring this area, I wanted to put together a guide with some of my favorite restaurants in town. In this blog, I tried to include a little bit of everything: Italian food, pizza, steak, grilled dishes, Costa Rican flavors, beachfront spots, casual places, and options for different budgets. Whether you are looking for a relaxed lunch by the ocean, a nice dinner, or something simple after a beach day, these are places I think are worth trying while you are in Samara.

Gusto Beach Club Samara

Located 100 meters east of the Playa Samara Police Delegation, Gusto Beach Club is one of the best beachfront restaurants in Samara Beach for travelers who want Italian flavor with a tropical Costa Rica setting. This oceanfront spot offers breakfast, lunch, dinner, brunch, cocktails, and drinks throughout the day, making it an easy choice whether you are starting your morning by the beach or planning a relaxed evening with live music. With sun loungers, umbrellas, a cocktail bar, cafe service, and a children’s play area, Gusto is especially convenient for families, couples, and groups who want good food without leaving the beach.

Gusto Beach Club blends traditional Italian recipes with international influences and a touch of pura vida. The menu includes Italian cuisine, pizza, local and international dishes, and a few casual options for different tastes. Some standout dishes include Prosciutto & Burrata, Polpo Alla Genovese with octopus, potatoes, capers, olives, parsley, and pesto, plus fresh seafood options like Carpaccio Di Pesce, Asian-style tuna carpaccio, and Gusto Tuna Tartare. The restaurant also accepts major credit cards, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa, which makes it a practical and enjoyable stop for visitors exploring where to eat in Samara Beach.

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El Lagarto

Located 200 meters west and 200 meters south of the Catholic Church in Playa Samara, El Lagarto BBQ is a beachfront restaurant known for wood-fired grilling, ocean views, and a relaxed tropical atmosphere. It is a great option if you are looking for steak, seafood, good drinks, and that classic Samara combination of beach breeze, open fire, and a beautiful view. Open for lunch, dinner, late-night meals, and drinks, El Lagarto is also vegetarian friendly, offers gluten-free options, and accepts credit cards.

El Lagarto has been part of the Costa Rican dining scene since 1996, when it began as a lively beach bar in Playa Samara. What started with meats and potatoes cooked over a simple wood-fired grill has grown into one of the area’s most recognizable BBQ restaurants. Their menu focuses on quality meats, including grilled chicken breast, pork tenderloin, New York strip, ribeye, sirloin, porterhouse, and beef tenderloin, along with fresh fish and seafood sourced from local artisanal fishermen. With natural drinks, wines, cocktails, and a beachfront setting, El Lagarto is more than just a place to eat; it is a full grilling experience by the sea.

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Restaurante Casa Esmeralda

Located 300 meters west of the post office in Playa Samara, Casa Esmeralda is a local family-owned hotel and restaurant near the beach, known for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and traditional Costa Rican cooking. It is a great place for families and travelers who want something warm, local, and authentic without being far from the ocean. The menu focuses on typical Costa Rican cuisine, fresh seafood, and comforting dishes made with care, with options for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Casa Esmeralda is also vegetarian friendly, offers vegan and gluten-free options, and accepts credit cards.

What makes Casa Esmeralda special is the family tradition behind the food. Their famous Arroz a la Esmeralda and fish fillet in avocado sauce are more than menu items; they are family recipes passed down through generations and prepared with the same attention to detail since 2003. Every week, they buy fresh seafood from local Samara fishermen and work with nearby family farms for organic vegetables, tropical fruits, and aromatic herbs. If you want to try local flavors, dishes like ceviche, mariscada, whole fish, casado, arroz con camarones, and arroz con pollo make Casa Esmeralda a wonderful stop for a true Costa Rican meal in Samara Beach.

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Mar & Fuego

Located on Calle Intercultura, next to Hostel Mariposas in Playa Samara, Mar & Fuego brings together two things that work beautifully in a beach town: fresh Pacific seafood and the warmth of a wood-fired oven. Their concept is all about where the taste of the ocean meets the passion of fire, with a menu that includes artisanal pizzas, seafood, homemade pasta, risotto, and grilled meats. It is a good choice for lunch, dinner, or a late-night meal, especially if you are looking for something with Italian influence, quality ingredients, and a relaxed Samara atmosphere. They also offer vegetarian options and accept credit cards.

Mar & Fuego focuses heavily on freshness and premium ingredients. Their seafood is selected every morning from the Pacific coast, including fresh salmon of the day, shrimp, yellowfin tuna, octopus, and clams. Their pizzas are made with sourdough fermented for 48 hours and cooked in a wood-fired oven at 450°C, giving them that crisp, smoky, artisanal flavor. Some highlights include classic ceviche, garlic shrimp, grilled octopus, premium Margherita pizza, Quattro Formaggi, the Mar & Fuego Special, spaghetti with clams, mushroom risotto, and lasagna. If you are craving seafood, pizza, or Italian-style comfort food with a Costa Rican touch, Mar & Fuego is a strong stop in Samara Beach.

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Mr. Pelicano

Located in Natural Center Samara in Playa Samara, Mr. Pelicano is a casual seafood spot with fast, friendly service and its own private seating area. It is a great option if you want something fresh, flavorful, and a little different, especially for lunch or dinner after spending time near the beach. The atmosphere is fun and energetic, and the menu focuses on seafood with a gourmet fast-food style, including fish grill, sandwiches, raw foods, and fresh drinks. Mr. Pelicano is also vegetarian and vegan friendly, accepts credit cards, and takes payments in CRC, USD, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.

Mr. Pelicano specializes in seafood, fusion dishes, pasta, cocktails, and options for different diets. Some visitors mention favorites like the tuna burger, fresh tuna tacos, poke, and specialty gin and tonics, making it a strong choice if you enjoy tuna, seafood, and creative casual plates. It is also known as a bit of a hidden gem, tucked away in Natural Center Samara, with good value for the quality of the food. While they may not always have local beers, they do offer a nice selection of Costa Rican microbrews, and service is available in both Spanish and English.

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Sheriff Rustic

Located right on the beach at the end of Main Street, near Chocco’s and the police station, Sheriff Rustic is one of those classic Samara spots where you can eat with your feet close to the sand and the ocean right in front of you. It is known for authentic Costa Rican food, beachfront views, and prices that are friendly for travelers who want a good meal without spending too much. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, Sheriff Rustic offers table service and takeout, with vegetarian and vegan options available.

Sheriff Rustic is a favorite for both locals and visitors because it serves typical coastal dishes in a casual, welcoming setting. The menu includes seafood, ceviche, seared tuna, fast food options, drinks, and traditional Costa Rican plates like casados and their famous pinto, which is especially popular for breakfast by the sea. It is also a convenient choice for families, since food is served quickly and children can enjoy the safe, shaded beach nearby while waiting. If you are looking for simple, local, beachfront food in Samara Beach, Sheriff Rustic is an easy place to recommend.

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Soda La Perla

Located in Cangrejal, near the northern end of Playa Samara, Soda La Perla is a modest family-run restaurant that offers one of the most authentic Costa Rican dining experiences in the area. It is a little outside the main tourist center, which is part of its charm, and many people describe it as a hidden gem for traditional food at very reasonable prices. The atmosphere is cozy, casual, and local, with fast service, friendly staff, and homemade meals cooked to order by the owner. Soda La Perla is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, and offers vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Soda La Perla is a great place to try classic Costa Rican dishes like casados, ceviche, chalupas, arroz con pollo, and fresh fish plates made with local ingredients. Their casado is especially popular and usually comes with options like chicken, fish, pork, or beef, with generous portions and excellent value for the price. The restaurant is mostly cash only, though cards may sometimes be accepted depending on the situation, and it does not serve alcohol, but guests are often welcome to bring their own drinks. If you are looking for simple, affordable, homemade Costa Rican food away from the busier part of town, Soda La Perla is absolutely worth the short trip.

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