Restaurant Guide

Welcome to the YouGetHere Restaurant Guide.

Here you’ll find a list of local restaurants in the Southern Pacific Zone of Costa Rica. This handy guide has been broken up into three sections: Dominical, options between Dominical and Uvita, and restaurants in Ojochal. Hours of operation can change depending on the season, please confirm days and times of operation with the restaurant directly.

Down the river road and away from the center of town you’ll find Crocodile Grill & Bar, a beautiful restaurant at the Rio Mar hotel. The farm-to-table menu features fresh seasonal ingredients from their greenhouse and local seafood dishes, steaks, pizzas, tacos and pasta options as well. Enjoy their expertly crafted cocktails like a Crocodile Mojita or a Costa Rican Painkiller. Take out and private dining areas are available as well.

A fan favorite in town, La Junta serves up seafood, burgers, tacos and options for kids, plus a huge array of epic sandwiches to choose from. Their focus is on clean ingredients, grass fed meats and responsibly sourced food from regenerative farms. The menu boasts non-GMO produce, no seed oils and no ultra-refined sugars. There’s something for everyone at this local joint with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and keto options as well. 

Dominical Sushi has been a long-standing dinner favorite of locals and draws a good crowd after 6 p.m. when the Saki starts flowing.

Bar y Restaurante Su Raza is located across from the soccer field. A traditional Costa Rica restaurant, popular for its seafood dishes and full bar.

Located on a side road behind Tortilla Flats, this joint always hits the spot. This pizza stop is a no-brainer if you’ve got kiddos.

Whether you’ll be having a traditional Tico breakfast, freshly baked pastries, or a green smoothie, enjoy it here with beautiful macaws soaring overhead.

Located just off the sand and within eyeshot of the Pacific Ocean, the menu focuses on Mexican, American & Costa Rican dishes. If you like your servings big—big burritos, big burgers, big sandwiches—head to Tortilla Flats.

El Coco Bar y Restaurant is at the far end of the main road and was Dominical’s first restaurant. They specialize in local dishes as well, and when there’s a soccer match of any kind on television, this is the spot locals hang out at.

Infusion Bistro, located at Villa Alturas, features a breathtaking ocean view. They are open for lunch and dinner. There is also an animal sanctuary up the same mountain road.

If you’re looking for the best wings in Costa Rica, head to Jolly Roger. Located up the mountain road of Escaleras, between Dominical and Uvita, the bar has a great ocean view.

Another option up the Escaleras road is Scala Restaurant in Escaleras Village. The seafood, contemporary and local cuisine are fresh and healthy.

Cuna del Angel features 100% gluten-free international cuisine.  The dishes and drinks are beautifully prepared, as well as delicious.

Gusto is a popular spot for Italian food. Located between Achote and Playa Hermosa, on a short road that is on the east side of the highway; closed on Tuesday & Wednesday. Reservations required.

The Sunset Bar & Restaurant is located at the Vista Ballena Hotel, 1 kilometer east of the highway, and offers an ocean view. Seafood, chicken dishes, and filet mignon all grace the menu.

Aroma a Cafe is a bakery, cafe, and restaurant. Stop in early for coffee and their fresh cinnamon rolls and pastries.

Restaurante Por el Camino is an Italian restaurant centrally located in Uvita. They serve fresh homemade pasta, vegetarian options available, and delicious pizzas.

A great happy hour option with a bar and pool table. Located at the Toucan Hotel, this restaurant and bar serve dinner options (deep-fried goodness, some local dishes, poutines, and personal pizzas) from 4pm to 8:30pm. Closed Wednesdays & Thursdays.

One of the top-ranked restaurants on Tripadvisor, the Los Laureles menu features Local cuisine, Latin cuisine, Bar, Seafood, Central American, and Costa Rican dishes. Some of the favorites are the huge burgers (veggie too), fresh fish tacos, and tropical salads.

Come taste the award-winning and internationally recognized craft beer at Whale Tail Brewery. The restaurant is open from noon to 9:30pm and often features live music and local bands. All dishes are made from scratch with the freshest ingredients.

Top-ranked as a Travelers Choice on Tripadvisor, Mosaic’s menu features 40 wines, craft cocktails, quality coffee drinks, yummy paninis, cheese + charcuterie boards, gourmet salads, fresh sushi, and Japanese fusion cuisine. They also have vegan and vegetarian options.

Santa Burguesa serves up huge American-style burgers and fast food, using the freshest quality ingredients. Pair it with a cold chocolate, strawberry or Baily’s malt.

Sibu serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and has a shop where you can buy coffees, chocolates, and other gifts. The menu has something for everyone, Local cuisine, International, Healthy, Costa Rican, and Vegetarian Friendly.

Rapipollo is a local stop for Costa Rican fast food and fried chicken. A quick stop if you’re in a hurry or you don’t want to spend a lot on lunch.

This pizzeria has a huge range of options like pesto pollo pizza, artichoke pizza, veggie pizza, gluten free, and even a dessert pizza.

Carlito’s Restaurant & Bar is a Latin-fusion restaurant that specializes in Mexican food dishes and drinks with a touch of Costa Rican, Cuban, and American influence.

The Dome restaurant in central Uvita offers your favorite breakfast and lunch staples. Costa Rican or American-style breakfast plates, burgers, salads, wraps plus freshly made juices, lemonades, and smoothies.

This bar and restaurant feature Mexican and Latin pub food. Fajitas, tacos, nachos and vegetarian options. They often have a fun crowd and music shows after 9pm.

Costa Rican restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. Menu features fish or chicken casados, tenderloin and rib-eye steak, Grilled tuna, Shrimp Fettucini, Seafood Fried Rice and more.

This cozy cafe and wine bar in Uvita serves typical french cuisine for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Located at Dolce Uvita, Ristorante Italiano features Italian family recipes enriched with Mediterranean and local Costa Rican flavors.

A great stop on the way to Marino Ballena National Park, this restaurant serves up Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Israeli cuisines.

A Costa Rican and South American restaurant with a large menu for the whole family.  Located on the road to Marino Ballena National Park.

One of the highest-rated restaurants in Uvita, often #1 on Tripadvisor.  NY-style bagel bakery that also serves hot breakfasts, pastries, fresh juices, and a lot of sandwich options for lunch.

The highest-rated pizza joint in Uvita is Pizza Time. They serve Neapolitan pizza made with only the best, ethically sourced ingredients. Vegetarian and vegan options.

Enjoy fresh Mexican food, ceviche and margaritas at La Choza de Alejo Bar & Restaurant. Burritos, fajitas, nachos, quesadillas, enchiladas, flautas… plus vegan and veggie dishes.

House of Ginger specializes in Thai, Chinese, and Asian cuisine.  Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

A Costa Rican “soda” featuring traditional dishes popular in the area. Seafood, chicken, beef, and vegetarian plate options. They often have live music on Thursdays.

Sabor Espanol’s chefs are from Ibiza and Barcelona, cooking up paellas, seafood, and Mediterranean and Spanish cuisine. They have a selection of Spanish wines and sangria.

Fusion has a large menu with something for everyone. Sushi, steaks, chicken, pasta plus veggie, vegan and gluten-free choices as well.

Heliconia reviews rave about excellent steak and fresh fish. Each dish is prepared fresh from scratch, enjoy appetizers while you wait for a delicious meal.

Citrus is creative French, Seafood, and European cuisine in a contemporary and cozy ambiance. Their menu is inspired by flavors from different parts of the world and so is the wine list.

Mamma e Papa’s features healthy Mediterranean Italian cuisines. Some popular dishes are their handmade tagliatelle, gnocchi, cannelloni, lasagna, and pizza. Their desserts such as sponge cake with Italian custard cream delight.

Exotica serves local cuisine, French, European, Central American, and Vegetarian Friendly dishes. Their fantastic meal options feature unique and refined flavors from around the world.

Sud Lounge Restaurant features a great atmosphere and unique dishes with flavorful and creative flavors.  Reviewers praise the setting, view, and slow-cooked lamb and seafood ravioli dishes.

Catillo’s Kitchen is located in the boutique Ojochal hotel El Castillo, right off the main highway. Fresh dishes feature chef-selected ingredients from local farmers and fishermen.

The restaurant specializes in high-quality imported Seafood and Steaks. Located at the mouth of the Terraba River, just south of Ojochal. They have lots of drinks based on natural fruits, craft beers, wines, and cocktails.

The Bamboo Room is located at Alma de Ojochal. A large entertaining space offers seating for 80 and features awesome ocean and sunset views. Enjoy fabulous fresh cuisine and check the calendar for live entertainment events.

At Kua Kua, the menu changes with the seasons, adjusting to reflect prime produce and protein availability.  The unique poolside Bar 360, has incredible views. The restaurant and bar are for adults only, ages 16 and up.