8 Best Restaurants in Cahuita, Costa Rica for All Budgets (2024)

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Are you looking for the best restaurants in Cahuita, Costa Rica?

This relaxed coastal beach village is home to the beautiful Cahuita National Park and several amazing restaurants. We like this area for food because the Caribbean coast has somewhat different traditional cuisine than the rest of Costa Rica. There is much more of a Caribbean influence in the meals here.

We created this post to give you info on the 8 best restaurants for all price points and food interests, fill you in on some restaurants tips, and to give you an easily navigated restaurant map.

Let’s get to it!

Map of Restaurants

You can also open this map of Cahuita restaurants here.

1. Rincón del Amor

This is a family-run traditional Costa Rican / Caribbean restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I suggest ordering a fresh seafood or fish dish here.

They also have live music on Tuesday evenings starting at 6:00 pm.

• Price Point:$$
• Vegetarian Options?There are very few vegetarian options here.
• Takes Reservations?You can call them at +506 2755 0660
• Opening Hours:08:00AM–10:00PM closed on Wednesdays
• Rating:5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

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2. Restaurante Éwa & Lounge Bar

A comfortable place for food and co*cktails in a nice setting. It is possible to sit on their nicely decorated covered porch or at the tables set up outside.

The menu here is very extensive and includes burgers, salads, pasta, mixed rice dishes, and more.

• Price Point:$$
• Vegetarian Options?Yes. They have a small vegetarian menu.
• Takes Reservations?I don’t think they take reservations but you can always call them at +506 2225 4923
• Opening Hours:11:00AM–11:30PM daily
• Rating:5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

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3. Restaurante Las Olas

Our favorite fish and seafood restaurant in town. I suggest ordering the whole fish. It’s super tasty!

• Price Point:$$
• Vegetarian Options?There are a few pasta options but in general I do not suggest this restaurant for vegetarian.
• Takes Reservations?Yes. +506 2755 0109
• Opening Hours:12:00PM–10:00PM. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Rating:4.5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

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5. Soda Kawe

I have mixed feelings about Soda Kawe. It always feels a bit unorganized and not overly clean here, but the food is good.

This is where we always go for a traditional Costa Rican breakfast before hiking in the Cahuita National Park. They always have a good selection of fresh fruit juices and I love their arepas.

This traditional restaurant is also open for lunch and dinner.

• Price Point:$
• Vegetarian Options?They have a few vegetarian options.
• Takes Reservations?No
• Opening Hours:5:30 am to 7:00 pm daily
• Rating:5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

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8. El Encanto Restaurante

This is probably the nicest restaurant in the Cahuita area. It is located on the property of the beautiful El Encanto Hotel. They serve elevated Costa Rican cuisine, pizzas, pastas, etc. There is a strong focus on fresh ingredients here.

• Price Point:$$$
• Vegetarian Options?There are vegetarian-friendly pizzas and starters
• Takes Reservations?You can call them at +506 2755 0113
• Opening Hours:2:30PM–9:30PM daily.
• Rating:5/5 stars on TripAdvisor

Get More Info on El Encanto Restaurante

Other Things to Know About Eating in Cahuita

• ​​If you would like to buy food, there are a few grocery stores in Cahuita. I like the Super Vaz #2 which is located just before the national park entrance.
• If you plan to hike the national park I suggest bringing plenty of water and snacks with you. It can be very hot and humid. There is no place to buy food within the park.
• Most restaurants in Cahuita do not have websites. Some may have Facebook pages, but some don’t have their menu listed. You will usually have to stop at the restaurant if you want to check out the menu.
• If you have any food allergies, definitely let your waiter know. I suggest carrying a card with your allergies translated into Spanish to prevent any language-related miscommunication. As someone with a potentially deadly seafood allergy, I get it! The struggle is real.
• Most places take cash and credit card, but it is best to check before eating. There is one ATM in town at Banco de Costa Rica, if you need.
• Tipping is not required in Costa Rica, but it is becoming more and more common. You can find out more in our guide to tipping.
• You can drink the tap water in Cahuita. However, I would still suggest buying bottled water just to be on the safe side. We like to buy large jugs and just refill our water bottles as needed.
• If you would like a greater selection of restaurants you can always head south to Puerto Viejo.

Check out our complete guide to Cahuita for more info on the area

Conclusion: Restaurants in Cahuita

In conclusion, there are several amazing restaurant options for all budgets and food interests in the small Caribbean beach town of Cahuita. You’re bound to find something delicious to eat.

If you have any questions about planning your trip to Cahuita, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you plan!