7 Restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica You Shouldn’t Miss

Looking for the best restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica? We’ve found them!

The Monteverde region of Costa Rica is known for its stunning cloud forests, countless hiking trails and fabulous boutique eco-lodges. 

However, while visiting, we also found that Monteverde offers numerous fantastic restaurants that will rival, if not surpass, many of the great restaurants we frequent at home.

We’re going to give you our list of favorites and what we feel are the best restaurants in Monteverde and hopefully they’ll become your favorites too!

Keep in mind, while our list highlights restaurants with a more elevated dining experience, Monteverde also has plenty of cozy local diners, known as sodas, so there’s truly something for everyone

Our Picks For The Best Restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica

You wouldn’t think that such a remote destination would offer such great dining options but Monteverde definitely delivers.

The options for cuisine are a great mix of Costa Rican and international dishes with only the freshest ingredients. There are even vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on most menus.

Dining in Monteverde is definitely at a slower pace which allows you to fully enjoy not only the experience but your surroundings as well. 

Whether you’re sipping your coffee while gazing at the cloud forest in the distance or dining in the trees under the stars, it’s all about enjoying the moment.

1. Restaurante Thomas & Thiago – $$

Thomas & Thiago is a popular dining spot located along the main road that runs between Santa Elena and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

There is free parking available in front of the restaurant although there aren’t many spots so you may need to improvise if you have a rental car.

Why We Like This Restaurant

The restaurant has a cozy and unpretentious atmosphere which is nice if you’ve spent the day exploring and just want to kick back and enjoy a casual meal. This isn’t a gourmet restaurant so think of it more as having a home-cooked quality to its dishes. As a bonus, the prices are reasonable for what you get.

It’s located in close proximity to many of the area hotels. It’s especially convenient if you’re staying at Koora Hotel or Senda Monteverde since it’s not far from the road that leads to these two hotels.

The restaurant has a very extensive menu so it would be difficult to not find something you’ll like. From beef and chicken dishes to pasta and seafood, they have so many different options.

Must-Try Dishes

We stuck mainly with the pasta dishes including the spinach ravioli and pesto tortellini and both were perfectly cooked. Someone in our group did order a steak and they said it was just okay. Take it for what it’s worth.

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.6

Address 

Frente a El Hotel Heliconia Cerro Plano Monteverde,
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve 
60109 Costa Rica
Phone – +506 8584 9602

Opening Hours

Sunday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Monday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Tuesday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Wednesday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Thursday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Friday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Saturday – 11:00 AM – 9:45 PM

2. Restaurante Kiré at Koora Hotel – $$$

Restaurante Kiré is another one of our favorites. The views and atmosphere alone are worth a visit.

Located in the Koora Hotel, you reach the restaurant by following the path that leads towards the guest rooms. Set high on a hill, the sunset views are nothing short of spectacular so if you’re able to time your reservation just right, you won’t be disappointed.

Why We Like This Restaurant

Koora Hotel is our favorite hotel in the Monteverde region and this is due in part to Kiré.

It’s a calm escape tucked into the hills of Monteverde, with a view that made the whole meal feel a little more special.

Between the views and the thoughtfully planned menu, you can’t go wrong with indulging in a meal here.

Must-Try Dishes

The breakfast menu offers some of the typical breakfast items you would expect to find such as pancakes and french toast but they also offer a traditional Costa Rican breakfast and an omelet that’s out of this world. If you want to start your day out right, start it here!

Dinner was just as amazing. We started with a tuna and pineapple appetizer and the heart-of-palm salad. Both were fantastic.

These were followed by a skirt steak and gratin portobello mushroom which were equally delicious. Everything was beautifully presented without feeling fussy.

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.8

Address 

Cerro Plano, 300 meters northeast of the Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) Monteverde, Puntarenas
60109 Costa Rica
Phone – +506 4000 3385

Opening Hours

Breakfast: 7:00am – 9:00am
Lunch: 11:30am – 5:00pm
Dinner: 5:00pm – 9:00pm

3. Restaurante El Sapo at Senda Monteverde – $$$

El Sapo is an amazing restaurant all around. From the menu to the ambiance and everything in between, you can’t go wrong with this restaurant.

Located at the Senda Monteverde hotel, the views from the patio are absolutely amazing. It’s a great place to enjoy a drink before or after dinner.

Why We Like This Restaurant

When we arrived at this restaurant, our first thought was that whoever designed it knew what they were doing. Not only does it have a fantastic view of the cloud forest but it also has a cozy indoor lounge and an outdoor patio with firepits.

Add to it the fact that they make most of their sauces, dressings and bread in-house and you’ve got yourself one great restaurant!

If we had been in Monteverde longer, we would’ve gone back in a heartbeat.

Must-Try Dishes

There’s nothing I like better on a cool night than a warm soup so the butternut squash cream was a must for me but we also ordered the oysters which is a must for us whenever they’re on a menu. We’d recommend both to anyone.

We love that there’s a great balance of traditional Costa Rican flavors and modern twists, and they cater really well to dietary needs whether it’s gluten-free, vegetarian, you name it.

The atmosphere is just as memorable. Whether you’re sipping a cocktail or catching sunset views from the balcony, it’s a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.9

Address

250m norte del BCR en Cerro Plano 
Provincia de Puntarenas, Monteverde 
60109, Costa Rica
Phone – +18663804032

Opening Hours

Breakfast 6:30 am – 10:00 am 
Lunch 11:30 am – 3:15 pm 
Happy Hour 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm 
Dinner 6:00 pm – 9:15 pm

4. Cervecería Belmar – $$

Cervecería Belmar is a tap room and beer garden located at Hotel Belmar. This is a great option if you’re looking for something casual without a lot of fluff.

They offer both indoor and outdoor seating. The indoor seating is very limited with only a few small tables but you’ll be given a choice when you arrive if both options are available.

The tap room is located further down the hill from the hotel and overlooks a scenic pond. If you make it all the way to the hotel, you’ve gone too far. You’ll need to park along the side of the road and then follow the long path down to the restaurant.

Why We Like This Restaurant

As much as we enjoy fine dining, sometimes we’re just as happy with a beer and burger. Cervecería Belmar was just what we needed after a long day of traveling.

We also love that they didn’t try to rush anyone. There’s an outdoor deck that overlooks the pond which is lit up at night. It’s a great place to hang out and sip on drinks. 

They also have boardgames available which is a nice touch. There were a few groups of people chatting, drinking and playing games when we visited. It was definitely a relaxed atmosphere.

Must-Try Dishes

The items of choice for our group were the beef burger and grilled cheese. The grilled cheese was pretty much just a grilled cheese which worked for me. Everyone else ordered the burgers and the consensus was that they were fantastic. 

If you decide to go, the burger is definitely our recommendation. Pair it with a tall glass of beer and you’ll be in heaven. We also highly recommend the ice cream sandwiches for dessert. So good!

TripAdvisor Rating – 5.0

Address

300 meters east of the gas station 
Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Phone – +50626455201

Opening Hours

Sunday – 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Monday – 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday – 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday – 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday – 11:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday – 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

5. San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience – $$$

If you’re looking for a truly unique experience, the San Lucas Treetop Dining Experience is just what you need. 

This fine dining experience is located at the Chira Glamping Hotel and is about as unique as it gets. You can choose between a 6-course or 9-course pre-set menu. 

Dining here is definitely an experience so be sure to set aside your evening. 

Why We Like This Restaurant

We love this restaurant not only because of the uniqueness of it, but the food is beyond amazing. It’s a true private dining experience with each of the tables on a raised platform with glass walls so you have an unobstructed view of your surroundings.

It gets bonus points for me because I love that you don’t know what the menu is in advance. This may not be for everyone but I like the idea of not having to make a decision about what to eat. I have to do that every night of my life for the other 364 days of the year. 

Must-Try Dishes

As mentioned earlier, you don’t know what the menu is prior to sitting down and the menu is always changing. However, there wasn’t anything we had that wasn’t amazing.

Dining at San Lucas Treetop is not just about the meal. It’s a slow, sensory experience. The multi-course tasting menu is beautifully crafted, blending Costa Rican ingredients with gourmet techniques.

The setting is what makes it unforgettable. With the candlelight, open-air views, and the cloud forest all around, if you’re looking for something truly special in Monteverde, this is it.

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.8

Address

Provincia de Puntarenas 
Monteverde, 60109, Costa Rica
Phone – +506 8456 1022

Opening Hours

Sunday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Monday – 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday – 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM

6. Endémica Restaurant at Cloud Forest Lodge – $$

Endémica Restaurant was a really nice surprise. Located within the Cloud Forest Lodge, it reminded us of some of the small lodge-style restaurants that we love in the White Mountains.

When you walk in, there’s a cozy lounge area to the left with a large fireplace surrounded by chairs. You’re able to sit here with a pre or post dinner drink or a hot chocolate to get the full on cozy vibe. The kitchen opens up to the dining room which is decorated with warm wood tones. 

There’s also an outdoor deck with views to die for. This is especially nice in the morning for breakfast.

Why We Like This Restaurant

We really loved the outdoor dining for breakfast. You can sip your coffee and watch the hummingbirds fight over the feeders that line the deck. It’s also fun to watch people zip-lining overhead letting out either screams of terror or enjoyment. We couldn’t really figure out which it was. 

Must-Try Dishes

We highly suggest stopping in for breakfast if you’re able to. Their brioche french toast, pancakes, breakfast sandwich and pinto burrito all get two thumbs up. The fruit bowls were amazing too.

For dinner, we tried the tortellini and the ossobuco which were very tasty. 

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.5

Address

Puntarenas Province
Monteverde, Costa Rica 
Phone – +506 4070 0420

Opening Hours

Sunday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Monday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday – 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM

7. Celajes Restaurant at Hotel Belmar – $$$

Celajes Restaurant is another restaurant that takes full advantage of the amazing views surrounding Hotel Belmar. 

The hotel sits high on a hill and the restaurant is located towards the front of the building looking out towards the cloud forest.

Why We Like This Restaurant

Celajes is definitely an upscale dining experience with a quality menu that matches the atmosphere. Known for its farm-to-table ingredients, it’s difficult to not want to try everything on the menu.

Must-Try Dishes

I’m definitely an avocado toast kind of girl, so I make it a point to try it wherever I go. This spot didn’t disappoint. If you’re stopping by for breakfast, that’s my top pick. Lewis, on the other hand, went straight for the chilaquiles with egg and ranchera sauce and couldn’t get enough.

For dinner, start with the shrimp dumplings, seriously, they’re amazing. For our mains, I went with the seabass (my go-to when dining out since I never cook it at home), and Lewis had the beef tenderloin. I tried both, and honestly, we’d recommend either.

And don’t leave without trying their handcrafted cocktails! The Sparkling Passion was a standout—made with Cacique, passionfruit, vanilla, cinnamon, lime, and prosecco. It’s as delicious as it sounds—a total winner.

TripAdvisor Rating – 4.7

Address

300 meters east of the gas station 
Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Phone – +50626455201

Opening Hours

Breakfast 6:30 am – 10:00 am 
Lunch 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm 
Tico Time – Happy Hour 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm 
Dinner 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Tips for Dining in Monteverde

When visiting Monteverde restaurants, you’ll want to be prepared prior to arrival especially if you’re visiting during the peak season. Here are some tips to help make sure your dining experience is flawless.

• Make Advance Reservations – Reservations are recommended for upscale spots (especially in high season). Some of the restaurants are small, such as the San Lucas Dining Experience which only has 8 tables. As you can imagine, these book up quickly in the peak tourist months.
• Don’t Forget To Tip – Generally speaking, most restaurants add a 10% tip to the bill. However, if you feel that someone has gone above and beyond, feel free to leave a bit more.
• Have Some Cash On Hand – The restaurants on this list all take credit cards. However, if you visit some of the smaller local diners (called sodas), they may not take credit cards.
• Immerse Yourself In the Local Cuisine – Ask for local dishes like olla de carne or natilla. Sampling the local cuisine will give you the true Costa Rican experience.

How To Get To Monteverde

Our favorite ways to get around Costa Rica are by rental car, shared shuttle, and private transfer. Not sure which one’s right for you? Here’s a quick breakdown of each option, plus a few things to consider before you decide.

Rental Cars

We love renting a car in Costa Rica—it gives us the flexibility to explore at our own pace and venture off the beaten path. If you’re thinking of doing the same, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Road Conditions Can Be Tricky – The drive to Monteverde starts out smooth on paved roads, but eventually transitions into a winding, unpaved route through the mountains. This stretch can be tough to navigate any time of year, and especially challenging during the rainy season. We highly recommend renting a 4×4 to handle the rough terrain with confidence. You can read more about driving in Costa Rica here.
• Navigation Isn’t Always Easy – Road signs are often missing or unclear, which can make getting around a bit confusing. A GPS or navigation app with offline maps is a must.
• Parking Isn’t Always Simple – While most hotels offer parking, finding a spot in smaller hilltop towns can be a bit of a challenge, especially during peak times.

Shared Shuttle Service

If you’re not quite up for the adventure of driving in Costa Rica, shared shuttles are a convenient and affordable way to get to Monteverde.

These shuttles operate between most major tourist destinations, as well as from both San José and Liberia airports. They’re a budget-friendly alternative to private transfers, though they do take a bit longer due to scheduled stops for picking up and dropping off other passengers.

Need a shared shuttle from San José? Click here.
Coming from Liberia? Click here.

Private Transfers

If you’re looking for a more direct and comfortable option, a private transfer might be the way to go. You’ll enjoy door-to-door service without any extra stops—unless you want them. With a little advance planning, you can arrange scenic or cultural stops along the way, making the journey part of the experience.

Many drivers also share local insights during the ride, giving it a more personal touch. Private transfers are available between all major destinations, including San José and Liberia airports.

Booking from San José? Click here.
Flying into Liberia? Click here.

Where To Stay In Monteverde

Monteverde has some great boutique hotels and eco-lodges. If you’re looking for some recommendations, these are a couple of our favorites. For more info about where to stay in Monteverde, check out this post.

Koora Hotel – $$$

If you’re looking for only the best, Koora Hotel is for you. With its bungalow-style rooms and multi-level suites, all with private balconies and stunning views, you can’t go wrong with this hotel. It’s also one of the only hotels in the area that offers both air conditioning and televisions in their rooms.

Koora Hotel is also centrally located between Santa Elena and the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve making it convenient to area activities and restaurants.

Prices here range from $350 per night to $1,200 per night depending on the room category and season. Rates include breakfast.

You can book your stay at Koora Hotel here.

Cloud Forest Lodge – $$

Cloud Forest Lodge is a great mid-range eco-lodge located just outside downtown Santa Elena. Set high on a hill, the hotel offers large guest rooms, all with private balconies.

This is where The Original Canopy Tour is located so if a canopy tour is on your bucket list, it doesn’t get any more convenient than this.

Pricing ranges from $250 to $500 per night depending on the room category and time of year.

FAQs

Is it worth going to Monteverde Costa Rica?

Monteverde is definitely worth going to especially if you enjoy outdoor activities such as bird watching or hiking. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers and photographers but it’s also a fantastic destination for anyone that is looking for a quiet getaway.

What to wear in Monteverde, Costa Rica?

You should be prepared for varying weather in Monteverde. Its climate is much cooler than the beach areas of Costa Rica with rain and wind being a common occurrence. We definitely recommend bringing a rain jacket, pants and hiking boots.

Is there food at Monteverde Cloud Forest?

The Cloud Forest Reserve has a gift shop and a place to grab a quick bite to eat. Some of its menu items include things like pizza and sandwiches. There are other options in the surrounding area including the town of Santa Elena.

In a Nutshell: Best Restaurants in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde is a great destination for all kinds of outdoor activities but don’t overlook the fantastic restaurants in the area because they’ll only add to your already great experience.

Whether you’re looking for a casual restaurant after a long day of hiking or a fine dining restaurant to celebrate a special event, Monteverde has it all!

You’ll find everything from pizza and burgers to seafood and steak so there’s no need to worry about lack of variety.

Many restaurants in Monteverde offer spectacular views of the cloud forest so if you’re able to dine at sunset, this is a must. Just be sure to make reservations far in advance since this is a popular dining time.

Wherever you decide to dine, enjoy the experience. After all, you’re in Costa Rica!

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