Where to Eat in Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica
Looking for the best places to eat near Playa Avellanas?
Playa Avellanas isn’t the kind of place with a restaurant on every corner, and that’s part of what makes it special. Instead, you get a small handful of spots that are genuinely worth your time. Beachfront classics where you can sink your feet in the sand, casual places that hit perfectly after a surf session, and a few great options nearby when you want a proper sit-down dinner.
Think fresh seafood, cold drinks, casados, sunset views, and meals that accidentally turn into a long hang.
Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or a full week, these are the spots that make eating in Playa Avellanas feel like part of the trip, not something you’re rushing to squeeze in.
Let’s get into it.
Our Favorite Spots in and around Playa Avellanas
Restauarants nearby
Corazón Surf Café
A laid-back café in Los Pargos, just minutes from Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra. It’s a favorite morning stop for surfers and locals, serving specialty coffee, fresh juices, smoothie bowls, and healthy breakfast plates. The vibe is relaxed and beachy, with plenty of shade and a welcoming community feel.
Right in front of the café, there’s a great local skatepark, which adds to the ambiance. You’ll often see kids and teens skating while you sip your coffee, giving the whole place a fun, energetic, pura vida feel.
It’s the kind of spot where you grab a flat white before a surf or linger over brunch while watching the skate session roll on.
Soulshine
A boutique restaurant, redefines brunch in Playa Avellanas. Run by Israeli expats and close friends of our family, this spot has become a local favorite for a hearty and homemade brunch experience.
Must-Try Items:
Shakshuka: A rich and flavorful North African dish with poached eggs in a spicy tomato and pepper stew, epitomizing the taste of the Mediterranean.
Rise and Shine Breakfast: An inviting platter adorned with an array of tasty extras, offering a hearty start to your day.
French Toast: Fresh challah bread that melt in your mouth, served with fresh tropical fruit and homemade coconut caramel
Mycelium
A fusion of flavors defies the norm, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual coastal cuisine. They ask guests to leave their shoes at the door. It’s a nice destination for those craving a unique gastronomic adventure with beautiful presentation. Mycelium offers a interesting ambiance with diverse seating options, ranging from traditional tables to cozy low tables adorned with cushioned seats, along with a welcoming bar area.
Brunch, gelato and coffee 10am-2pm - Dinners and cocktails 6pm-10pm
Fuego Vivo
A lively, open-air grill known for its wood-fired cooking and relaxed evening vibe. Inspired by Argentine-style asado, the menu features empanadas, burgers, sandwiches, and quality cuts of meat cooked over an open flame, along with simple sides and good drinks.
Set in the courtyard of La Esquina, it has a social, laid-back atmosphere where families, surfers, and locals gather after a long beach day. String lights, the smell of the fire, and the buzz of conversation give it that easy, tropical energy Avellanas is known for.
It’s the kind of place you head for a casual dinner, share a bottle of wine or a cold beer, and settle in for a slow, pura vida night under the trees.
Cabinas Las Olas
The restaurant and bar is located next to the estuary and the famous pedestrian wooden bridge that leads you to the beach through the mangroves. If you use the pedestrian bridge be sure to stop and enjoy breakfast, lunch, or dinner or even just a drink at the bar. They have fantastic fish/shrimp tacos. As you dine, the sound of monkeys and the scent of the sea envelop you, offering a true mangrove dining adventure.
Must-Try Items-
Fish Tacos: A delightful combination of fresh fish, zesty sauces, and crisp vegetables, encapsulated in a warm tortilla.
Shrimp Tacos: Succulent shrimp, expertly seasoned and nestled in a taco shell, promising a burst of flavor in every bite.
Relaxing Cocktails: Sip on a variety of refreshing cocktails that complement the setting, bringing a sense of relaxation to your dining experience.
Soda Las Palmas
Soda Las Palmas, a hidden gem along the route to Tamarindo, is a modest cafeteria-style establishment that captures the authentic essence of Costa Rican cuisine. This “soda” embraces offering a delightful glimpse into the heart of Costa Rican culture. While English may not be their forte, a simple point at your desired dish will suffice, and they'll gladly serve it up. Indulge in generous portions of rice, beans, chicken or steak with veggies, fried plantains, and a refreshing salad, accompanied by delicious local fruit juices. The warm and inviting atmosphere at Soda Las Palmas mirrors the laid-back and hospitable spirit of Costa Rica.
Must-Try Items:
Casado: A quintessential Costa Rican dish comprising rice, black beans, plantains, salad, a choice of meat, and often picadillo (a mix of vegetables).
Arroz con Pollo: A flavorful and comforting dish of rice and chicken, accented with spices and vegetables. sip of paradise with every taste.
Il Rustico
Il Rustico offers a delightful culinary experience that perfectly complements beach weather. The Italian owners, hailing from the central Italian city of Rimini near Bologna, have graciously brought their grandmothers' recipes to the shores of Costa Rica. We recommend going for dinner and making a reservation beforehand via WhatsApp.
Must-Try Items:
Jumbo Shrimp Salad: A tantalizing salad featuring jumbo shrimp, buffalo mozzarella, arugala and an assortment of fresh vegetables.
Homemade Pizzas: A variety of pizzas made from scratch, topped with the finest ingredients and baked to perfection in a wood-fired oven.
Lolas
One of the area’s most iconic beachfront restaurants, set right on the sand with front-row views of the Pacific. Known for its laid-back atmosphere and famous resident pig, Lola’s is the kind of place where you can spend the entire afternoon barefoot, moving between your table, the beach, and the bar.
The menu blends fresh seafood, fish tacos, ceviche, burgers, and tropical cocktails, making it perfect for everything from a long lunch to sunset drinks. As the day winds down, the sky lights up over the ocean and the whole place takes on that classic Avellanas magic.
It’s casual, fun, and full of pura vida energy. Come for a meal, stay for the sunset, and don’t be surprised if you end up lingering a little longer than planned.
