Fine dining, beach bars, local sodas, and cafes worth your time. Every listing checked against live sources.
Samara's 10 verified restaurants are led by 6 general restaurants including El Colibri Hotel & Steak House and Gusto Beach Club, plus 2 cafes, a straightforward beach-town lineup spread across Samara and Playa Carrillo.
Playa Carrillo
A French-leaning restaurant set in the garden of La Tropicale Beach Lodge in Playa Carrillo. It is known for generous portions and reasonable prices, with dishes such as seafood pasta, lobster, and gambas. The garden setting and friendly service are frequently praised by visitors.
Playa Carrillo
Hillside steak house above Playa Carrillo specializing in Argentine-style grilled meats, open for dinner with seasonal lunch service. The property is also a small hotel with cabinas, two pools, and a jacuzzi. Catering and event menus are available.
Samara
Beachfront wood-fired grill on Playa Samara that started as a beach bar in 1996 and now serves steaks, fish, seafood, vegetarian plates, and wood-fired pizza. Beef comes from cattle raised in the Arenal foothills. The restaurant takes reservations daily from 3pm to 9pm.
Samara
Counter-service Middle Eastern cafe in central Playa Samara specializing in homemade falafel, pita wraps, and hummus with a Costa Rican twist, made with locally sourced ingredients. Open Monday through Saturday noon to 4pm and Sunday noon to 3pm. Cash only, in colones or dollars.
Samara
Beachfront Italian restaurant and beach club on Playa Samara, open from breakfast through dinner with a menu by Chef Stefano Montalti built around Italian recipes, local fish, and produce. The property includes sun loungers, a bar, a kids' area, and a beachwear shop, and hosts live music. It opened in 2010.
Playa Carrillo
Italian and Mediterranean restaurant and bar in a wooden building near the last bridge into Playa Carrillo, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The bar opens at 2pm and dinner service runs from 5pm to 10pm. Known for sunset views from its elevated dining area.
Samara
A specialty coffee shop in the heart of Samara that roasts its own beans and keeps a pastry chef on staff for fresh baked goods, brunch, and sandwiches. The cuisine leans French and bakery-focused, with espresso drinks and house-roasted coffee. It operates two locations in town and is open daily from 7am to 4:30pm.
Samara
Pizzeria and restaurant in Playa Samara specializing in wood-fired pizzas with 48-hour fermented sourdough, fresh Pacific seafood ceviches and grilled octopus, and homemade Italian pastas. Open Tuesday and Wednesday 4pm to 9:30pm, Thursday through Sunday noon to 9:30pm, closed Mondays.
Samara
Beachfront bar and restaurant on Playa Samara serving breakfast, a main menu of traditional dishes, a sushi bar, and a BBQ grill menu. The same property rents bungalows, cabins, and an apartment, and helps guests arrange surf, yoga, massage, and tours.
Samara
Family-run Costa Rican soda a few meters north of Hotel Pequeno Geco Verde in Playa Samara, offering casados, ceviche mixto, and arroz con pollo at local prices. Offers free delivery within greater Samara. A straightforward, affordable option for families and couples.
Gusto Beach Club is a verified restaurant option right on the sand in Samara.
Yes, El Colibri Hotel & Steak House in Playa Carrillo is a verified option.
Falafel Cafe is a verified option in town.
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