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It’s not hard to see why restaurants in Playa Flamingo are cherished by the locals and foreigners alike. The unspoiled Flamingo beach makes a great place to chill under the sun and have all sorts of fun in its gentle waters.
But let’s face it.
A moment comes when all you want is to sit for a sip of the local “coco loco” or enjoy seafood while taking in the magnificent ocean views in a cool restaurant.
Now, I have had my fair share of crappy beach restaurants, and also, I know that heavenly feeling of enjoying a friendly ambience and good food while on an exotic beach trip.
Thankfully, Playa Flamingo is home to a handful of restaurants that are sure to serve food and drinks that suit your taste with a picturesque view of the Costa Rica sunset and ocean waves.
We list five of our favorite Playa Flamingo restaurants (in no particular order) and what you can expect from them. Let’s go!
The Best Restaurants In Playa Flamingo Costa Rica
#1
Angelina’s Restaurant And Bar
Angelina’s has an elegant ambience, coupled with an exquisite interior decor.
First off, its elegant setting on a hill creates the perfect spot for fine dining with a significant other or a lavish night out.
It is run by classical chef, Joseph Muracia, who loves to use locally sourced ingredients to bring the globally inspired menu to life.
Angelina’s takes pride in the freshness of their ingredients and meals. For instance, its artisan cheese and meat comes from nearby farms and supplies for fish comes from the catch of the day.
Thanks to its Italian heritage, Angelina’s is a one-stop restaurant for sizzling pizzas and well-sauced homemade pizza on Flamingo beach. Don’t forget to save some space in your belly for a delicious dessert though.
Pampered in a Romantic Setting
Finally, customer service at Angelina’s is outright fantastic. Trust me. It’s no hype.
Then again, for such deluxe dining experience, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the menu pricing is close to western standards.
On a final note, if you really cherish the delicacies, you can book their catering services for large or small special occasions and share the taste with loved ones.
What To Expect
Cuisines:
Italian, Pizza, Seafood, Central American, and International
Serves special vegetarian, vegan-friendly and gluten-free options
Also, they serve for special occasions, large groups and business meetings.
Amenities:
On-site parking available. Street parking.
Free Wi-Fi
Television
Wheelchair accessible
High chairs available
Customer Service:
Waiter Service
Table Service
Take out option
Accepts cash, MasterCard, VisaCard and Credit Cards
Opening Hours: Opens every day except Tuesdays 5 pm to 9:30 pm.
Phone: +506 2654 4839
#2
Coco Loco
Coco Loco’s offers a view of the beach and their signature drink – coco loco (coconut cocktail).
It is an open-air restaurant that offers you the luxury of supping outdoor and enjoying a magnificent view of the sunset, sand, and ocean waves. Apparently, it’s one of a few Playa Flamingo establishments with a sitting area right on the sands of the beach.
Drinks on the Bay
Coco Loco has a casual, beach house vibe and is a great place to try out some of Costa Rica’s local delicacies. Of course, they also serve international cuisines for lunch and dinner you can settle for if you are not the adventurous type.
The drink service is just as versatile with a menu ranging from smoothies to lemonade, coffee, and signature cocktails. For one thing, you should not miss out the well-known coconut cocktail if you visit the restaurant.
On a final note, the bar/restaurant closes annually during the rainy season (between September and November). The reason behind this is quite obvious, since it’s an open-air restaurant.
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What To Expect
Cuisines:
Seafood, Caribbean, and Latin
Serves vegetarian and vegan-friendly options and also gluten-free meals.
Amenities:
Street Parking
Free Wi-Fi
Wheelchair accessible
Full Bar
High chairs available
Outdoor seating
Customer Service:
Waiter Service
Table Service
Take out option
Accepts cash, MasterCard, VisaCard and Credit Cards
Opening Hours: Opens every day from 11 am to 9 pm.
Phone: +506 2654 6242
#3
Surf Box
Head out to Marina Flamingo and you’ll find Surf Box, a chill spot with great food, fresh ingredients, and a great view of the boat assortment as you relax.
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, it’s in top form for brunch, well-known for its delicious fruit smoothies, homemade bagels with avocado, ricotta pancakes, and tropical tacos.
Marina Cafes are the Best
Revving up with breakfast for a morning of snorkeling up the Costa Rica coast? Grabbing a smoothie before exploring the rain forest on one of many tours, or having a late lunch before your choice of sunset cruises with your friends?
Surf Box makes the short list for local restaurants you and your family will love.
What To Expect
Cuisines:
Smoothies and acai bowls, breakfast burrito bowls, tropical tacos, and Cuban sandwiches.
Vegetarian and vegan-friendly options and gluten-free meals.
Amenities:
Parking at the marina
Free Wifi
Indoor and outdoor seating (outdoor is communal)
Wheelchair accessible
Full Bar
High chairs available
Customer Service:
Seat reservations available
Waiter Service
Takeout option
Accepts cash, MasterCard, VisaCard and Credit Cards
Opening Hours: Opens every day from 8 am to 9:00 pm
Phone: +506 8349 9773
#4
Gracia La Vid
If you’re taking suggestions from those in the know, head to Gracia La Vid. It is a favorite of Costa Rica residents and tourists love it, too. Located a short drive to the south of Marina Flamingo, La Vid offers wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and cheese assortments that will make your mouth water.
With exquisite dough, fresh toppings, and perfect baking techniques, these pizzas are out of this world.
Unpretentious but Upscale Feel
Pair this fantastic Italian food with a wide selection of fine wines, and you’re in heaven. Families returning back to Flamingo from a swim in the Pacific Ocean or a day at the pool couldn’t ask for a better way to cap off the day.
A warm community feel, a low-key elegant vibe, and an indoor/outdoor setup begging for relaxing with a glass of wine or signature cocktail under the Costa Rica stars- sounds good to me.
It’s a small place, so reservations are recommended during the high season.
What To Expect
Cuisines:
Italian
Amenities:
Street Parking
Free Wi-Fi
Television
Full Bar
Wheelchair accessible
High chairs available
Customer Service:
Waiter Service
Table Service
Take out option
Serves alcohol – Wine, cocktails, and beer.
Accepts cash, MasterCard, VisaCard and Credit Cards
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday through Sunday from 4:00 pm – 9:30 pm (last seating)
Phone: +506-7054-3498
#5
A’lo Nico Restaurant
A’lo Nico is the best place in town to eat pineapple pancakes
If you are looking for a typical open-air style restaurant that provides a structural concept that still offers protection from the elements, A Lo Nico will be the right place for you. They have accomplished exactly that while a seat at almost any angle in the building still offers a scenic view of the ocean waters.
A Fantastic Fusion
An establishment of a jovial French couple, A Lo Nico offers a blend of International, Central American and local Costa Rican cuisines. As a result of the variety of menu options, it can satisfy the cravings of its foreign and local customers.
That said, the menu serves lots of typical American delights like cheeseburgers, beef burger and many sandwich options. A must try if you visit this spot is their special Chicken Shawarma.
Also, if you are a lover of pancakes, A Lo Nico’s pineapple pancakes are one of a kind. Plus, they serve some of the best smoothies in town.
What makes this location even more enticing is the fact that the dishes are made by locals with fresh locally sourced ingredients. This drive to be excellent is also displayed the great customer service from not only the waiters but also the owners that give the whole experience a much more personalized touch.
In the end, you can be sure to enjoy your meal while still having the breezy beach atmosphere. In my opinion, I would put A Lo Nico right at the top of the best Playa Flamingo restaurants.
What To Expect
Cuisines:
International, Central American, Costa Rican
Serves vegan-friendly and gluten-free options.
Amenities:
Street Parking
Free Wifi
Wheelchair accessible
High chairs available
Indoor and outdoor seating
Customer Service:
Seat reservations
Waiter Service
Table Service
Delivery Service
Take out option
Accepts cash, MasterCard, VisaCard, Discover and Credit Cards
Opening Hours: Opens Mondays to Saturdays from 8 am to 5 pm.
Phone: +506 2654 4008
So Many Choices, So Little Time
Playa Flamingo restaurants have a ton to offer, no matter your tastes, dietary preferences, and what you’re in the mood to eat. Whether you want to chill at the marina and watch a boat parade go by, relax after nature tours, or listen to live music with your toes in the sand, you can do it here.
The good news? If you want breakfast at A’lo Nico, a full brunch at the Surf Box, oceanfront service at Coco Loco’s, an incredible romantic evening at Angelina’s, or delectable dining at Gracia La Vid, you can have it all here in Costa Rica.
With vacation rentals perfectly situated near these top 5 restaurants, guests will be set up for culinary ecstasy.
Reach out to Special Places of Costa Rica to find your perfect Playa Flamingo vacation rental today.
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