Restaurants

Locals call our immediate geographical area the Gourmet Capital of Costa Rica. You will find a number of truly gourmet restaurants at exceptional value just 15-20 min from the house.
Some of our favourites are (in no particular order):

Exotica: A jewel of a find in the jungle! They serve a fusion of Thai, vietnamese, French and Costa Rican dishes. They also have an impressive wine list as well. Their presentations are beautiful and desserts to dies for! Although it is easy to find, you have to keep your eyes open for its sign as it just looks like jungle from the road, but once you walk through the entrance. a garden oasis appears.

Citrus: A welcoming atmosphere, fabulous food and wine. Excellent friendly service. Definitely at the top of our list!

Terraba: This one is quite new but has quickly become one of our favourite spots. It has the appearance more typical of Costa Rican restaurants but the cuisine is a definite fusion of Costa Rica and international foods.

Ballena Bistro (the Goathouse): Fresh, local (most from the gardens around the restaurant) organic well prepared foods. A nicely diversified menu and with specials every day and home made ice cream! This restaurant is only open for lunch. This place is probably the furthest from our house (20 minutes) but right on the Costanera between Uvita and Ojochal so great place to stop in for lunch on your way into or back from town! http://www.ballenabistro.com

Aracari Restaurant at La Cusinga Lodge: Beautiful setting in the jungle with ocean vistas. Go in daylight to admire the view. http://www.lacusingalodge.com/aracari-restaurant-costa-rica/

Villa Leonor Beach Club: One of our favourite hangouts. Villa Leonor has private access to Ballena beach. So we like to go there and hang out at the beach for a a while (I like the walk the beach while my husband plays in the waves) and then come back and enjoy a nice meal. They are geniuses with the BBQ! Everything is freshly prepared on the spot when it is ordered, so the wait might be a bit longer but it is well worth it! You can safely park your car there too while enjoying the beach.

Mama e Papa: You guessed, Italian food and they do it very well. Nice jungle setting and friendly family service.

For more information visit
www.ballenatales.com search: Ojochal Restaurants