The Best Places to Eat in Uvita, Costa Rica

More often than not when our guests book with us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, they email us asking about our home, Bahia Ballena – Uvita.

What’s the most common thing we get asked about? Food!

It’s only right that, as food lovers ourselves, we create a comprehensive guide for where to eat here in Uvita, Costa Rica.

Our guide is perfect for our guests (family, friends, couples, and solo travelers alike), as each option is walking distance from us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga!

You can trust us, we’ve been eating here since 2005 – that’s a delicious 17 years of food experience!

So without further ado, we present a list of some of our favorite places to eat here in Bahia Ballena – Uvita.

Buen provecho!

Indulge yourself in local Costa Rican cuisine

Kinsú Restaurante

• Cuisine: Costa Rican or Tico Cuisine
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 9pm; closed Thursday
• Price range: $8 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the quinoa bowl — our vote for the best on the menu!

This is one of our local favorites here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga – we recommend it to our guests every week.

Kinsú is a great spot for delicious local Costa Rican, or Tico cuisine. They cater to all kinds of dietary needs – they’re both vegetarian and vegan-friendly!

Aside from delicious food, they also have a bar serving drinks and cold local beer.

If you’re visiting Kinsú from us at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, it’s on the way to the beach so you’ll undoubtedly pass it a few times.

We always recommend the patacones (fried plantains) with the trio of dips and the quinoa bowl to our guests. My personal favorite is the Kinsu Ceviche, which is ceviche with coconut milk!

Restaurante Las Esferas

• Cuisine: Costa Rican or Tico Cuisine
• Hours of operation: 7am – 9pm everyday
• Price range: $10 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, seafood
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try their Casado Tipico

Las Esferas is on a pretty fun street – there’s loads of bars and other small restaurants. The street actually leads to the north entrance of the Marino Ballena National Park – where you can access Playa Uvita and our famous Whale’s Tail.

They’re popular for their Casados – which is a plate usually including meat or fish, rice, beans, salad, plantains, and vegetables.

Every restaurant may have their own twist or way of serving Casados. We definitely do here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga!

If you’ve just been surfing or walking the Whale’s Tail, Las Esferas is an ideal place to regain some energy after. They’re also known for their delicious fresh fruit smoothies.

Bar Restaurant Los Laureles

• Cuisine: Costa Rican or Tico Cuisine
• Hours of operation: 11am – 8:30; closed Saturday – Sunday
• Price range: $10 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, craft beer, vegan-friendly, gluten free options
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the pasta – the carbonara is delicious!

This restaurant is locally owned and is known for their upscaled style of local Costa Rican fare.

If you’re going to or coming back from the Uvita waterfall, it’s a great spot nearby to stop for some lunch or dinner.

Some favorites include patacones, tacos, quesadillas, and their renowned margaritas!

Los Laureles also has local draft beers – making it one of our favorite places to eat in Uvita, Costa Rica.

Restaurante Marino Ballena

• Cuisine: Costa Rican or Tico Cuisine, finger food, international fusion
• Hours of operation: 6am – 10pm from Tuesday – Saturday; 6am – 9pm from Sunday – Monday
• Price range: $5 – $12 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, Families and groups, live sports, cocktails
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the nachos – they’re loaded with delicious toppings

Marino Ballena, which translates to marine whale, is a bit of a cross between local and international style.

You can find local foods such as:

• Desayuno Tipico
• Casado Tipico
• Ceviche

As well as more international options, including pastas and curry.

Along with serving delicious food, Marino Ballena doubles as a sports bar. It’s a great place to go when the Costa Rica national futbol (soccer) team is playing!

Marino Ballena should be on your list of places to eat in Uvita!

Learn More about Uvita: There’s more to do in Uvita besides eat. Check out our video from Guest Experience Manager, George, here:

Hotel Bahia Azul Restaurant

• Cuisine: Costa Rican or Tico Cuisine, Caribbean fusion
• Hours of operation: 11am – 9pm, from Wednesday – Saturday; Sunday 11am – 7pm
• Price range: $5 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, seafood
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the Gallo Pinto – it’s what they’re known for!

This is a great spot to enjoy what is probably Costa Rica’s most famous dish, the Desayuno Tipico or Gallo Pinto.

The dish usually includes the Gallo Pinto itself (rice and beans), fried plantains, eggs, tortillas, and avocado. It’s genuinely a national treasure – our guests can’t get enough of it.

The restaurant is about a 10 minute walk from us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, and another 10 minutes to the Marino Ballena National Park. It’s not a bad place to grab a bite to eat after a surf lesson!

Experience Uvita’s international cuisine scene

Mystic Sushi

• Cuisine: Japanese, specifically sushi
• Hours of operation: 1:30pm – 10:30pm everyday
• Price range: $5 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, wine and cocktails, gluten-free options
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 10 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try a crunchy role

Amongst the staff here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, this is one of our all-time favorite places to eat in Uvita. The sushi is to die for.

It’s just a quick walk or bike ride from us, meaning it’s accessible from most places in Uvita.

Mystic has classic sushi rolls, such as the California Roll and other favorites, but they also have rolls that they put their own Tico spin on. For example, the Tico Roll has sweet plantain!

My personal favorites are the spicy tuna roll and crunchy roll – I get them both every time I go.

Carlito’s

• Cuisine: Tex-Mex fusion
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 9pm everyday; closed on Monday
• Price range: $5 – $10 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, cocktails, vegan-friendly, gluten-free options
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 1 minute walking. Find directions here
• Online: Check out their menu here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the quesadilla – hint: ask for the papaya chutney

Our next door neighbors!

Without fail, every single week we recommend our guests eat out at Carlito’s.

The food is a Tex-Mex fusion, and they’re renowned for their margaritas! Seriously, they’re delicious – strong, but delicious. They have a three drink limit!

Aside from having possibly the strongest margaritas in town, Carlito’s probably has the most flavors as well.

Whether you’re after something sweet, spicy, or anything in between – they have a margarita for it.

Restaurante Y Pizzería La Fogata

• Cuisine: Pizza and Italian
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 9pm everyday; closed Tuesday
• Price range: $8 – $20 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, fruit smoothies
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 5 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: You have to try the pizza – they have loads of options!

This is another restaurant very close to us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, that our guests often visit.

Their name, La Fogata, translates to The Fire – testament to their woodfire style of cooking their pizzas.

Not only are the pizzas delicious, but they also have vegetarian and vegan options!

I’m not vegan or vegetarian myself, but the vegetable pizza is my absolute favorite.

Whale Tail Brewery

• Cuisine: Pub food and artisanal beer
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 10pm everyday; closed Monday
• Price range: $8 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, vegan-friendly, artisanal beer
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: The Whale Tail Pale Ale always pairs well with their food

The Whale Tail Brewery is without a doubt one of our favorite places to eat in Uvita.

Their Latin/ American fusion pub food paired with their craft beers is not to be missed!

Head towards the back of the restaurant to access el patio – it’s their outdoor space. This garden has picnic tables, fairy lights on the trees, and often a DJ. Trust us, it’s not a bad place to spend the evening.

El Hornito

• Cuisine: Argentinian pizza and empanadas
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 9pm; closed Tuesday – Wednesday
• Price range: $3 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: The Caprese empanada is delicious!

El Hornito is a restaurant known for its Argentinian empanadas and pizza.

Personally, this is one of my favorite places to eat in Uvita.

It’s very close to the national park where we surf, so it’s a perfect place to grab some food after a surf class!

It’s a great place to hang out with their outdoor seating, and they also accommodate all dietary restrictions.

Mosaic Sushi & Wine Bar

• Cuisine: Sushi, wine bar, sandwiches and salads
• Hours of operation: Open 12pm – 9pm; closed Sunday
• Price range: $5 – $10 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, cocktails and wine
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 20 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: Try their house Sushi roll – the Mosaic roll

This is a favorite amongst Bodhi guests and staff – and pretty much everybody here in Uvita!

Mosaic is a fun spot, and they’re experts about their wine – they have over 40 options!

Outside of sushi and wine, Mosaic is known for their paninis, cheese and charcuterie, and their specialty cocktails – doesn’t sound bad, does it?

Indómitos Cafe and Bar

• Cuisine: Vegetarian and vegan
• Hours of operation: 11am – 8:30pm; closed on Monday – Tuesday
• Price range: $5 – $12 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 20 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: The veggie birria tacos

Indómitos is 100% worth the 20-minute walk from Bodhi Surf + Yoga.

Doubling as a bar/cafe, it’s the perfect place to pair your food with a comforting warm cup of coffee, or a crisp cold Imperial.

This restaurant has all the usual crowd pleasers: birria tacos, burgers, patacones; but vegetarian/vegan!

Indómitos is regarded by all of us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga as one of the best places to eat in Uvita– vegans and non-vegans alike!

Pizza Time

• Cuisine: Pizza and Italian/American
• Hours of operation: 12pm – 9pm; closed on Monday
• Price range: $10 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: The Caprese salad and eggplant pizza is always our go-to

The pizza here is ridiculously good – probably the best in Uvita.

One of our all-time-favorites here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga is their eggplant pizza. No – we’re not all vegetarians, it’s just that good.

This is a bit of a trek down the highway, but it’s so worth it. It might even be the best pizza in Costa Rica.

Bodhi tip: Ask for the chili oil and extra parmesan cheese to put on top – you won’t regret it.

Bagel Time

• Cuisine: Bagels, breakfast
• Hours of operation: 8am – 4pm; closed on Monday
• Price range: $3 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 20 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Coffee, everything bagel, cinnamon roll – you can’t go wrong.

As you might’ve guessed by their names, Bagel Time and Pizza Time (above) are two branches of the same business. They’re literally the same place.

In the morning, it’s Bagel time where they sell, you guessed it, bagels. Later on, it becomes Pizza time. There are however a few hours in the afternoon where they’re both open.

Bodhi Surf + Yoga staff are known to head to bagel time after an early Saturday morning surf. It’s the perfect cure for the post-surf hunger!

Five Maes

• Cuisine: American fast-food, burgers
• Hours of operation: 11am – 8pm
• Price range: $3 – $10 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: A burger and their homemade fries

Something about the name Five Maes just screams burgers. We wonder what it is.

Maes is a Costa Rican slang that translates to dudes/guys.

Five Maes is Uvita’s number one spot to grab some American style fast food. Their burgers and homemade fries are their specialty!

Hola India

• Cuisine: Indian
• Hours of operation: 11am – 10pm from Monday – Saturday; closed on Sunday
• Price range: $10 – $20 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 12 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Make sure to try the chicken Tikka Masala

This is one of Uvita’s newest restaurants and, like the name suggests, specializes in Indian cuisine.

It’s pretty much the only restaurant in Uvita that specializes in this cuisine, so this is your place if that’s what you’re looking for!

Although it’s still relatively new to the town, Hola India is quickly growing as one of the most popular places to eat in Uvita!

Enjoy some of the world’s best coffee

Tagua Café Vivo

• Cuisine: Coffee, pastries
• Hours of operation: 7am – 4pm Monday & Wednesday – Friday; 8am – 6pm from Saturday – Sunday
• Price range: $10 – $20 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, coffee lovers
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Iced coffee with a Caprese empanada

This is another recommended spot near the Uvita waterfall.

If you’re a fan of Costa Rican artisanal coffee, Tagua is for you.

Its outdoor seating makes it a great place to enjoy the fresh air while drinking a delicious cup of coffee – I personally love the cafe helado.

You can also snack on some delicious cakes and pastries.

If you’re looking to purchase some coffee to take back home with you, Tagua is one of the places that we always recommend to our guests!

Sibu Café

• Cuisine: Coffee, sandwiches, fruit smoothies
• Hours of operation: 7am – 9:30pm everyday
• Price range: $5 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, vegan-friendly, coffee lovers, lunch
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: We usually go for a sandwich with a coffee or fruit smoothie

Sibu is another favorite amongst our staff and guests. They’re best known for their sandwiches and paninis.

They also have a range of options of refreshing fruit smoothies – I personally can’t visit Sibu without ordering the guanabana (soursop) smoothie .

Sibu is just a five minute cycle down the highway from Bodhi Surf + Yoga!

It’s positioned adjacent to the highway and has outdoor patio seating – perfect for watching the world go by!

What else makes Sibu one of our go-to places to eat in Uvita? It’s right next door to our favorite place to grab ice cream – Gelato!

Le French Café

• Cuisine: French, coffee
• Hours of operation: 6:30am – 9pm from Monday – Saturday; closed on Sunday
• Price range: $8 – $15 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, coffee lovers, brunch
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 15 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Our recommendation: Waffles – they’re so light and fluffy!

This cafe is just a stone throw away from us here at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, and is a popular choice paired with a visit to our Wednesday farmer’s market.

As the name suggests, this is a French style cafe – serving French pastries, breakfasts, and dinners.

They are also known for their wine selection! It’s definitely one of our more upscaled recommendations for places to eat in Uvita.

Que Tuanis Café

• Cuisine: Coffee, ice cream
• Hours of operation: 6:30am – 9pm from Monday – Saturday; closed on Sunday
• Price range: $2 – $7 USD per meal
• Recommended for: Families and groups, singles, couples, coffee lovers, ice cream and milkshakes, breakfast
• Distance from Bodhi Surf + Yoga: 12 minutes walking. Find directions here
• Online: Access their menu here
• Our recommendation: The Oreo milkshake

Que Tuanis is a relaxing spot to hang out, with indoor seating and a few outdoor spaces.

The name is actually a Tico saying for How Cool.

They’re best known for their ice cream and milkshakes, but also serve breakfast!

Some of their popular options include pancakes, the breakfast burrito, and the omelet.

If you’re staying with us at Bodhi Surf + Yoga, you’ll pass this cafe during your Sunday community walking tour.

It’s very rich and filling, but if you’re up for the challenge – the Oreo milkshake is second to none!

Time to enjoy!

Is your mouth watering yet?

If there’s one thing you can do in Uvita that doesn’t involve surfing or yoga – it’s eating. As you can see, we’re spoiled for choice with places to eat in Uvita.

One of our favorite things to do after a surf session is feast on something from one of these delicious options.

We hope to see you here soon – you can also check out our guide to the best things to do in Uvita, Costa Rica.