Best Restaurants in Jacó, Costa Rica: A Local's Guide

Jacó has quietly become one of the best food towns on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. What was once a surf-and-burger strip now offers everything from Japanese-fusion tapas to farm-to-table fine dining, all within a few walkable blocks. Whether you’re craving a $5 plate of rice and beans after a morning surf session or a proper date-night dinner with a wine list, Jacó delivers.

We spend a lot of time here. These aren’t recommendations scraped from a listicle; they’re places we’ve eaten at repeatedly, places where we send our guests. If you’re new to the area, check out our complete Jacó area guide for more on what to do beyond dining. Here’s the honest food guide.

Quick Reference: Jacó Dining at a Glance

Restaurant	Cuisine	Price Range (per person)	Best For
Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar	Fusion / Farm-to-table	$25–$45	Date night, foodies
El Hicaco	Seafood	$18–$35	Beachfront special occasion
El Point	International / Seafood	$15–$20	Sunset drinks & dinner
Amara	Mediterranean	$15–$30	Upscale casual, couples
Ohana Sushi Tapas Bar	Japanese / Fusion	$12–$20	Sushi lovers, creative cocktails
Zona K Atelier	Latin-Asian fusion	$12–$22	Adventurous eaters
Jerah Thai	Thai	$10–$18	Authentic Asian craving
The Green Room	Healthy / Fusion	$10–$20	Brunch, vegans, first-timers
Rioasis Pizzeria	Pizza / Italian	$8–$15	Families, groups, casual
Soda Marea Alta	Costa Rican traditional	$3–$10	Authentic local experience
Lemon Zest	International fine dining	$18–$32	Special occasions, lobster
El Novillo Alegre	Argentine Steakhouse	$30–$50	Serious steak
Sépalo	Contemporary / International	$12–$25	Fresh bowls, pizza, varied menu
El Manglar Seafood & Grill	Seafood	$15–$30	Best overall seafood
Koko Gastro Pub	Gastropub / International	$10–$22	All-day ocean views
Soda Jacó Rústico	Costa Rican	$5–$10	Local experience, budget

Fine Dining & Date Night

Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar

Cuisine: Fusion farm-to-table | Price: expect to pay around $25–$45 per person | Location: Jaco Walk plaza

This is the restaurant people fly into Jacó talking about, and it earns every bit of the hype. The chef-owner uses only local ingredients, and the menu changes daily, written on a blackboard. No printed menus. That’s the kind of place this is.

What to order: The blackened mahi-mahi with coconut rice and pineapple chutney is the standout dish. The poke bowl is gorgeous: colorful, fresh, generous. Their wine list is excellent, with good selections by the glass.

The vibe: Edgy-meets-refined. Graffiti art on the walls, candlelit tables, great playlist. It feels like a restaurant you’d find in Brooklyn or Melbourne, except you’re in flip-flops and nobody cares.

Best for: Romantic dinners, anniversaries, impressing someone. Reservations recommended; this place fills up.

Hours: Dinner only. Call ahead.

Amara

Cuisine: Contemporary Mediterranean | Price: expect to pay around $15–$30 per person | Location: Northern end of Avenida Pastor Díaz

Amara is the kind of restaurant where everything feels intentional: the lighting, the plating, the cocktail menu. It’s upscale without being stuffy, which is hard to pull off in a beach town.

What to order: The grilled octopus with hummus and parsley sauce is a must-try. The chicken-curry croquettes are addictive. Beef gyro with feta and yogurt dressing is comfort food elevated.

The vibe: Sophisticated but comfortable. Great cocktail menu. You could come in a sundress or a linen shirt and feel equally at home.

Best for: Couples, a nice dinner out that doesn’t require a reservation three days in advance. Also solid for small groups who want something beyond bar food.

Lemon Zest

Cuisine: International fine dining | Price range: $18–32 entrées | Hours: Tue–Sun, 5–10 PM

Run by a Florida couple since 2007, Lemon Zest is the gold standard for upscale dining in Jacó. They’ve been winning over diners with novel dishes served in Indonesian, Japanese, and classic French styles — all under one bright-yellow roof in El Jardín Plaza.

Best dish: Pacific Spiny Lobster Francaise. For a special occasion, the full lobster is worth every colon. The New York strip is also exceptional if you’re in a steak mood.

Practical tip: Book 2–3 days ahead for weekend dinners in high season (December–April). Request a table away from the air-conditioning vent. The wine list is extensive and well-curated.

El Novillo Alegre

Cuisine: Argentine Steakhouse | Price: $30–$50 per person | Hours: Check ahead, closed some days | Reservations: Recommended on weekends | Location: Near El Hicaco, 50 meters from main street

Serious wood-fired Argentine steakhouse with the most reliable high-end steak in Jacó. The skirt steak with chimichurri is the move: the kind of preparation where even the Argentines at the next table give you an approving nod. Weekends fill up.

Best for: Carnivores, groups that need a proper steak dinner, anyone who finds Graffiti too precious.

Sépalo Restaurante

Cuisine: Contemporary / International | Price: $12–$25 per person | Hours: Tue–Sun, 9 AM–9 PM | Phone: +506 8340-6116 | Location: Viva Jaco complex, Barrio Santa Lucía

Sépalo’s tagline is “fresh, local flavors with style” — and the menu delivers on both words. The lineup spans poke bowls, hot rice bowls, and tropical fruit bowls alongside pizza, pasta, seafood, ceviche, and well-made cocktails. Local ingredients throughout. The quality-to-price ratio is one of the best in Jacó.

Best for: Adventurous eaters, foodies who value fresh ingredients, anyone who wants variety beyond the typical beach-town menu. Can book up on weekends.

Beachfront & Sunset Dining

El Point

Cuisine: International / Seafood | Price: expect to pay around $15–$20 per person | Location: South of Calle Morales, right on the beach

El Point has the best location of any restaurant in Jacó. You’re literally on the sand, watching the sun drop into the Pacific while you eat. And unlike many “view restaurants,” the food here actually delivers.

What to order: The tuna steak with mango sauce is the move. The tomahawk steak is enormous and well-seasoned if you’re feeling ambitious. Finish with pecan pie à la mode and a passionfruit margarita.

The vibe: Relaxed beachfront with live music on weekends. Toes-in-the-sand casual. This is peak Jacó.

Best for: Sunset dinner, weekend plans with live music, anyone who wants the “Costa Rica beach dinner” experience. Reservations accepted.

Sea Salt

Cuisine: Seafood / Caribbean | Price: expect to pay around $12–$25 per person | Location: Hotel Jaco, on the beach

Another beachfront option with serious food. Sea Salt has both sand-level seating and an open-air patio, plus a big menu that covers everything from fish tacos to Caribbean specialties.

What to order: The Mediterranean ceviche with patacones (crispy fried plantains) is outstanding. Their breakfast is also excellent if you want to start the day with an ocean view.

The vibe: Casual, breezy, all-day. This is the kind of place you wander into after a swim and end up staying for hours.

Best for: Families, lazy beach days, breakfast with a view. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily.

El Manglar Seafood & Grill

Cuisine: Seafood / Costa Rican | Price: $15–$30 per person | Hours: Daily 12 PM – 10 PM | Location: North end of Jacó, near the mangroves

Consistently one of Jacó’s top-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor (4.9 stars). Located on the quiet northern end of town, with open-air seating surrounded by mangroves. The specialties are fresh-caught fish preparations, mixed ceviche, and quality ribeye steaks alongside the expected seafood. Good cocktails.

The TripAdvisor rating isn’t hype. It’s earned from consistent execution. Worth the slightly out-of-center location.

Best for: Families, groups, anyone who wants serious seafood without fine-dining formality. Ample parking.

Koko Gastro Pub

Cuisine: Gastropub, international | Price range: $10–22 | Hours: Mon–Sun, 8 AM–10 PM

Right in the center of Jacó with direct ocean views, Koko serves all day and does it well. The menu works for seafood lovers, carnivores, and vegetarians alike. One of the few places in town where the setting rivals the food.

Best dish: The Tuna Bowl — fresh, clean flavors with just enough Asian influence.

Practical tip: Grab a beachfront table for sunset. Weekday lunches are often half-empty, which means faster service and the same views.

Creative & Fusion

Ohana Sushi Tapas Bar

Cuisine: Japanese / Seafood | Price: expect to pay around $12–$20 per person | Location: Calle El Hicaco, near the beach

Built inside repurposed cargo containers (yes, really), Ohana is one of Jacó’s most charming surprises. Owner Diego greets everyone personally, and the fish is impeccably fresh.

What to order: Start with the Tuna Tataki, then share a bowl of Salmon Teriyaki. It’s enough for two and arguably the best teriyaki on the coast. The vegan options are creative and genuinely good, not afterthoughts.

The vibe: Intimate, creative, eco-conscious. The recycled-material decor gives it character without feeling gimmicky.

Best for: Sushi cravings, a casual date, anyone tired of rice and beans.

Zona K Atelier

Cuisine: Latin-Asian fusion | Price: expect to pay around $12–$22 per person | Location: Northern end of town

Run by a Costa Rican chef known for inventive dishes with Latin and Asian influences, Zona K is small, unhurried, and completely worth the wait. Everything’s made from scratch.

What to order: The Cajun Tuna with Sesame is phenomenal. For brunch, the Breakfast Skillet. Don’t rush; the food takes a bit longer, and that’s the point.

The vibe: Intimate bistro. Indoor and outdoor seating. The kind of place where the chef remembers you.

Best for: Foodies, adventurous eaters, anyone who values craft over speed.

Jerah Thai

Cuisine: Authentic Thai | Price: expect to pay around $10–$18 per person | Location: Northern end of town, second floor across from Clínica Alma

If you’re craving real Thai food, not the watered-down tourist version, Jerah is your spot. The flavors are bold and authentic. They’ve recently added a small café downstairs with fresh breads and pastries.

What to order: Spring rolls to start, then the Pad Sew Yew. The cheese rolls from the café are an unexpected local favorite.

Hours: Open until 10 PM.

The vibe: Laid-back, second-floor dining room. Simple but nice.

Best for: A break from seafood, lunch with flavor, anyone who knows their Thai food.

Casual & Family-Friendly

Rioasis Pizzeria

Cuisine: Pizza / Italian | Price: expect to pay around $8–$15 per person | Location: Main strip (Avenida Pastor Díaz)

Costa Rican-owned and operated, Rioasis has been a Jacó institution for years. The pizzas are enormous, the toppings are generous, and the open-air picnic tables make it feel like a proper beach-town hangout.

What to order: Any of the loaded pizzas. They also do solid pasta, seafood, and nachos. Full bar. Pro tip: order delivery to your rental and eat pizza at sunset on your own balcony.

The vibe: Casual, lively, sometimes live music. No beach views, but the energy is great.

Best for: Families, groups, budget-friendly dinners, late-night eats.

Ridiculous Burgers

Cuisine: Gourmet burgers | Price: expect to pay around $7–$16 per person | Location: Avenida Pastor Díaz, between Calle Hicaco & Calle Alice

Nearly 50 burger options on the menu, all made with grass-fed beef from a nearby farm. The buns are baked daily, the cheese comes from a local farmer, and the portions are absurd in the best way.

What to order: The Texas Burger (Angus beef, onion ring, American cheese, bacon) is the signature. Skip the sides; the burger alone will defeat you. The giant cocktails are fun.

The vibe: Fun, loud, indulgent. Not the place for a quiet dinner.

Best for: Burger lovers, families with teenagers, anyone who wants a truly massive meal. Open late on weekends.

Green Room

Cuisine: Café / Breakfast / International | Price: $10–$20 per person | Hours: Daily 8 AM – midnight | Phone: +506 2643-4425 | Location: In front of POPs Ice Cream, Avenida Pastor Díaz

Where locals actually go for breakfast. That’s the highest endorsement a beach town café can get. Healthy bowls, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, fresh-squeezed juice, smoothies. In the evening: live music, cold craft beer, fish tacos. Open from breakfast to midnight daily, useful for almost any scenario.

Best for: Breakfast, brunch, casual lunch, or an evening out with live music. Vegan-friendly menu.

Authentic Costa Rican

Soda Marea Alta

Cuisine: Traditional Costa Rican | Price: expect to pay around $3–$10 per person | Location: South end of main strip

This is where the locals eat, and that tells you everything. Soda Marea Alta has zero web presence, no Instagram, no English menu, and some of the best casados, gallo pinto, and picadillos in town.

What to order: Whatever looks good. The casados are generous and perfectly seasoned. Fresh seafood when available. Go hungry.

Hours: Open 24 hours.

The vibe: Simple, authentic, welcoming. Expect mostly Spanish, huge plates, and genuine Costa Rican hospitality. The staff is wonderful with kids.

Best for: Anyone who wants the real Costa Rica food experience. Budget travelers. Families who don’t need a menu in English.

Soda Jacó Rústico

Cuisine: Costa Rican / Traditional | Price: $5–$10 per person | Location: South side of main street, Jacó

Authentic Costa Rican soda packed with locals. Traditional gallo pinto breakfast, casados for lunch and dinner: rice, beans, meat or fish, salad, fried plantains. Buffet-style, so you pick what looks good. A full, filling meal for under $10.

This is not the place for a nice dinner out. It’s the place for a genuine Costa Rican food experience, without an English menu, at a price point that makes you feel foolish for ever overpaying anywhere.

Best for: Budget travelers, anyone who wants the real Costa Rica food experience, lunch after a morning surf.

Practical Tips for Dining in Jacó

Budget: You can eat very well in Jacó at every price point. A filling traditional meal runs $5–$10. A nice dinner out with drinks is $25–$45 per person. Fine dining tops out around $50, still far cheaper than comparable restaurants in Tamarindo or Manuel Antonio.

Reservations: Only truly necessary at Graffiti and occasionally El Hicaco on weekends. Most places are walk-in friendly.

Tipping: A 10% service charge is automatically added to your bill at most restaurants in Costa Rica. An additional 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Getting around: Jacó’s restaurant scene is concentrated along Avenida Pastor Díaz (the main strip) and the beachfront. Everything on this list is walkable from central Jacó; no car needed for dinner.

Cash vs. card: Most restaurants accept cards, but carry colones or small USD bills for sodas and smaller spots.

The Bottom Line

Jacó’s dining scene punches well above its weight for a Costa Rican beach town. Whether you’re spending $5 at a soda or $45 at Graffiti, the quality is there: fresh ingredients, ocean proximity, and a food culture that keeps getting better.

Our advice? Mix it up. Do a fancy dinner at Graffiti one night, sunset at El Point the next, and a casado at Soda Marea Alta for lunch in between. That’s the Jacó dining experience at its best. For more dining options throughout the region, explore our Central Pacific dining guide.

Prices reflect typical costs as of early 2026 and may vary. We recommend checking restaurant social media pages for current hours and menus.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best restaurant for a date night in Jacó?

Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar is the top choice for date night, offering fusion farm-to-table cuisine with daily-changing menus written on blackboards. The blackened mahi-mahi with coconut rice and pineapple chutney is exceptional. Expect $25-45 per person with an excellent wine list. The edgy-meets-refined atmosphere with graffiti art, candlelit tables, and great playlist creates a Brooklyn-meets-beach vibe. Reservations recommended as it fills up.

Where can I find authentic Costa Rican food in Jacó?

Soda Marea Alta is where locals eat, serving traditional casados, gallo pinto, and picadillos for $3-10 per person. Open 24 hours with zero web presence or English menu, it’s the real Costa Rica food experience with generous portions, fresh seafood when available, and genuine hospitality. Staff is wonderful with kids and mostly speaks Spanish.

Do I need reservations at Jacó restaurants?

Reservations are only truly necessary at Graffiti Restro Cafe and occasionally El Hicaco on weekends. Most Jacó restaurants are walk-in friendly. The dining scene is concentrated along Avenida Pastor Díaz and the beachfront, so everything is walkable from central Jacó without needing a car for dinner.

How much should I budget for meals in Jacó?

Budget varies widely: traditional sodas run $3-10 for filling meals, casual restaurants like Rioasis charge $8-15 for pizza and burgers, mid-range spots cost $15-30 per person, and fine dining tops out around $45. A 10% service charge is automatically added to most bills in Costa Rica; an additional 5-10% tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not required.

Are there beachfront restaurant options in Jacó?

Yes. El Point has the best location of any restaurant in town, sitting directly on the sand south of Calle Morales with an unobstructed sunset view and live music on weekends ($15-20 per person). Sea Salt at Hotel Jaco offers sand-level seating plus an open-air patio and serves breakfast through dinner ($12-25). El Hicaco is the beachfront special-occasion choice at $18-35. Worth knowing: Graffiti Restro Cafe sits inland at the Jaco Walk plaza rather than on the beach, so book it for the food, not the view.

What is the best restaurant in Jacó for seafood?

Graffiti Restro Cafe & Wine Bar is the top pick for upscale seafood. The blackened mahi-mahi with coconut rice and pineapple chutney is the standout dish, and the menu changes daily on a blackboard based on what came in fresh. For beachfront seafood with a sunset, El Point’s tuna steak with mango sauce is the order, and Sea Salt’s Mediterranean ceviche with patacones is outstanding. For sushi, Ohana Sushi Tapas Bar on Calle El Hicaco has the freshest fish in Jacó; start with the Tuna Tataki.