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Let me tell you something upfront — If you’re heading to Uvita expecting a metropolitan dining experience with fusion menus and valet parking, maybe you’re on the wrong beach. But if you’re looking for amazing, authentic food—often with a creative twist—and a casual atmosphere among like-minded travelers and the jungle breeze, Uvita is for you.
I’ve lived in the area for quite some time, and if there’s one thing I’m an expert on (aside from the best waves on the coast and off-the-beaten-path locales within Marino Ballena), it’s where to eat. Uvita has a more diverse restaurant scene than most travelers know—from sodas on the side of the road to pizza by wood-burning oven to coffee bars tucked away behind native palm trees. These are the places I send my friends that come into town.
Restaurants in Uvita – Guide to the Best Places to Eat
If you’re searching for the best restaurants in Uvita, you’re in luck — this little coastal town may be laid-back, but it knows how to serve a great meal. From local sodas dishing out rice and beans with love, to jungle-hidden bistros making pizza in wood-fired ovens, the food scene here is surprisingly diverse. And after living in the area for years, I’ve found a few spots that stand out — not because they’re trendy, but because they’re the places people keep coming back to. Myself included.
Restaurants in Uvita – The Casual Breakfast Spot
Mornings in Uvita have a rhythm: light mist, bird songs, and a plate of gallo pinto if you’re doing it right. For that, I usually end up at places like Sibu Restaurant & Coffee Store. It’s more than just good coffee — their breakfast bagels, smoothie bowls, and local-style plates hit the sweet spot. It’s one of those places that seems to understand both the tourist craving a cappuccino and the local looking for a solid casado.
There are a few other spots that have their own following, but Sibu’s consistency and setting make it a favorite. And yes — I might be slightly addicted to their banana bread.
Pizza in the Jungle? Yes, and It’s Excellent.
You don’t think you’ll get great pizza from a small beach town in Costa Rica—and I didn’t at first—but Pizza Time in Uvita makes you second guess everything. Pizza Time is off a quiet corner in Uvita and serves real woodfire pizza. They have a crispy crust, real mozzarella, and a garden in the back where you might see a toucan while you eat. That’s the magic of restaurant Uvita.
Where to Go When You Want Something “Nice”
Not fancy, just… elevated. That’s what Aracari Restaurant is. Sitting at the edge of the rainforest with a view over the Pacific, it’s one of those rare places where the food is just as impressive as the scenery. Seafood here is the move — especially the grilled mahi-mahi or tuna tartare, if it’s on special.
This spot is perfect if you’re celebrating something, or just want to feel like you’re in a travel magazine for a night. Trust me, if you’re staying in one of our private villas, this makes a pretty great “last dinner in Costa Rica” destination.
Sushi, Wine, and People Who Know Their Cheese Boards
Now, if you’re the kind of traveler who likes to unwind with a glass of wine and something a little different — say, sushi in the jungle — Mosaic Wine Bar & Cafe is where you’ll want to be. Their rolls are surprisingly fresh (they do them right), and they’ve got a wine list that would impress even the picky types from Napa.
It’s got a grown-up vibe without being stiff. Plus, they host live music some nights. Nothing like sipping a Pinot while someone plays the blues in the background and geckos crawl across the rafters.
Restaurants in Uvita For a Quick, Budget-Friendly Meal
Look, not every meal has to be an “experience.” Sometimes you just want something fast, tasty, and under 5,000 colones. That’s where places like Los Laureles come in. This is a proper Costa Rican restaurant in Uvita, run by a local family, and the kind of spot where you’ll eat with mechanics, tour guides, and travelers who’ve been coming back for years.
Try the casado with chicken. Sit outside. Don’t rush it. This is Uvita at its most authentic.
One Last Tip: Don’t Skip the Coffee Places
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a coffee snob. Living in Costa Rica does that to you. But luckily, Uvita’s catching on to the craft coffee wave. From hole-in-the-wall espresso counters to small cafés roasting their own beans, this town has your caffeine needs covered.
Some of the best conversations I’ve had with travelers have started over a cortado at 8 a.m., still salty from the ocean.
Staying Hungry?
If you’re spending more than a few days here — maybe renting one of our vacation homes near the park — trust me, you’ll have time to explore all these spots (and discover a few of your own). And if you’re planning activities like a Corcovado tour or whale watching, most include meals — so we’ll make sure it’s somewhere worth eating.
And yes, we can help book all of that.
Before You Go, Grab the Free eBook
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to find places before they hit TripAdvisor’s top 10, download our free guide: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of.”
It’s full of places just like Uvita — a little wild, a little magical, and always worth the detour.
