GOOD STUFF TO EAT
Dining in Dominical
Don’t let the $$$ designations throw you off: virtually every restaurant on this list is a good value, but some are a little pricier than others. You won’t better food for the money than at Exotica or Citrus or La Junta. About $30 $40 per person with wine.
PRIVATE CHEF
While Domincal and the surrounding area has a plethora of delicious food (everything from quick Grab and Go to elegant fine dining) you might want to dine your villa - and we don’t blame you! So leave the cooking to Private Chef for the night. The incredible chefs from Private Chef will come to the villas and bring everything they need to create a masterful breakfast, lunch or dinner tailored to your appetite and group. They’ll even clean up and leave any leftovers for snacking the next day. Our favorite extravagence: Hire the bartender as well. Trust me, you won’t regret it. The Private Chef
La Junta
This is a recent addition to our list and we LOVE IT. When we first came to Dominical, there was a Spanish language school at this site, which is right along the river, and slightly beyond Mama Toucan’s and Mono Congo. The menu is full of yummy choices including a variety of burgers, so we all ended up ordering their Basic Burger. It is anything but basic. The grass-fed beef burger is large and flavorful, but the condiments are what make it. Yes, tomato and onion, but the pickles are terrific, and homemade aioli. Get it with the side salad and order the Asian salad (I know, it’s an odd choice with a burger.) Then get a side of fries for the table. Best burger you’ll ever have, but there are two others to experiment with on your next visit. There’s a full bar, which was rocking, and it’s a quick walk to the riverbank if you want to stroll. $$
From Dominicalito to Uvita
Mono Congo
There is a sort of sweet earnestness about Mono Congo and a pure reflection of life in Dominical. Excellent food along the river, with vegan and vegetarian breakfasts and lunches. Fresh baked goods and an extensive menu. Our favorite place for healthy breakfasts and smoothies. $$
Image courtesy of Trip Advisor!
The bakery (dominical)
This is like the best things that has happened to Dominical (and Uvita) in like forever. Owned by the same guys who own The Private Chef, The Bakery(s) (there are two of them) are oases in the Costa Rican culinary scene. Fresh bread in a variety of shapes and sizes, breakfast pastries, burritos and sandwiches, coffee drinks, and so much more. Everything is fresh baked or made onsite. We’re not exactly sure where the Dominical restaurant is headed, but it has a darling kid’s playground, an outdoor bar, and a small stage for live music surrounding the bakery which is a really nice addition to the place.
This is among the closest eateries to Caballitos del Mar, so we feel honored to hang out with them!
Rum Bar
If Dominical has a dive bar, it may be the RumBar. But don’t let that dissuade you for a minute. The drinks are excellent, and priced reasonably, there’s pool and some antique video games, ping pong, and that game where you try to swing a ring on to the hook which is virtually impossible. The bartenders are friendly, and the vibe is sort of Reggae combined with rock. As you drive into Domi, it’s on the right, and it always seems to be packed. Find out more at Rum Bar.$
Tortilla Flats
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Surfer hangout, and the food is good and cheap. Try their Mahi either way, or Casado, which is the Costa Rican National meal. On the road in Domi that’s parallel to the beach. $
Crocodile Cafe
Up the Rio Baru about 1km, part of the resort (Villas Rio Mar) where we stayed when we bought and built Caballitos del Mar. The rooms, meals, and service are very nice, and we enjoy going there for an afternoon swim in their pool with a swim-up bar. Full bar and good menu. One of the only places around where you can play tennis, and I presume, Pickle Ball. $$$
Mariscos Amancio
This completely was off our radar for a few years, and we are so bummed we didn’t know about it! The driveway/entrance off of La Costanera is not very easy to find, but it is immediately south of the old driveway to Porque No? Wonderful seafood, lovely drinks, cute location. From the Caballitos driveway, it’s less an one km. Look for the Porque No? sign on the side of the highway. The next driveway is Amancio Seafood, or Seafood Amancio.
4.9 stars on Google. $$$
La Parcela
Fantastic location, especially at sunset or for lunch. One of the best reasons to visit La Parcela is that they have a local troop of monkeys who visit every evening around 5:00. Great for the kids! Recently, the restaurant has been upgraded and the food and service are excellent. Their Margaritas are superb. South of the villas by about 1.5 km, just south of Dominicalito. Seafood and other entrees. $$$
south of Uvita to ojohcal
Scala
Elegant dining and great cocktails. About 5km south of the villas, turn left just pass Cuna de Angel and drive up a windy, partially unpaved road (you can map it). You will absolutely be rewarded for your drive with great food and inventive cocktails. Scala is an open-air delight, at $$$ prices.
Cuna de Angel
12 minutes S of Caballitos. It’s a gorgeous open air restaurant with an extensive cocktail selection and lovely service. Part of a boutique hotel on a cliff over the Pacific. Can get pricey with a full dinner, but worth it. $$$$
Citrus
Citrus offers a vibrant escape for a festive evening out. The atmosphere is a lively, open-air blend of fun and energy, consistently drawing a crowd.
Their diverse menu is a true global adventure, merging Asian, French, Middle Eastern, and Central American flavors with a wide range of salads, appetizers, and main courses featuring seafood, beef, and other meats. Complemented by inventive, fresh cocktails and delicious desserts, it provides a unique dining experience just 30 minutes south of Dominical. Enjoy this popular and eclectic spot at a very reasonable price point; learn more on the official Citrus Restaurant website $$$ citrusrestaurante.com
Del Mar Taco Shop
Very close to the beach on the main road in Dominical, this taco shop has yummy tacos and burritos, nice service, and good prices. $
This is Exotica’s famous avocado citric salad, with a touch of sweetness from pineapple. Perfection!
THE BAKERY (Uvita)
Uvita, a vibrant, larger town just a short trip down the road, beckons you! Explore charming art galleries, local breweries, and unique shops. A must-stop is The Bakery, renowned for its amazing pastries. Beyond the sweet treats, indulge in a substantial lunch menu, refreshing smoothies, and expertly brewed coffees. Make it a point to visit this delightful spot on every trip to Uvita. The Bakery
Exotica
Our Favorite Place No Question About It
Formerly run by Lucy and Robert, transplanted French-Canadians, and now run by their granddaughter Maité and her husband. Excellent food, full bar, reasonable prices. Although it’s 30-35 minutes south of the villas, it’s absolutely worth the drive. Drive south, past Uvita, and look for Playa Ventanas (small beach sign on right.) Continue to Ojochal, turn left off the highway. Continue straight across a small concrete bridge. Turn left after the bridge and drive about 1km until you see the restaurant sign. Reservations recommended. You will not be disappointed.
+(506) 2786-5050 $$$ Exotica
The Villas
There are lots of lovely places to stay in Costa Rica, yet very few are on the beach, and have direct access to the ocean. When we found a piece of property nestled in the forest but very close to the beach, we bought it despite the many complications of owning* property in the “Maritime Zone.” Regardless, we’re delighted we did because the proximity to the beach is vital to making full use of the beauty of Costa Rica
