Restaurants & Nightlife in Monteverde

Whether hiking along one of the area’s many rugged trails, zip-lining though the clouds or getting an up-close view of Costa Rica’s wildlife, Monteverde adventures can really work up an appetite. Thankfully, the area’s restaurants cater to all tastes, offering everything from traditional Costa Rican fare to authentic Italian pizza to scrumptious seafood dishes.

It’s easy to find a place to dine in Santa Elena, Monteverde or Cerro Plano – restaurants line the streets – but if you’re looking for something special, here are a few recommendations:

Restaurants:

Moon Shiva Restaurant
Offering up delectable soups, nutritious appetizers and simply delicious mains, this small Mediterranean-Middle Eastern restaurant is a Monteverde mainstay for a reason. Try their vegetarian sampler plate, complete with tabbouleh, baba ganoush, hummus, falafel, tahini and other Middle Eastern goodies.
 
Pizzeria de Johnny
Some call it the best pizza in Costa Rica, and Johnny’s wood-burning ovens, authentic thin-crust pizza and extensive menu back up that claim. Add a little pizzazz to your meal by ordering one of the restaurant’s mouth-watering appetizers.

Pizzeria El Dorado
Located on Santa Elena’s downtown triangle, this budget pizzeria offers American-style pizzas (think thick, bubbling cheese and doughy crust), cold drinks and delectable appetizers all at fair prices.

Pizzeria Tramonti
Located at the base of Monteverde’s bumpy road, this authentic Italian pizzeria bakes their pies in wood-fired pizza ovens. Their lightly-breaded calamari, which taste like they’ve just been plucked from the ocean, make a lovely appetizer.

Restaurant and Pizza Place Di' Kary
Offering delicious pastas, a candlelit ambiance and a cozy dining room, this quiet restaurant is an ideal place for a romantic dinner. Try their pasta Frutti di Mare, which features homemade pasta bathed in a white sauce with mussels, clams, calamari and other delicacies from the sea.

Restaurant De Lucia
Jose Belmar, owner and chef at De Lucia, speaks five languages fluently, greeting each and every guest arriving at the restaurant. The dining room’s decidedly South American style – decorated in beautiful mahogany wood – carries over onto the menu, and almost every dish is served with plantains and roasted vegetables.

Tacos Pension Santa Elena
When looking for super cheap fare, this tiny taco shop hits the spot. $1 tacos and $2 main dishes are the name of the game, but you’ll take it to-go: the restaurant has one ordering window and no seating.

Tree House Restaurant & Cafe
Vivisected by a giant ficus tree, which diners may choose to sit under or beside, this Santa Elena landmark offers fantastic food and a unique atmosphere. A new iPod order-taking system provides for speedy service, and the cheese fondue tastes like it comes straight from heaven. Don’t forget to order one of the Tree House’s famous coffee drinks, created by a well-schooled and very artistic barista.

Nightlife:

Bar Amigos
Located along Santa Elena’s downtown triangle, this typical bar offers loud music, pool tables and ice-cold beers every night.

Moon Shiva
Local and international artists often play live at the small restaurant, so reserve your seat early. A small cover may be charged.

Taberna Los Valverde
If you feel the urge to dance, head down to this lively tavern, which promises loud music and plenty of alcohol.

Tree House Restaurant & Cafe
Featuring live tunes every night, this Santa Elena landmark offers traditional marimba music, soulful guitar strumming and just about every other kind of music appropriate for its cozy restaurant setting.

Unicornio Discotec
Located at the northern end of the soccer field, this bar has a true Costa Rican feel, right down to the well-watered and slightly overzealous karaoke singers.

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