Golfito Costa Rica attracts sport fishermen from all over the world year after year, but many visitors to this bustling Costa Rican port city dine on their charter boats or at their hotels. Similarly, visitors staying a one of several rain forest luxury resorts just outside the city usually take their meals inside as part of their inclusive resort package.
That doesn’t mean that Golfito Costa Rica offers no dining options. But dining in Gofito is less of an attraction than deep sea fishing, and if you want to venture out for a restaurant meal, it pays to be choosy.
Golfito Costa Rica’s La Cubana Bar & Grill is nestled into the side of small hill, commanding a spectacular view of the Gulf. This small open-air restaurant offers bargain meal prices and high-end scenery. A great place for a drink at the end of a busy day or a late simple meal, the food at La Cubana is filling local fare prepared well and served at unbelievable prices. A whole fresh fish in garlic sauce with will set you back less that $5 USD, for example, and lots more is on offer here, all of it good.
The Bilge Bar Restaurant & Grill, attached to the Banana Bay Marina gives you open-air views of the boats bobbing up and down in the bay and simply prepared steaks, seafood, and burgers at reasonable prices. This Golfito Costa Rica hangout right on the waterfront offers a first hand view of a colorful port and provides an opportunity to meet a few fishermen and sailors and swap tall tales.
Just north of the public dock in downtown Golfito Costa Rica you’ll find Samoa del Sur. Offering an extensive menu of Continental and French dishes, Samoa del Sur serves everything from pizza and spaghetti to fine French dishes like fish meuniere, onion soup, and salad Nicoise, as well as excellent Spanish paella.
The perfect view of the dock makes Samoa del Sur a prime spot for late night drinks, and the friendly bar features a big screen TV and often stays open all night. Most main courses run under $20 USD.
Speaking of that late night drink, it’s a good idea to venture out with caution when looking for nightlife in Golfito Costa Rica. While the town isn’t exactly dangerous after dark, it is a rough and tumble port town with all the risk that environment implies. Don’t assume that every place that serves drinks caters to tourists.
Latitude 8 is the most popular nightclub in town, just one and half blocks into town from the docks and a pretty good bet if you need to get out. Beyond that, most people stick to their hotel bars or visit one of the popular restaurant-bars in Golfito Costa Rica like Las Gaviatos or Samoa del Sur.
Related links:
Golfito Activities (Things to Do in Golfito Costa Rica)
What to See in Costa Rica’s Southern Zone
Return from Dining in Golfito to
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