Where to Eat After Dark: Santa Teresa’s Nighttime Gastronomy

Key Takeaways

• Costa Rica’s is foodie paradise, and Santa Teresa has an abundance of establishments of all kinds 
• Learn about the restaurants and bars in Santa Teresa and general open hours
• Staying at Casa Teresa means guaranteed peace of mind, with private security and concierge services available

There’s never a bad time to party in paradise, which is why the Nicoya Peninsula has made Costa Rica the pre-eminent luxury tourism destination the world over. Whether for the idyllic dry season or the adventurous rainy season, it’s always a fiesta in this once quiet fishing village, and for all kinds of revelers. 

There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Santa Teresa after dark, from romantic places to slip away to hot spots to turn it up, and of course, plenty of establishments to wind things down with some late night nosh. 

Read on for more ways to get the most out of Santa Teresa’s nighttime gastronomy scene for fun that goes until the first sunrise surf.

Costa Rica’s Food Culture

Costa Rica’s food culture is the embodiment of the Pura Vida lifestyle: a focus on slowing down, and where you don’t have to choose between quality and quantity when you take time enjoying what you have in the moment. 

Costa Rica’s gastronomy is centered on an abundance of wholesome, nourishing, and incredibly delicious meals that feature organic, local harvests of simple delights like tropical fruits and freshly caught fish.

Foodies delight: expect basics done exceptionally well, including casados of meats, rice, fried fish and plantains, and the “three sisters” of squash, beans, and corn.

Similar to other famously, nearly year-round warm places like the Mediterranean and South Pacific Islands, time moves more slowly, and lingering until late is more common. The siesta is celebrated in Costa Rica and the lunch hour tends to be the biggest meal of the day. 

Dining After Hours

There is no shortage of restaurants in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, for all palates and styles of traveler. 

Santa Teresa blends the best of two worlds: its historic roots as a fishing village, and a world-famous ecotourism destination. 

As a result, visitors are greeted with a variety of world-class dining with international cuisine alongside down-home regional comfort foods, both prepared with the Nicoya region’s quality produce. For example, your evening meal can include nearly anything, including: 

• High-grade sashimi platters at Nami or Satori
• Thai and Asian fusion cuisine
• Authentic Italian-style pizzas and pastas at Amante or Pronto Piccolo Italia
• Plenty of health-conscious options, including vegan-friendly options at nearly every establishment. Even the bar scene in Casa Teresa is incomplete without a house smoothie!

For even more options, if you just need a night in, or to plan a private after party, book a memorable meal with our private chef. Additionally, you’ll get to watch a true professional and local guide prepare the best of Costa Rica in any style, and in the comfort of your luxury villa.

General Hours of Operation for Restaurants

In reverent observance of the pura vida, smaller restaurants’ hours tend to be shorter and with more breaks in between than visitors from North America might expect, and lingering over meals more commonplace. 

When planning your nighttime outings, keep in mind the size and scale of the restaurant for these general rules of thumb: 

• Many “sodas,” or classically Costa Rican hole-in-the-wall restaurants, are often only open for set meal times, such as between 5-7 am for breakfast, 12-2 for lunch and 6-8 for dinner.
  • Tip: If you’re looking for a satisfying, filling bite before going full into party mode, these are great options, especially for an authentic Costa Rican experience. 
• Other, more medium sized restaurants in town, such as The Somos, is open 7:30 AM – 2 PM, then siesta, and then opens again for evenings from 5 PM – 11 PM.
  • Tip: This is excellent as either a fun last stop or a great in-between pick-me-up between more late night bar hopping. 
• For larger restaurants that are more central in Santa Teresa, you can expect hours of operation that are more consistent, such as 12 PM to 10 PM at Pronto Piccolo Italia and Manzu from 7 AM to 9:45 PM. 
• Other local favorites among locals and tourists alike include The Bakery, an American style cafe with hours to match, open from 7 AM to 10 PM, and Nami, home for exquisite sushi prepared with Santa Teresa’s catch of the day, is open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM.   

When it comes to the bars, the party magic tends to go until the stroke of midnight. For example, Terrazza is open from 5:30 PM to 12 AM, El Falcon bar and grill from 6 until midnight, and to enjoy a Sports Bar Costa Rican style, Nativo is open from 10 AM to midnight. 

Stay in Safety at Casa Teresa

Santa Teresa nightlife is truly a hub for everyone who wants to let loose and seek adventure. Just as you can soar through the jungle by zipline, after hours, the rainforest gives way to world-famous jungle parties, where you can take your festivities to new heights. For a more romantic evening, look to the fine dining establishments in town, or opt for a beautiful beachside bonfire. 

Santa Teresa is already a very safe destination, but by staying at the completely exclusive luxury villas of Casa Teresa, you can enjoy Santa Teresa’s nightlife with the ultimate peace of mind. With white glove concierge services available and private security to let you retreat and unwind in full comfort and safety, you can rest easy as you live it up to the fullest.