We’ve called Quepos home for over 10 years, and one of our favorite aspects of living here is exploring the town’s vibrant food scene. Over the years, we’ve tried just about every spot — from the bakeries that wake up the city with the smell of fresh bread to the marina restaurants serving elegant dinners with a view. In this guide, we’re sharing our personal favorites and the places we confidently recommend to friends, family, and travelers alike. Dive into this guide to the best restaurants in Quepos.
Fine dining restaurants
The Butcher Block
- General Location: Marina Pez Vela, Quepos.
- Type of Food: Barbecue / Smokehouse & premium meats — Texas-style BBQ + grill fare.
- Price Range: approx. $20–$80 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8850 4848
- Website: menu.butcherblockmpv.com
- Do I Need a Reservation? Yes, recommended, especially for sunset evenings and weekends.
- Do They Deliver? Yes with delivery charge
The Butcher Block brings a bold, smoky flavour profile to Quepos, offering high-quality cuts of meat (imported and premium), slow barbecue, and hearty sides. The setting at Marina Pez Vela is elevated yet warm, featuring air-conditioned dining, a sleek 71-seat indoor area, and a vibrant bar lounge. What makes it particularly special is how it manages to combine upscale presentation and serious BBQ with the relaxed, social vibes of a marina-town location. If you’re craving smoky ribs, brisket, or just a satisfying meat-centric meal in a stylish setting, this hits the mark.
Writer's Tips:
- Go during sunset hours
- The best BBQ in the area, perfect for meat lovers. Try a 2- or 3-person sampler that allows you to taste a mix of brisket, ribs, sausage, and more.
- One of the best places in Quepos for a cocktail. They offer high-end spirits and feature well-trained bartenders who specialize in crafting their signature cocktails and classic drinks.
Gabriella's Steak Seafood & Pasta
- General Location: Marina Pez Vela, Quepos
- Type of Food: Steakhouse / Seafood / Italian & Pasta fusion
- Price Range: $15 to $70 per person
- Phone Number: +506 2519-9300.
- Website: www.gabriellassteakhouse.com
- Do I Need a Reservation? Yes, recommended, especially for sunset evenings and weekends.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes — according to some listings, they offer delivery and take-out.
Gabriella’s combines elegance and variety: standout seafood platters, perfectly cooked steaks (Angus, Wagyu), fresh pasta, vibrant appetizers like “Wow-Wow Shrimp,” and desserts that diners rave about. The decor is upscale, service attentive, and views of the marina add a scenic bonus. It’s one of the go-to places in Quepos when you want something special — whether it’s celebrating a night out, impressing guests, or simply indulging in top-tier surf & turf.
Writer's Tips:
- Go during sunset hours; the sunset over the Marina is an exceptional spectacle.
- Try their seafood (lobster, tuna, mahi mahi) and their steaks; it's the house specialty.
Casual dining restaurants
De La Finca
- General location: Central Quepos
- Type of food: Farm-to-table / international with local ingredients.
- Price range: approx. $15–$35 per person.
- Phone number: +506 2774 0156.
- Website: www.facebook.com/delafincaquepos/
- Do I need a reservation?: Recommended at busy times
- Do they deliver?: Yes, via WhatsApp
De la Finca is one of our favorite local restaurants. This small and colorful restaurant is packed with a variety of tasty food options, ranging from delicious steaks to wraps and sandwiches. Ingredients are sourced from local farms, giving this restaurant its name: De la Finca (from the farm). They also do express delivery, and their menu can be found on their Facebook page. The staff is lovely, and Mauricio, the owner, always welcomes you with a big smile and ensures that you are well taken care of.
Writer's Tips:
- Try their Shrimp Pasta
- They also have great hamburgers: Mahi Mahi, Tuna, Beef or Chicken.
L'Angolo
- General Location: Downtown Quepos, about 25-50 meters west of the central bus terminal
- Type of food: Italian
- Price Range: approx $10 -$20 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2777-4129.
- Website: Facebook
- Do I Need a Reservation? Not typically.
- Do They Deliver? Yes
Located in the center of town near the central bus station is one of the best restaurants/delis in the region for quality Italian food. L'Angolo is probably the best place to get a good sandwich or Italian-style pasta, and they have a quintessential air-conditioned indoor dining space that is a nice escape from the noisy streets of Quepos' central area. Be aware that this Italian dining experience is authentic, so plan to spend some time there. Service is laid back and can be very slow if the restaurant is busy. Our advice is to enjoy the present moment and relax; you have nowhere else to be, and the food is so worth the wait.
Writer's Tips:
- Try one of their seafood pasta with cream sauce.
- A great place to order an Italian-style sub.
Bon Bonete
- General Location: 50 metres east of The Gran Escape, Quepos
- Type of Food: European-style bakery & café, artisan breads (croissants, brioche, sourdough...)
- Price Range: approx $5-$20 per person
- Phone Number:+506 7202-7082
- Website: Instagram
- Do I Need a Reservation? No
- Do They Deliver? Yes
Bon Bonete is, without a doubt, the best bakery, pastry shop in Costa Rica. This charming artisan bakery/café stands out in Quepos for its French-style breads and pastries made with care and quality products. Locals and visitors praise the croissants, brioche, and sourdough, paired with excellent coffee in a cozy setting. It’s especially beloved for breakfast and lunch, offering a beautiful presentation, flavorful baked goods, and a relaxed atmosphere. If you're after something better than standard “pan de soda,” this is the spot to treat yourself in the morning.
Writer's Tips:
- Our favorites include carrot cake, caramel croissant, pistachio croissant, pistachio cookie, and Paris-Brest... to name just a few. All the pastries are delicious, we LOVE them.
- It's our favorite bakery as well, offering Sourdough, Bagels, Baguettes, and incredible croissants. Worthy of the best French bakeries (and it's the Frenchie who says so)
Budget dining restaurants
Koky's BBQ
- General location: Naranjito, 15 minutes from Quepos.
- Type of food: BBQ / wood-fired meats (family-style BBQ).
- Price range: approx. $12–$30 per person.
- Phone number: +506 6179 4530
- Do I need a reservation? No
- Do they deliver? Yes
Just 25 minutes driving from Manuel Antonio or 15 min from Quepos, adventure deep into the Costa Rican jungle for one of the most authentic meals you find in Costa Rica. Koky's is a small, family-owned, BBQ joint hidden in the jungle of Naranjito. This incredible family-run restaurant was founded by Koky, a seasoned Costa Rican farmer who started the business with nothing but a hot grill and mouth-watering pork. This authentic barbecue pork sold by the kilo started in Koky's backyard and eventually turned into the restaurant it is today because the BBQ pork is truly incredible.
Writer's Tips:
- Call ahead and let them know that you're coming. Giving them notice allows them to have meat ready when you arrive.
- Be prepared for pork ribs, yucca, and fried plantains as this is the only food they serve.
Soda Sánchez
- General Location: Quepos town (50m west of the BCR — central Quepos).
- Type of Food: Traditional Costa Rican “soda” — casados, arroz con pollo, fried plantains and homestyle plates.
- Price Range: approx. $4–$12 per person
- Phone Number: +506 2777-7273
- Website: Facebook
- Do I Need a Reservation? No
- Do They Deliver? Yes
With only a tiny kitchen and hard-working staff, Soda Sanchez is one of Quepos's favorite sodas serving typical Costa Rican cuisine. When visiting a soda in Costa Rica, it is this blogger's opinion that it is almost always best to. Order a casado, a traditional Costa Rican plate that comes with rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and your choice of main course (fish, beef, pork, chicken, or vegetarian). While sodas typically serve other items like hamburgers and burritos, these items can sometimes be unusual or unpredictable depending on the Soda you're visiting. Soda Sanchez makes a great casado and charges a very fair price.
Writer's Tips:
- Our favorite casado is served with a fish filet as the main course.
- Try the "jugos naturales" juice smoothies made from fresh fruit, and always delicious.
Pastelería y Cafetería La Panera
- General Location: Central Quepos, next to the bus station
- Type of Food: Bakery & café restaurant
- Price Range: approx. $3–$12 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2777 1355
- Website: Facebook
- Do I Need a Reservation? No
- Do They Deliver? Yes
La Panera is a cozy bakery and café in downtown Quepos, popular with both locals and travelers for its fresh breads, pastries, and hearty sandwiches. Guests praise the relaxed atmosphere, generous portions, and friendly service, making it a great spot for breakfast, coffee, or a casual lunch. Conveniently located near the town center, it’s a reliable stop for a quick bite or to grab something fresh before exploring. They also offer the creation of custom cakes for special occasions, very good.
Writer's Tips:
- Take the Filet de Pollo a la Plancha o el filet de pescado—a perfect portion, very good, healthy and ideal for a lunch break.
Cafetto
- General Location: Quepos center, next to Bon Bonete
- Type of Food: Café & Costa Rican food
- Price Range: $5 to $15 per person
- Phone Number:+506 8387 3879
- Website: Facebook
- Do I Need a Reservation? No
- Do They Deliver? Yes and take away.
Caffetto is a cozy, friendly café in Quepos that hits the sweet spot between great coffee and satisfying bites. People love it for its freshly brewed specialty coffees (iced, frappes, etc.) and creative light meals (paninis, quesadillas, etc.). What makes it special is the welcoming service (often by the owners), an atmosphere that works whether you’re getting work done or just relaxing, and consistent quality without the upscale price tag. It’s the kind of place locals recommend and return to.
Writer's Tips:
- They have a great lunch special that includes a large plate of food and a delicious drink for around $10
- This is a great place for a coffee or a cappuccino
- Bring a laptop and work on their strong wifi internet connection
Delivery Food in Quepos
Zac's Food
- General Location: Delivery only
- Type of Food: Sushi & Full Costa Rican fusion menu
- Price Range: $10 to $30 per person
- Phone Number: +506 7231-7925 (order via WhatsApp)
- Website: Facebook
- Do I Need a Reservation? No
- Do They Deliver? Yes
Zac’s Food is a favorite among locals and visitors for its versatility and value. If you’re craving good sushi delivered, Zac’s does the best in Quepos — fresh rolls, good seafood, and hot dishes when you want something warm. The WhatsApp ordering is easy; they post daily specials. Even though delivery can take a little time, the price and quality make it worth it. For those nights you don’t want to leave your hotel but still want something tasty, Zac’s is one of the best go-tos. Delivery is inexpensive but usually takes about an hour.
Writer's Tips:
- Order the rainbow roll that has salmon and tuna
- If you order sushi, order the spicy edamame as an appetizer
- Look for daily specials posted to their WhatsApp story
Conclusion
After a decade of living in Quepos, we can honestly say this town has something for every appetite. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual local soda, a lively sports bar, or a marina-side steakhouse, you’ll always find great food paired with warm hospitality. These are the places we love and frequent ourselves, so we know you’ll enjoy them too. And if your travels take you a little further, don’t miss our guide to the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio for even more amazing dining options nearby.
