Planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering if you'll find delicious vegan food along the way? You're in luck! One of our Pura Vida Traveling team members is vegan, so we've explored the country through a plant-based lens to help you find the most satisfying eats and experiences.
Whether you're fully vegan, vegetarian, or just enjoy eating plant-based food, this article will help you discover the best vegan restaurants in Costa Rica.
For quick and easy navigation, jump straight to the best vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants in:
In addition, if you’re looking for practical tips on how to stay vegan while traveling — from what to order at traditional sodas to essential phrases in Spanish — don’t miss our complete guide on How to be Vegan in Costa Rica.
Best Vegan Restaurants in San José
Árbol de Seda | Vegetarian with vegan options
A vegetarian spot with global flavors and clearly labeled vegan options.
- Location: Avenida 7 & Calle 35, Barrio Escalante, San José
- Type of Food: Vegetarian and vegan fusion cuisine, blending international flavors including Spanish, Peruvian, Japanese, and Italian influences.
- Specialties: Known for its creative dishes like the mega-fried oyster mushroom burger and spicy Korean-inspired gnocchi.
- Sustainability: Local produce and zero-waste kitchen.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $41 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2281 0513
- Website: arboldeseda.ola.click
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: No.
Café Rojo | Vietnamese with vegan options
A peaceful café with Vietnamese-fusion food, coffee, and fresh juices in a hidden garden.
- Location: Avenida 7 & Calle 3, Barrio Amón, San José
- Type of Food: Vietnamese fusion cuisine with vegan and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Offers a variety of Vietnamese-inspired dishes, including bowls, sandwiches, salads, and a healthy version of the traditional Costa Rican Casado. All bases are vegan, with options to add extra vegetables.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2221 2425
- Website: caferojocr.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes, available through Uber Eats.
Huacamole Vegan Food | 100% Vegan
A vibrant, casual eatery offering a creative take on Costa Rican and Latin American street food classics—all fully plant-based.
- Location: Calle 63, Empalme, San Pedro, San José
- Type of Food: Vegan street food with Latin American influences, including tacos, arepas, empanadas, pizzas, enchiladas, burgers, soups, and salads.
- Specialties: Known for its flavorful vegan versions of traditional dishes with mushroom and seitan.
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 7005 7073
- Website: instagram.com/huacamole
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No, but take-out is available.
La Esquina Vegana | 100% Vegan
A casual, family-friendly eatery offering generous portions of Latin American–inspired vegan dishes.
- Location: 200 meters west of Amazon in Lagunilla de Heredia, corner location, Heredia
- Type of Food: Vegan Latin American cuisine, including dishes like tacos, arepas, empanadas, pizzas, enchiladas, burgers, soups, and salads.
- Specialties: Known for flavorful vegan versions of traditional dishes, including the Parribox (a vegan take on parrillada), birria burgers, Thai and Oriental bowls, and a variety of desserts like cinnamon rolls and red velvet cake.
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 7205 0803
- Website: facebook.com/LaEsquinaVegana
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available through Uber Eats.
Best Vegan Restaurants in La Fortuna
Organico Fortuna | Very vegan-friendly
A peaceful restaurant and café offering many plant-based (including desserts) and gluten-free options.
- Location: 100 meters east of Parque San Carlos, La Fortuna
- Type of food: Plant-focused cuisine with many vegan and vegetarian options.
- Specialties: Known for dishes like the Vuna burrito, roasted potatoes, and lots of vegan desserts.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone number: +506 8572 2115
- Website: organicofortuna.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes, available via WhatsApp.
Chifa La Familia Feliz | Peruvian-Chinese with vegan options
Family-run fusion spot serving hearty portions with plant-based adaptations available.
- Location: Ruta 702, near Costa Rica Decents Tours Office and diagonal to Alamo Rental Car, La Fortuna
- Type of food: Peruvian-Chinese fusion cuisine ("Chifa") offering a blend of Peruvian criollo and Chinese flavors with vegetarian and vegan options for most dishes.
- Specialties: Known for the vegan ceviche, the Yuquitas (fried cassava) with quinoa, the Tofu Saltado, and the Kam lu wantan (stuffed wonton with vegetable curry).
- Price Range: Approximately $9 to $25 per person.
- Phone number: +506 8467 5028
- Website: facebook.com/chifalafamilia.feliz
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommeded.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes.
Kappa Sushi | Sushi with vegan options
A cozy sushi bar with a modern twist and several vegan rolls, noodle soups, and sides.
- Location: Calle 468, 25 meters north of Banco Nacional, La Fortuna
- Type of Food: Japanese cuisine with a separate vegetarian section with many vegan options.
- Specialties: Many vegan sushi rolls, including a vegan sushi boat with 40 pieces.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $30 per person.
- Phone Numbers: +506 2479 1639; WhatsApp: +506 8793 2020
- Website: kappasushifortuna.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommeded.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes, available via WhatsApp at +506 8793 2020
D'mi Tierra Comida Típica | Costa Rican with Vegan Options
A cozy, eco-friendly eatery offering traditional Costa Rican dishes with vegan and vegetarian options.
- Location: Calle 468, 300 Norte De Parque Central., Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, La Fortuna
- Type of Food: Traditional Costa Rican and Caribbean cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options.
- Specialties: Known for its vegan 'casado' featuring house-made cassava cake, as well as vegan hamburgers, vegan churros, and other plant-based adaptations of local favorites.
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8391 2398
- Website: tripadvisor.es/D'miTierra
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Como en mi Casa | Vegetarian with vegan options
Café with an impressive selection of art from local artists, and a cozy and creative atmosphere.
- Location: Calle 215 & Avenida 73, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Type of Food: Vegetarian café with a variety of vegan and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Known for its homemade bread, jams, pancakes, and pastries.
- Sustainability: Solar panels and no-plastic policy.
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2750 0723
- Website: facebook.com/comoenmicasa
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No.
Grow | Vegetarian with vegan options
Farm-to-table Vegetarian & Vegan Beachfront Lounge.
- Location: Beachfront, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
- Type of Food: Vegetarian cuisine with many vegan and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Gluten-free breadfruit crepes, vegan truffles, burrito, bowls, and falafel salad.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $20 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8370 6334
- Website: instagram.com/growpuertoviejo
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Tamarindo
Mother Earth Vegan Restaurant | 100% Vegan
An elegant, open-air, poolside restaurant offering vegan cuisine in a tranquil boutique hotel setting.
- Location: 100 meters west of AYA, Tamarindo
- Type of Food: International plant-based cuisine with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
- Specialties: Signature dishes include the vegan Tico Breakfast, chickpea omelet, Beyond Sausage skewers, Rainforest Salad, Pesto Pasta, chickpea and hearts of palm "tuna" sandwich, and the Mother Pizza. Desserts feature options like strawberry shortcake and lava cake.
- Sustainability: Eco-materials, solar-powered, plastic-free, composting, minimize waste.
- Price Range: Approximately $30 to $60 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8791 8402
- Website: meveganhotel.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: No.
Flora Vegan Café | 100% Vegan
A vibrant, fully plant-based café offering creative comfort food, smoothies, and desserts in a laid-back, beachside setting.
- Location: Plaza Sunrise, Local 12, Tamarindo
- Type of Food: 100% vegan cuisine with Latin American and international influences, including breakfast items, smoothie bowls, salads, tacos, sandwiches, and desserts.
- Specialties: Known for its crispy cauliflower tacos, chorizo-style "choripán" sandwich, breakfast burrito, and a variety of smoothie bowls. Desserts like pineapple & passionfruit cheesecake and churros are also popular.
- Sustainability: Emphasizes eco-friendly practices by sourcing fresh, local ingredients and supporting the community through initiatives like donating a portion of merchandise sales to local animal rescue efforts.
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 6306 5870
- Website: floravegancafe.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available.
Green Papaya Taco Bar | Mexican with Vegan Options
A vibrant, casual eatery offering a fusion of Mexican and Central American flavors, with a dedicated vegan menu and a laid-back atmosphere featuring swing seats and outdoor dining.
- Location: Calle Corona, behind the Oveja Negra Hostel, Tamarindo
- Type of Food: Mexican fusion cuisine with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Known for its extensive vegan menu, including dishes like stir-fry veggie burritos, vegan quesadillas, and the popular "Hippie Brownie."
- Price Range: Approximately $5 to $12 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2653 0863
- Website: facebook.com/GreenPapaya
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
Falafel Bar | Mediterrean with Vegan Options
A popular eatery offering Mediterranean and Middle Eastern generous portions, with a variety of vegan and gluten-free options in a casual beachside vibe.
- Location: Central Avenue 250, Pacific Park Building, Tamarindo
- Type of Food: Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, including falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, salads, and more.
- Specialties: Known for its falafel wraps, hummus platters, baba ghanoush, and many salads.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2653 1268
- Website: facebook.com/falafelbartamarindo
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; delivery and take-out options are available.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Santa Teresa
Drift Bar | Fusion with Vegan Options
A laid-back jungle bar, bakery, and art gallery offering creative, plant-forward dishes and tropical cocktails in a relaxed, artistic setting.
- Location: 50 meters south of Hotel Tropico Latino, Santa Teresa
- Type of Food: International fusion cuisine with many vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Known for its extensive vegan menu, including dishes like vegan gyozas, chana masala, veggie chili, crostinis with various vegan toppings, and a variety of vegan desserts such as passion fruit cheesecake and peanut butter cups.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8496 6056
- Website: driftbarcr.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available.
Eat Street | Vegan-Friendly Food Market
A vibrant open-air food market offering diverse international cuisines with a variety of vegan options.
- Location: Calle Principal, across from Selina North, Santa Teresa
- Type of Food: International fusion cuisine featuring Mexican, Asian, and healthy bowls.
- Specialties: Offers vegan-friendly dishes such as the Beyond Meat Burger, Smoked Oyster Mushroom Tacos, and various bowls from Happy Bowls.
- Sustainability: Compostable takeaway containers and plastic-free bottles.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8862 9124
- Website: eatstreetcostarica.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; delivery and take-out options are available.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Nosara
Luv Burger | 100% Vegan
A fully plant-based restaurant offering a diverse menu of vegan comfort food, including burgers, pizzas, and desserts, in a relaxed, open-air setting.
- Location: Main Street, Nosara
- Type of Food: Vegan cuisine featuring burgers, pizzas, salads, raw desserts, and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Known for their coconut bacon burger, falafel burger, coconut-based ice cream and vegan cheesecake.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8890 0489
- Website: instagram.com/luvburger
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
SER Restaurante | 100% Vegan
A modern, plant-based restaurant offering creative, globally inspired dishes in a relaxed, open-air setting near Playa Guiones.
- Location: Playa Guiones, Nosara
- Type of Food: 100% plant-based cuisine with international fusion influences, including Costa Rican, Asian, and Mediterranean flavors.
- Specialties: Known for dishes like portobello miso carpaccio, porcini risotto, Asian carbonara, a variety of tacos, chocolate tart and coconut-based ice cream.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8837 3987
- Website: serrestaurantecr.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available.
Naked Foods | 100% Vegan
A vibrant, organic café offering a diverse menu of plant-based dishes, cold-pressed juices, and raw desserts in a relaxed, open-air setting near Playa Guiones.
- Location: North Playa Guiones, Nosara
- Type of Food: 100% plant-based cuisine featuring international fusion dishes, including toasts, pancakes, curries, poke bowls, salads, ceviche, tacos, and a variety of raw desserts.
- Specialties: Known for their organic cold-pressed juices, raw desserts, and plant-based delights.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 8470 5980
- Website: nakedfoodscr.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Montezuma
Sano Banano Restaurant | Costa Rican with Vegan Options
A long-standing favorite in Montezuma, offering a diverse menu of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes in a relaxed, garden setting.
- Location: Main Street, Montezuma
- Type of Food: Mostly vegetarian cuisine with many vegan and gluten-free options.
- Specialties: Signature dishes include the Vegetarian Casado (also available as vegan), tofu scramble, vegan fajitas, and a variety of smoothie bowls.
- Price Range: Approximately $15 to $30 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2642 0638
- Website: elsanobanano.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
Ylang Ylang Restaurant | Vegan-Friendly Beachfront Dining
A serene, open-air restaurant nestled within a lush beachfront resort, offering a diverse menu with extensive vegan options.
- Location: 700 meters north of the school, Montezuma
- Type of Food: International and Costa Rican fusion menu that includes vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and raw food options.
- Specialties: Dedicated vegan and raw food menus feature dishes like seared tofu in mango sauce, vegan desserts, and fresh smoothies.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $30 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2642-0523
- Website: ylangylangbeachresort.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in only.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Jacó
Karma Café & Restaurant | 100% Vegan
A vibrant, fully vegan café offering creative comfort foods and fresh juices in a relaxed, open-air setting.
- Location: Main Street, Centro Comercial Il Galione, 2nd floor, Jacó
- Type of Food: 100% plant-based cuisine featuring international comfort foods, including burgers, pastas, salads, smoothie bowls, and desserts.
- Specialties: Known for chickpea-based Mexi Burger, creamy cashew-based carbonara, tofu scramble bagel, and heart of palm ceviche. They also offer a variety of smoothie bowls and vegan desserts.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $25 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2201 7695
- Website: karmacostarica.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; available through Uber Eats.
Green Room Café | Farm-to-table with Vegan Options
A boho-chic artsy café offering vegan-friendly dishes, live music, and a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.
- Location: Pastor Díaz Avenue, in front of POPS Ice Cream, Jacó
- Type of Food: Fusion cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options, including brunch items, salads, wraps, and main courses inspired by international flavors.
- Specialties: Known for its vegan palmito & pineapple coconut curry, veggie burgers, and a variety of fresh salads.
- Price Range: Approximately $15 to $30 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2643 4425
- Website: greenroomjaco.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Recommended, especially during live music events.
- Do They Deliver?: Yes; take-out and delivery options are available.
Best Vegan Restaurants in Manuel Antonio
Varuna Plant-Based Food & Juice Bar | 100% Vegan
A vibrant, fully vegan café offering creative, plant-based dishes and refreshing juices in a relaxed, tropical setting.
- Location: Main Street, inside the Divisimar Hotel, Manuel Antonio
- Type of Food: 100% plant-based cuisine featuring smoothie bowls, savory dishes, raw desserts, and fresh juices.
- Specialties: Known for their smoothie bowls like the SunBerry and Cacao, savory dishes such as the Varuna Bowl and Ocean Bowl, and unique desserts including raw cakes and stuffed dates.
- Price Range: Approximately $8 to $10 for smoothie bowls; other items vary.
- Phone Number: +506 6397 6666
- Website: varunajuicebar.com
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
Falafel Bar | Mediterranean with Vegan Options
A casual Mediterranean eatery offering a variety of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes with a build-your-own salad bar.
- Location: Main Road, across from Casa Linda and Tulemar Resort, Manuel Antonio
- Type of Food: Mediterranean cuisine with vegetarian and vegan options, including falafel, hummus, shawarma, and fresh salads.
- Specialties: Known for their falafel wraps, hummus plates, and a self-serve salad bar allowing customization with various toppings.
- Price Range: Approximately $10 to $15 per person.
- Phone Number: +506 2777 4135
- Website: facebook.com/falafelbarmanuelantonio
- Do I Need a Reservation?: Not required.
- Do They Deliver?: No; dine-in and take-out only.
Final thoughts
Costa Rica’s vibrant and expanding vegan scene makes it easier than ever to enjoy delicious, plant-based meals while exploring this beautiful country. Whether you’re savoring a freshly made smoothie bowl, indulging in innovative fusion dishes, or simply enjoying the abundance of tropical fruits, you’ll find that Costa Rican cuisine can easily accommodate your dietary preferences.
By supporting local, plant-based businesses, you're both enjoying wholesome meals and contributing to the country’s growing focus on sustainability and conscious eating. So, whether you’re here for an adventurous backpacking trip or a relaxing family vacation, Costa Rica has something for every vegan traveler to enjoy.
And if you're willing to find a plant-based retreat when choosing where to stay, make sure to have a look at our complete guide to Costa Rica Vegan Resorts.
Pura vida!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Costa Rica is very vegan-friendly, especially in popular destinations like San José, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Tamarindo, and Puerto Viejo. Many restaurants offer vegan or vegan-friendly menus, and local dishes are often easy to modify. Fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, and beans are staples, making it easy to eat well on a plant-based diet.
The top three traditional foods are:
- Gallo Pinto – a breakfast dish of rice and beans, often served with plantains and tortillas (can easily be made vegan).
- Casado – a lunch plate with rice, beans, salad, and a protein (ask for it with extra veggies or avocado instead of meat).
- Patacones – crispy fried plantain slices, often served with guacamole or bean dip.
San José, the capital, has the widest variety of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. However, beach towns like Puerto Viejo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa also have strong plant-based communities and many dedicated vegan spots.
It depends on where you go. Eating at tourist-oriented vegan restaurants can be pricier ($10–$20 per meal), but local sodas offer very affordable vegan-friendly meals for $5–$8. Fresh fruits and vegetables from farmers' markets are also inexpensive and abundant.
Yes, but it takes a bit of planning. While remote areas may not have fully vegan restaurants, you can still find plant-based staples like rice, beans, salads, and fruits. Learning a few Spanish phrases and being flexible with what’s available will go a long way.
Yes! Costa Rica is home to several eco-conscious and wellness-focused resorts that cater specifically to vegan and plant-based travelers. From jungle retreats to beachfront havens, you'll find places that serve 100% vegan cuisine, offer yoga and holistic experiences, and align with sustainable living values.
Check out our complete guide to vegan resorts in Costa Rica for handpicked recommendations.
