Costa Rica Restaurants

Reserve ahead, or arrive early to grab a table at this popular eatery for locals and tourists. The eclectic menu mixes pasta and pizza with entrees like fresh fish. Try the caramel flan. 2222-6190.

El Gran Esacpe, Quepos, serves a grilled, blackened or broiled catch of the day, as well as other fresh fish in an informal atmosphere. The Tico paella combines mussels, calamari, scallops, shrimp and crab. The children's menu offers standards, such as chicken fingers, fish and chips, and grilled cheese.

Currently, with development slowed on Peninsula Papagayo, the Four Seasons is the best place for meals, although the less-visited Prieta Beach Club also has good food.

At the Four Seasons:
Papagayo, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, offers international cuisine with a local flare. For lunch, there are cilantro-spiced burgers, salads, grilled fish and traditional Tico chicken and rice. For dinner, entrees range from fresh fish and meats to Papagayo Paella with seafood, sausage and chicken. A nice touch: There are two children's menus, one for young kids and for older kids. Along with macaroni and cheese and pasta for little ones, 'tweens can order steak and mahi-mahi at prices (and portions) a bit less than those for adults.

Di Mare is the resort's signature (and pricey) restaurant, serving a mix of Italian dishes and seafood. We really enjoyed the homemade spaghetti with seafood and garlic, as well as the grilled red snapper. This restaurant also has the two children's menus.

Many rate Sofia's, Cerro Plano near the Butterfly Farm, among the best places to dine in Monteverde. The Costa Rican fusion fare runs the gamut from steak to fish to chicken. Older kids like the quesadillas. Leave room for dessert.