Though the Caribbean town of Cahuita is only very small, it has surprisingly enough a big amount of restaurants, lunchrooms and sodas. Therefore it can be difficult to decide where to go for a lunch or dinner after a long day of hiking the National Park Cahuita, visiting the wildlife rescue center Tree of Life, snorkelling the sea or horse riding on the beach. So to help you out, here are my personal favourites:
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Sobre las Olas
Without a doubt the best place in town for a romantic evening and a good dish of fish. Sobre las Olas may not have the best service, but it does have a very pretty view over the Caribbean coast that will make up for it. Try the spicy mussels, pulpo al ajillo or whatever they have as a catch of the day. At times a two -toed sloth with her baby even makes her appearance while you’re enjoying the pink skies when the sun sets in.
Barakka Bistro
A recently opened restaurant. Owners are young, the interior is fresh and the kitchen is French/Italian and that means you can find pasta puttanesca’s, croque madame’s, bruschetta’s, steak tartare and crêpes on the menu. Also a good place if you’re in need of a croissant au chocolat and a coffee.
Cafe Cahuita
Next to Barakka there’s another fine place to eat crêpes. The cook is extremely hospitality minded – a rare sight in Cahuita. I would even nominate her just for that on this list, but her food is pretty damn fine too and not too expensive (she also makes wraps and sandwiches), especially if you’re not into a heavy meal. Her home made ice cream and brownies are very well accompanied with a coffee afterwards.
Ristorante Pizzeria CahuITA
This pizzeria is a cool place to hang out if you’re longing for some comfort food. The interior is very clean, the woodoven pizza’s are crispy, the ravioli mouthwatering and the lasagna creamy. Nothing to add in here.
Heladeria
On the main ‘square’ there’s another new joint; an ice cream bar. The place doesn’t really have a name, but it does star some superfresh juices – with water, milk, yoghurt or ice cream – and bold cups of gelato. If you’re more in the mood of something hearty, there are some simple dishes such as ceviche and hotdogs in here too.
Alma Verde shop
Not a restaurant, but a small outside ‘shop’ situated next to Soda Kawe. Go here for your cocoa cravings; they simply have the best brownies and muffins in town. Also a great place to stop by if you want to buy some gifts, think of self made body lotion and lip balm with coco.
Ceviche shack
I honestly don’t know if this place, situated the Restaurant Roberto La Casa and Soda Kawe, has a name, but let’s call it the ceviche shack for now, since that is what is offers. Come here if you don’t have a lot of time and are very eager to taste some fresh ceviche. It’s basically the only thing this bar offers and it serves it well and cheap (3000 colones) too.
Soda Edith
Often you hear that you need some time waiting in this restaurant on the edge of the town. Indeed, pura vida is what you get at Soda Edith. Nonetheless, if you’re not in a hurry and want to experience some true Cahuita vibes, this place might be perfect to eat some rice ‘n beans, fish soup or to drink a spicy agua de sapo.
French bakery
So technically not a restaurant, but very well worth a mention. I think this is – by far – the best bakery on the entire Caribbean coast, due to its price/quality ratio. The owner is French and therefore the pain quotidien, cakes and croissants are indeed really, really French. The bread is often still warm when you buy it (don’t miss out on the pan con nueces, for only $1,-!). For more special treats you can empty your pockets in here too; the most beautiful little strawberry and apple pies are awaiting you here in this small cafe on the route down to Puerto Viejo. Try to spot the little Eiffel Tower outside!
