Best Restaurant in Jaco (2025): Top Picks from Experts

Jaco, Costa Rica, is a hotspot for travelers craving not just beautiful beaches but also a dynamic and diverse food scene. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood by the ocean or a creative fusion dish with craft cocktails, Jaco has it all. From fine-dining spots to casual eateries, the culinary culture here caters to all tastes, preferences, and budgets. Ready to find out the best restaurant in Jaco? Let’s dive into the top picks to ensure your taste buds are as satisfied as your vacation goals!

In a hurry? Here are Jaco’s top 3 picks:

1. Royale Cafe N Bar – Social working space with fine dining and cocktails
   
   
2. Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar – Fine-dining fusion
3. El Hicaco – Upscale beachfront seafood with sunset views

Top 11 Best Restaurants in Jaco, Costa Rica

1. Royale Cafe N Bar

Category: Social Working Space, Cocktails Rating: 4.5/5 Best For: Best cocktails and food in a relaxed, creative atmosphere

• Ambiance: Laid-back, modern space perfect for work or play
• Cuisine: American, Fusion
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Royale Burger with truffle fries

Royale Cafe N Bar is the go-to spot for anyone looking to work, relax, and eat in a chic setting. Their cocktails are top-notch, and the food menu combines creative American and fusion flavors with a refreshing coastal vibe.

2. Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar

Category: Fine Dining Fusion Rating: 5/5 Best For: A romantic night out with creative dishes and craft cocktails

• Ambiance: Elegant, modern, artsy
• Cuisine: Fusion, International
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Filet Mignon with tamarind glaze

One of Jaco’s top fine-dining spots, Graffiti offers innovative cuisine with bold flavor profiles. The art-inspired décor and sophisticated atmosphere make it a perfect spot for date nights or special occasions.

3. El Hicaco

Category: Upscale Seafood, Beachfront Rating: 4.7/5 Best For: Sunset dinners with a view of the Pacific Ocean

• Ambiance: Relaxed beachfront dining
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Location: Jaco Beach
• Standout Dish: Grilled Lobster with garlic butter

Set along Jaco Beach, El Hicaco offers fresh seafood with spectacular ocean views. Perfect for a sunset dinner, the ambiance and food quality make this an unforgettable experience for seafood lovers.

4. Tsunami Sushi / Ohana Sushi Tapas

Category: Sushi & Tapas Rating: 4.6/5 Best For: Sushi lovers craving fresh, flavorful rolls

• Ambiance: Beachy, casual
• Cuisine: Sushi
• Location: Beachside
• Standout Dish: Volcano Roll, Tuna Tartar

For sushi lovers, Tsunami Sushi (and its sibling Ohana Sushi Tapas) offers the freshest, most creative rolls in Jaco. The relaxed beachy vibe is ideal for unwinding with a cold beer and a plate of sushi.

5. Soda Rustico / Garabito

Category: Costa Rican Comfort Food Rating: 4.5/5 Best For: Budget travelers looking for authentic Costa Rican dishes

• Ambiance: Casual, homey
• Cuisine: Costa Rican
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Casado with grilled chicken

Soda Rustico offers a local, home-style dining experience. If you want to savor an authentic Costa Rican casado without breaking the bank, this is the place to be. Family-friendly and super affordable!

6. PuddleFish Brewery

Category: Craft Beer Pub Rating: 4.4/5 Best For: Groups and beer enthusiasts

• Ambiance: Casual, live music
• Cuisine: Pub Food
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Pulled Pork Sandwich

PuddleFish Brewery is the perfect spot to sip on a craft beer while enjoying delicious pub food. With live music and a casual atmosphere, it’s ideal for groups looking to have fun.

7. Lemon Zest

Category: Fine Dining International Rating: 4.6/5 Best For: International flavors with a fine-dining touch

• Ambiance: Intimate, upscale
• Cuisine: International
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Ahi Tuna Tacos

Lemon Zest is an intimate, upscale restaurant offering fresh, international dishes. The flavors are bold, and the service is impeccable, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or celebratory evening.

8. Jerah Authentic Thai

Category: Thai Rating: 4.5/5 Best For: A flavorful escape to Thai cuisine

• Ambiance: Cozy, casual
• Cuisine: Thai
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Pad Thai with tofu

For authentic Thai cuisine in the heart of Jaco, Jerah offers a genuine experience. The flavors are rich and authentic, perfect for those who love spicy, well-balanced dishes.

9. Green Room Café

Category: Healthy Breakfast/Lunch Rating: 4.4/5 Best For: A Healthy and tasty breakfast or lunch

• Ambiance: Chill, health-focused
• Cuisine: Healthy, Organic
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Acai Bowl

Green Room Café is a favorite among health-conscious travelers and locals. The menu is packed with wholesome, organic options, and the café’s cozy ambiance makes it an ideal place to start your day.

10. Mary’s Diner

Category: Burgers Rating: 4.3/5 Best For: Classic American burgers with a local twist

• Ambiance: Casual, diner-style
• Cuisine: American
• Location: Central Jaco
• Standout Dish: Classic Cheeseburger with a side of fries

Mary’s Diner serves up delicious, no-frills American burgers with a local twist. The cozy, retro vibe makes it a favorite for anyone craving a comfort meal in Jaco.

11. Jaco Bar

Category: Poke/Ceviche Rating: 4.5/5 Best For: Fresh poke bowls and ceviche with local flair

• Ambiance: Casual, beachy
• Cuisine: Seafood
• Location: Beachside
• Standout Dish: Poke Bowl with Ahi Tuna

For those craving fresh, healthy seafood, Jaco Bar offers poke bowls and ceviche that hit the spot. The laid-back, beachy vibe makes it a great place for a light, refreshing meal.

Final Words

This is a list of the best restaurants and bars in Jaco, Costa Rica. They serve local and international cuisine savored by people all around the world. You will find a large variety of delicacies in Jaco and whatever you prefer, social working, cocktails, or indigenous dishes, you will find everything here. Jaco Royale is here to assist you with bookings and necessary arrangements.

Contact our team today!