Savouring Samara, Costa Rica

Fresh Seafood, Fresh Fruit, Local Coffee… and the Best Croissant Outside of Paris

Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of Costa Rica, the charming town of Samara awaits travelers with an exciting local culinary journey. From a hidden fish market to beachside bites, a food odyssey in Samara will awaken your taste buds and leave you yearning for more of its local gems.

Morning Delights

Start your day with a decision between two fresh local bakeries: head to the well-known classic, Roots, or venture to discover local hidden treasure, the Boulangerie. If you choose the latter, remember to greet the ex-pat Parisien baker with a cheerful "bonjour, enchante" to soften him up. Only so much is baked daily, so early birds are rewarded with the best selection. Pair your baked goods with a rich cup of coffee from Malehu Cafe for a perfect start to your day.

Morning spoils at the Boulangerie.

After this delightful breakfast, embark on a morning walk along Samara's pristine beach, soaking in the tropical vibes and moving your body before the day gets too hot. 

Mid-Morning Energy Boost

By mid-morning, you'll be ready for a boost of energy. Head to Tika Frutika, set on a charming backroad to the beach alongside other unique offerings at Mercado Samara. Here, you can indulge in a refreshing smoothie bowl that's as Instagram-worthy as it is delicious. Bocados Snack Bar in the center of town offers refreshing smoothies and tasty snacks as well. 

Lunch Poolside

If you’re with a larger group or kids, lunchtime calls for a casual, family-style feast poolside back at your villa. Fresh-cut bread from the morning's haul sets the stage, while the local Carnaceria de Chandy (butcher shop) provides a variety of fresh meats for grilling. Complement your meal with juicy pineapples, mangoes, and bananas from nearby fruit stands. For a delicious and light bite out, Au Fil des Crepes and Falafel Café are local must-try’s (their names are self explanatory!). 

Freshly made Poke Bowl from the Samara market.

Beach Bliss

As the sun climbs higher in the sky, it's time to hit the beach. Whether you're working on your tan or surfing the waves, you'll inevitably require happy hour cocktails and sharing bites. Gusto Beach is a well-known spot for this in the heart of Playa Samara, but don't overlook Los Olas, where you can enjoy two-for-one happy hour drinks—a no-frills favorite among the local expats and a good place for your kids to run wild.

For a quieter location, make your way to Restaurante Bahia. This picturesque little gem is set on a dirt road with chairs and loungers perfectly tucked under a grouping of palms – it’s a great spot for an American-style breakfast or afternoon cocktail.

Dinner Diversity

Samara's food scene continually evolves, offering a myriad of dinner options run by expats and locals. Kickstart your evening with a pre-dinner cocktail at Microbar in the heart of Samara. For dependable Italian fare and warm service, Mama Gui is a must. If you're craving French cuisine, Teca Beach is your spot. Both places offer delicious cocktails. For sushi lovers, Sushi Samara offers fresh, local ingredients and great service. 

On lazy days, grab a quick pizza from the wood-fired ovens at A'Mozzarella, Neopolitan-style, or Cos-Ita Pizzareria, Roman-style…the battle lines are clearly drawn!

Poolside Grilling Pleasures

For longer stays, home cooking is a pleasure. If you enjoy adventure, take a mid-afternoon trek to seek out the family running the Pescaderia (fish market) in the local community of Matapolo (our favourite thing to do!). They may or may not be open, and their ever-changing offerings depend on their morning catch – we’ve enjoyed huge fresh tuna, lobster and octopus, to name a few. Grill up your fresh seafood alongside fresh pineapple and mango, and service with fresh bread, homemade risotto and salad. Wash it all down with a crisp glass of white wine while swapping stories of your day's discoveries. 

Samara, Costa Rica, offers a diverse culinary landscape, where each bite includes fresh local ingredients, and each establishment tells the unique story of its owner-operator and the cooking styles of their homeland. Stay awhile, explore more, and let Samara's tropical flavors delight you – you’ll remember them long after you’re gone!  

Local fruit stand at the Saturday morning Feria Samara (farmers market) - we highly recommend a visit!