Costa Rica has become one of the most attractive destinations for international travelers thanks to its natural beauty, tropical beaches, lush rainforests, and welcoming culture. But beyond its biodiversity, the country has also been building a solid reputation in the culinary world. Travelers today are not only looking for unique accommodations but also for dining experiences that reflect the essence of the destination.
This is precisely what the Small Distinctive Hotels Group offers: a collection of boutique hotels across Costa Rica that combine luxury, sustainability, and world-class hospitality. Each property features a restaurant that elevates the travel experience, offering menus inspired by local ingredients, international techniques, and a strong commitment to personalized service.
We will explore the restaurants of the six hotels that make up the group: Hotel Grano de Oro, Hotel Capitán Suizo, Hotel Tango Mar, Hotel Arenal Kioro, Hotel Villa Caletas, and Hotel Alma del Pacífico. We will review their culinary proposals, highlight the types of diets they cater to, and describe what international travelers can expect from each.
Hotel Grano de Oro – San José
Located in the heart of San José, the capital city of Costa Rica, the restaurant of Hotel Grano de Oro is one of the country’s most renowned fine dining establishments. Housed in a historic Victorian mansion, the space combines elegance, intimate ambiance, and impeccable service. The culinary proposal brings together French techniques with the freshness of Costa Rican ingredients, creating a sophisticated yet approachable menu.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegans
- Vegetarians
- Celiacs (gluten-free)
- Lactose-intolerant guests
- Keto diet
- Paleo
International visitors often highlight the refinement of the atmosphere and the creativity of the dishes. From fresh vegetarian carpaccios to prime organic meats and seafood, the restaurant consistently delivers excellence. This makes Hotel Grano de Oro a must-visit culinary destination in San José.
Hotel Capitán Suizo – Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste
The restaurant of Hotel Capitán Suizo is located in Playa Tamarindo, Guanacaste, one of the most popular beach towns on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Known for its relaxed and tropical vibe, the restaurant emphasizes fresh, locally sourced ingredients with a strong focus on seafood. Dining takes place on an open terrace with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, making every meal a memorable experience.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegans
- Vegetarians
- Celiacs (gluten-free)
- Lactose-intolerant guests
Travelers highlight the unforgettable sunsets enjoyed during romantic dinners, as well as hearty breakfasts by the ocean. Signature dishes include ceviche, grilled fish, and colorful tropical salads. The restaurant perfectly reflects the essence of Tamarindo: casual luxury by the sea.
Hotel Tango Mar – Nicoya Peninsula, Puntarenas
Nestled in the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast, the restaurant of Hotel Tango Mar offers an exclusive and private atmosphere, ideal for couples or travelers seeking a serene escape. With a menu that blends international techniques and Mediterranean influences, the focus is on fresh seafood and high-quality meats.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegetarians
While vegan, gluten-free, or keto menus are not explicitly listed, the restaurant’s flexibility allows it to adapt dishes upon request. This is particularly valuable for international travelers in a more remote location.
Guests emphasize the tranquility of the setting, dining while listening to the sound of the waves. Freshly caught fish, lobster, and Mediterranean-inspired seafood pastas are among the most popular choices. Hotel Tango Mar is the epitome of a hidden culinary gem in the Nicoya Peninsula.
Hotel Arenal Kioro – La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano
The restaurant at Hotel Arenal Kioro, located in La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano, offers one of the most breathtaking dining backdrops in the country. Travelers enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Arenal volcano while savoring a menu that blends Costa Rican tradition with international cuisine.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegans
- Vegetarians
- Celiacs (gluten-free)
International travelers consistently praise the hearty breakfasts, tropical fruit juices, and gourmet dinners. Signature dishes include premium cuts of beef, fresh fish, and vegetable-based sides that showcase the richness of the region’s produce.
Hotel Villa Caletas – Pacific Central Coast, Puntarenas
Perched high on a hill overlooking the Pacific Central Coast, the restaurant of Hotel Villa Caletas is known for its spectacular amphitheater architecture and its unbeatable views of the ocean. Dining here is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the cuisine.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegans
- Vegetarians
- Celiacs (gluten-free)
Visitors highlight the experience of enjoying gourmet meals while watching one of Costa Rica’s most famous sunsets. The menu includes grilled meats, seafood dishes, and refined vegetarian creations, all presented with artistic flair. For many travelers, Hotel Villa Caletas offers the ultimate combination of luxury dining, romantic atmosphere and natural spectacle.
Hotel Alma del Pacífico – Esterillos Este, Central Pacific
Located on Esterillos Este Beach in the Central Pacific, the restaurant of Hotel Alma del Pacífico embodies the artistic and colorful spirit of the property. With a beachfront setting, guests enjoy a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere where every dish feels like a creative expression.
Dietary Options Available:
- Vegans
- Vegetarians
- Celiacs (gluten-free)
- Lactose-intolerant guests
- Special dietary adaptations upon request
Breakfasts featuring tropical fruits, fresh fish prepared with local spices, and colorful presentations are among the highlights. Guests particularly appreciate the relaxed beach setting and the artistic ambiance of the property, which extends to the restaurant’s menu.
The Small Distinctive Hotels Group has successfully positioned itself as a leader in boutique hospitality in Costa Rica, not only through its unique accommodations but also with its exceptional restaurants.
From the refined elegance of Hotel Grano de Oro in San José, the beachfront charm of Hotel Capitán Suizo in Tamarindo, the exclusivity of Hotel Tango Mar in the Nicoya Peninsula, the volcanic majesty of Hotel Arenal Kioro in La Fortuna, the panoramic sunsets at Hotel Villa Caletas on the Central Pacific coast, to the artistic beachfront dining at Hotel Alma del Pacífico in Esterillos Este, each property offers a distinct gastronomic experience.
Moreover, their commitment to accommodating diverse dietary needs—vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, paleo or keto—demonstrates an inclusive approach to international travelers who want to fully enjoy Costa Rica’s culinary scene.
For those seeking not just a place to stay but a destination to savor, the restaurants of the Small Distinctive Hotels Group represent the perfect blend of local flavor, international sophistication, and unforgettable settings.
