If you’re traveling to Costa Rica as a vegetarian, you better like fruit, assorted carbs, and rice and beans. I eat fish as well, so that gave me more options. Some places offered vegetarian options, but some smaller mom-and-pop restaurants didn’t. I thought the Costa Rica food options were delicious! Here’s what I ate on our Costa Rica vacation.
Day 1:
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| Gallo Pinto Breakfast |
Day 2
We skipped breakfast because we went on a river boat tour on the Tortuguero canals. I ate a breakfast bar that I had brought in my luggage from the U.S.
Lunch was a snack plate of jalapeño poppers and a salad. Also bread; lots of bread.
We went into town for dinner at a Caribbean restaurant. I wish I remembered the name, but it’s to the left on the main path through town. It has lots of Jamaican decor and played Bob Marley music loudly from its speakers. (The town is so small that this vague description would probably help you find it.) I had papas bravas (not pictured) and plantains with black bean/salsa dip. The spicy potatoes came with a house salad. Graham had a chicken rice and salad and non-spicy potatoes. I mention this because I ended up also eating his salad and potatoes.
Day 3
Breakfast was Gallo Pinto again (see above) with no cheese at the Tortuga Lodge. I also ate some fruit and yogurt from my husband’s plate.
We were on the go at lunchtime so I only ate snacks.
Dinner was an amazing meal at La Pecora Nora in Cocles near Puerto Viejo. It’s an amazing Italian restaurant that’s worth the splurge. *Excuse my cellphone photo; I didn’t have my camera with me. The meal came with a lentil soup starter for free, as well as lots of bread. I ordered a penne arrabiata that was delicious. We also had a tasty tuna meatball starter. Graham ate a fish pasta that also was incredible, though I can’t recall what kind of fish it was.
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| Tuna meatballs from La Pecora Nora in Puerto Viejo |
Day 4
Breakfast was pancakes with fruit at Physis Caribbean Bed and Breakfast in Cocles.
Lunch was a cheese, basil and tomato empanada we got outside the Jaguar Rescue Center in Playa Chiquita. It was the best empanada I’ve ever had and only cost $2. Also pictured is a chicken empanada (not mine).
Dinner was margarita pizza at an Argentinian place in Cocles, next to the Super Cocles. It was huge.
Day 5
Breakfast was eggs, toast and fruit at the B&B. Simple but effective.
Lunch was snacks and a spinach empanada that wasn’t nearly as good as the one I had the day before.
Dinner was the vegetarian plate at Soda Johanna’s in Cocles. It was delicious. I especially enjoyed the Caribbean salsa.
Day 6
Breakfast was French toast with real Canadian maple syrup and a fruit cup.
Lunch was a veggie sandwich and potato salad from Bread and Chocolate in Puerto Viejo. It was a little pricey but good. ($22 for two sandwiches with sides and two drinks) We took it to go on our way to Cahuita for some hiking.
Dinner was sushi at Chile Rojo in Puerto Viejo. We weren’t really that hungry but knew we should eat something. We washed it down with piña coladas. A musician from Chile played while we ate. He had the most beautiful voice.
Day 7
Breakfast was gallo pinto, eggs, toast and orange juice before our river rafting trip. Lunch was a make-your-own-bean burrito, pineapple slices and a cracker with jelly. Dinner was a cheese empanada we got on the go.
Day 8
Breakfast was assorted savory and sweet pastries from a local bakery.
Lunch was snacks on the go again: more jalapeno poppers and fries because I couldn’t resist the junk food. Dinner was spaghetti (not pictured).
As you can see, I didn’t make the healthiest eating options, but damn were they great-tasting. *We had two other half days but I am only recounting full days in Costa Rica.
When you travel, are you good about eating the same foods you would at home or do you like to try new things? Do you choose healthy? Junk food?
Related posts:
Our stay at the Tortuga Lodge in Tortuguero, Costa Rica
TORTUGUERO BOAT RIDE
NATURE AIR FLIGHT TO TORTUGUERO
ZIPLINING IN COSTA RICA
WHITEWATER RAFTING ON THE PACUARE RIVER
CARIBBEAN COSTA RICA ITINERARY
THE LOST GOPRO
HOW I PREPARED FOR A COSTA RICA TRIP
CAHUITA NATIONAL PARK
ECOTHERMALES HOT SPRINGS
GETTING AROUND COSTA RICA WITHOUT RENTING A CAR
PHYSIS CARIBBEAN BED AND BREAKFAST, PUERTO VIEJO, COSTA RICA
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Marette Flora is the founder of Floradise blog and personalized gift shop. Marette is a passionate storyteller and creator. She attended the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communication.
She is passionate about creating helpful and meaningful things.