Arenas del Mar

Eating

The restaurant seems to merge seamlessly both with the more organic bar area and with the rainforest seen through its cinemascope windows. Yet it’s a chic, very stylish space.

Polished stone floors, dark hardwood high-backed chairs, well dressed tables, and contemporary fabrics come in pale olive green, and chocolate brown, with some splashes of warm colour. A series of interconnecting, open-sided rooms give guests a choice of atmosphere, all subtly-lit; and wildlife is ever present, with trees growing through the roof, as if the jungle might reclaim it at any moment. The sound of the ocean mingles with gentle Costa Rican music (you’ll want to buy it in the shop afterwards).

The food is quite exceptional for Costa Rica in remaining faithful to native ingredients and flavours, while cunningly introducing some international elements. Chef Olmos Dixon has created lots of surprises from his locally-sourced organic produce: a terrific Mangospacho soup; freshest tuna sashimi, and a divine Pacific lobster and cayote escabeche. Try the sea bass with garlic, ginger and chives, or the spice-encrusted pork tenderloin with a guava glaze. The wine list is excellent and well-chosen, with some superb Argentine and Chilean bottles. This is a truly relaxing and uplifting place to dine.

Light and delicious lunches are served both here and in another bar restaurant down by the beach and the lower pool. Open 10am to 5pm, it serves a different menu - more salads, wraps and sandwiches, and some hot dishes. There are great cocktails too, right on the beach.

Breakfast is a treat, starting with a good plate of tropical fruits, fresh juice, tea (in pots!) and excellent organic shade-grown coffee from sister hotel Finca Rosa Blanca. Follow this with a little basket of home baked breads and pastries, and a choice of hot dishes, including Costa Rican favourites and international staples. Our rice and beans with fried plantain and eggs was excellent. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, who take pride in welcoming you to this very Costa Rican restaurant.