A Small Town With a Real Food Scene
Jaco's dining scene punches above its weight for a beach town this size, with everything from beachfront seafood restaurants to casual local sodas serving traditional Costa Rican plates. Most of it is concentrated along or just off the main strip, so it's easy to walk between a few spots in one evening.
Fresh Seafood
Given Jaco's proximity to the fishing fleet at Los Sueños, freshly caught mahi-mahi, snapper, and ceviche show up on nearly every menu. Beachfront restaurants with ocean-view seating are popular for a sunset dinner, and several will happily cook your own catch if you've just come back from a fishing charter.
Local Sodas and Casual Bites
For a more traditional, budget-friendly meal, a local soda serving casado (rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a protein) is a good way to experience everyday Costa Rican cooking. These spots tend to be simple and unhurried, which makes them a nice contrast to the tourist-facing restaurants closer to the beach.
Booking a Private Chef
If your group would rather not go out every night, JacoStay can arrange an in-villa private chef for anything from a single dinner to your entire stay, built around fresh local seafood and produce. It's a popular option for larger groups and for families with young kids who prefer eating on their own schedule.
Ready to start planning your own Costa Rica getaway?
Get in Touch with JacoStay
