6 Best Restaurants in Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica

The takeaway line for brownies—made with their own processed cocoa—forms at the gate before this place opens at 6:30 am. Stick around, though, for a hearty breakfast of cinnamon-oatmeal pancakes, French toast, or creamy scrambled eggs, washed down with a cup of French-press coffee.

At first glance, this small café could use a spelling lesson, but since Caribeans deals in coffee and chocolate, the play on words is apt. Treat yourself to a latte, mocha, or coconut cappuccino, all made from organic, fair-trade coffee from the Turrialba region in the far-eastern Central Valley, and roasted here. For something more substantial, opt for a smoothie or pastry. 

Everything is made on-site at this small second-floor café. Start off the day with an order of vegan pancakes and fruit smoothie, or ease into lunch with veggie burritos and a tomato, oregano, and olive oil bruschetta. You'll find some gluten-free options on the menu, too. Bopping tunes make for an upbeat vibe, and there is a nice balcony with Wi-Fi for dining outdoors.

Follow your nose to this bakery where breads, cakes, and pastries lure customers from the point of "just a bite" to breakfast-on-repeat---it’s hard to resist the chocolate-filled cream puffs, cinnamon rolls, French toast, and pancakes. Swing by later in the day for a vegan burger or burrito. If you plan to grab a coffee and go, avoid the glass display case tempting chocolate croissants dusted in powdered sugar.

What this small bakery misses in ambience and decor, it makes up for in quality baked goods to go. This is a great place to stop for breads made with banana, carrot, and natilla (sour cream), or for something more substantial, grab pizza, pasta, or sandwiches before a day of sightseeing.