Full of Flavours

Local Gems Near Uvita, Costa Rica

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Costa Rica’s lush landscapes and vibrant culture are matched only by its thriving culinary scene.

Tucked along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast, Uvita is a small town with a big presence. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t shout, but quietly captivates.

Just 16 km south of Dominical, Uvita is the gateway to Marino Ballena National Park, a pristine marine reserve famous for the Whale’s Tail sandbar. This natural formation, which reveals itself at low tide and resembles a whale’s tail, draws visitors from around the world.

It’s a place where rainforest-covered hills spill down to the sea, and days unfold slowly to the sound of birdsong and breaking waves.

But Uvita’s charm isn’t just in its landscapes; it’s in its pace. Life here moves with intention. There’s time for watching the surf roll in, for spontaneous roadside ceviche, for sunset beers in flip-flops. This is Costa Rica unplugged, unpolished in the best way and loved for it.

The dining scene near Uvita mirrors this relaxed pace. Meals are enjoyed in open-air spots with ocean views or jungle backdrops, where fresh seafood, tropical ingredients, and local staples take the spotlight. From colourful roadside gems to breezy coastal cafés, these are places that feel effortless yet memorable, where flavour, setting and soul come together.

And when it’s time to retreat, nearby villas like Villa Sueño and Villa Mayana offer a quiet, luxurious counterpoint to the barefoot days. Hidden among the hills or perched above the treetops, they let you end each adventure with a warm breeze, a canopy view, and a sky full of stars.

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Scala: Beachside Dining

Casual, Creative, and Full of Local Soul

Set along the coast in Playa Hermosa near Uvita, Scala brings a fresh, relaxed take on Costa Rican coastal cuisine. Since opening in November 2020, it has earned a loyal following for its thoughtful dishes, creative combinations, and breezy setting. The focus is simple: vibrant flavours, local ingredients, and an easygoing atmosphere where guests feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

Everything at Scala is prepared with care, using produce from nearby markets and seafood fresh from the ocean. It’s a place where the food feels rooted in the region but isn’t afraid to mix things up.

OCEANIC, FRESH, ZESTY, CREAMY, DELICATE.

Floor-to-ceiling windows open to the ocean, letting in golden light and salty air. The space is modern yet warm, with coastal touches and a laid-back rhythm that mirrors the beach just outside. It’s ideal whether you’re lingering over dinner after a day of exploring or popping in for a relaxed sunset meal.

Exotica: Generations of Flavour

Family Recipes, Shared with Love

For 27 years, this charming candlelit spot has been a labour of love, passed down through three generations of the same family. It began as a simple dream, when a Canadian couple fell for Costa Rica and made it their home. Over time, it grew into a local gem known for down-to-earth dining and coastal cooking with a homemade touch. With cherished family recipes in hand, they created a warm, welcoming space where food tells a story and guests feel like part of it.

Exotica’s menu brings together a flavourful and authentic mix of dishes inspired by travels through Thailand, France, Tahiti, Italy, and Costa Rica. There’s a farm-to-table feel without the fuss, thanks to fresh, mostly local ingredients and a team that cooks and serves with genuine care. Every plate is thoughtfully prepared, every detail designed for enjoyment rather than ceremony.

Open only for dinner, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, with soft lighting, gentle music, and a relaxed setting that encourages guests to unwind. Ideal for small groups or couples, with larger gatherings welcome by prior arrangement

Since 2019, a husband-and-wife team has carried on the restaurant’s legacy, keeping the heart of Exotica alive while adding their own touch of beachy charm and warm hospitality. Whether you’re coming for a special occasion or a relaxed evening out, you’ll leave with lasting memories and the sense that you’ve just shared something truly special.

Fuego: Craft Beer in the Tropics

Bold, Tropical, Unforgettable

Tucked between the jungle and the Pacific on Costa Rica’s southern coast, Fuego Brewery has become a magnetic hub for those chasing flavour, creativity, and a sense of community. Set where river meets ocean, surrounded by lush rainforest, rushing waterfalls, and salt-kissed breezes, this lively spot brings together surfers, artists, expats, and travellers with a shared appetite for something a little different.

Born from a dream and built with persistence, Fuego filled a gap in paradise. The area was long loved for its world-class waves and wild beauty, but one thing was missing: a true home for craft beer. Fuego answered the call with bold tropical brews, a relaxed open-air setting, and a menu made for sharing.

Today, it’s more than a brewery. It’s a gathering place. A symbol of how laid-back living and serious craft can thrive side by side. Whether you’re coming for a cold IPA after a beach hike or lingering over cocktails as the sun sets, Fuego captures the region’s essence: unfiltered, soulful, and refreshingly original.

Citrus: A Taste of the Extraordinary

Chef Marcella Marciano’s fusion kitchen

Step into Citrus and see why this relaxed local favourite has been part of Costa Rica’s South Pacific dining scene for nearly two decades. Led by chef Marcella Marciano, the menu is casual yet thoughtfully prepared, drawing on flavours from the Middle East, France, and the tropics to create something truly flavourful and authentic.

Citrus keeps things simple, with a focus on quality, creativity, and a laid-back atmosphere. Open-air seating, warm service, and thoughtfully prepared dishes make it a local gem that feels both inviting and special.

Rainforest Villas Near Uvita

Escape, Reconnect, Recharge

After a day of coastal adventures and flavour-packed meals, retreating to a luxury villa wrapped in rainforest feels like a natural continuation of the experience.

Villa Sueño is a design-led retreat perched above the rainforest, blending minimalist architecture with panoramic ocean views. Float in the infinity pool, unwind on the yoga platform, or simply watch the sun dip behind the trees. With sleek interiors, serene gardens, and the rhythm of nature all around, it feels like a luxury treehouse made for slowing down.

Just a short drive away, Villa Mayana offers a grander scale, perfect for families or groups seeking space, seclusion, and style. Nestled within a private reserve with its own waterfall trail, this tropical estate celebrates indoor-outdoor living with expansive terraces, a striking infinity pool, and views that sweep from jungle to sea.