Santa Teresa has plenty of beach cafes. The heart of Costa Rican eating is still the local soda. These are the ones we keep going back to.
What a soda is
A soda is a family-run spot serving casados. Rice, black beans, sweet plantain, salad and your choice of fish, chicken, beef or vegetables. Generous plates, cooked with care, and exactly what you want after a morning in the waves.
Most sodas accept card. Carrying a little cash is always handy.
Sodas we love around town
La Choza, Santa Teresa
One of our regular stops for a hearty lunch after a surf.
Frank's Place, Playa Carmen
A long-standing spot on the corner. Casados and breakfast.
Soda Tiquizia, Santa Teresa
An easy, friendly stop for traditional cooking.
Cevichería, Playa Carmen
Ceviche every way. If you love ceviche, go here.
Casa Jaguar and Atardecer, Manzanillo
Further north, past Hermosa. A meal or a cold drink with the sunset.
Worth the drive
Soda Las Palmeras, Montezuma
On the other side of the peninsula and absolutely worth the drive.
Marisquería Soemi, Cóbano
A big favourite of ours. Amazing casados, batidos and ceviche, and the seafood soup is incredible.
What to drink
Every soda makes fresh fruit batidos, with water or milk. If you see Resbaladera on the menu, order it. It is a traditional chilled rice drink and Isaac loves it.
Fresh fish at Mal País
Down at Mal País the fishermen pull up mid-morning after their morning fish, and again around sunset. You can watch them come in from the boats and clean and cut the fish right there.
Fishermen usually take cash only. Contact us and we can point you to the fishermen we know.
Come surf with us in Santa Teresa.
Small groups, local coaches, and Surf & Stay weeks at The Baya House.
