Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [187]
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Eating
Panadería Alemania (2665-2061; Av 25 de Julio btwn Calles 10 & 8; mains ₡500-3000; breakfast, lunch & dinner) A German bakery with beautifully flaky croissants, a respectably authentic sushi counter doing what it can with the local rice and an international kitchen turning out Euro-style numbers can all be found at this local hangout. The patio is also a great place for a beer under the canopy of the huge guanacaste tree.
Café Liberia (2665-1660; www.cafeliberia.com; Calle 8 btwn Avs 25 de Julio & 2; items ₡600-3500; 8:30am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6pm Sat; ) Run by a sweet Tica named Radha, this hip spot is a dream: serving organic juices, Costa Rican coffee, fresh sandwiches, salads and crepes, pastries, wines and lots of vegetarian items. Plus, there’s free wi-fi, a gallery and sometimes live music. The lovely Radha also runs a small boutique shop on the premises.
Guanaburger (2666-7194; cnr Calle 5 & Av 1; noon-10pm) This famous homegrown institution packs in the locals with its ₡1800 burger-fries-drink bargain combo.
Los Comales (2666-0105; Calle Central btwn Avs 7 & 5; plates ₡1000-3000; 6:30-9pm) This convivial, popular local spot is run by a women’s collective, and serves native Guanacaste dishes as well as typical cuisine. The specialty is chicken and salsa, but the casados are just as tasty.
Soda Rancho Dulce (Calle Central btwn Avs Central & 2; mains ₡1100-2200; breakfast, lunch & dinner) Sometimes a casado is more than a casado, and this outstanding open-air soda, with groovy wooden tables and good batidos (fruit shakes), serves some of the best.
Pan y Miel (2666-0718; Av 25 de Julio btwn Calles 10 & 8; mains ₡1100-2800; 6am-6pm) The best breakfast in town can be had at this branch of the local bakery, which serves its excellent bread as sandwiches and French toast, as well as offering a buffet line with casado fixings, pastries and fresh fruit. There’s a surlier bakery-only branch a block north of Parque Central.
Pizza Pronto (2666-2098; cnr Av 4 & Calle 1; mains ₡2800-5000; lunch & dinner) Situated in a handsome 19th-century house, this romantic pizzeria is in a class of its own. You can choose from a long list of toppings for your wood-fired pizza, including fresh, local seafood or pineapple; the pastas are also good.
La Toscana (2665-0653; Plaza Santa Rosa; mains ₡2200-8000; noon-11pm; ) Satisfy those pangs for gnocchi or spaghetti carbonara at one of the most authentically Italian restaurants in the region. Tuscan wine, tablecloths and tiramisu await.
Copa de Oro (2666-0532; cnr Calle Central & Ave 2; mains ₡3250-6800; 11am-11pm Wed-Mon; ) Our favorite family restaurant is popular with locals and gringos alike. There’s an extensive food and drink menu. The dish we loved best is the rice and seafood house specialty, arroz copa de oro.
El Zaguán (2666-2456; cnr Ave Central & Calle 1; mains ₡3300-8500; 11:30am-10pm; ) Located in a beautiful colonial building, this family-friendly restaurant has an extensive international menu specializing in meat including New York Strip, filet mignon and burgers. You’ll also find fish, pasta and rice dishes. The outdoor balcony is a great people-watching spot.
Casa Verde (2665-5037; Interamericana; mains ₡4000-10,000; 11am-11pm Tue-Sun; ) California-Asian chic comes to Liberia. The sophisticated and stylish Casa Verde is one of the best dining experiences in northwest Costa Rica. Located near the Bed & Breakfast El Punto, the restaurant has contemporary decor, with a slate bar, black leather couches, candlelit tables, an outdoor patio lit by tiki torches, plus chill ambient music, with live music on Fridays. The fusion menu specializes in fish and meat dishes and has an extensive wine list. Sushi-lovers should visit between Thursday and Sunday for awesome rolls and tempura. Don’t miss this dining experience.
Paso Real (2666-3455; Av Central btwn Calles Central & 2; mains ₡4400-7600; 11am-10pm) Liberia’s most famous restaurant has a