Eating in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is a flavorful journey through Afro-Caribbean, Costa Rican, and international cuisines. The town’s food scene reflects its multicultural roots, and visitors can expect everything from traditional rice-and-bean dishes to fresh tropical seafood and global fusion plates. One must-try local dish is rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, typically served with jerk chicken or fish and spiced with local herbs—it’s the soul of Caribbean cooking in the region.

Seafood lovers are in for a treat. Freshly caught red snapper, lobster, or shrimp are often grilled and served with plantains and salad or in rich coconut-based sauces. Rondon, a hearty seafood and root vegetable stew flavored with coconut milk and spices, is a traditional Caribbean comfort dish found in some local eateries.

For a casual bite, try empanadas, tropical fruit smoothies, or a slice of homemade banana bread from a beachside café or roadside stand. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available, often using fresh produce from the area. International travelers will find familiar flavors too, with restaurants offering Italian, Thai, and fusion cuisine to suit a range of tastes.

The dining atmosphere in Puerto Viejo is relaxed and colorful, with many restaurants set in open-air spaces or along the beachfront. Whether you’re enjoying a slow meal at a family-run Caribbean soda or sipping a cocktail with fresh ceviche by the sea, the food in Puerto Viejo is a big part of the town’s laid-back charm and cultural richness.