Our favorite places to eat, watch the sunset and explore—plus a few practical details for your stay at Villa Raya.
Villa Raya sits within a secure mountaintop community in Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province. The beach, dining and surf are approximately five minutes away by car, according to the listing.
Start with the coast, find a table in town, then return to your own space above it all. For surfing, choose a local instructor and a break suited to your experience; conditions change with the swell.
Plan your arrivalNineteen personal favorites, from breakfast in town to dinner by the sea. These are the places we recommend to friends staying at Villa Raya, with extra detail from Google listings, guest reviews and the restaurants themselves.
Our favorite ways to start a day in Santa Teresa, from a quick bowl to a long, unhurried brunch.
One of our breakfast favorites, with a bakery menu and a space that makes it easy to linger over the first meal of the day. It also serves lunch and dinner, so a morning visit can turn into a place you return to throughout your stay.
Google reviewers highlight the thoughtfully designed setting, attentive team and atmosphere.
A dependable breakfast stop when everyone in the group wants something different. Smoothie bowls are a good place to start; later in the day, the choices extend to poke bowls, Asian dishes and plenty of other options.
Google reviews mention the variety, quick service and easygoing setting for groups.
Our pick for a proper brunch: a relaxed café, fresh food and time to settle in. Açaí bowls and matcha are among the things guests discuss, alongside more substantial savory options. Check the current menu for what is new.
Google reviewers praise the welcoming owners, fresh ingredients and pretty café setting.
Tables near the water, a drink in hand and dinner that starts before the sun disappears. These are places we love for the setting as much as the meal.
A favorite for an easy evening on Playa Carmen. The beachfront restaurant pairs Brazilian-inspired food with cocktails and a front-row view of the ocean. Come with time to enjoy the sunset, and check ahead for a table close to the sand.
Google restaurant reviews mention Brazilian dishes, seafood, warm service and sunset dinners.
Our choice for fish and a sunset dinner with your feet close to the sand. The beachfront setting is the draw, with an extensive menu that also works when the group has different tastes.
Google reviewers describe tables on the sand, atmospheric evening lighting and live music on some visits.
Our tacos-and-sunsets stop. A casual beachfront meal here is a lovely way to finish a beach day; fish tacos and ceviche feature prominently in the Google listing and reviews. Take your time and enjoy the view.
Google reviews repeatedly mention the waterfront setting and sunset views.
A beautiful spot for dinner and a change of scene along the coast north of Santa Teresa. We come for the atmosphere: tropical greenery, the beach and a setting that invites you to make an evening of it.
Google reviewers describe the lush surroundings, peaceful feel and beachfront location. Check dining reservations and current beach-club access directly.
A favorite for beautiful views and a memorable meal above the coast. Fish and steak are among the dishes guests talk about most. Plan dinner around the evening light, and reserve ahead if a sunset table is the priority.
Google reviewers highlight the ocean panorama, sunset dinners, flank steak and whole fish.
Seafood, sushi, Asian flavors and the places we recommend when someone asks where to eat tonight.
Dinner at Hotel Fermata’s restaurant comes with ocean views and dishes designed for sharing. Its current menu brings Mediterranean flavors together with French influences—a lovely choice for a relaxed, more polished evening with the group.
The restaurant’s own description emphasizes shared dishes, sea views and its Mediterranean approach.
One of our favorites for exceptional food. This intimate spot suits an evening of ordering several plates for the table and trying something new. Seafood, shareable dishes and natural wines are recurring themes in the Google reviews.
Google reviewers describe a small, charming setting and highlight the fish sandwich and thoughtful flavors.
Come for a meal, or pick up steaks for a barbecue back at Villa Raya. The smokehouse is a good choice when the group is in the mood for brisket, burgers and a lively bar setting. Ask about the day’s selection of meats to take home.
Google reviews mention smoked brisket, live music and the shop’s premium meats, cheeses and wines.
Our sushi pick for an evening in town. Creative rolls, seafood and Asian-inspired small plates make it easy to share a few different dishes. Add a cocktail and settle into the tropical setting.
The business describes Japanese fusion with local ingredients; Google reviewers mention the sushi rolls, tuna bites and cocktails.
A favorite for Asian food when everyone wants to try something different. The range spans sushi, dumplings, curries and other dishes, making it a useful choice for a group with several cravings.
Google reviews highlight spring rolls, sushi, pad Thai and vegetarian options, including samosas and mango sticky rice.
Our go-to for ceviche. Start there, then see what fish is available that day if you want a fuller meal. It is a good stop for bright seafood flavors and a casual lunch or dinner in town.
Google reviewers praise the ceviche, grilled fish and seafood combinations; the tropical ceviche is one guest favorite.
Three of our pizza favorites, whether you are heading out for dinner or bringing something easy back to the villa.
One of our favorite pizza spots, with pasta and cocktails to make it a full evening out. The setting is relaxed and lively—an easy choice for a family meal or a table of friends.
Google reviews and review topics highlight pizza, pesto pasta, gnocchi and cocktails.
Another pizza favorite for a casual dinner in Santa Teresa. Thin-crust, wood-fired pizza gets plenty of attention in Google reviews, alongside pasta and generous portions. It is also a useful option when the plan is takeaway.
Google reviewers mention the pizza, relaxed atmosphere and takeaway meals.
A reliable choice for a pizza craving or a table that wants a few Italian classics. Focaccia, lasagna and cocktails also feature in the Google review topics, giving the group plenty to choose from.
Google reviewers mention the friendly team, cocktails and air-conditioned dining space.
These two favorites are in Montezuma, across the peninsula. Plan a separate outing, with time for the drive, the trail and a meal by the water.
A change from the beach: a walk through tropical surroundings to the waterfalls. The saved location is the trailhead and parking area. Wear shoes with grip, check conditions locally and allow time for uneven ground and stream crossings.
Google reviews describe tree roots, rocks and river crossings; visitors report that rain can change the trail conditions.
A favorite to pair with a Montezuma outing. This Mediterranean restaurant sits beside the sea beneath the trees, with seafood at the heart of the experience. Check opening hours before planning your day around a meal here.
Google reviewers highlight the shaded waterfront setting, tuna carpaccio, ceviche and relaxed atmosphere.
Menus, hours and availability change. Open each Google Maps link for current details, directions and more reviews; reserve ahead when you have a particular evening in mind. Guide updated September 2026.
Confirm your arrival route, vehicle requirements and final directions with your host before traveling. Villa Raya is on a hill, and the exact property directions are shared through your booking.
Free parking is available on the premises. Travel times depend on your route, weather and road conditions.
Ask about your arrival