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Vegan and gluten-free Chocolate cake from Bread and Chocolate: Made with banana flour from the Cacao South farm
Super Vegetarian Friendly
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Puerto Viejo and the surrounding communities are super vegetarian friendly. Most places in Costa Rica will have some basic options for vegetarians, such as the typical "casado" plate which can come with fried cheese or eggs or sometimes just veggies. But traditional Costa Rican cooking doesn't tend to be very interesting for vegetarians and, as you can imagine, is worse for vegans.
But in the Puerto Viejo area you will find a lot more than that with tons of places that have diverse and interesting vegetarian and vegan options and a few places that are completely vegetarian. Here are some of the best options.
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Recommended
Bikini Restaurant
Restaurant with a huge menu including sushi, Thai curries, pasta and more which makes it a popular choice for groups and families. Big vegetarian menu and lots of vegan choices too. Very reasonably priced cocktails. Restaurant open daily from 5 pm. 
+506 2750 3061
see reviews on TripAdvisor
View on map
Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Coffee, Ice Cream, Chocolate and Dessert
Bread and Chocolate
Restaurant known for their baked goods, coffee and desserts but there is also a full menu. Good number of vegetarian options and has some vegan desserts and meals as well. +506 2750-0723 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Caribeans Coffee and Chocolate
Coffee house, chocolate factory and tasting room. Smoothies and light meals too. Offers the Chocolate Forest Experience Tour where you can see the chocolate making experience from the cacao forest to the finished product. Also regular community events and learning opportunities from yoga to film nights. +506 2750-0504, 8341-2034 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map
Vegetarian. Serves dairy and/or eggs
Como En Mi Casa Art Cafe
Espresso drinks, desserts, breakfast, sandwiches, salads. Open 7am to 4pm daily. +506 6069 6319, 6069 6337 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian. Serves dairy and/or eggs
DreadNut Coffee and Manifesto
Little coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch and baked goods. Good vegetarian and vegan sandwich options. Also the Manifesto store selling hand painted clothing and artifacts. +506 8840 5247 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Vida Sana Panadería y Hostal
Bakery which makes fresh bread and snacks from all natural ingredients. Breakfast and lunch daily with vegetarian, vegan and fish options. Makes vegan and gluten free baking as well. Offers hostel rooms also. +506 8595 0626 see reviews on TripAdvisor
View on booking.com View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Hotels
Most area hotesl which serve breakfast or have onsite restaurants will accomodate vegetarians but it is best to make your request ahead. These hotels however serve only vegetarian food or have vegetarian cooking classes or other features.
Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary
Perched on a mountain ridge overlooking the Caribbean Sea, offers guest house and casita accommodations just minutes away from the beaches of Puerto Viejo. For over 20 years they have hosted retreats, workshops, guest artists and travelers. Stays include vegetarian buffet served in an open air restaurant. Also available on site are healing massage treatments, jacuzzi spa, nature trails, waterfall with natural pool, daily yoga classes and a meditation hall. 800 563-9643 (USA Toll free), 2537-3418 (Costa Rica) see reviews on TripAdvisor View on booking.com
Average room rate: $105 View on map
Veronica's Place
Offers a peaceful environment to travelers seeking a purposeful visit to Puerto Viejo. Besides a relaxed atmosphere 100m away from the main road, Veronica offers classes in healthy vegetarian and vegan cooking, medicinal plants, and retreats that combine cultural education with community service. Note: Veronica's Place restaurant is closed; the cabinas and cooking classes remain. 2750 0132, 8918-3238 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on booking.com Average room rate: $35 View on map
Restaurants
Bikini Restaurant
Restaurant with a huge menu including sushi, Thai curries, pasta and more which makes it a popular choice for groups and families. Big vegetarian menu and lots of vegan choices too. Very reasonably priced cocktails. Restaurant open daily from 5 pm. +506 2750 3061 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Casa Mandala
Organic/vegan restaurant and grocery. Art, home decor, clothing, jewelry and handicrafts. Open Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm, Saturday 2 pm to 6 pm, Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. +506 8442 1298 View on map
Vegan. No animal products on menu
Chile Rojo
Thai and asian fusion restaurant. Open noon to 10:30pm. Closed Wednesdays. +506 2750 0025 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Flip Flop Restaurant
Restaurant with varied menu including Asian curries, pasta, fajitas. Lots of vegetarian options. Daily specials. Puerto Viejo Center, across from Multicentro. +506 2750 2031 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Madre Tierra
Cocktails, restaurant and bar. Variety of food including Caribbean, Latin, Seafood, Costa Rican, Fusion and Vegetarian. +506 2750 2083 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Pita Bonita
Middle Eastern restaurant and bar. Freshly baked pita bread, hummus, falafel, salads, lamb kebab and more. Take away possible. +506 2756 8173 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Puerto Pirata Deli
Meals, snacks, coffee and batidos on the porch in a chill location overlooking the sea. Menu has vegetarian, vegan and sustainable seafood only; no meat. +506 2750 0459 View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Pura Gula Restaurant
Healthy slow food restaurant +506 8634 6404 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Shiva Inn Restaurante
Restaurant specializing in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals but also serves some fish and meat. +506 2750 2115 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Stashu's Con Fusion
Fusion food restaurant with live music. Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asian flavors along with fresh seafood and great vegetarian and vegan options. +506 2750-0530 see reviews on TripAdvisor View on map Vegetarian-Friendly. Has good vegetarian options but also serves meat or fish
Supermarkets and Other Groceries
Farmers' Market
Weekly farmers' market of local produce and other products held every Saturday morning. Come early for the best selection! View on map
Bio Mercado Puerto Viejo
Organic, local, artisanal & natural products. Juice bar. +506 2750 3224 View on map
Namú Ecotienda Orgánica
Superfoods and organics, natural soaps and cosmetics
+506 8886 2133 View on map
Daniela
Hi, I can highly recommend Soulsurfer Restaurant. Very nice place right on the beach. Veggie Burger, tuna burger - all fresh. Even the sauces are homemade. Founded with love by two Germans. This must not be missing in the list. Brand new - a secret tip. Enjoy it.
January 13, 2018
Puerto Viejo Satellite
Thanks for the tip Daniela. The place looks very nice and I haven't had a chance to check it out yet! I've added a listing page for it here but don't think it qualifies for the Vegetarian page as there is only the 1 vegetarian option and nothing vegan but that veggie burger looks good!
January 13, 2018