Tinajas Arenal

This was the best restaurant we went to our entire trip. Both my husband and I couldn’t believe this place wasn’t advertised more, the views are breathtaking, the staff were incredibly friendly with great service, and the food was unbelievable. The story of the restaurant is so sweet, a family business. Do yourself a favor and eat here, you won’t be disappointed!

Absolutely fantastic, the food quality, presentation, taste everything about this place is just wonderful. Had an unbelievable tuna lunch with a great view . A tiny bit pricey but well well worth it . Great value, portion are big .

Our tour guide for the caverns suggested this restaurant. It was a 45min drive here from there. I definitely recommend stopping here. We came at 4pm and were the only ones here. The pizza, delish. The coconut shrimp, um please order. They are huge shrimp.

Excellent stop on the way to or from la Fortuna. Great food in a beautiful setting right on the lake. Also the bathroom is charming and the sink looks out into the fields behind.

This place was a hidden gem with beautiful views, delicious food and great service. Would really recommend if you are staying in the area or driving through.
Would recommend to the owner to add a few more signs along the route to make the location clearer for those who don't have access to online maps, as there aren't any signs on the road along to the restaurant so you may wonder if you are on the right track. But if you continue you will find it.

This is a hidden gem that shouldn’t be missed if you’re driving through the area. Or even if you’re not, make a trip to have the best meal in Costa Rica! There isn’t a lot of signage for the restaraunt along the main road, and we definitely thought we were going the wrong way for a minute or two, but once you arrive the views do not disappoint. Then once the food comes out you’ll be even less focused on the views because your taste buds will be so satisfied. A one of a kind experience in Costa Rica. Highly recommend!

One of the best sunset views in Guanacaste! The food is great, too. And they have an English version of the menu, which was very helpful. We ate there for our anniversary and sat on the private patio. It was a great overall experience!

One of the best finds in Costa Rica. We had a long drive from Monte Verde and arrived after dark. If you do the same, don't worry about the dirt road you have to drive on, just keep going past the cow pastures and you will get there. The food was great and we were one of only two groups there. Great view across the lake and nice open air feel. Would definitely recommend.

I loved the peace in this place! The sights are amazing!
The restaurant is simple but very nice, the people very kind, the food is good and fair prices!
I highly recommend it!

This is a beautiful restaurant. The family is happy to share that Bryan Murillo, the famous Costa Rican Bull rider is directly related to them. They have an organic garden that they use to prepare the dishes. The view from your seat is magnificent. I will have to say the Porterhouse Steak was the best steak I’ve ever had and I’m from Texas and my husband knows how to make a good steak. My husband was impressed as well with the steak. He ordered a tuna steak which was tasty as well. The family is very hospitable and friendly. We had hoped to go again while on vacation but ran out of time. My mouth is watering just writing this. You are supporting a family owned business by stopping here to eat as well. The ambiance is very relaxing, friendly, and cool. I imagine coming near the darker ours you will appreciate all the beautiful wall art as well as it becomes more fluorescent at night. I loved all the flowers on the outside of the restaurant as well.

The food here is tasty! Our group tried the breakfast and the French toast is a must have. The view is also stunning.

Go to this place! I repeat, go to this place! We were by the lake and wanted to stop for some lunch and as soon as we walked in, the views took our breath away. This is such a beautiful place to sit, have some food/drinks and enjoy the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer. I can’t wait to come back.

After driving a dirty path we found Tinajas Arenal. Both the location and the food were wonderfull, but be prepared to pay around $30-40 per person per dish. I ordered the seabass with seafruit and it was delightfull. I would recommend coming up here despite the higher price range.

Best food in Arenal by far! We ended up eating here several times while visiting and every meal was cooked to perfection with perfect flavor. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough! I wish I had it where I live!

The vibe is perfect, off the beaten path to an oasis overlooking the Arenal Lake. The tapas guacamole was on point with the pickled onions and spicy carrots, we ordered a few burgers and the guaro sour was fabulous!

So far in Arenal, this restaurant has had the most delicious food we’ve found! Plus friendly staff and really good service! Highly, highly recommend. Plus, I’m a good connoisseur !

This is a tucked-away spot with a beautiful view of the lake! You won't believe it's there as you drive along a very bumpy road getting there!
We had lovely cocktails with our friends & shared Guacamole & chips, salad & soup as we had a late breakfast. It was all delicious! We've had pizza in past years when we've visited that came from their pizza oven that was to die for! We saw burgers coming out of the kitchen today that looked huge!
Treat yourself to a very beautiful spot!!!
Oh, did I mention staff? George is the friendliest & most attentive server!! All was perfect! Mindy

I had the best creamy asparagus soup I've ever had while enjoying stunning views of Lake Arenal and the surrounding countryside. My husband had one of the largest quesadillas he's ever had and said it was excellent. There are a ton of birds to watch and the staff was very friendly and helpful.

What a delightful surprise! Delicious, beautifully presented meals with excellent service and glorious views to boot! Orange chicken was wonderful. Sea bass very tasty. Salads are excellent!

This was the best meal we have had so far in Costa Rica.

It was a welcome respite after driving from the Guanacaste coast mostly in the dark - don't do that part.

But definitely stop here for a meal. It's fantastic.

- edited after a second trip to say that it would be a gross error to miss this restaurant on your trip. I've dined at multiple Michelin starred restaurants and never felt inclined to leave a review. This place deserves to be better known.

The view in the daytime is also phenomenal. And Lucas the dog is muy amable.