Playa Conchal is often called one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful beaches, with its shimmering sand made of crushed seashells and calm turquoise waters. After a morning of swimming or snorkeling, you’ll want something delicious to eat. Luckily, the area around Playa Conchal and nearby Brasilito and Playa Flamingo is full of restaurants and cafés that celebrate local flavors. And for chocolate lovers, there are some special stops that will make your trip even sweeter.
Here’s our guide to where to eat near Playa Conchal, with a chocolate twist.
1. Blue Valley Chocolate: Brasilito
Start with a visit to us at Blue Valley Chocolate, just minutes from Playa Conchal. More than a shop, it’s an experience. Take a tour of the cacao trees, learn the bean-to-bar process, and enjoy tastings of award-winning chocolates.
Our café offers drinking cacao prepared in the traditional way, plus seasonal treats like chocolate-dipped fruits or spiced cacao drinks. It’s a must for anyone who wants to connect with chocolate at its source.
2. Soda Brasilito: Local Flavors with Sweet Endings
This family-run eatery in the heart of Brasilito serves hearty Costa Rican classics like casado, gallo pinto, and fresh fish. After your meal, ask if they have local desserts made with cacao. Many sodas feature chocolate cakes or flan made with Guanacaste chocolate for a sweet, homemade touch.
3. Coco Loco: Beachfront Dining at Playa Flamingo
Coco Loco is a well-loved restaurant right on the sand at Playa Flamingo. Known for fresh seafood and creative cocktails, it also features decadent desserts. Their chocolate cake, often served warm with tropical fruit, is a favorite for visitors who want to end their beach day with something indulgent.
4. Numu Taproom: Craft Beer Meets Chocolate
Numu Brewing Company in Flamingo brings Costa Rica’s craft beer culture to the coast. While beer is the star, they often partner with local chocolatiers to create pairings or specials that highlight both. If you’re a fan of combining bitter and sweet, this is a fun stop to try something unique.
5. Beach Picnics with Local Treats
Sometimes the best meal is the one you make yourself. Stop by a local market in Brasilito or Huacas, pick up fresh tropical fruit, bread, and a bar of Blue Valley Chocolate, and enjoy a picnic on Playa Conchal. Few things feel more Costa Rican than sharing good food and chocolate while listening to the ocean.
Insider Tip: Ask for Local Chocolate
Even when chocolate isn’t listed on the menu, ask your server if the restaurant uses local cacao in desserts. Many chefs in Guanacaste are proud to highlight Costa Rican chocolate, and you may discover a hidden gem that doesn’t appear in guidebooks.
Playa Conchal is a paradise for sun-seekers, but it’s also a sweet spot for chocolate lovers. From sipping traditional drinking cacao at Blue Valley to indulging in rich desserts at beachfront restaurants, the area offers plenty of ways to combine your love of food and your love of chocolate.
So swim, snorkel, and sunbathe but don’t forget to savor the flavors of Guanacaste while you’re here. Chocolate makes the memories even sweeter.
