Estero Azul has served fresh Guanacaste seafood from a rustic spot right on the sand in Playa Flamingo for over two decades, and it still feels like a local secret tucked past the main tourist strip. Picnic tables sit under a simple roof looking out over the bay, and the kitchen leans on whatever the boats bring in that day, so ceviche, whole snapper and the catch of the day are the dishes to order.
It has also built a loyal following for hearty, fairly priced Costa Rican breakfasts, including gallo pinto and fresh tortillas, alongside its seafood-led dinners. Expect an unfussy, properly local dining room where the focus stays on the food and the view rather than polish.
Local tip: Ask about the whole fried snapper: regulars come back for it again and again.
Good to know
- Where: C6QC+534 Flamingo Resort, Provincia de Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica
- City: Playa Flamingo