Brisas del Mar

santa teresa, Costa Rica

Traditional DiningCoastal Costa RicanTerrace Restaurant

Insider Compass

An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.

6.73GOOD
7.3Plate
7.5Vibe
7.3Service
8.3Setting

About Brisas del Mar

Perched high on a hillside above Santa Teresa, Brisas del Mar delivers what every beach town restaurant promises but few achieve: food that matches the view. The kitchen operates with the confidence of a team that knows their terroir—fresh catch handled with care, pizza nights that draw regulars up the steep access road, and a birreria program rare for this stretch of coast. Under new ownership that's brought a more relaxed, accessible energy to the space, this has become the kind of place where you settle in after a day on the waves, watch the sun drop into the Pacific, and realize you're ordering a third round.

Good to know

Make the climb for Friday pizza nights—the all-you-can-eat format brings out the kitchen's best dough work and draws a fun local crowd worth meeting.

The chef

Lucho

Chef-proprietor Lucho leads the kitchen with the hands-on approach of an owner who's personally invested in every plate. His cooking philosophy centers on showcasing the region's exceptional seafood with straightforward technique and generous portions that reflect Costa Rican hospitality. Since taking over the restaurant, he's shifted the focus toward accessibility without sacrificing quality, building a reputation for consistency that keeps regulars making the challenging drive up the hillside. You'll often find him working both the kitchen and the dining room, bringing a personal touch to the operation that defines the Brisas del Mar experience.