The Somos Restaurant
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Insider Compass
An expert assessment built on data, context and gastronomic judgement.
About The Somos Restaurant
Carved out of a converted Airstream trailer in the heart of Santa Teresa, The Somos Restaurant functions as the culinary anchor for this surf-centric hotel and cafe, drawing both guests and locals with its veggie-forward menu inspired by Northern Hemisphere cooking traditions. The kitchen takes a healing approach to food, crafting dishes that balance vibrant flavors with nourishing ingredients—think grilled cabbage that surprises, chicken and waffles executed with precision, and mixed herb tacos that hit harder than expected. Everything from condiments to breads to desserts is made in-house, a rarity in beach towns where shortcuts are tempting, and the coffee program rivals what you'd find in proper urban cafes.
Good to know
Arrive around 9 AM to catch the local bakery's fresh drop-off—staff will point you to the best pastries before they're gone.
The Insider Compass
Four dimensions, each assessed independently against the same criteria everywhere we rate.
Plate
The menu leans into fresh, seasonal produce with a clear philosophy: vegetables deserve the same treatment as proteins. Standout plates include the sesame honey chicken burrito, grilled cabbage that's become something of a signature, and chicken and waffles where both elements taste genuinely made from scratch—the waffle batter isn't oversweetened, and the chicken arrives with proper crust development. The mixed green herbs tacos pack unexpected depth, while the brioche French toast, though delicious, arrives as a single piece that feels light for the price point.
Vibe
LivelyThe space functions as a daytime co-working hub and evening social anchor, drawing a mix of digital nomads, surfers, and travelers looking for more than tourist traps. Energy shifts throughout the day—calm mornings with serious coffee drinkers give way to livelier evenings, especially during Tuesday cantina nights and weekend DJ sessions after 10 PM. The surf-chic aesthetic and canopied gardens create pockets of calm even when the main dining area fills up.
Service
The front-of-house crew—names like Elvis, Sophia, Francine, Mara, and Barto come up frequently—brings genuine warmth rather than scripted hospitality. Servers offer solid menu guidance and local intel beyond the restaurant, from bakery delivery times (around 9 AM) to post-dinner recommendations. Even on packed nights, the team manages to secure tables and maintain attentive service without feeling rushed or transactional.
Setting
The Airstream-turned-bar-and-kitchen serves as the visual centerpiece, surrounded by lush tropical gardens that provide natural canopy and privacy. Design leans into beach minimalism with intentional touches—think surf-inspired decor without tipping into kitschy territory, plus comfortable chill zones for lingering over coffee or post-meal drinks. The property's unique architecture creates distinct zones that accommodate different moods, from solo laptop work to group celebrations.
These four dimensions are a handful of the attributes we review. The Insider Rating also draws on research the compass does not display — among them the wine programme, the size and quality of the cellar, the location, and how long the house has operated. It is not an average of the scores above.
Go for
- Veggie-forward cooking that treats produce with proper technique and respect
- All-day functionality from serious morning coffee to late-night social scene
- Genuine hospitality from a team that knows the difference between service and transaction
Don't go for
- Traditional Costa Rican cuisine—the Northern Hemisphere inspiration means you won't find casados here
- Budget dining—the price-to-portion ratio skews higher than other Santa Teresa options
Details
25 M AL SUR FRENTE A LORA AMARILLA, LOTE, Provincia de Puntarenas, Santa Teresa, 60101, Costa Rica
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