Best New Restaurants in Jaco Beach for 2026
by Shawn Fletcher
When people ask me what’s new and exciting in Jaco Beach right now, I always tell them the same thing — the food scene keeps getting better every year. As someone who has lived and worked in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific for years, I love seeing restaurants raise the bar and create new experiences for both locals and visitors.
Recently, my wife and I visited two new restaurants that truly impressed us: Zelva in Jaco Beach and Kairos in Playa Hermosa. While they offer completely different atmospheres, both delivered memorable dining experiences that deserve a place on your must-visit list.
Zelva Delivers One of the Best Dining Atmospheres in Jaco Beach
Out of all the restaurants in Jaco, Zelva may have one of the best overall atmospheres I’ve experienced in years. The space is beautifully designed with both an air-conditioned indoor dining area and a comfortable outdoor section surrounded by warm lighting and tropical ambiance. The restaurant manages to feel upscale while still being welcoming and relaxed.
One thing that immediately stood out to us was how family-friendly Zelva is. There’s a playground area in the back for kids, which makes it a fantastic option for families who want a great meal without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The food itself absolutely lived up to the atmosphere.
I ordered the salmon, which was perfectly prepared and paired incredibly well with the wine selection. My wife ordered the Wagyu steak, and it was outstanding — tender, flavorful, and cooked exactly right. We also shared the French onion soup, which was rich and comforting, along with fresh oysters that were excellent.
What really impressed us was how complete the overall experience felt. Great service, excellent wine pairings, high-quality ingredients, and an atmosphere that encourages you to stay and enjoy the evening. Whether you’re heading out for a casual dinner, date night, or family evening, Zelva has quickly become one of my top restaurant recommendations in Jaco Beach.
Kairos in Hermosa Beach Offers a Luxury Coastal Experience
The second restaurant that really stood out to us recently is Kairos, located inside the Mistico beachfront development in Playa Hermosa. Kairos offers a completely different atmosphere from Zelva, leaning into a luxury coastal experience with a stunning beachfront setting. The restaurant overlooks the resort pool directly toward the ocean, creating one of the most visually impressive dining environments in the Central Pacific.
The setting alone makes it worth visiting. Kairos is part of a new high-end glamping-style oceanfront resort that blends tropical nature with upscale design. The entire experience feels elevated but still connected to the beauty of Playa Hermosa.
The culinary side of Kairos is equally impressive. The restaurant is led by Chef Kenya, who is already well known locally for Zona K. Her attention to flavor and presentation is obvious throughout the menu. During our visit, I ordered the lobster risotto, and it was phenomenal. Rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, it was one of the standout dishes I’ve had recently in the area. My wife ordered the chicken wonton soup, which was light, comforting, and packed with flavor. We also shared the ponzu tuna tartare tostadas, which were incredibly fresh and beautifully prepared. The balance of citrus, tuna, and texture made them one of the highlights of the evening.
We’ve also heard excellent things about their breakfast service, although we haven’t had a chance to try it yet. Based on our dinner experience, it’s definitely on our list for a future visit. Kairos feels like the type of place you visit when you want the full experience — beautiful beachfront scenery, elevated cuisine, creative cocktails, and a luxurious atmosphere that captures what makes Playa Hermosa so special.
The Dining Scene in Jaco Beach Keeps Improving
Both Zelva and Kairos brought something unique to the table, and that’s what makes the dining scene in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific so exciting right now. Zelva impressed us with its welcoming atmosphere, family-friendly design, excellent wine pairings, and high-quality dishes like the salmon, Wagyu steak, oysters, and French onion soup.
Kairos delivered an unforgettable beachfront dining experience with incredible dishes like the lobster risotto, chicken wonton soup, and ponzu tuna tartare tostadas, all within one of the most beautiful oceanfront settings in Playa Hermosa. Lifestyle matters when choosing where to live or invest, and great restaurants are a huge part of that lifestyle.
The continued growth of high-quality dining options in Jaco Beach reflects the increasing demand for upscale living and tourism in the area. Buyers want more than just beautiful beaches — they want a complete lifestyle experience. That’s exactly what the Central Pacific now offers. From luxury oceanfront developments in Hermosa Beach to walkable communities in Jaco, this region continues evolving into one of Costa Rica’s most desirable coastal destinations.
If you’re planning a visit to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, I highly recommend adding Zelva and Kairos to your list. Both restaurants offer unique experiences that showcase how much the dining scene in Jaco Beach has evolved. For more local recommendations, lifestyle insights, and information about living in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific, visit REMAX Oceanside Realty Costa Rica for our complete Central Pacific Restaurant & Travel Guide, featuring local recommendations, community insights, and everything you need to know about living in Jaco Beach, Playa Hermosa, and the surrounding areas.
