Must-Try Vegan Restaurants in Costa Rica

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If you’ve ever traveled before, whether overseas or just to a neighboring state, you’ll know that often one of the most exciting parts of the journey is trying new foods. When traveling through other countries we can find ourselves experiencing flavors which have existed for thousands of years in those places, alongside flavors which we know and love. 

 

This experience of trying different cuisines is considered an integral part of the human experience, and can lead to the most genuine experiences of other countries and cultures.

 

One thing that can make it difficult to experience other cuisines are the dietary restrictions we have, especially those which limit animal products such as vegetarianism and veganism. Although in many countries these diets are already established, and in some places like Buddhist nations, may be a part of the religion. 

 

Finding these vegan restaurants would have once taken a guide book, thanks to the internet nowadays though, finding a tropical vegan resort or whatever you want is easier than ever.

 

Here are some of the must-try vegan restaurants in Costa Rica.

 

What Makes a Good Vegan Restaurant

Being vegan doesn’t mean to simply not eat animal products and hope for the best, it often also includes other steps to reduce one’s personal environmental impact. There are so many elements to sustainability which can be related to veganism, although for the sake of this post, we will look at the following:

 

- Most Sustainable Vegan Restaurant

- Best Vegan “Fast Food” Restaurant

- Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Restaurant

 

Most Sustainable Vegan Restaurant

Sustainability is more than a buzzword used by modern corporations to try and elicit less harm that they actually cause, it’s a way of doing business which reduces environmental impact. As previously stated, sustainability is often a big factor in the vegan lifestyle, as the diet is often a byproduct of a desire to reduce environmental harm. Thankfully, sustainable tourism is quickly gaining popularity, and we can expect to see more tropical vegan resort and restaurants popping up throughout the world.

 

Casa Planta, Manuel Antonio

While this isn’t a purely vegan restaurant, to say it’s vegan-friendly would be the understatement of the century. Casa Planta has a focus on celebrating the unique flavors of Costa Rica, by utilizing only locally grown and sourced ingredients. The countless plant-based options on their menu also reflect the drive for a healthier lifestyle, which can help us be more sustainable in our own health.

 

Best Vegan “Fast Food” Restaurant

Calling any vegan food “fast food” is usually quite comical, considering the amount of effort required to make vegan food compared to actual fast food. Although thanks to the wonders of mise en place, there are restaurants which can prepare takeaway vegan meals while you wait.

 

LuvBurger, Located Throughout Costa Rica

LuvBurger are not only a vegan burger joint, they’re centered around promoting plant-based food for the benefit of both their customers and the environment as a whole. Even if you aren’t a vegan, trying one of their burgers might just convert you, especially their famous Coconut Bacon Cashew Cheeseburger. To top it all off, they serve a range of healthy drinks including coffee with almond milk and even kombucha.

 

Best Budget-Friendly Vegan Restaurant

An unspoken but relevant part of sustainability is spending within your means, as loaning money usually has all kinds of environmental and social costs. Costa Rica is a great place for budget travel, and can accommodate even the most shoestring backpacker. One great way of doing so is by sticking to local restaurants on your travels, although most won’t be vegan, that’s where Barba Roja steps in.

 

Barba Roja, Manuel Antonio

Again this isn’t a specifically vegan restaurant, but it does serve delicious vegan and vegetarian options in large portions at a reasonable price. On top of this, Barba Roja is enjoyed by both tourists and locals alike, and can be a great place to meet some ticas or ticos. It also sports a pirate theme and live music, making it great for the whole family to enjoy.

 

Find Your Own Favorites

Part of the joy of traveling is finding your own path, and while it can be nice to see suggestions, often the best experiences come from our own fruition. Whether you’re looking for a tropical vegan resort, or just somewhere to try a vegan twist on a Costa Rican classic, be adventurous. Learning a little bit of Spanish before you go over can go a long way in helping you find your own path and your own unique experiences.





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