
Cafe Mono Congo
A popular riverside cafe with a friendly surfer vibe, offering unique breakfast dishes, organic juices, and breathtaking views of the Baru River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Cafe Mono Congo

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A popular riverside cafe with a friendly surfer vibe, offering unique breakfast dishes, organic juices, and breathtaking views of the Baru River.
Visit Early to Avoid Crowds
The cafe opens at 8 am, arriving early is recommended to beat the long wait times.
Try Specialty Drinks
Don't miss out on unique beverages like Bulletproof Coffee and freshly squeezed organic juices.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cafe, Costa Rican Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+506 6312 8766
Address
Pueblo del Rio Main Street Dominical Off main highway entrance Provincia de Puntarenas Dominical, 60504, Costa Rica
Website
cafemonocongo.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Breathtaking River Views
Dine on the terrace and savor stunning views of the Baru River, offering a serene and picturesque dining experience.

Unique Breakfast Creations
Indulge in creative breakfast dishes like mushroom omelettes and hearty Tico plates, a perfect start to your day.

Friendly Surfer Vibes & Local Art
Experience a relaxed atmosphere with surfer vibes, complemented by vibrant local artwork displayed throughout the cafe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Early to Avoid Crowds
The cafe opens at 8 am, arriving early is recommended to beat the long wait times.
Try Specialty Drinks
Don't miss out on unique beverages like Bulletproof Coffee and freshly squeezed organic juices.
Ask About Dietary Options
They offer a diverse menu with many gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices available.
Indulge in Addictive Desserts
Save room for their delicious desserts, like the chocolate papaya pie or 'Monkey Balls'.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Early to Avoid Crowds
The cafe opens at 8 am, arriving early is recommended to beat the long wait times.
Try Specialty Drinks
Don't miss out on unique beverages like Bulletproof Coffee and freshly squeezed organic juices.
Ask About Dietary Options
They offer a diverse menu with many gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian choices available.
Indulge in Addictive Desserts
Save room for their delicious desserts, like the chocolate papaya pie or 'Monkey Balls'.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cafe Mono Congo is celebrated for its delicious and creative breakfast and lunch options, with many reviewers highlighting the Tico burritos, omelettes, and paninis. The friendly atmosphere, combined with stunning river views and local artwork, creates a unique dining experience. While some found it pricey for the quantity, most agree the quality and overall ambiance make it a must-visit spot in Dominical.
"Love this place! I ordered the mushroom omelette with goat cheese and it was delicious! It was cooked perfectly! That ambiance of the vegetation, the breeze of the ocean, and the artwork was a plus! If you’re visiting Dominical, Costa Rica, stop by!"
Gwen Penn
"This is my absolute favorite spot in Dominical!! I love the breakfast panini and wish I had the recipe. I am going to try and recreate this at home and dream of my days on the patio overlooking the river. The staff is super friendly and I enjoy going to the deli next door too!"
Rachel Audette
"Fantastic food!!! We got the Tico breakfast and Tico burrito. Best breakfast we’ve had here! The salsa they gave to go with it added the perfect kick and was so tasty. The coffee was also very good, I got a latte. Maybe the best I had in Costa Rica. But finally… the banana bread, amazing! Get some monkey balls too to take on the go. Service was super friendly as well."
Whit
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Cafe Mono Congo opens early at 8 am, making it a great spot for breakfast.
Yes, the cafe offers a diverse menu with many vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.
Popular choices include the Tico breakfast, Tico burritos, mushroom omelette, and their specialty drinks and desserts.
Yes, the cafe features a terrace with a beautiful view of the Baru River.
Cafe Mono Congo is known for having some of the strongest Wi-Fi in Dominical.
The cafe has a friendly surfer vibe, with local artwork and a relaxed ambiance by the river.
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Pull up a counter stool or sit at a table on the popular riverside terrace at this friendly café with creative vegetarian and gluten-free dishes, organic juices, local and imported craft beers on tap, kombuchas, and herbal teas. Desserts are not only gluten-free, they are addictive: the chocolate papaya pie combines dark chocolate with papaya to make a rich mousse filling for a date, almond, and coconut crust. For breakfast, try a hearty Tico plate chock-full of brown rice and pinto beans, topped by a mini-omelet with red peppers, spring onions, local cheeses, tomato, avocado, and plantains—with chipotle sauce on the side.
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Cafe Mongo Congo has the best casual vibe, and the menu has a huge variety of drink options, including coffee, tea, smoothies, and fresh cold-pressed juices. At Cafe Mono Congo, you can have a hearty breakfast (my favorite), or a lingering lunch with some tasty craft beers or wine. If you are not in a hurry, you can chill on the deck as you watch the beautiful scenery across the horizon – the cafe has views of the river!
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We’re bananas for this place whose name translates as “Howler Monkey.” Cafe Mono Congo serves up the best coffee in town and offers a variety of healthy food options, making it one of the best places to eat in Dominical. Our tip: Order the Tico Bowl – a spin on Costa Rica’s national breakfast dish, “Gallo Pinto.” Finish off with a Monkey Ball for dessert – you’ll have to try it to find out what it is!
Fun Things to Do With Kids in Dominical and Uvita, Costa Rica
Cafe Mono Congo: It’s a great little cafe that is a hub for a lot of people, tourists and locals alike. The staff are super friendly and there are plenty of places to sit down, either in the main area, on swings at a “bar” or at a table overlooking the Baru River. You can sit down, relax and the kids can run around a bit, write with chalk on the walls, etc.
Where to Eat in Dominical, Costa Rica
For specialty foods, consider Sol Frozen Yoghurt (desserts), Phat Noodle (Asian noodle fusion), Mono Congo (Drinks, Bakery, Cool Stuff), Sushi, Pescado Loco (fish tacos) and Del Mar Taco (Tacos, burritos), La Casita Pizza, Mama Toucans (deli sandwichs and salads), Fuego’s (Microbrewery and restaurant) and Tortilla Flats (Mexican fusion plus).
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For some quick bites and something to drink, Cafe Mono Congo is a good place to stop. They have cheap, small Central American fusion bites that are quick and easy to grab and go and include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Cafe Mono Congo also offers espresso, tea, cold-pressed juices, and smoothies.
Where to eat in Dominical, Costa Rica
Coinciding with Costa Rica's relaxed attitude, Cafe Mono Congo is the epitome of Pura Vida. You can sit upon a porch swing next to the ocean, order a strong coffee and enjoy local food with a modern twist. Its a great spot to start off your morning and its ingredients come from local, organic produce.
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Every time we go to Dominical we just HAVE to make stopover at Cafe Mono Congo. Whether it is for breakfast, lunch, dinner or just a cup of coffee, the atmosphere in here is always right. Therefore this cafe needs to be put on top of this list.
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Cafe Mono Congo is right next door, and it’s a popular destination for travelers and locals. It serves terrific breakfasts and great coffee that you can have on-site or take to go. It also has some of the strongest Wi-Fi in Dominical.
The 9 Best Restaurants in Dominical, Costa Rica for All Budgets
They serve a variety of breakfast sandwiches, omelets, wraps, burgers, salads, and more!. I also love the setting here. The interior has a rustic wooden atmosphere or you can opt to sit outside right next to the water.
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With a peaceful river view and good Wi-Fi, Cafe Mono Congo is a chill breakfast or lunch choice. They whip up healthy dishes made from fresh ingredients. You’ll find vegetarian, gluten free, and vegan options.
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Cafe Mono Congo is a little breakfast/lunch spot situated right along the Barú River. The restaurant is a fusion of typical Costa Rican food and a vegan-friendly brunch spot, with affordable prices.
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Cafe Mono Congo: This charming cafe serves a range of healthy, organic dishes, including smoothies, sandwiches, and salads. The coffee is also a must-try, as it is made from locally sourced beans.
Dominical: een relaxed surfdorp in Costa Rica
Met uitzicht op de rivier Barú kun je genieten van wat Cafe Mono Congo je te bieden heeft. Kom er voor ontbijt, lunch of een koffie met gebakje. Ze hebben diverse veganistische opties op het menu.
Dominical, Costa Rica
Right at the entrance to town is a plaza with several great businesses including an organic food store, and the BEST breakfast in Costa Rica, and perhaps the Americas as Café Mono Congo.
Les meilleurs restaurants de Dominical, Costa Rica: où manger ?
Localisation générale : Entrée de Dominical, surplombant la rivière Baru. Type de nourriture : Café et adapté aux végétariens. Gamme de prix : 7 $ - 15 $ par personne
24 Hours In Dominical, What To Do, Where To Go
Next door, you have Cafe Mono Congo, a sweet little resto perfect for breakfast and lunch, located by the river offering beautiful views.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit