Soda La Perla, Samara
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Soda La Perla

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A charming, family-owned Costa Rican 'soda' offering authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and great value by the beach.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

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Soda La Perla, Samara

Soda La Perla

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, family-owned Costa Rican 'soda' offering authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and great value by the beach.

"The best soda I tried during my entire stay; the lady is so sweet and they make the best traditional chicken casado!"

TIP

Bring Cash

May be cash-only or have limited credit card options; best to be prepared.

Venture Off the Beaten Path

Located away from the main town, this spot offers a more local experience.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens Sunday 7AM

Cuisine

Costa Rican

Price

$

Phone

+506 2656 0241

Address

VFG8+P94, Guanacaste Province, Nicoya, Costa Rica

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine

Authentic Costa Rican Cuisine

Savor traditional dishes like casado and fresh ceviche in a cozy, family-owned diner.

Google Review+1
Welcoming Family Atmosphere

Welcoming Family Atmosphere

Experience friendly and hospitable service from the owners, making you feel like family.

Google Review
Hidden Gem Location

Hidden Gem Location

Discover this charming eatery located at the end of the beach, away from the main town.

Playa Samara Costa Rica is Paradise on a BudgetGoogle Review
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Bring Cash

May be cash-only or have limited credit card options; best to be prepared.

Venture Off the Beaten Path

Located away from the main town, this spot offers a more local experience.

Don't Miss the Casado

A traditional Costa Rican dish, the casado con pescado is a highly recommended favorite.

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Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash

May be cash-only or have limited credit card options; best to be prepared.

Venture Off the Beaten Path

Located away from the main town, this spot offers a more local experience.

Don't Miss the Casado

A traditional Costa Rican dish, the casado con pescado is a highly recommended favorite.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Soda La Perla is consistently praised for its authentic Costa Rican cuisine and incredibly friendly service, offering a genuine local experience. While it's a bit off the beaten path, the delicious food, generous portions, and great value make it a highly recommended stop for anyone visiting Samara. Some guests noted it might be cash-only, so it's wise to be prepared.

"First time in Costa Rica, we loved our lunch here. The place is very cozy. Staff are friendly and helpful. Our meals were AMAZING. Even our 6 uear old cleared her plate. Can't recommend enough"

Anastasija Kulikova

"Not in the main part of town but definitely worth the drive over for lunch or dinner at La Perla! Our Airbnb host told us about this place and he was so right! Wow we got a few different things and loved everything that came to the table! I wish I would have gotten more pictures of everything but just trust me when I say it is worth your time to come by! It might be cash only, the power was out when we were here and I’m not sure if that impacted the credit card machines or if it only cash all the time. Stop by the atm, it’s worth it!!"

Jacob Stackhouse

"The best soda I tried during my entire 16 night stay and I tried many all over. Ate here twice within just a few days. The lady is so sweet and they make the best traditional chicken casado I had. 💗 Can't wait to hopefully return for more someday."

Nizhoni Garcia

What People Like

Authentic and delicious traditional dishes
Warm, welcoming, and friendly family service
Great value and generous portions

What People Dislike

Potentially cash-only establishment

Frequently Asked Questions

It's recommended to bring cash as some reviews suggest it may be a cash-only establishment or have limited credit card capabilities.

Google Review

Diners rave about the traditional casado, especially the casado con pescado (fish), as well as the chicken quesadillas and fresh ceviche.

Google Review+1

Soda La Perla is located at the end of the beach, away from the main part of town, offering a more local experience.

Playa Samara Costa Rica is Paradise on a BudgetGoogle Review

In Costa Rica, a 'soda' is the term for a small, traditional restaurant serving local cuisine at affordable prices.

Samara Travel Guide: Beaches, Things to Do, & HotelsGoogle Review

Yes, they offer breakfast options, and according to one reviewer, the whole menu was available for breakfast.

Google Review

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Playa Samara Costa Rica is Paradise on a Budget

You won’t stumble upon La Perla on accident, but it’s an easy walk past palm trees on the beach to a residential side of town. Their menu doesn’t have anything extraordinary on it, but the execution is spot on.

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Costa Rica TripKit

Samara Travel Guide: Beaches, Things to Do, & Hotels

La Perla offers local food and a selection of Casados, the typical Costa Rican dish. This “soda” (the name for a traditional Costa Rican restaurant) is located on the west end of the bay.

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Menuweb - Restaurant & Menus

TOP 10 Restaurants Playa Carrillo + Menu

VFG8+P94, Provincia De Guanacaste, Nicoya, Costa Rica, Playa Samara. "The food here is extremely good. If I lived here, this is where I'd g... ★ 4.4 / 5 of 884 Reviews

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Y Postres Princesa Diner Desserts en Playa Samara Carta

Google reviews Write a review Add a photoThank you for sharing!Your photo will be posted publicly on Google.Contribute moreFinishedThere was an error...

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Soda La Perla (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Food Guide