2 Best Restaurants in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Step back 150 years into one of Liberia's grandest mansions, complete with an original ceiling painting of cupids, doves, and garlands of flowers. Creative takes on tropical ingredients, all with a French twist, make this the most sophisticated restaurant in town. Loyal customers drive over an hour for the incredibly fresh ceviche with mango and cilantro. Don't miss the Wagyu beef burger, the chicken pesto sandwich, or the mahimahi with chimichurri. Herbs are grown on-site, juices are 100% natural, and the organic coffee is perhaps the best you'll taste in Costa Rica. Save room for any of the fabulous desserts, like the classic cheesecake, lemon pie, or the molten chocolate lava cake made with Belgian chocolate.

This beach club–restaurant–lounge–jazz club is the most romantic and sophisticated dining spot on the beach. By day, you can lounge by the pool or surf between bites of ceviche, panini, burgers, or mussels with fries; by night, you'll find tables set with white linens and candles arranged under swaying palms around two glowing pools. Start with a lobster and mango salad or a flaky pastry nest filled with goat cheese and spinach. Move on to a divine fillet of sole bathed in a velvety, peppery champagne-cream sauce. For dessert, try the crepe suzette flambé. Come back the next day to work off your meal at the attached fitness center or yoga studio.