Que Rico Restaurant at Arenal Volcano Inn, La Fortuna
Que Rico Restaurant at Arenal Volcano Inn, La Fortuna

If you're like me, you love trying new foods when you travel! Getting to taste the cuisine of a certain country or region tells a lot about the people who live there, the culture and beliefs. I was very excited when I found out I was getting the opportunity to go to one of my favorite places in Costa Rica: Que Rico Arenal Restaurant. Situated right in front of the gorgeous Arenal Volcano, and inside Arenal Volcano Inn, Que Rico offers a unique dining experience with sprawling views and yummy dishes!

Focaccia Capresse at Que rico Restaurant, La Fortuna
Focaccia Capresse at Que rico Restaurant, La Fortuna
Guanacaste Escape Adventure Tour
7 Days / 6 Nights
Starting at $779 per person

Take a Seat

Que Rico Arenal may be known for its food and rightfully so but its atmosphere and scenery are second to none! Located just 6.5 kilometers west of La Fortuna Catholic Church, the restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and a rolling landscape. Although the food is top-notch, you don't need to dress to the T to enjoy an evening here. The d'cor is tropical-tinged and inviting with an open concept and towering windows, making you feel as though you are sitting outside - makes me feel right at home! Sometimes, there is even live music here, so prepare for a fun and exciting evening where you can sip on a "Banana Colada" and relax. Adding to the Costa Rican feel, there are several plants indoors as well that make you feel like you're outside, even when you're sitting at the table.

Javi the Frog drinking a Banana Colada, Que Rico Restaurant
Javi the Frog drinking a Banana Colada, Que Rico Restaurant

Dig in

As a traveling frog, I get to taste my fair share of cuisine throughout the country, but I must say that the Arenal restaurant has some of the best dishes around. Que Rico has perfected Italian cuisine, and they have some of the best pizza and focaccia bread around! You can get the focaccia as a simple starter with garlic, olive oil and rosemary, or chow down on my personal favorite: Focaccia caprese. It has fresh tomato, buffalo mozzarella and fresh basil on top. Another tasty dish is the ceviche. It's so fresh and light, making it the perfect treat in the hot Costa Rica Weather.

But don't fill up too much on the starters I know, it's hard because the rest of the food is scrumptious. They have a special fire pizza oven, so the crust is always crisp and smoky. If you would like something with a bit more local flair, try the arroz con pollo it comes in the shape of a volcano! Seafood lovers will also find plenty of options here, as well as the kiddos. Even if you're in a hurry, you can grab a quick bite to eat before heading out on an adventure, because they have a special menu of items they can whip up in a jiff.

I'm a sucker for sweets, so one of my favorite menu items is the Baccio Perugina. A small ball of dough is stuffed with nutella, almonds, caramel and baked to perfection in the fire oven. It is served with cool, refreshing ice cream, too. I could come here just for the dessert! You may want to beat the heat here, so a cold, refreshing beverage, whether you're in the mood for a natural juice or a mochaccino, this is the place to get it.

While I wish I could have tried every item on the menu, my belly just isn't that big! Have you ever been to Que Rico Arenal Restaurant? I'd love for you to share your favorite dishes that you ate here. It makes me hungry just thinking about it!


Cloudy view of Arenal Volcano from Que Rico Restaurant, la Fortuna
Cloudy view of Arenal Volcano from Que Rico Restaurant, la Fortuna