Costa Rica Culinary Journey at Waldorf Astoria

Guanacaste Cuisine at Waldorf

The rich cultural legacy of the indigenous Chorotega people of the Guanacaste region will be celebrated through an immersive gastronomic adventure spread across six different restaurants at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.  Every dining experience honors Costa Rica's cultural heritage by drawing inspiration from their long-standing customs and the distinctive flavors of the region.  The resort's culinary philosophy, which is based on sustainability and environmental care and extends beyond great dining, will be managed by Executive Chef Nicolas Piatti and Food & Beverage Director Ana Martinez.  The culinary team will minimize the resort's environmental impact while preserving traditional farming methods and craftsmanship by collaborating with small-scale farmers and obtaining products from neighboring plantations. Every dish tells a story of the land, the people, and the rich cultural heritage of Guanacaste.

“Our culinary experience is designed to create a connection for our guests— to the flavours of Guanacaste, the people and the land that make this region so special,” said Nicolas Piatti, executive chef, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

“When guests dine with us, I want them to feel immersed in the story of the place, knowing that every dish is a reflection of the care and dedication of small-scale local producers. Through our commitment to sustainability, we hope to share the natural and cultural wealth of Costa Rica while offering an unforgettable dining experience that supports the community and preserves the land for future generations.”

“Our vision is to create dining experiences that transcend the plate and delight the senses while creating a connection from the land, to the people, to the plate," said Ana Martinez, food and beverage director, Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique.

“We aim to forge a deeper connection between guests and the source of their meals, fostering an appreciation for the locality and craft behind every bite.”

The six distinct dining experiences include:

La Finca

At La Finca, the resort’s signature restaurant, guests will savor a menu that blends Costa Rican tradition with contemporary flair. Dishes feature expertly caught seafood, showcasing the best of the region and dry-aged, grass-fed beef, prepared using time-honored Chorotega harvesting techniques and incorporating maize-based ingredients from the region. La Finca's design reflects the region’s rich biodiversity and climate of the Costa Rican Coast, incorporating local stone, regional wood, and earth tones complementing expansive windows that frame stunning views. The outdoor dining area invites guests to enjoy intimate meals with panoramic coastal views, while the wine cellar, anchored by a custom-designed stone totem, offers an immersive tasting experience with a striking backlit bottle display.

Tico-Tica

Tico-Tica is a nod to the way locals refer to men and women and captures the spirit of the “pura vida” lifestyle by blending a relaxed yet luxurious setting where guests can enjoy a succulent meal while taking in the breathtaking views of Playa Penca. The all-day dining restaurant is anchored around an open kitchen and the culinary team will harness the power of the open flame creating a menu that flows naturally from daytime to evening embracing the ingredients, spices and flavors of Costa Rica. The menu will also include a variety of premium, expertly grilled meats seasoned using Nicoya’s artisanal Chorotega salt—including Wagyu beef and boneless duck confit—alongside an array of seafood dishes that celebrate the region’s coastal bounty.

Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop

Buena Nota Bakery & Coffee Shop blends the abundance of tropical fruits with classic French techniques, ensuring every item is made fresh to order. The resort’s bespoke coffee program, led by Costa Rica’s Barista Champion Ricardo Azofeifa, features exceptional roasts like Etiope 47, Milenio, Geisha, Typica, and the signature Chirripó blend. Sourced from renowned regions such as Brunca and Tarrazú, all beans are cultivated on regenerative plantations that prioritize fair trade and sustainability practices.

Vida Pool & Grill

Vida Pool & Grill transforms from a serene coastal haven by day to an open-grill dining experience by night on the backdrop of shimmering cascading infinity pools surrounded by lush greenery. By day, guests can enjoy a farmer’s market inspired fresh and bright breakfast with all-day dining options and a rum-inspired poolside beverage program. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms to a lively celebration of Latin flavors and the open-grill kitchen serves specialties such as suckling pig, grilled seafood, ceviches, and tostones. For a sweet treat, Copo y Cono Ice Cream Shop offers artisanal ice creams, colorful homemade cones, and inventive ice cream sandwiches inspired by Costa Rica's vibrant flavours.

Peacock Alley Bar

The brand’s signature Peacock Alley Bar will embrace Costa Rica’s “pura vida” lifestyle, offering small plates that celebrate ancestral flavors, such as tostadas and empanadas, alongside craft cocktails like the Nicoya, made with Centenario 6-year rum, dandelion, cucumber, lime, mint, dandelion oil, and raw sugarcane, and the Chorotega, featuring Costa Rican rum, corn liquor, coffee, vanilla, and chocolate truffle. Honoring Chorotega traditions, pottery and earthenware will be used to store infusions, garnishes, and age cocktails and spirits. Select cocktails will be served in handcrafted clay vessels created by regional artisans, adding an authentic and soulful depth to every sip. The bar’s design features a curated collection of global discoveries, showcasing the stories of sophisticated travelers, while a bespoke ceiling mosaic with captivating patterns enriches the space. Interior and exterior lounges, including a local stone fire pit, seamlessly extend the ambiance from indoors to outdoors.