We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Casa Esmeralda: Restaurant Reviews

Samara Beach, Playa Samara 50205, Costa Rica
506 2656-0489
Update restaurant details
Ranked #4 of 40 restaurants in Playa Samara
Cuisines: Italian, Central American
Good for: Families with children, Large groups, Doing business, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner
Restaurant details
Good for: Families with children, Large groups, Doing business, Local cuisine, Special occasions, Entertaining clients, Dining on a budget
Dining options: Lunch, Dinner
Write a Review

144 reviews from our community

94% Recommend
    87
    49
    7
    1
    0
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
There are newer reviews for Casa Esmeralda
See the most recent reviews
Victoria, Canada
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Best meal in Samara”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 18, 2013

Although the location can't compete with the beach side restaurants like El Lagarto (second favourite), the food at Casa Esmeralda was awesome. I had the avocado fish (to die for), and they had an extensive kids menu as well. Good service, and really consistent food.

Visited January 2013
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by JenLSC for Playa Samara
Ask JenLSC about Casa Esmeralda
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Vienna, Virginia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
6 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Great food. Excellent service.”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 15, 2013

Prompt and friendly wait staff recommended the fish. They fried a whole Tilapia for us. The fish was fresh, moist, and cooked just right. Octopus appetizer was terrific. Eat upstairs if you can.

Visited January 2013
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask Rich P about Casa Esmeralda
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chicago, Illinois
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
“Excellent typical food”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 11, 2013

Not really on the beach but they serve an excellent and typical food. The fish with shrimps and tomato sauce was really delicious as well as the grilled fish served with rice, beans and sweet plantains. The service was also great and our dishes reasonably priced. Not the ideal place for dinner, but the food is really worth going there, so just try it!

  • Visited December 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 4 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 5 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by thelenkim for Playa Samara
Ask thelenkim about Casa Esmeralda
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Seattle, Washington
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
5 restaurant reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“yum!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed January 10, 2013

This restaurant had amazing gnocchi with gorganzola cream sauce, and they delivered to our bungalow at El Pequeno Gecko Verde.

Visited January 2013
Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 6 more reviews by rhianaw for Playa Samara
Ask rhianaw about Casa Esmeralda
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wellington
Top Contributor
64 reviews 64 reviews
30 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 38 cities Reviews in 38 cities
37 helpful votes 37 helpful votes
“Very good food, shame about the wait!”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed January 10, 2013 via mobile

We ate here as people have highly recommended the seafood including lobster. The restaurant was busy and most people appeared to already be eating however for whatever reason it took over an hour to receive our order including 45mins for some garlic bread. By this point we had almost polished off a bottle of wine. When the food did come it was tasty but much of the seafood was on the verge of being overcooked which let the side down slightly. The whole grilled snapper was the best part in our view.

To sum up, the restaurant is definitely worth a visit for the good food but they really need to work on their prep times!!

    • 3 of 5 stars Value
    • 3 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 3 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Moretea for Playa Samara
Ask Moretea about Casa Esmeralda
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.

Travelers who viewed Casa Esmeralda also viewed

Playa Samara, Province of Guanacaste
Playa Samara, Province of Guanacaste
 
Playa Samara, Province of Guanacaste
Playa Samara, Province of Guanacaste
 

Been to Casa Esmeralda? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Casa Esmeralda, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing