For simple surrounds on the sands, head to Restaurant Valle’s Mar (tel. 506/8896-3694, 10 A.M.–9 P.M. daily). It serves hearty seafood dishes, such as ceviche, fried calamari ($8), and grilled mahimahi with garlic ($8).

The best food for miles is served at Ginger (tel. 506/2672-0041, www.gingercostarica.com, 5–10 P.M. Tues.–Sun., $5–20), beside the main road in the heart of Hermosa. This chic and contemporary tapas bar is run by Canadian chef Anne Hegney Frey. Striking for its minimalist design, with a trapezoidal bar, walls of glass, and cantilevered glass roof, it also delivers fantastic food. Try the ginger rolls, fried calamari, or superb ginger ahi tuna. Two-for-one sushi rolls are served 5–10 P.M. Friday. The bar is a local fave for its martinis and tropical cocktails.

Walk in off the beach and enjoy open-air dining at the chic Nimori Restaurant and Bar (at Hotel Playa Hermosa, tel./fax 506/2672-0046, www.hotelplayahermosa.com, 7 A.M.–10 P.M. daily). The menu specializes in steaks from the owner’s farm; try the lamb chops in mint sauce ($18), New York strip ($18), or coconut shrimp ($20). It also serves salads, plus fast food and pastas.

For a meal with a view, head to The Bistro (tel. 506/2670-0227, 10 A.M.–10 P.M. daily) at Hotel Finisterra. It’s open to the public, with a creative French chef conjuring Caesar salad ($3.50), filet mignon with peppercorn sauce ($10), and daily pastas. Friday is sushi night. It earns rave reviews and draws diners from afar.

Restaurante Aqua Sport (tel. 506/2672-0050, 9 A.M.–9 P.M. daily) has a pleasing thatched beachfront restaurant at Playa Hermosa, with crepes, ceviche, salads, and a wide-ranging seafood menu.