The Restaurant Scene at JW Marriott Guanacaste

Rich Thomaselli
by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 5:30 PM ET, Thu August 18, 2016

Costa Rica attracts adventure travelers, surfers and anyone looking for a laid-back vacation that includes the possibility of a beach adventure one day and hiking in a mountain rainforest the next

But its reputation as a destination for foodies is also growing, and the JW Marriott Guanacaste's five dining establishments lend truth to this, offering guests not only a wide range of tantalizing cuisines but an unbeatable atmosphere.

Azul Grill/Pool Bar. Just steps from the ocean, the Azul Pool Bar will become your lunchtime home away from home. And in the evening, the Azul Grill offers of delicious Italian meals and seafood. With so much fresh seafood offered, it's hard to choose, but a good place to start is with the Sea Bass and Goldenberry, where the fish is marinated in hot chilies, fresh ginger, spearmint and goldenberry. Prefer something a little eclectic, then try the Snookfish with Yellow Chili Sauce. Fresh coriander, smoked soy sauce and toasted cashews make this a dish not to be missed. Other signature dishes include the grilled tuna and octopus cannelloni and the Caribbean seafood casserole.

Mansita Restaurant. International cuisine is what's on the menu at Mansita, and whether it's breakfast, lunch or dinner, guests are assured of a fantastic meal that melds tropical flavors and the freshest local ingredients. Start the meal with Chicharron Pinilla, an appetizer made with pork cracklings, local red beans, avocado, pico de gallo, toasted corn, rice and tortilla chips, before moving on to Costa Rican Cocoa Beed Tenderloin or Coriander & Poppy Seeds Crusted Pan Seared Red Tuna. And don't forget to save room for dessert, where Pomegranate Liquor Sabayon & Soursop Cannoli, or a Hand-crafted Goat Cheese Cake Cup with Sour Guava Confit top the after-dinner sweets menu.

[READMORE]READ MORE: What Makes JW Marriott Guanacaste So Special?[/READMORE]

Sabanero Steak House. Steak. It's what's for dinner, and at the Sabanero Steak House diners are treated to the very best cuts of international and domestic beef. Its open-kitchen concept allows guests to see their dinner preparation in action. Guests can indulge in Kobe flatiron steak, New Zealand lamb chops and Costa Rican filets among other choice cuts, accompanied by such sides as by Costa Rican gallo pinto (rice and black beans stir fried with coriander, red peppers, onions and Salsa Lizano) or traditional steakhouse options such as creamed spinach, asparagus or wild mushrooms.

Tamarine. When the mood for Asian-fusion strikes, it's time to head to Tamarine, where guests will have a creative dining experience that features a menu offering the best of Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Korean cuisine, coupled with some of the freshest seafood and flavors of the Caribbean to be found. Don't miss the Red Snapper & Tuna Ceviche, the grilled octopus or the Passion Fruit Glazed Sea Bass and signature Tamarine Pad Thai.

Nau Lobby Bar. Whether it's a quick bite to eat or a cocktail to be savored at the end of the day, the Nau Lobby Bar is the place to go to socialize and relax by the water.


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Rich Thomaselli

Rich Thomaselli

Associate Writer

Editor Associate Writer true 9281 14744 Rich Thomaselli has written for TravelPulse since 2014 and has been a professional journalist for nearly 40 years. His work has appeared in USA Today, the New York Times and New York Yankees publications. He is an 11-time writ

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