Jaco Tour with Lunch at Doña Marta’s Restaurant

A Taste of Costa Rica in the Mountains

Ever wonder what it’s like to enjoy a homemade Costa Rican meal in the cool mountain air, surrounded by jungle views and the smell of wood-fired cooking?

Just outside of Jaco, you’ll find a hidden culinary gem that transforms lunch into a true local experience. This isn’t your typical tourist stop; it’s a slow, scenic journey through the hills, a stop at a refreshing waterfall, and then… the kind of place you’d never find on your own.

Welcome to La Cocina de Doña Marta, a cozy, family-run restaurant perched high in the mountains. Here, the warmth of traditional Costa Rican hospitality is matched only by the flavors of the food. Whether you’re tasting handmade empanadas, learning how to flip a fresh tortilla, or sipping natural fruit juice with a view, it all feels a little magical.

This tour isn’t just about seeing the sights. It’s about slowing down, breathing in the mountain air, and savoring every bite.

🍳 Meet Doña Marta and Her Mountain Kitchen

As soon as you arrive at Doña Marta’s, it’s clear this isn’t just a restaurant, it’s a slice of Costa Rican soul. Nestled high in the hills above Jaco, her open-air kitchen welcomes you with the aroma of wood smoke and bubbling pots. It’s rustic, real, and refreshingly different from anything in town.

Doña Marta herself is often right there in the heart of the kitchen, laughing with guests and stirring something delicious over the fire. She’s been sharing her recipes and her warmth for decades, creating a space that feels more like visiting family than going out to eat.

The kitchen is simple but alive, stacked with pots, open flames, local ingredients, and that intangible energy you only find in places built with love. Some guests even get the chance to help press tortillas or watch empanadas frying over the wood fire. It’s cooking as it was meant to be: slow, generous, and full of heart.

Why the Food Steals the Show

It’s one thing to eat Costa Rican food, it’s another to experience it the way it was meant to be. At Doña Marta’s, every dish begins with tradition and ends with a smoky twist from the wood-fired stove that anchors the kitchen.

This old-school cooking method isn’t just for show. The fire infuses every bite with deep, rich flavor you won’t find at a typical restaurant. You can actually taste the care and patience in the food, like something your abuela would make.

Meals are prepared fresh on-site using local ingredients, many grown right on the property. From garden herbs to seasonal vegetables, the farm-to-table approach is more than a trend here; it’s the norm.

But it’s not just about ingredients. It’s about the feeling. The warmth of the kitchen, the rhythm of pans on the stove, and the joyful teamwork of the women who cook together with pride. Their energy is contagious, and it makes the food taste even better.

What’s on the Menu? Local Dishes to Look Forward To

If you came hungry, you’re in the right place, because Doña Marta doesn’t serve small portions. She serves soul food, Costa Rican style.

The stars of the kitchen? The empanadas. Fried to golden perfection over the wood fire, these handmade delights come stuffed with seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, beans, or a mix of all three. And yes, there’s even a vegan option, packed with fresh local veggies and just as crispy and flavorful.

Then there’s the gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s beloved rice-and-beans breakfast dish, and the ever-satisfying casado, a hearty lunch plate that brings together rice, beans, meat or veggies, plantains, salad, and more, all on one generous plate.

Everything is made from scratch and served with a smile. The drinks? Fresh juices made from tropical fruits, blended on the spot. Every meal feels like a celebration, simple, nourishing, and full of flavor.

The View, the Vibe, the Experience

The road to Doña Marta’s winds through the hills just outside Jaco, where the busy town slowly fades behind you and nature begins to take over. On the way, you’ll pass rolling green hills, spot colorful birds darting through the trees, and even catch a glimpse of a hidden waterfall along the route, a refreshing stop that sets the tone for what’s to come.

By the time you reach the restaurant, perched on a hilltop with sweeping valley views, it already feels like a getaway. The open-air setup lets in the mountain breeze and the sounds of the surrounding forest. It’s noticeably cooler here, calmer, like the whole world just hit pause.

Guests often sit back after their meal, sipping a chilled juice and soaking in the view. You’re not rushed, you’re not crowded, you’re simply present, surrounded by fresh air, good people, and incredible food. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger, talk, laugh, and maybe plan your next visit before you even leave.

How to Try It?

This culinary stop is part of our mountain experience tour, perfect for travelers who want a taste of Costa Rica without a long hike. You’ll visit a scenic waterfall, stop at a few breathtaking viewpoints, and finish with an unforgettable meal at Doña Marta’s.

It’s not just lunch, it’s a true local experience.

Tour Includes:

• Waterfall visit
• Mountain viewpoints
• Full traditional lunch at Doña Marta’s
• Vegan options available

FAQs About Visiting Doña Marta’s Restaurant