Los Sueños Marina Village: Restaurants, Shops & What to Do
The Marina Village is where everything at Los Sueños converges. Charter boats leave from here before dawn, guests spill out of restaurants at sunset, and the cobblestone pathways stay busy from the time Dolce Vita opens its espresso bar at 6 AM until the last table clears at The Hook Up around 10 PM.
It’s the social spine of the resort, an open-air waterfront complex wrapped around the marina with five restaurants, shops, two banks, a wine store, a real estate office, fishing charter desks, and tour operators all packed into a walkable stretch of cobblestone overlooking 200 boat slips. If you’re staying at Los Sueños, you’ll end up here every day. If you’re visiting from Jacó or Herradura, it’s a 10-minute drive and worth the trip.
Here’s the full rundown on what’s there, what’s worth your time, and how to make the most of it.
What Is the Marina Village?
The Marina Village sits at the heart of Los Sueños Resort & Marina in Playa Herradura on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. The complex was designed as a self-contained village: colorful buildings with covered walkways, open-air dining terraces, and views directly over the marina where the sportfishing fleet ties up at the end of the day.
The architecture takes cues from Costa Rican coastal towns: terracotta and white stucco, covered walkways shading the storefronts from afternoon sun, and the kind of well-maintained pedestrian space that most tropical beach towns never quite manage. Walk down from the main entrance and the marina opens up in front of you: sportfishing boats lined up in rows, superyachts at the far docks, and a constant backdrop of pelicans diving into the bay.
The resort’s property is gated, but the Marina Village is accessible to the public: day visitors can drive to the main entrance at Los Sueños and enter specifically to visit the village. There’s parking near the marina, and the restaurants and shops welcome anyone, not just resort guests.
Restaurants & Bars at Marina Village
Five restaurants serve the Marina Village, each offering a distinct dining experience. Four are open to the public, while one requires resort access.
The Hook Up
Cuisine: American / Sports Bar
Price Range: $$ (Moderate) — $12–$25 for mains
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Best For: Sports fans, casual lunches, happy hour, families, watching the game
The Hook Up is the most popular spot in the village, and it earns that reputation. It’s a full sports bar with a giant video wall, cold Imperial beer, and what they fairly call the best burger in Costa Rica. The location is the real selling point: second-floor terrace overlooking the marina, where you can watch fishing boats returning at the end of the day while you eat tacos and catch whatever game is on.
After a morning on the water, the sportfishing crowd tends to end up here. The vibe is casual, loud when there’s a game, and exactly right for a place where people show up sun-scorched and hungry at 2 PM. They also sell official Los Sueños apparel from a stand at the top of the stairs if you need something to wear home.
What to order: The classic burger ( Consistently rated among the best in Costa Rica), fish tacos, chicken sandwich, and their famous loaded nachos. Great selection of local beers and signature cocktails.
Practical details: No reservations needed. Casual dress code. Delivery available by calling +506-2630-4444. Great for families with kids — the outdoor terrace has stellar marina views.
Dolce Vita
Cuisine: Café / Bakery / Gelateria
Price Range: $$ (Moderate) — $5–$15 for items
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Best For: Breakfast, coffee breaks, light lunches, gelato, early risers
Dolce Vita is the village’s only early-opener, the right place to start the day before a fishing trip or a morning round at La Iguana Golf Course. The menu runs from espresso drinks and fresh-baked pastries through to lunch and early dinner. The gelato is the best on the Central Pacific coast, the bread is baked in-house daily, and the smoothies are genuinely good.
It’s also the village’s natural meeting point: regulars bump into each other here, fishing guides kill time between pickups here, and the covered tables make it comfortable even when it’s hot. If you want a light meal or something sweet mid-afternoon, this is the stop.
What to order: Start with a caffè latte and a fresh pastry for breakfast. The panini Italiano makes an excellent lunch, and definitely try the gelato for dessert — flavors change daily.
Practical details: Open early for breakfast — perfect for early risers heading out on fishing charters. Casual dress code. No reservations needed. Take-out and delivery available.
Lanterna Italian Steakhouse
Cuisine: Italian / Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$ (High-end) — $25–$60 for steaks
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Best For: Romantic dinners, special occasions, steak lovers, celebrations
Lanterna is the dinner destination in the village. The kitchen centers on a wood-fired grill and a wood-fired pizza oven, and both get used: imported Angus beef steaks grilled over wood, hand-stretched thin-crust pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh fish. The garden terrace is the right setting: open-air with enough shade to stay comfortable and a view across the marina.
If you want to eat well without leaving the resort, Lanterna is the clear answer. The steak and the pizza are both legitimately good: not just “good for a beach resort,” genuinely good. The prime rib on certain nights is worth asking about.
What to order: The prime ribeye, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and frutti del mare (seafood) dishes. Don’t miss the lobster and shrimp in tomato-brandy ragu.
Practical details: Reservations recommended, especially during peak season (December–April) and weekends. Dress code is smart casual — collared shirts and closed-toe shoes for men. Call +506-2630-4111 to reserve.
Bambu Sushi & Asian Cuisine
Cuisine: Japanese / Pan-Asian
Price Range: $$$ (Moderate to High) — $15–$35 for rolls
Hours: Daily, 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Best For: Sushi lovers, Asian food cravings, sunset views, date nights
Bambu covers the rest of the dining range: fresh sushi, sashimi, and a wider menu of dishes across Japanese, Thai, and broader Asian cuisines. The terrace overlooks the marina, and there’s an air-conditioned dining room for anyone who wants a break from the heat. The specialty cocktail list is solid.
If you’re visiting on a Central Pacific dining circuit and wondering whether Bambu is worth the stop: yes, particularly for sushi. The ingredients are fresh, the menu is more extensive than you’d expect, and the marina view from the terrace is a good backdrop for a long dinner.
What to order: The Volcano Roll, Rainbow Roll, Hamachi Roll, and fresh sashimi platters. The hot shrimp appetizer is also excellent. They offer 2-for-1 sushi specials on Mondays.
Practical details: No reservations needed for lunch; recommended for dinner. Casual dress code. Delivery available by calling +506-2630-4333.
Al Fresco at the Beach Club
Cuisine: Casual / Poolside
Price Range: $$ (Moderate) — $12–$22 for mains
Hours: Daily, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Best For: Beach days, poolside lunches, families, relaxing afternoons
Al Fresco is reserved for Los Sueños homeowners, guests, and rental guests, which means if you’re staying in a villa or condo on the resort property, you have access. The Beach Club has a swim-up bar, a wood-fired pizza oven in the open-air kitchen, and a menu of light meals and snacks built for a day at the pool. It’s the right spot for a beach lunch when you don’t want to go anywhere.
Guests renting through the on-site rental office (Stay in Costa Rica) qualify for Beach Club access: worth confirming when you book.
What to order: The wood-fired pizzas are outstanding. The ceviche is fresh and perfect for a hot day. Pair with a cocktail from the swim-up bar.
Practical details: Beach Club access is required — for guests staying in the resort or renting through authorized agencies. Hours extend from lunch through early evening. Delivery available to resort guests by calling +506-2630-4272.
Quick Comparison: Marina Village Restaurants
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price | Hours | Best For | Reservations? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hook Up | American/Casual | $$ | 11:30am–10pm | Sports, happy hour | No |
| Dolce Vita | Café/Bakery | $$ | 6am–10pm | Breakfast, coffee | No |
| Lanterna | Italian/Steakhouse | $$$ | 11:30am–10pm | Romantic dinners | Recommended |
| Bambú | Japanese/Asian | $$$ | 11:30am–10pm | Sushi, sunset views | No |
| Al Fresco | Poolside/Casual | $$ | 11am–7pm | Beach days | Guests only |
Tips for Dining at Marina Village
Reservations: Lanterna accepts reservations and they’re recommended for dinner, especially weekends and holidays (December–April). Other restaurants are walk-in only.
Dress Code: Smart casual at Lanterna; casual everywhere else. Light, breathable clothing is ideal given the tropical climate.
Parking: Free off-street parking is available throughout Marina Village. There’s also a parking lot near the main entrance.
Delivery: All Marina Village restaurants offer delivery within the resort. Check individual restaurant phone numbers above.
What to Wear: Think resort casual — shorts, sundresses, polo shirts, and sandals. Don’t forget sunscreen if you plan to sit outdoors!
Best Time to Visit: Sunset time (around 5:30–6:30 PM) offers the most beautiful views, especially at The Hook Up and Bambú. For a quieter meal, try early lunch (11:30 AM–12:30 PM).
Monday Specials: Bambú offers 2-for-1 sushi specials on Mondays — a great value for sushi lovers.
Shops & Services
The village’s retail side is small but functional. Here’s what you’ll actually find:
Crate & Barrel. A fully operational Crate & Barrel store, which feels surprising at first and then makes sense: Los Sueños has hundreds of condo and villa owners who need furniture, kitchenware, and home accessories. It’s one of the few locations in Costa Rica. Phone: +506-4404-3700
Los Sueños Wine & Spirits. The place to pick up a bottle for your villa or to browse a proper wine selection. Better stocked than anything else in the area. Phone: +506-2630-4222
Clothing boutique: Resort wear, swimwear, and casual clothes. The selection changes seasonally.
Official Los Sueños apparel: Branded gear, hats, and keepsakes available at the stand inside The Hook Up. If you want a shirt that proves you were here, this is where to get it.
Stay in Costa Rica. The on-site vacation rental company has its office front and center in the village. They manage condo rentals across the resort and are the right contact for booking a stay inside Los Sueños. Phone: +506-2661-9300 / US toll-free: +1-866-439-5922.
Los Sueños Real Estate Sales Center. For anyone considering buying property at the resort. The sales team is based here and can walk you through available condos and villas. Phone: +506-2630-4020
Two banks: Banking services available in the village, useful if you need to exchange currency or handle local transactions.
A law firm: Legal services for property transactions and residency matters, the kind of service a resort community of this size genuinely needs.
The Maverick Center: Located at the entrance to the commercial pier, this is where to book fishing charters and arrange time on the water. The marina is home to a full professional fishing fleet. Phone: +506-4001-6366
Costa Cat Cruises. A 55-foot luxury air-conditioned catamaran running day trips to Isla Tortuga from the Los Sueños commercial pier. The island is uninhabited and only accessible by boat, a full day on white sand beach with snorkeling, manta ray sightings on the way out, and dolphins common on the transit. Phone: +506-8390-7070
The Marina: 200 Slips & the World’s Best Billfish Fishery
The village wraps around the marina, and the marina is the reason Los Sueños exists. Safe Harbor Los Sueños runs 200 wet slips and 166 dry slips, accommodating everything from small inshore fishing boats to superyachts. The facilities are built to luxury marina standards: full fuel dock, diesel and gasoline, electricity, fresh water, pump-out, and a commercial pier for charters.
The fishing is exceptional. The sea mounts off Herradura Bay sit in the migration path of Pacific sailfish and marlin, and Los Sueños has been called the “Billfish Capital of the World” for good reason: double-digit marlin releases at the sea mounts are recorded regularly during the green season. Inshore, roosterfish over 50 pounds and dorado over 40 pounds are common. Year-round access to multiple fisheries means there’s no bad time to fish here.
The Los Sueños Signature Triple Crown is the anchor tournament of the year, a three-leg billfish competition that started in 2004 and draws elite sport fishing teams from around the world. Tournament weeks turn the marina into something different: the docks are packed, weigh-ins draw crowds, and the energy in the village is noticeably higher. If you happen to be at Los Sueños during a Triple Crown leg (typically January through March), the spectacle alone is worth watching.
For the full breakdown on fishing, charter pricing, boat options, and what seasons target which species, read the Los Sueños Fishing Guide.
Friday Night Events
The Marina Village hosts regular Friday evening events throughout the year: live music, themed dinners, and special promotions across the restaurants. The specific lineup changes seasonally, and the resort’s social calendar picks up considerably during peak season (December–April) when more owners and guests are on property.
The Hook Up typically anchors Friday nights, with the sports bar atmosphere and marina views making it the natural gathering point. Check with your rental property concierge or the Marina Village restaurants directly for current event schedules.
Getting There & Practical Info
Location: Playa Herradura, Puntarenas. Inside the Los Sueños Resort & Marina gate.
Getting in: The resort is gated, but the Marina Village is open to day visitors. Tell the gate that you’re visiting the Marina Village: they’ll direct you to parking. Driving from Jacó takes about 10 minutes. From San José, plan on 90 minutes via the coastal highway.
Parking: Available near the marina. Free for visitors to the village.
Hours: The village as a whole runs from early morning (Dolce Vita opens at 6 AM) through 10 PM when the restaurants close. The marina itself is operational 24 hours for boats.
For guests: If you’re renting a condo or villa at Los Sueños, the Marina Village is walkable from most properties. It’s the central hub of the resort, and most addresses are within 5–10 minutes on foot or by golf cart.
For everything else in the area (beaches, wildlife, surfing at Hermosa, and more) the Los Sueños area guide covers the full picture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What restaurants are at Marina Village Los Sueños?
Marina Village features five main restaurants: The Hook Up (sports bar with best burger in Costa Rica), Dolce Vita (coffee, pastries, and gelato), Lanterna Italian Steakhouse (wood-fired steaks and Italian), Bambu Sushi & Asian Cuisine (Japanese and Pan-Asian), and Al Fresco at the Beach Club (poolside dining, exclusive to resort guests).
Which Marina Village restaurant is best for a romantic dinner?
Lanterna Italian Steakhouse is the top choice for romantic dinners, with its upscale ambiance, outdoor garden seating, wood-fired steaks, and stunning marina views at sunset.
Are there budget-friendly options at Marina Village?
Dolce Vita offers the most affordable meals, with breakfast items and light lunches in the $$ price range. The Hook Up also has moderately priced casual fare including burgers and tacos.
Can I eat at Al Fresco without staying at Los Sueños?
Al Fresco is exclusively for Los Sueños homeowners, resort guests, and renters with valid Beach Club access. Day passes are not available.
What time do Marina Village restaurants close?
Most restaurants close at 10 PM (The Hook Up, Lanterna, Bambú, Dolce Vita). Al Fresco closes earlier at 7 PM. Dolce Vita opens earliest at 6 AM.
Is there sushi at Marina Village?
Yes, Bambu Sushi & Asian Cuisine serves fresh sushi, sashimi, and Asian-inspired dishes daily. They also offer 2-for-1 sushi specials on Mondays.
Which restaurant is best for watching sports?
The Hook Up is the sports bar destination, featuring seven televisions, a giant video wall, outdoor seating with marina views, and a full menu of American favorites.
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