Good vibes, great food – the best restaurant in Costa Rica.
Gingerbread Restaurant & Hotel welcomes you to Nuevo Arenal.
Meet Chef Eyal BenMenachem
“My passion for food shows in every bite. I love food, and I want to do it better than anyone else. Gingerbread is truly different. When you are here, you are smiling. Welcome to my world.”
– Chef Eyal BenMenachem
Top-Rated Restaurant in Nuevo Arenal, Guanacaste Costa Rica
Family-Size Meals to Share
Share the food, share the wine, share it all. Our food philosophy mirrors life – you have to share it. We offer individual portions but encourage you to come hungry, ready to try a variety of delicious dishes carefully crafted from the kitchen. If you are unsure where to start, allow Chef Eyal to choose. Feel free to relax and enjoy our boutique dining experience.
Locally Sourced Fresh Ingredients
Only the best, always. Every plate we serve features fresh ingredients from our garden, local farm markets and vendors. Our menu and available dishes change with the seasons, as native crops and fresh offerings also change. In crafting plates this way, we ensure your meal with us is the freshest highlight of what Costa Rica has to offer.
Vegetarian & Vegan Options
Your dietary requirements are important to us. We aim to appeal to meat-eaters and veggie-lovers with options for both each night. See something you like, but want to make it vegetarian or vegan? Our expert kitchen staff is happy to accommodate and surprise you with a dish that is all your own. Please inform us of any allergies the moment you arrive.
Dinner & a Show
Pop in for a beverage, stay for dinner and be delighted. Gingerbread’s vibe is electric – with Chef Eyal ever-present in the kitchen and behind the bar – it’s always dinner and a show. Bring an open mind and an empty stomach, and you are sure to have a sensational time. On weekends we invite local musicians to play, so you can dine and dance the night away with us.
We offer overnight travelers and extended guests amazing room options, nightly dining, cocktails, and live music, plus guest exclusive breakfast each morning. Our mission is to lift your spirits, fill your soul with adventure, and feed your desire for amazing food.
Loved by Foodie Travelers
When visiting La Fortuna – you must dine and stay at Gingerbread – one of the best restaurants in all of Costa Rica. This boutique Nuevo Arenal vacation destination is located beside beautiful Lake Arenal, with unobstructed water views nestled in the rainforest of Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
Gingerbread “ranks alongside the top restaurants in Europe or the U.S… many consider it the best food in Costa Rica.“
INTERNATIONAL LIVING
“Foodie magnet” &
“Notable chef”
TRAVEL AND LEISURE
“Ignore the chalkboard menu and let chef Eyal guide you for what might just be the best meal you’ll have in Costa Rica.“
FODORS
Stay the night, enjoy an authentic breakfast.
Roll out of bed and dive in again – breakfast is served hot each morning to overnight guests.
Real Guests. Real Reviews
“Eyal’s world is one in which he tells you what you’re going to eat, and if you don’t like it, you can get up and leave at no cost. At first glance, his strong personality may catch you off guard, but once given the opportunity to let his savory food melt your taste buds, his world soon becomes yours.”
Bryan at Live High
“Every week, the restaurant displays a variety of “made to order” entrees that are changed daily depending upon the availability of hand-selected fresh local meat. Fresh Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Red Snapper, Sea Bass, Jumbo Shrimp, Calamari, and the occasional Octopus are sent to the Gingerbread Restaurant for preparations the day they are caught.”
Anushay at Costa Rica Journeys
“Surrounded by nature with beautiful rooms and bathrooms, there’s a unique energy and atmosphere at Gingerbread. Let Eyal welcome you to his world and you are sure to have an unforgettable experience.”
Vinette Schulze Montorfano of Vinette Ventures
Restaurant FAQs
Do I need to make a reservation?
Advance reservations are strongly encouraged. Locals and regulars know – the best way to ensure a seat at Gingerbread is to plan ahead.
Is Chef Eyal as loud and pirate-mouthed as the reviews say?
Absolutely. If swear words bother you, we suggest you grow the f-up. Jokes aside – our staff strongly recommends early evening reservations for parties with children.
Does Gingerbread have a full bar?
Of course. We have a complete selection of premium liquor and wine. You’d be surprised.
What are Gingerbread’s accepted payment methods?
Cash preferred. We accept debit, credit, PayPal and national bank transfers.
What is the cancellation policy?
Please inform Chef Eyal of any cancellations for dinner reservations.
Is Gingerbread the best restaurant in Costa Rica?
Sí, claro. Our reviews speak for themselves. Feast and fall in love with us.
REQUEST a RESERVATION
*We are open Tuesday through Saturday 2pm-8pm*
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