Most lodges in Monteverde have their own dining rooms, and these are the most convenient places to eat, especially if you don't have a car. Because most visitors want to get an early start, they usually grab a quick breakfast at their hotel. It's also common for people to have their lodge pack them a bag lunch to take with them to the reserve, although there's now a decent little soda at the reserve entrance. If you're in the mood to eat out, there are several inexpensive restaurants scattered along the road between Santa Elena and Monteverde.
You can get good pizzas and pastas at Tramonti (tel. 2645-6120) and Pizzeria de Johnny (tel. 2645-5066), both located out along the road to the reserve. Also, the restaurant at the Hotel Poco a Poco (tel. 2645-6000) gets good marks with a wide range of international dishes. Finally, Moon Shiva (tel. 2645-6270), located in located in Monteverde Cerro Plano across from Hotel Heliconia)about 6 km from Santa Elena rainforest reserve), serves a limited menu of Mediterranean and international fare and often features live music or movies.
A popular choice for lunch is Stella's Bakery (tel. 2645-5560), across from the CASEM gift shop. Stella's is open daily from 6am to 9pm. The restaurant is bright and inviting, with lots of varnished woodwork, as well as a few outdoor tables. The selection changes regularly but might include vegetarian quiche, eggplant parmigiana, and different salads. Stella's also features a daily supply of decadent baked goods.
Take a Break -- If all of the activities in Monteverde have worn you out, stop in at the Kaffa El Café (tel. 2645-6335), a downtown coffee shop, or Chunches (tel. 2645-5147), a bookstore with a small coffee shop and espresso bar that also doubles as a laundromat.
