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Ratings and reviews

Travellers' Choice2022
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
US$5 - US$15
CUISINES
Costa Rican, Fusion, South American
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features, about
Reviews (243)
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Traveller rating
161
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All reviews lunch falafel fries almond crusted chicken cake pasta costa rica the owner coastal highway delicious food super friendly staff made us feel at home second visit special of the day great place to go highly recommend this place great drinks
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Reviewed 7 February 2023

Ballena Bistro is our go-to stop after exploring Playa Ventanas and sea caves. Two great Costa Rica experiences in a row! The almond-crusted chicken with mango salsa is a must. Plus, the place is open-air pretty with a pastoral view. We’ve been dining at this...location since the early days of Going Bananas (most likely, the former restaurant is no relation to the current iteration) Yum!More

Date of visit: January 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 5 January 2023

Such a lovely restaurant - the staff are wonderful, the setting is really nice and the food was awesome. I also loved the mint and cucumber lemonade, and the margarita, and...well...everything. We went twice, for lunch and an early dinner, and had a great time....This is also by the entrance to Ballena beach, so it is well sited if you are visiting the beach (which is beautiful).More

Date of visit: December 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 13 August 2022 via mobile

We visited twice in one day as the food was delicious, the fresh lemonade (ginger and the mint and basil) refreshing and the service so friendly and attentive. Being able to say hello to their dogs also made us feel at home!

Date of visit: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 9 August 2022 via mobile

Brilliant roadside restaurant. Utterly delicious. Service outstanding. Probably the best place we’ve eaten at in Costa Rica during our month long trip. Pura Vida. Be sure to check their opening times. Enjoy.

Date of visit: August 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 19 June 2022

We loved this place! The food was very tastefull and you notice it is all fresh and homemade. We were searching for a little more European vibe, and we found it! Loved the decoration! We are both vegetarian/vegan and they do have a lot of...options. The waiter was so kind and sweet! I have had a bit of a sunburn and he get me some fresh aloevera from the garden.More

Date of visit: June 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 9 July 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias por la reseña, muy felices del apoyo, pura vida.

Reviewed 4 June 2022 via mobile

The best spot to eat in this Uvita! We have been twice in our week visits! If you’re around eat here!

Date of visit: June 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 4 June 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias por la reseña, felices de tenerles aquí y poder conocerlos, pura vida.

Reviewed 1 June 2022 via mobile

This place is one of the top three best restaurants I have ever eaten at on planet earth, and without a doubt, the best restaurant in the Uvita area. The ambiance and location is pleasant and beautiful, the waitstaff is glowing and friendly, and the...food is DELICIOUS. A trip to Uvita is not complete without a meal here!!More

Date of visit: May 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 4 June 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias por tan hermosa reseña, estamos muy felices y orgullosos de poder hacer bien nuestro trabajo, que además lo...More

Reviewed 1 April 2022

we have lunched here on occasion. we have tried the falafel burger twice. first time it was quite good , very tasty and the fries good as well. on our second visit we had the falafel burger again without the same conclusion. the flavour was...off as was the consistency. and the fries were undercooked. I believe they were both undercooked and therefore failed. the servers are always great and the ambience great as well. nice ocean breezes too. hopefully it was an off day.More

Date of visit: February 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 4 June 2022
Google Translation

Gracias por la reseña, siempre tratamos de dar lo mejor y ser consistentes, disculpas por haber fallado ese día...

Reviewed 5 March 2022

Liz and crew do a fantastic job of tasty food and great serivce at BB! I had the special of the day, Seafood Pasta and it was hearty and deliscious! Always satisfied and so happy Liz is the business owner! A must eat! Jeff and...Dharma group of OjochalMore

Date of visit: March 2022
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 25 February 2022

This is a not-so-hidden Gem along the coastal highway in Costa Rica. The staff is very friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is so charming like you're sitting on a friend's porch enjoying homemade food and fabulous drinks always made with LOVE. We adore this spot...and if you are in the area you should definitely stop by the food, people, drinks and atmosphere will not disappoint!More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 16 January 2022 via mobile

Had the best time with family. Came to visit my brother in law Steven who is one of the chefs over there. FALAFELS on the list, Fresh Trucha and Pasta Aurora, great drinks and cheese cake. I will highly recommend this place to every kind...of people, baby friendly and super fresh environment.More

Date of visit: January 2022
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 2 February 2022
Google Translation

Gracias por tan hermosa reseña, siempre serán recibidos con los brazos abiertos, bendiciones.

Reviewed 7 December 2021

We love this place! My favorite is the pulled Pork sandwich as it has delicious, fresh homemade buns, and their hand-cut fries are yummy. For drink I recommend the ginger margarita or the mint lemonade. Any time we need to meet clients for lunch, girls...lunch out, or my hubby and I go on a day date, this is our spot. The owner, Liz, is amazingly friendly. She and her husband are running a lovely, breezy, cozy place. Thank you for creating a great atmosphere, serving delicious, healthy food options, and keeping us coming back for more. It’s a blessing to have a great place to go. Extra perk is the art gallery attached to the restaurant. It’s an added treat to meander through some lovely art after a meal.More

Date of visit: December 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 2 February 2022
Google Translation

Siempre es un placer tenerlos aquí, muchas gracias por valorar nuestro trabajo, que siempre hacemos con amor y passion, y...More

Reviewed 29 November 2021

drove past once and then made it a regular place. there is an art gallery in same complex which was interesting. daily specials including home made ice cream, plus good regular menu Servuce, good , although relaxed. Seems like a haunt for mothers and their...kids, which is great, although first visit kids were running amuck. Second visit was much more relaxing Well priced, good food and friendly If in area stop in, you will not be disappointedMore

Date of visit: November 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 2 February 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias por la reseña y visitarnos, sí es un lugar favoritos de niños, aúnque aveces se salen de control...More

Reviewed 28 November 2021 via mobile

We discovered it by accident and were unhappy we didn't find it earlier. Excellent Margeritas (!!) and Softs. Selection of dishes is relatively small but of excellent quality and well cooked. Any variation or individual preference is happily supported, recommendations were truely valueable. Prices are...more than fair. The team is extremely friendly, offering a lot of hospitality and humor. We simply loved it!More

Date of visit: November 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 2 February 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias por la hermosa reseña.

Reviewed 20 October 2021

We had a great meal in a great setting, everything was on point and we'd go back any day. I had the curry and it was delicious. Great drinks too!

Date of visit: October 2021
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lizeth Q, Owner at Ballena Bistro, responded to this reviewResponded 2 February 2022
Google Translation

Muchas gracias, esperamos vuelvan siempre.

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Questions & Answers
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MGG25
29 May 2015|
Answer
Response from Lizeth Q | Property representative |
Hello, we have many gluten free options. Our mango chicken curry, the fish filet in ginger sesame sauce, almond crusted chicken breast filet, fish soup, ceviche, hummus and our salads. We also have a gluten free dessert, the... More
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Ballena Bistro - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Ballena Bistro

Yes, Ballena Bistro offers takeaway services.

Ballena Bistro is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 5
  • Service: 5
  • Value: 5
  • Atmosphere: 5