Heliconia Restaurant
GREAT LITTLE RESTAURANT
This great little restaurant has become a RE/MAX standard stop for celebrating staff birthdays or cheering to special occasions. Many reasons conspired to grant this distinction – the close location, the beautiful surroundings, the décor and atmosphere and of course the delicious and filling food.
Heliconia is located (literally) a 1-minute drive away from the RE/MAX office, making it a very convenient option for a celebratory lunch or after work dinner. Located right off the coastal highway, it is reached by turning towards the west (ocean) and following a short gravel road straight to the front door – with plenty of parking along the front restaurant and on a small hill a short distance above.
THE SETTING, VIEW AND SURROUNDINGS
The first glimpse of the restaurant is caught through the surrounding jungle and sets the expectations of a nature-immersed, green, and lush location that perfectly blends into the surrounding wilderness and represents this corner of Costa Rica in all her beauty. The building is set on the banks of a small river that runs just in front of the seating area and can be clearly heard, creating a soothing ambience. The restaurant floor is surrounded by large trees (there are even trees growing INSIDE the patio) and the view looks towards the green lushness. On one occasion, Capuchin Monkeys sat just out of reach, a mother and baby, curiously observing the lunchtime crowd. Towards the front of the seating area, and in tune with the name, numerous Heliconias block the view of the road and the carpark.
THE DECOR
The restaurant is decorated with numerous paintings of Heliconias (as well as live Heliconias near the front), potted plants, and a few trees that randomly pierce the floor area. Little touches are everywhere, from the ‘Love Life’ placemats to the garden-like toilet area.
THE STAFF
The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, and any mention of someone having a ‘birthday’ will lead to a slice of dessert topped with a lit candle making their way towards the table – this restaurant has become a RE/MAX birthday favourite! Water glasses are refilled with regularity and the staff frequently checks in to make sure everything is well.
THE FOOD
The food is varied, from stuffed chicken to tuna to fish and chicken sandwiches. A great selection of appetizers and desserts is available. The meals are delicious, the portions are generous and we never spend a too-long of a time waiting for the food to arrive.
THE DRINKS
There is a variety of drinks on offer: beer, wine, cocktails and a decent collection of liquor. The cocktails could use some improvements as they tasted somewhat bland with excessive portions of sour mandarins (in place of limes) in mixed drinks or alongside an order of Tequila – whether you get a sour mandarin or a lime depends on the day of your visit it seems.
WILL WE COME BACK?
100% yes – we will be back to celebrate another staff birthday, a notable achievement, or the end of a very busy day.
Our local area has been declared a culinary center of Costa Rica, and the Ojochal surrounds in particular holds several restaurants that have been labeled as world-class, right here in our little jungle communities! The variety of foods, amazing ambience and decors, and great service from the dozens of local eateries add a touch of modernity and class that visitors often don’t expect to find in our area – yet here it is! Imagine living here and experiencing both the wilderness, pristine jungles and tropical animals AND modern luxuries and amenities that provide a sharp contrast that keeps your life here interesting, engaging and full of variety – it all starts with an email or phone call to RE/MAX We Sell Paradise – visit them here https://www.we-sell-paradise.com/.
