Castillo de Lilo — Local services in Tempate

Everything's got a story but none like this....and don't think I'm going to tell it here. You'll just have to hear it for yourself when you go. And if you are anywhere near there, you must go.

"It's that a house on top of the hill?", we asked someone on our sailing excursion"... "..an Italian restaurant, but it might be hard to get reservations." Luckily, we were able to book for our last night in Costa Rica and I can't properly express just how much more than an unexpectedly good, no, PERFECT dining experience we were given.

Full of goodness were the beautiful couple who, with a very small crew, did everything to make our night meaningful, delicious, relaxed, heartwarming....and on like that. But the story! So rich. So special. I'll only share my experience.

The drive up went quickly and several other dining groups were there for the one seating time. We were given a tour of the castle and then cocktails and delicious and unique appetizers on the terrace and were free to wander the castle. We mingled some and took many, many pictures. THEN we were treated to a story that I simply cannot get out of my head. It was a deeply touching history of how this beautiful place came to be. Don't read spoilers about it if you plan to visit. The owner/hostess, Ericka should be the one to touch your heart with it.

Each dinner party was then seated in different areas of the castle . When the beautifully presented gourmet appetizers were served it baffled me how one Chef could put together so many intricately prepared dishes with a minimal staff yet still have time to come by and spend time at each private dining area presenting his art....had to be more chefs hiding somewhere :-) Our group of six shared pre-selected appetizer after which I could have left satisfied...a first for me. With dinner we ordered a bottle of Borola on the recommendation of Marco, the chef/owner. Not usually a fan of Italian wines, it fit perfectly! We asked for a second bottle to make sure.😄 They worked so hard to make the whole experience something beyond unforgettable. Perhaps it was the most fulfilling dining experience we have ever had and honestly, more of reason to return than the beauty of Costa Rica itself!

Typically unimpressed by fancy dining and generally unemotional, I feel a piece of my heart remains in Castilla de Lilo.

I wish them long success and happiness in this dream that they have worked so hard for and that may you may someday be as rewarded as...

I know this is a long review but I feel Ericka and Marco deserve it. Please allow me to introduce myself, my name is Carl A. Garza. I have been in the pizzeria / Italian food business for over 40 years and I have to say we have never been more impressed with such a dining experience than what we experienced with Ericka, Marco and their extremely talented staff. Ericka said we walk in as guest and leave as family and that is precisely what happened for my girlfriend Sarah and myself. We called on a Sunday to book a reservation, we had heard you have to book at least two days in advance. Much to our disappointment we were told they were all booked up for the remainder of our stay. We let Ericka know that we were so disappointed that we could not come and if anyone had cancelled their reservation to please let us know. She got back in contact with us to let us know that she could indeed fit us in on Wednesday! I wanted to drive up the mountain but my girlfriend Sarah did not feel safe with me driving. I had asked Erica if there was any transportation that would take us up there and she right on the spot scheduled a shuttle to come pick us up at our house and drop us off. This was wonderful we didn’t even have to plan that ride, she helped us out so much on that one. Now all we had to do was be ready by 4:20pm and enjoy the whole experience. The entire evening was magical from getting to hear the story and history of El Castillo, to getting to meet and have such incredible conversations with Ericka, Marco and the other guests. Now the food was just incredible from the appetizers to the main dishes. Which in my case I usually do not order Italian food from any other place than my own restaurant but the homemade fettuccini with seafood in the focaccia bowl was the best pasta I have ever had. The tenderloin with fresh mushroom sauce was absolutely fascinating. Then the desserts, when I thought I couldn’t put anything else in my belly, the tiramisu happened! It was an incredible experience that we will repeat on every trip we take to the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Thank you again Ericka and Marco, we look forward to spending time and space with you two. We came in as customers and left as family.

Pura...

I'm very pleased to take a small amount of time to tell everyone about my wife's and I's visit to Castillo de Lilo this past week. We had made reservation about six months prior based on recommendations from a US friend and also from our Costa Rican friends that live close by to Castillo de Lilo. From the very beginning our plans Ericka took personal care of everything and continued to converse we me throughout our journey to Castillo de Lilo. Our ride up to the Castillo was very typical of car rides in Costa Rica until the Castillo came into view. It stood out even amongst the beauty of Costa Rica. Upon arrival we were greeted by an amazing staff and Ericka as well! We had arranged for the dinner experience which is what I highly recommend if this is your first visit to Castillo de Lilo. We enjoyed a magnificent sunset with cocktails and appetizers prepared by Marco! I don't want to spoil the experience for you buy I can. tell you that the history of the Castillo and the story of how it came to be is amazing. It brought back memories of my own family's life and I'm not ashamed to tell that I shed a tear or two as Ericka told the story as we toured the Castillo. Truly heart warming and emotional in a good way! Marco is an amazing chef and artist! He also took the time to speak with us while his amazing meals ere set on the table. I cannot say enough about the cuisine, preparation and presentation! Marco's art as well as other local artists work are evident throughout the Castillo! His work not only compliments the design of Castillo de Lilo but brings more of the personal touch to this home! Simply beautiful!!!

Upon saying our good byes, Marco and Ericka took time to speak with us. We spoke about our families and lives. We can honestly say that we have an addition to our family now as Marco and Ericka have become just that!

We will return to Castillo de Lilo again soon and we highly recommend that you visit to enjoy the experience and the warmth of Marco and Ericka and Castillo de Lilo!

God Bless Marco, Ericka and Castillo de Lilo!

Brian and...