Otto´s Kitchen — Restaurant in Bahía Ballena

A Hidden Treasure in Dominical — Love Truly Served on a Plate Jul 2025 • Family A Hidden Treasure in Dominical — Love Truly Served on a Plate While continuing our journey through Costa Rica with our family, we arrived today in Dominical — a small, absolutely magnificent village by the sea. It’s far from the major tourist circuits, but deeply cherished by surfers, travelers, and people who appreciate simplicity. There are many restaurants here, but one in particular caught our attention. We passed a modest little place and saw a man behind the counter — smiling with his whole face — and a sign that read: “Otto’s Kitchen – Love in a Plate.” That phrase hit home for me. It reflects exactly the values I hold dear. So we came back for dinner — and what a delightful experience. Otto doesn’t just cook; he transmits something much deeper. Love, generosity, authenticity. I had a tomato tartare that was pure artistry, followed by a fried lobster tail, perfectly seasoned, with a rich but subtle sauce that let the fresh flavor shine. Every detail — from the white napkins to the gentle playlist, the cocktails to the little glass of red wine — whispered care. Our server, Rolo, was gracious and warm. There was also a young woman working with them, with whom we only exchanged a few words — but her smile said everything. Genuine, kind, and welcoming. It felt like being invited into someone’s home. The kids were a bit tired but happy. Their roast potatoes reminded me of a proper English Sunday lunch — golden, rustic, real. The fries were homemade. The chicken, comforting. The pasta? Flawless. Simple, sincere food — done right, with a big smile served on the plate. Otto’s Kitchen had only been open 10 days when we visited. On a street full of restaurants competing for attention, most with someone out front trying to pull people in, Otto stood apart. No gimmicks. Just honesty. Our instinct told us to follow that smile — and it was the best choice we could’ve made. If we were staying longer, I’d be back every day — lunch and dinner. That’s how good it was. If you’re in Dominical, do yourself a favor: go meet Otto. Taste what happens when someone cooks not for fame, but for joy. He deserves all the support in the world, and it starts with...

This was my favorite place to eat on our recent Costa Rica trip - we actually ate here twice during our week in Dominical. Great food, kind people, simple but intimate setting: "love served on a plate" is something you really feel. The menu is a very creative mix of Italian dishes interpreted through a Costa Rican kitchen. Otto is not trying to be an "Italian" restaurant per se; to this eater his creations feel true to the spirit of Italian cooking as well as to the spirit of his homeland. The dish with gnocchi made of plantains is a case in point - not traditional, but absolutely stellar!! The flavors were fresh, surprising, and beautifully balanced. It was a standout dish.

We also enjoyed one of their pizzas with homemade chorizo, baked in their wood-fired oven. It had a delicate crust and was beautifully light.

In fairness, not everything landed perfectly - my wife found the pargo (red snapper) dish a bit overcooked, but the couple at the adjacent table said theirs was excellent.

Anyway, this is a place I would happily come back to again. I so enjoyed the experience and hope Otto and his team continue to serve up love and delicious dishes for...

We stumbled in hangry on the way back to MA from Uvita and left with full very happy bellies. They had crayons and paper for the kids with kids menu (photo attached). The chicken fingers and fries on the kids menu are amazing. The fries aren’t really fries they’re different and really cool delicious little puffs of fried potato.

We also ordered a chicken parm (pasta, but they also have a chicken parm wrap which sounded interesting). The chicken was perfectly cooked just like the kids fingers, the breading was delicious, the cheese plentiful but the most important thing was the tomato sauce. Delicious. I don’t normally enjoy red sauce, but this was so flavourful and perfect. Our son kept stealing it from us so we ordered a kids pasta as well.

Ordered the chicken Caesar salad, which seemed like real Caesar dressing - though I would’ve preferred more garlic it was pleasant! The chicken that came with it was so juicy.

Service fantastic. Sadly we were hangry and regrettably forgot to get...