La NENA — Restaurant in Cahuita

Horrible experience. When I arrived, I was asked to show my service animal’s paperwork — which I did, without hesitation. I was then instructed to sit at a narrow corner table on uneven rocks that had to be adjusted just so my chair would sit level. After following every request from the manager and showing full compliance, I was still refused service — despite zero incident from my fully trained service animal. Looks like someone’s on a power trip. Next time (if there is one), I’ll be recording everything in case this nonsense happens again.

UPDATE: The owner’s response is completely false. I complied with every single instruction — provided documentation for my trained service animal, sat where directed, and caused zero disturbance. Their claim that I “refused to sit” or “hit a chair” is fabricated to justify refusing service. My service animal is legally recognized and travels internationally with me, always with paperwork in hand or digital.

This wasn’t a “misunderstanding.” It was blatant discrimination and a misuse of authority. No customer deserves to be treated this way, and no legitimate business should twist facts to cover...

Our Air BnB hosts had recommended this place, and we are glad they did! The menu is small yet has great variety. I prefer restaurants with smaller menus consisting of local dishes done well, and that is exactly what this spot does. We had 2 orders of the Caribbean style chicken (1 with the traditional rice and beans done in coconut milk, and 1 plain white rice), and 1 children's chicken strips. The chicken for the kid's meal looked freshly made in-house. The chicken had a nice flavour. The Caribbean chicken was scrumptious! Excellent homemade flavour. Not very spicy for those who want a mild taste. The rice and beans in coconut milk was very interesting, and I enjoyed it a lot. The fresh patacones were the best we've had in Costa Rica (we live here so we've tried a lot!). Both meals came with a fresh green salad on the side. We were super impressed with the amount of food, too. SO much food. Prices here are much more reasonable than other spots we've seen in this area. Good value for great food! Great service as well.

We came back a 2nd time for more. Their...

On arriving in Cocles, La Nena was the first soda we visited and with that first affordable and truly satisfying meal, it cemented its place in our hearts and became our favourite place to dine. Open at noon and serving people until well into the evening La Nena's menu boasts an array of dishes. We saw impressive fish plates and meat plates come out of the kitchen, but were spoiled by the vegetarian and vegan plates the kitchen tailored for us. Service was impeccable, the wait time was never too long and the frijoles!!!! Memorable! Delisioso!! Nourishing! Over the weeks that we were in Cocles we visited La Nena as often as we could. There were several referrals for La Nena before the first night that we stopped there, there were several referrals even after we'd been there and then, we ourselves started encouraging people to eat there. It is our favourite place, and on returning to Cocles it will again, be our first stop. We even had delightful conversations with some of the other diners and regulars on our visits there. If you have the chance -...