Ahora Sí! — Restaurant in Sámara

Excellent food, warm staff, lots of repeat customers.

We almost walked by because we didn't see anything on the menu that would be vegan, but I decided to ask anyway, and they pointed out a few things that were vegan, including the mushroom ravioli, which was listed as having eggs on the menu. They said they recently changed the recipe. They also offered to make something off-menu which was so sweet.

We had a spaghetti with veggies, olives and capers, and the veggies were cooked to perfection- not too soft but still well-cooked and well-seasoned. We all fought over the broccoli.

The mushroom ravioli was exquisite, and a very generous portion, which is unusual with time-consuming ravioli.

The surprising winner, though, was the Pasta e Cecci, which we make at home often, but will certainly never make the same way again. I thought at first that it had tortilla strips in it. Okay, strange, but, wow, actually delicious because the crispy, roasty, fried strips complemented the earthy, soft chickpeas perfectly. I asked the owner and she said it was her grandmother's recipe from Puglia! So, probably fried linguini, not corn chips, lol . I've never had anything like it, and we couldn't stop eating it.

The bruschetta was also incredible, finding the perfect balance of fresh and light with rich and satisfying.

Even the lemonade was perfect. They make it fresh to order, and it was not very sweet, but still definitely lemonade, not lemon water.

The wine was reportedly "like being back in Italy" and they brought out books for the kids, then took them back when the food arrived and instructed the kids to focus on eating. It was all perfect. We would go there all the time if...

The best Italian food in the world is found in Samara. Located in a very small storefront that Silvia(the owner) can magically transform to fit many. With a reservation and preordering, she even accommodated our party of 17 (reservations are recommended during peak times). Silvia IS the atmosphere. Her beautiful way of being and passion for food, emulate throughout the space creating a welcoming, nurturing environment. The menu is filled with fresh pastas and Gnocchi. I've tasted almost everything in the menu (dining with people who share is the best) and I can honestly say it's all phenomenal. Unsure of what to order? Trust Silvia. She will listen, ask questions as to what you like and you will experience the best meal and alcohol pairing of your life. As a side note, one day I made the delightful discovery that their lemonade is fresh squeezed, fresh ginger could be added and I can get it with no sugar. I know that's not for everyone but that's the perfect drink for me. Yay! Make Ahora Si a part of your time in Samara. You will...

I keep adding to this review I just can’t get enough of this place!!!!!! Ok let me start out with WOW ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! We had the best food and service that we ended up enjoying another evening of great food and great service while we were on vacation for a 2 night stay. Silvia the owner is a delightful and social person. So easy to talk to and she is Italian so I knew the food was going to be good but it turned out to be amazing! Her son does the cooking and kudos to him! The presentation of every dish makes me know he loves what he does. The flavor of the food is breathtaking, I cannot stop saying how amazing Ahora Si is! Small place and it was full inside so we decided to sit out at a two top table on the sidewalk. Please do not let the size deter you away, it is well worth the wait. This is a MUST stop for anyone in town or passing through. We are 3 hours away and I plan on making a trip in multiple times a year.

Kudos to this little touch of Italy in Samara Costa Rica. We definitely appreciate...