La Dolce Vita — Restaurant in Sámara

Wow (and not in the good way)

I don’t leave bad reviews but what I experienced at this restaurant was so beyond insane that I had to warn others. Let’s start with how overpriced the food is—the meal consisted of two extremely small appetizers and two salads (no drinks) that came out to a total of $90 USD. The appetizers were horrendous. The bruschetta was just diced tomato (lol), mid guacamole, and undercooked focaccia. The cheese appetizer was basically just a low quality melted smoked Gouda that was cooled and separated by the time it got to the table. This was accompanied by their “homemade bread” which was two 1.5 inch bread twists that must have been left in the humidity to cool because the texture was neither reminiscent of a bread nor a cracker. Next, we waited for what felt like forever for our salads (we were considering leaving because we couldn’t understand how, being the only people seated, it could take so long). Two “caesar” salads arrived at our table. They consisted of:

-Low quality mixed lettuces -a form of powdered cheese which had about as much flavor as salted cardboard -grated (somehow water soaked?) carrot -chicken that must have been overcooked days prior because the consistency was dry and powder-like -what was definitely bottled creamy Italian dressing -garlic croutons, which were soggy for certain, but were the best part of the salad

My partner and I took two bites and unfortunately could not have anymore.

We just left the food on the table. We were not planning on complaining or trying to not pay. We had spent an unnecessary amount of time there and just wanted to pay and leave. The waitress (a sweetheart, honestly) asked if we liked our food to which we responded “no, but please just bring us the check”

This brings us to the INSANITY that unfolded because then this raspy-voiced Italian woman comes up and asks us what the problem was. I simply stated that we did not like the food and we would like to go. She kindly asked if we could tell her specifics. I only got out the cheese in the salad lacking flavor and the soggy breads before she started arguing with me over the quality of the food (the cheese being grana directly from Italy that they grind freshly in-house????) I, again, stated that I was not looking for a discount—could we please just pay and go. She then proceeded to walk away, come back several minutes later with both croutons and the bread twists to show me how “crisp” they are. I tried it, once again said that they were (shocker) still soggy (lol) and she tried to gaslight me? Ma’am PLEASE JUST LET ME GO. She gave us a 20% discount which, again, I did not care to have, the meal was already massively overpriced—she basically just cut out already-built-in service and gratuity fees. She then proceeded to BEG us to take the salads home because she did not want to waste? I was pissed at this point…why don’t you eat your low quality salad you so desperately fought to defend?

Anyways, I wouldn’t have left such a scathing review (or a review at all) had it not been for the way the owner approached the situation. The level of discomfort we experienced during the confrontation far outweighed the mediocrity of the food. Take your criticism with grace. Especially if you were the one that...

I do not leave reviews but I felt like it is my obligation to warn others about this place.

They gave my boyfriend food poisoning and hey take advantage of tourists with practices such as charging a higher than acceptable exchange rate, ask for tips when the tip is included, and their “credit card machine never works”

We went to Dolce Vita the first day our first stay at Samara and spent the whole day there. My boyfriend had breakfast there and we both had lunch there as well. I got a prosciutto pizza (which tasted like a frozen pizza not with prosciutto but with sliced ham) and my boyfriend had the chicken. We also had some drinks and paid a hefty sum of $110. That evening my boyfriend started not feeling great and had a fever at night, which turned into diarrhea for 5 days. And the only food he ate that day was at Dolce Vita.

I checked the reviews to see if anyone had mentioned food poisoning. They hadn't but I saw that many were warning about the exchange rate. When we checked our receipt from the previous day we saw that we were charged an unfair exchange rate. The next day we went back, this time with the plan of only ordering a cheap coffee from the menu, stay all day and pay in cash at the end. We only had dollars on us so we paid in dollars, and mentioned to them the unfair exchange rate to which they replied something along the lines of “anywhere touristic does that.” We didn’t have colones on us so we had to pay in dollars but they had the audacity to give us back the change in colones. So they were pocketing the money TWICE from the unfair exchange rate.

On top of everything, 10% service is included BUT they have the audacity to ask you if you want to tip on top. We saw right through this from the very beginning as we are accustomed to establishments doing such things but others could easily fall into this trap.

We kept going there for the rest of our trip because they have a very comfortable setup but we would pay in colones cash and order the cheapest item in the menu to use their beach setup because it was cheaper than renting beach chairs and umbrella. So we went there for 2 weeks doing this. Every time we were there their “credit card machine was not working.” I don’t know if this is done on purpose or not but combined with all of the above it arose suspicion in us.

If you ask around in Samara you will hear even more horror stories about this establishment. If you choose to go here (which again, their beach setup is really nice) please be aware of all of the...

A Hidden Treasure in Sámara – La Dolce Vita is Everything Jul 2025 • Family 🌴 A Hidden Treasure in Sámara – La Dolce Vita is Everything. If you’re looking for a place to pause, breathe, and reconnect with yourself, your kids, and the essence of travel then La Dolce Vita in Sámara is your must-stop destination. We’ve been traveling through Costa Rica as a family, and our two nights here felt like time stood still in the best way possible. 🏡 The Hotel The rooms are literally right on the sea you step out and your feet are in the sand. Simple, super clean, cozy, and above all, a deep sense of safety and peace, especially with young children. We felt at home within minutes. 🍝 The Restaurant – La Dolce Vita This little beachfront restaurant is a true gem. Mornings with coffee and bare feet in the sand, evenings with dishes that are generous, full of heart, and served with sincere warmth. Nothing pretentious just good food, good energy, and people who care. 💛 The People This is where La Dolce Vita becomes unforgettable. Jen and Marco, the owners, are rare hosts. They care deeply. They notice everything. And they take immense pride in every single detail of your experience. You feel their passion not just for hospitality, but for creating joy. And Gregory what a legend. A maître d’ with charm, kindness, a sharp eye and real warmth. He made us laugh, feel welcome, and taken care of — every moment. The attention to detail from all Bree, Marguerite, Carla and ….. 🏄‍♂️ For Families. Couples singles, you’ll never feel alone unless you choose too • Surfboards? Steps away. • Kids playing on the beach? Completely safe. • Prices? Very fair for the level of care and quality. 💬 In short? La Dolce Vita is not just a place you visit — it’s a place that stays with you. Jenny, Marco,Gregory, et everyone thank you. You are the living spirit of “la dolce vita.” We carry this stop...