Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro
Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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So I went online and found this restaurant. It had almost perfect reviews. Everyone loved this place except for one guy who said that his chicken was dry and bland, no seasoning at all and the black beans were canned. So I figured only 1 bad review why not give it a try. So we arrived a little after 5. It was a Wednesday evening. Upon arrival there were only 6 other people in the restaurant . One couple and a table of 2 couples. We were seated immediately by a very nice and humorous waiter. After being seated the waiter immediately brought us out 2 waters with lime. He then gave us a few minutes to look over the menu. We ordered about 5 minutes later. I do not recall the specific names of our meals but mine was yellow rice that had veggies and shredded chicken. It came with black beans and choice of 1 side. I chose the sweet plantains. Hubbies meal consisted of 2 tacos with chicken. It also came with black beans and 1 side choice. He chose the salad for his side. It wasn't even 5 minutes after ordering that our food arrived. I said " Wow!, That was fast!" Upon tasting the food we realized that it had NOT been cooked fresh. The food was barely warm and was dry and bland just like the 1 guy with the bad review said. The black beans were definitely canned. I used the juice from them to help give my dry and bland chicken some moisture and flavor. My sweet plantains were good however. They had been cooked till tender and were sweet but not too sweet. I wanted to send my food back and leave but I didn't want to spoil the meal for my husband so I said nothing. Hubbies meal was basically the same. He said his chicken was dry and bland. We both know that the food had been prepared at another time and they barely heated it and served it to us. His so called " salad" was basically some torn lettuce with tomatoes that was 2 bites worth. Now my husband NEVER complains about food and will eat just about anything. This food though he barely touched. I kept asking him if it was ok hoping he would say no and we could return the food and leave. So we ended up taking 3 bites of the food and asked for the check. The total was $30 and change for 2 horrible meals WITHOUT drinks. We paid and left. Once in the vehicle my husband tells me how he really felt about the meal. Wish he had spoke up sooner and we could have saved ourselves the money and the stomach aches we got after eating the food. Neither of us wanted to ruin the evening for the other. Hubbie even said Taco Bell would have been better than this place and he does not like Taco Bell. I will say the waiter provided us with excellent service. The only decent part of the meal. We also noticed that the table with the 2 couples had their food delivered right after ours and they had just ordered. So there is ABSOLUTELY no way that food is made when ordered! Do yourself a favor and avoid this place! I don't know how so many reviews could be so wrong? Makes me wonder if owner/staff/friends aren't writing the reviews? I've included pictures of our food but DON'T let the plating of the food deceive you! I wish it had tasted half as good as it looks! Sadly it didn't. I should have trusted the 1 bad review and avoided this place!
G PG P
00
Dine here now! Extraordinary Costa Rican cuisine in a simple and inviting bistro setting. For an appetizer, we enjoyed carefully prepared and tasteful Chifrijo. The black beam sauce was rich and the fried pork perfectly cooked. Chimichurri (pico de gallo) and Lizano saice rounded out the appetizer. We enjoyed Gallos and Avocado Chicken as main dishes. The marinade on the Avocado Chicken was bright and flavorful; the spicy avocado sauce a perfect match. The Gallos were double- shelled with well-seasoned, moist, juicy beef and the vegetables crisp. The rice on both dishes had just the right amount of cilantro. Service was quick and friendly. I cannot believe I missed this place BUT I am glad I know about it now. Next visit I will need to know more about Grandma's secret sauce (Chirripo Chicken)
Bard KeelerBard Keeler
00
This was our first time trying Costa Rican food, and it did not disappoint! The waitresses were incredibly friendly, attentive, and informative. They offered great recommendations to help us experience the most authentic dishes—and everything was absolutely delicious! We started with chips and guacamole—the chips were homemade, and the guac was fresh and flavorful. For our main dishes, my husband had the Arroz con Pollo, and I ordered the Carne en Salsa. Both meals were bursting with flavor, made with fresh ingredients, and had that comforting, home-cooked feel. Overall, the food, service, and atmosphere were a solid 10/10. If we ever find ourselves back in Bonita Springs, we’d return in a heartbeat!
Tisha WilliamsTisha Williams
00
Having lived in Costa Rica, I was very excited to have stumbled upon this place. Great service and the food was EXCELLENT! I ordered the Carne en Salsa with Patacones and gallo pinto! Excellent flavor. Food was hot and well seasoned! Gallo pinto was some of the best gallo pinto I've ever had! Patacones cooked perfectly. Nice crunch on the outside, soft on the inside and sprinkle of salt on top 🤤. The Carne en Salsa was absolutely delicious. Moist, perfectly seasoned, swimming in a delicious gravy. Was really impressed. I already can't wait to go back honestly! Go support them. One of better restaurants in the area for sure!
Curtis ConradCurtis Conrad
00
YOU MUST EAT HERE IF YOU'RE IN BONITA SPRINGS!!! I'll admit, where the building is located is a bit sketch but the food and staff are amazing!! Just look at our plates, yum 😋‼️ I got the Carne con Salsa and my husband got the 3 Tostadas (chicken, shredded beef and ground beef) and everything was sooo good. We typically don't finish our plates, but nothing was left on either plate once we were done. There's a valid reason why this place has such positive reviews. We'll definitely return the next time we're in Bonita Springs on vacation.
Sandra SosaSandra Sosa
00
Stopped by this wonderful Costa Rican restaurant and got some of the best arroz con veggies w black beans, pico de gallo, and a side of yuca 😋 Tons of vegetarian and vegan options, extremely affordable, delicious, and excellent service! We've been twice in the past three days and enjoyed every bite. Also do yourself a favor and try the chips and guacamole plus ask for hot sauce- they make it themselves! Be sure to have a cup of water handy, though. Very spicy but tastes great with the black beans.
JasmineJasmine
00
Nearby Attractions Of Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro
Bay Crossings
Bonita Commons
North Bay Village
Enhanced Microblading Permanent Cosmetics Center
Florida Fitness Coaches - Personal Training Naples
Gulfshore Life

Bay Crossings
4.3
(73)Click for details

Bonita Commons
4.6
(68)Click for details

North Bay Village
4.6
(56)Click for details

Enhanced Microblading Permanent Cosmetics Center
4.8
(55)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro
Bonita Brunch
Figs Grille
Calabria Pizza & Gyros
Bonefish Grill
Vichino's Cafe & Wine Bar

Bonita Brunch
4.5
(476)Click for details

Figs Grille
4.5
(254)Click for details

Calabria Pizza & Gyros
4.8
(166)Click for details

Bonefish Grill
4.4
(681)$$
Click for details
Basic Info
Address
26251 S Tamiami Trl, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Map
Phone
(239) 221-7016
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Website
lapascr.com
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Reviews
Overview
4.8
(272 reviews)
Ratings & Description
Description
Relaxed, family-owned restaurant providing traditional fare along with beer & wine.
attractions: Bay Crossings, Bonita Commons, North Bay Village, Enhanced Microblading Permanent Cosmetics Center, Florida Fitness Coaches - Personal Training Naples, Gulfshore Life, restaurants: Bonita Brunch, Figs Grille, Calabria Pizza & Gyros, Bonefish Grill, Vichino's Cafe & Wine Bar

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