Pond-to-Plate Dining @ Tilapias El Pavón

Fresh tilapia, tropical gardens, and a waterfall adventure in the hills near Ojochal.

· Restaurants and Cafes

Tilapias El Pavón Restaurant - Authentic Costa Rican pond-to-plate open-air dining area surrounded by tropical gardens.

Tilapias El Pavón Restaurant - Photo Copiright Jason Martin

The Vibe

Tilapias El Pavón is a relaxed local restaurant tucked into the forested hills of Punta Mala, just south of Ojochal. Its specialty is fresh tilapia raised in ponds on the property and prepared fried or grilled in traditional Costa Rican style. Guests can wander through the tropical gardens, visit the fishponds, and even try catching tilapia before lunch.

A visit pairs perfectly with nearby Cascada El Pavón. Enjoy a refreshing swim at the waterfall before settling in for a casual meal surrounded by tropical greenery, birds, and the peaceful sounds of the Costa Rican countryside.

Best Suited For

Families with children, adventurous diners, nature lovers, waterfall visitors, fans of authentic Costa Rican food, and anyone looking for a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path lunch near Ojochal.

Menu Highlights

  • Whole fried tilapia
  • Grilled tilapia or tilapia a la plancha
  • Fresh tilapia fillet
  • Traditional chicken dishes
  • Rice, crispy patacones, fried yuca, and fresh salad
  • Homemade tropical fruit juices and sugarcane lemonade

Price Range

$$ - Main courses: 8,000-15,000 colones ; $16-32 USD per person

Venue Details

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 (1,254 Google reviews)

  • Open Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday - Sunday 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM
  • Website Google Map Page
  • Reservations recommended: 📞 +506-8683-0142
  • ~21 minutes from Villa Lucia
  • Directions - Google Map >>
  • Accesibility Accessibility Note: The final approach follows an unpaved mountain road. A higher-clearance 4WD vehicle is more comfortable during the green season.
  • Bonus: Right next to the great Cascada El Pavón Waterfall
Tilapias El Pavón Restaurant - Signature fish plate
Tilapias El Pavón Restaurant - fish pond
Villa Lucia - Restaurants