Gingerbread Restaurant & Hotel

Hotel

We came on friends’ recommendations and accolades and Eyal and his staff still exceeded expectations. First, Natalia was warm, inviting and friendly, giving us tips on where to get access to the lake and where to go to make the most of our visit. She was attentive and quick to help. You can tell the environment is very family-like among the staff. Second, I was very impressed that Eyal not only delivered exceptional meals at beyond reasonable prices (and epic portions — btw, order the half portions! ) but that his team went through the trouble of making me a special boca negra dessert, traditionally made with almond flour and macadamia, with regular flour and without nuts to accommodate my allergy. You don’t see attention to detail like that in many five star restaurants. The only f word used more than f*** in this place is family, and if you’re a fan of great food, some laughs and good stories, look no further. This spot is truly a gem. We will undoubtedly be back.

I haven’t been to every restaurant in Costa Rica but I can assure you this is one of the best if not the best in the country. They always have different offerings based on what’s fresh and available and the menu items never disappoint.

The rooms are very nice and comfortable, and the food… Oh wow, I have not enough words to describe it! It was one of the best experiences I had.
Eyal is simply the best host you can find.

Best escargot I have ever had. Great atmosphere, great service and friendly staff. This is a must if you are in the Lake Arenal/volcano area.

Best dining experience you will ever have. Eyal is incredible… insane in the best way … warm and amazing. The food will melt your face. The rooms are great. Don’t come to Costa Rica without having this experience Shamalamadingdong indeed.

Such a great experience! Beautiful location right by Lake Arenal. The food was incredible prepared by Chef Eyal. Excellent cuisine and still felt like we were at home. We were with a great group of friends but can also be a great romantic getaway for couples. Cannot wait to go back when in Costa Rica! PURA VIDA! — with Jason Mozden and Monte Cahn.

Great food, unique rooms if you're spending the night there and the owner and staff are awesome!

One of the best places and food that I've ever had in my hole life.

Amazing food and hospitality!

Beat meal ever. Fantastic owner and staff.

There are many great restaurants in this beautiful country, Gingerbread stands out as a must visit. If you are a foodie, you have to treat yourself to this amazing place!

Excellent food — good hospitality. Fully enjoyed the culinary experience.

Friendly atmosphere with outstanding food. Spent three nights in a cozy large butterfly room. Beautiful view of the lake to take in. I would recommend for anyone to take a few days to enjoy the hotel and restaurant. Don’t miss it!

Great chef, great host, delicious food in relaxing atmosphere. It is pleasure and funny!

What another fun evening, after 14 years Eyal still has it! His staff and food are awesome!

Incredibly talented chef, with a true passion for food and life.

Great atmosphere and food overlooking a volcano.

Best food of our whole trip! We stayed in the Airbnb just above the restaurant that was also amazing, but this place was exceptional, we stayed here at the beginning of our 3 week tour and failed to get anywhere near as good in any other restaurant!
Tuna truly amazing!

Exceptional food with a chef that has a passion unlike any other. I can honestly say I had some of the best dishes of my entire life here…

We moved to the area about a year ago, and had heard about this place. Tonight was our first visit, and we will certainly be back. Our first course was melt-in-your mouth ahi poke, and each dish was better than the last. Portions were very generous, and the atmosphere was amazing too. We will certainly be back with friends!

This is my daughter favorite restaurant. The best food in the world and an amazing experience. A must visit place while in Arenal Costa Rica recommend.

Great food and atmosphere!

It is the best place that I have visited simply wonderful never in my life had I tasted so many delicious things the best food in the world and place out of this planet!

Very cool place, and the food was amazing! As were the owners and chef! Eyal was just fantastic — as a chef and a human being! But there were cool little touches too. The bathroom ceilings were phenomenal. The entire experience was awesome. Thank you Beth, Jeff, and Eyal! Pura vida! ❤️

Great place to stay and eat, best food I ever taste in a looong time. Chef Eyal was an amazing host interacting with all the people at the restaurant, all we love his food and good vibes!

Excellent food and local beers! Multiple courses picked for us by the chef and served by a friendly staff that we felt like we were regulars. Definitely recommend, can’t miss.

It was a real treat to end our Costa Rica Trip at Gingerbread. The best food, great people and very hospitable. A must do if you’re ever in the area.

LOVE ELYA the owner and chef! We had excellent vino and organic lamb with exquisite mushrooms, Schnitzel and more! I highly recommend Gingerbread and give Eyla a smack on the bum for moi. Lol.

Whenever I need a getaway, sort or long, Gingerbread is an easy choice: I'm always pampered with amazing dinners and breakfasts, comfy accommodations with spectacular views and a cast of people that feel like family. I can tuck myself away to read a book or enjoy whatever Arenal is boasting that day. And of course to Chef Eyal you are one in a trillion. Thank you, always.

We traveled a very long way to get to the restaurant. Karen and Julian (Friends that referred us) had set a high bar for the chef. He not only charmed us in his own special way as he served our table, but delivered an absolutely delicious meal that exceeded our expectations. This is a can't miss if you are in the area. Don't waste time figuring out what to order just let Chef Eyal work his magic.

I love this place. The winning combination of Eyal, his food, the staff and the "regulars" makes this my all-time favorite restaurant! You must try the mushrooms, and the duck quesadillas, the fish tacos, the ribs, oh and…

Yes it's the best meal you'll have in Costa Rica but coupled with the welcoming ambiance, the amazing character of the owner, the fact that you're guaranteed to meet amazing and interesting people and you've got a gem and a must do/see/taste and feel experience. 5 stars and beyond. Love love love this place.

Awesome place and the best food in Costa Rica. The bar is a lot of fun and the staff know everything about the are and most of Costa Rica and real most stop and stay.

Best meal EVER. Chef Eyal heard me say I do not like mushrooms so he brought me some mushrooms they were amazing like no other. We were staying at the Gingerbread B&B. We met others staying at the B&B everyone of them said " you have to try the food its amazing " and it was. Chef Eyal has a HUGE personality and an even bigger Heart. He has a passion for what he does. We were greeted by Beth who helped us to our seat and checked us in was a sweetheart. Later in the trip we were staying 3.5 hours away and contemplated several times of going back for more. If we are ever in Costa Rica again th Gingerbread Restaurant will be on our must do list.

Had an amazing experience here! Food was incredible and met some fantastic people over the two night stay, the staff are so so kind and the chef really knows his stuff, so if you go for dinner just trust the chef and get his pick!

The best meal I've had in Costa Rica. The chef oozes commitment to his quests and food.

Amazing food, amazing host! If anyplace close you MUST at least stop for a meal, but also shld try to stay for a night… Or maybe two!

The food here is incredible! Stop and try it.