About
When your Costa Rican vacation calls for internationally-inspired artisan cuisine, visit the Lemon Zest restaurant in Jaco.
This family-owned eatery on the main strip of Jaco Beach serves a fusion of international and local flavors.
While lemon zest implies baked goods, sauces, and entrees seasoned with the fruit, the restaurant's name is derived from the chef and owner, Richard Lemon. Chef Richard, his wife Nellie, and his son " Richie" opened the restaurant in 2007, inspired by their many family trips to Costa Rica.
Chef Richard combines his studies at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, with years of experience in the restaurant business to fashion a menu showcasing his culinary finesse. Entrees feature the freshest Costa Rican ingredients fused with International flavors ranging from sushi to Jamaican spices.
Situated close to notable attractions such as Surfer Factory Surf School, Lemon Zest is the perfect place to eat after a day of sun and fun.
Vibe
The popular dining spot is on the second floor of the Plaza Jardin, but don't let the strip-mall vibe fool you into thinking that the cuisine and ambiance are subpar.
As one would expect with a name like Lemon Zest, yellow is the color of choice inside. Picture yellow chairs, booths, and walls sporting the lemony shade. The hue adds vibrancy to one's visit, making the room a haven of sunshine even on cloudy days.
Contemporary and modern light fixtures hang from the vaulted ceiling. They illuminate the room with a warm glow, setting the mood for intimate romantic dinners or large gatherings.
Guests may sit at comfortable booths or small contemporary tables dotting the floor. If you have a large group, the staff can arrange tables to accommodate. Should you prefer dining al fresco, several patio-style tables are outside with views of the street below.
The ambiance is best described as being refined-relaxation, where guests can sit back after a day exploring Carara National Park and reflect on their adventures.
Lemon Zest: Menu & Drinks
Like lemon zest, Chef Richard's appetizers and entrees are colorful and add pizzazz to your palate. An example is a signature sushi roll, the Hilo. This starter is a Hawaiian-style poke featuring crispy camote, cucumber, avocado, and furikake.
The Maple Leaf Farms Duck is a farm-to-table dish that has captivated diners. The meat is tender and juicy with the cranberry gastrique sauce uniting flavors and textures for an out-of-this-world taste experience.
Another must-try item inspired by Costa Rica's neighbor, Jamaica, is Caribbean-style jerk pork loin. The meat is juicy, while the jerk spices add a unique taste profile. The house-made pineapple chipotle BBQ sauce unites the sweet, salty, and spicy flavors into a masterpiece you'll not soon forget.
Regarding drinks, Lemon Zest has an extensive wine list by the glass or bottle, along with tantalizing house cocktails. After an adventure exploring Bijagual Waterfall, celebrate with any of their margaritas. Choose a traditional, mango, strawberry, passion fruit, strawberry-basil, blackberry, lemon-ginger, or pineapple-jalapeño.
Lemon Zest is a must-visit on any Costa Rican getaway, where farm-to-table dishes and tasty libations make for a remarkable dining experience.
Local Tips
- The best time to visit is mid-week and early evenings to avoid crowds.
- Reservations are highly recommended; plan accordingly.
- Gluten-free entrees and appetizers are available.
- Let Lemon Zest cater your wedding or special event.
