Skip to content
Illustrative whole red snapper with coconut rice and beans, patacones and lime
Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica · Restaurant & Bar

Caribbean food,
dance & culture
since 1991.

Salsa Brava is a Black owned and operated Afro Caribbean restaurant & bar in Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica. Fresh local ingredients. Deep family roots. A little Caribbean soul in every bite.

Explore the Menu
ROOTED INSOULSINCE 1991
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, LimónCosta Rica timeCome hungry. Leave happy. ↓
Wanda Patterson, owner of Salsa Brava
Our roots run deep

More than a meal.
A Caribbean story.

“The feel of Old Harbor.” Fresh, slow cooked food, Afro Caribbean heritage, and a story that began long before we opened our doors in 1991.

Meet Wanda Patterson, the heart behind Salsa Brava, bringing the flavors of her heritage and the inspiration of her travels to the table.

Wanda Patterson
Discover our story
Sip. Sway. Stay a little longer.

The Caribbean has a rhythm.

Tropical cocktails, Ginger, Sorrel & Roots, and Wanda’s Afro Latin dance experience. There’s more to Salsa Brava than what’s on your plate.

Illustrative tropical cocktails with pineapple, lime and mint
Pull up a chair

Good food. Great company. Your table.

Request a table, bring your people, and leave the rest to Caribbean time. Your table is confirmed when we reply.

Costa Rica time

Wednesday to Monday

8 AM to 12 AM · Tuesday closed

America/Costa_Rica time

+506 2750 3196
1When
2Who
3Confirm
Date

Prefer to call? +506 2750 3196

One family. Two Caribbean experiences.

Eat here, sleep in the jungle.

Meet Caribbean Flow, our sister lodging in Playa Chiquita. Rustic bungalows, jungle all around, and the beach just a few steps away.

Stay at Caribbean Flow
Caribbean Flow, sister lodging in Playa Chiquita
Good to know

A few things, before you come.

From your first breakfast to your weekend rondón.

Get in touch
What are your opening hours?

Wednesday to Monday, 8 AM to 12 AM. Tuesday closed.

Do you take reservations?

Yes. Request a table online on our Reserve page or call +506 2750 3196. The restaurant will reply to confirm your table.

Do you have vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options?

Yes. Vegetarian options include Caribbean “Vicken” and the “Ital Vital” plate. Vegan options include cauliflower “Buffalo Soldjah” hot wings and the vegan ice cream sandwich. Gluten free options are available; ask about your dietary needs.

Is takeout available?

Yes. Order takeout by phone at +506 2750 3196.

What kind of cuisine do you serve?

Afro Caribbean cuisine: rice & beans, rondón, jerk and fresh seafood.

When is rondón served?

Rondón, our coconut milk seafood stew, is served on weekends only.

Who owns Salsa Brava?

Wanda Patterson. Salsa Brava is Black owned and operated and opened in 1991.

Do you serve breakfast?

Yes. We have a breakfast menu, and we open at 8 AM.

Where can we stay nearby?

Our sister lodging Caribbean Flow, also known as Playa Chiquita Lodge, is in Playa Chiquita, 5 km south of Puerto Viejo.

Do you offer dance classes?

Yes. Wanda hosts an Afro Latin Dance & Culture Airbnb Experience. Sign up through Airbnb.

Do you offer gift cards?

Yes. Give someone a gift card, you choose the value! Contact us.

Call