The Caribbean Experience.

Founded in 1991 by Wanda Patterson, Salsa Brava brings together Afro Caribbean heritage, fresh food from Talamanca, dance and culture in Puerto Viejo.

Meet Wanda Patterson

A world of inspiration. Caribbean at heart.

Born in Costa Rica, Wanda Patterson also studied abroad in Ixtapa, Mexico; Verneuille, France; Sydney, Australia; Florence, Italy and NYC. Inspired and fascinated by the cultures visited during her travels, she started making special dishes. Integrating the traditional cooking methods of her Afro Caribbean heritage, Wanda started creating bright new versions of local favorites.

We opened in 1991 when the Puerto Viejo landscape was home to just a handful of “sodas”, restaurants, and hotels.

Black owned and operated.

Wanda Patterson, founder and owner of Salsa Brava

“Epsy Patterson Pasley, my grandmother, came to Limón, Costa Rica from Jamaica in 1911 as a one year old baby in the arms of my great grandfather. They settled in Cahuita, where she was loved for her delicious food and respected for her tenacious and strong disposition. She is an inspiration and I am proudly following her footsteps. 80 years later, I opened a beach bar, when Puerto Viejo was just a small laid back fisherman Caribbean town with a handful of people (and surfers) calling it home. Salsa Brava, the iconic surf spot, also became the name to embody Caribbean food, dance, and culture as a restaurant and bar.”
Wanda Patterson

A story across generations

From Jamaica to Old Harbor.

1911

The roots

Epsy Patterson Pasley arrives from Jamaica and settles in Cahuita. Her food and strength become a family inspiration.

1991

Salsa Brava begins

Wanda opens a beach bar in Puerto Viejo, named after the iconic surf spot. Food, dance and culture find a home.

Today

The heritage lives on

Fresh slow cooked food, traditional Afro Caribbean cooking methods and bright new versions of local favorites.

Local farm to table

The feel of Old Harbor.

Fresh organic vegetables, roots, fruits and seafood from within the Talamanca area. Slow cooked food, rooted in Afro Caribbean tradition.

Taste our heritage