Zula Restaurant
Family-run Israeli kitchen in Santa Teresa
Zula is a family-run restaurant in Santa Teresa that has served Israeli and Costa Rican food since 2004. It's the town's longest-running Israeli kitchen, a casual spot for hummus plates, falafel, shakshuka and grilled meats. It closes on Saturdays and isn't certified kosher.
At a glance
- Location
- Santa Teresa south, Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- Type
- Restaurant
- Best for
- A filling, casual lunch or dinner, falafel fans, groups
- Food
- Israeli and Costa Rican dishes, including hummus, falafel, shakshuka and grilled meats
- Open since
- 2004, family-run
- Days
- Closed on Saturdays
- Kosher
- Israeli-run but not kosher certified
- Contact
- Phone and updates through its Facebook page
- Official website
- facebook.com
What it's like
Zula has been part of Santa Teresa since 2004, which makes it one of the older restaurants on this stretch of coast and the longest-running Israeli kitchen in town. It's family-run and casual: an open-air spot where you can walk in sandy, order a big plate and eat without any fuss. The name is Israeli slang for chilling out, and that pretty much sums up the mood.
Santa Teresa has a sizable Israeli community, and Zula has fed a good share of it, along with surfers and travelers from everywhere else.
The menu
The kitchen mixes Israeli home cooking with Costa Rican staples. The dishes people mention most are:
- Hummus plates, including one topped with shakshuka, served with pita.
- Falafel, which many regulars rate as the best in town.
- Shakshuka, eggs cooked in a spiced tomato sauce.
- Grilled meats and kebabs, plus a mahi mahi platter with hummus and pita.
- Smoothies, which reviewers often mention.
Portions are generous, so it works well for a hungry post-surf lunch. Vegetarians will find plenty to eat. Some reviewers found the vegan choices limited, so ask what's on hand.
Good to know
Zula closes on Saturdays. It's Israeli-run, but it doesn't claim kosher certification, so observant travelers should know that up front. Local guides point to Blooma Boutique Hotel's restaurant as the one certified kosher kitchen in town, with Chabad of Santa Teresa handling Shabbat meals.
Hours on this coast can shift with the seasons, and some places shorten their days in the quieter green season. Check the Facebook page or call before making a special trip.
Who it suits (and who it doesn't)
It's a great pick for a relaxed, filling meal, for families and groups, and for anyone craving hummus and falafel after weeks of rice and beans. If you want a candlelit date-night dinner or an ocean-view cocktail bar, look at other options in our restaurants guide.
Getting there
Zula is in Santa Teresa, north of the Playa Carmen crossroads along the main road, a short walk from Playa Santa Teresa. Most visitors get around on foot, by bike or by ATV. Our travel guide covers getting to town.
Frequently asked questions
Is Zula kosher?
No. It's Israeli-run and serves Israeli food, but it isn't kosher certified.
What day is Zula closed?
It closes on Saturdays. Other hours can change by season, so check before you go.
What should I order?
The falafel and the hummus plates are the dishes regulars talk about most, and the shakshuka is a favorite too.
Is it good for vegetarians?
Yes. Hummus, falafel, shakshuka and salads make it one of the easier spots in town for vegetarians. Check current hours and news on Zula's official Facebook page.
