An Evening at Celeste

After a day spent under the Costa Rican sun, your skin is warm, and your senses are full. Maybe you spent the morning on a guided nature hike, learning the names of native trees and watching howler monkeys swing lazily through the canopy. Or perhaps you snorkeled in the calm waters of Playa Danta, where schools of fish shimmer beneath the surface and the rhythm of the waves resets your inner clock.

By late afternoon, you're back in town. Ahead of you, the afternoon sun is glinting off the soft grey of the cobblestone street that winds through town. On either side of you, smiling families laugh and smile, couples stroll arm in arm, and the atmosphere is one of contentment and well-living.

Tonight the destination is Celeste, Las Catalina’s seaside dining restaurant, where vibrant energy meets casual elegance. Settle into a seaside table with your toes in the sand as the sun lowers. The world takes on the unique rose gold glow that presages sunset with colorful blooms leaving a floral scent the air. Laughter drifts up from a family playing on the beach, and a sense of utmost peace overtakes you.

This is what Las Catalinas is all about. A life of intention and connection, of active days, and slow afternoons. Where every moment is savored and appreciated. 

The Perfect Backdrop for Dining

Celeste hosts beachfront events, from football to baseball, and when that happens, the best place to enjoy the fresh flavors of surf and turf is beachside. You can also check out their ever changing array of daily specials, from poke bowls, to tuna tacos, there is always something fresh and delicious. 

Today, the view is calling. Up a short flight of stairs lies indoor seating with a relaxed coastal atmosphere and fare that ranges from casual yet delicious burgers to colorful salads packed with fresh, local ingredients, to perfectly seared seafood that lets the flavors of the Pacific shine through. It’s the kind of menu that invites you to linger. 

You might begin with the mixed Ceviche: mahi-mahi, prawns, and octopus marinated in citrus, layered with creamy avocado and bright passionfruit, and served with crisp, golden yucca chips. It’s light and zesty, perfect with a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc.

Next, a refreshing and playful watermelon salad arrives. It has the crunch of toasted pumpkin seeds, the peppery bite of arugula, and a fragrant mix of mint and basil. Feta adds a touch of creaminess, while a red wine dressing ties everything together.

For the main course, try the Catch of the Day, perhaps a beautifully pan-seared red snapper served alongside grilled seasonal vegetables. The dish is brought to life by a vibrant vinaigrette of olive oil, tomatoes, capers, and herbs. It’s satisfying but never heavy, the kind of dish that feels just right in the warm coastal air.

And then, dessert: an impossibly rich chocolate browny topped with homemade ice cream. It’s the final, gentle punctuation on a meal that has unfolded perfectly with its surroundings.

An Evening Under the Stars

As twilight deepens, the string lights above begin to glow. Overhead, the first stars appear, and the second floor offers a view that stretches from the shoreline to the horizon, now cloaked in deep blue. With its open-air feel and elevated perspective, the upstairs terrace offers a quieter vantage for those who want to linger over dessert or a final drink beneath the night sky.

Celeste is more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place. Whether in sandals or linen, meeting friends or dining solo, it offers a space where everyone feels welcome. It’s relaxed but refined, social without being loud, and in every way, attuned to the rhythms of Las Catalinas.

As the evening winds down, there’s no rush. The walk home is just as lovely as the arrival—warm lights glowing from windows, the sound of the sea ever-present, and a full heart from an evening well spent.

Looking to book your stay in Las Catalinas? Let Las Catalinas’ Doorway help you plan. Get in touch today!