Dining at Nemare Steakhouse, Four Seasons Papagayo Bay

Most people dining at Nemare would be staying at the Four Seasons, however you. do not need to be a guest of the hotel. You can make a reservation and take a taxi from your accomodations or drop anchor right outside the beach club like we did.

However we did need to make a reservation two weeks in advance, even in the off season, so plan ahead to avoid missing out.

To get to the hotel from our boat we dinghied ashore, dropped anchor, and tied the retrieval line to their swim area line.

We were definitely getting some understandable side-eye from the beach attendants, but after we explained to them we had reservations (and John changed into some more appropriate attire that wasn’t soaked from the dinghy landing) they kindly escorted us up to the main lobby and got us a free shuttle to the top of the hill where the restaurant is located.

Before you even take your seat at Nemare, I promise you’ll be enchanted by the gorgeous surroundings. Located within the Four Seasons’ exclusive golf course, the restaurant sits high above the rolling green hills with panoramic views of the lush tropical landscape.

As you walk up to the restaurant, you’ll notice how seamlessly it blends into its environment, with an elegant design that takes full advantage of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

If you’re in the mood for a cocktail (or in my case a mocktail), you’re in luck. Nemare’s cocktail menu is as creative and refined as its food menu, with a range of options that draw on local ingredients and flavors. Try one of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, such as the “Costa Rican Old Fashioned,” which features local rum and hints of citrus and spice. 

The server showed me their custom mocktail list, and they all sounded incredible! I had to go with the Terraba because I am an absolute sucker for anything with hibiscus, and it did not disappoint!

We started with a classic caeser salad, made at the table by a very jovial chef. They also brought out a mini sourdough and homemade mushroom butter.

At the heart of Nemare Steakhouse is its exceptional menu, which highlights thebest of local and international flavors, with a focus on premium cuts of steak. The restaurant’s name, Nemare, is derived from a Chorotega word meaning “smoke,” and it’s this concept of smoke and fire that runs through many of the dishes.

You will also see quite a bit of Wagyu on the menu. Nemare sources their Wagyu from Finca La Josefina, a fourth-generation family estate located just two hours away from the resort.

Personally, I don’t like steak, or red meat much at all for that matter, but when my eye caught the Wagyu Wellington Cheeseburger, I knew I had to try it. The craziest part is, they brought out a syringe filled with cheese to inject it at the table so it doesn’t make the delicate wellignton wrapping soggy. John’s face says it all!

While the food and setting at Nemare Steakhouse are undoubtedly the stars of the show, the service is what truly elevates the dining experience.

The staff at Nemare are warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu, making sure that every guest feels pampered and well taken care of. From the moment we were seated to the final bite of dessert, the service at Nemare is impeccable, striking the perfect balance between professional and friendly.

As we were finishing up our meal, the server brought us a special surprise. A rich, dense chocolate truffle with strawberry coulis. I absolutely adore the rainbow sprinkles; everyone should get to feel like a kid on their birthday!

At the end of our meal, we were called a shuttle to take us back down the hill. The pool and surrounding grounds were lit up, feeling both cozy and magical.

Dining at Nemare Steakhouse at the Four Seasons Papagayo Bay was a fantastic experience. The combination of stunning surroundings, expertly crafted cuisine, and impeccable service makes this restaurant a must-visit for anyone staying at the Four Seasons or exploring the beautiful Peninsula Papagayo.