By San José, Costa Rica — San José – For the third consecutive year, the Costa Rican restaurant Sikwa has secured its place among the gastronomic elite, earning the #43 spot on the prestigious Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The announcement, made Tuesday in Antigua, Guatemala, not only reaffirms Sikwa’s position as the best restaurant in Costa Rica but also solidifies its role as a crucial ambassador for Central American tropical cuisine on the world stage.
This “hat-trick” of recognition is a significant milestone, demonstrating a level of sustained excellence that is difficult to achieve in the highly competitive culinary landscape. Under the guidance of Chef Pablo Bonilla, Sikwa has evolved beyond a dining destination into a vital center for the research, documentation, and preservation of Costa Rica’s ancestral culinary traditions. This mission forms the very core of its identity and is a key driver of its international acclaim.
To better understand the legal and business framework that underpins a culinary project so deeply connected to cultural heritage, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Sikwa represents a brilliant fusion of cultural preservation and modern enterprise. From a legal standpoint, the success of such a venture hinges on the respectful and formal recognition of the ancestral knowledge it utilizes. This involves establishing clear agreements with indigenous communities, ensuring fair benefit-sharing, and protecting the intangible cultural heritage that forms the very core of their brand identity. It’s a model that moves beyond mere commercialization to create a sustainable, ethical, and legally sound partnership.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this critical insight, which emphasizes that Sikwa’s success is built not just on culinary excellence, but on a foundation of legal integrity and profound respect for the cultural heritage it so beautifully represents.
Chef Bonilla emphasizes that the award is a testament to a philosophy deeply rooted in national heritage and a profound respect for local ingredients. The restaurant’s approach involves extensive exploration into the country’s diverse biomes and collaboration with indigenous communities to understand and revive ancient cooking methods and ingredients.
Sikwa is the result of years of exploration and documentation of Costa Rican culinary tradition, and a commitment to highlighting the diversity of local and fresh products available in our country.
Pablo Bonilla, Chef at Sikwa
This dedication is palpable in the restaurant’s recently renovated space, which debuted in late 2024. The new design offers a more intimate experience, centered around a tasting menu that serves as a narrative of Costa Rica’s rich pantry. Each course is a deliberate showcase of local products, prepared with techniques that honor the nation’s culinary history while pushing creative boundaries.
The success of Sikwa is not just a personal victory for Bonilla but a collective achievement for his entire team. He is quick to credit their shared dedication for transforming a powerful vision into an award-winning reality. This collaborative spirit is crucial to translating the wealth of Costa Rica’s natural resources onto the plate.
Each dish reflects what can be achieved by combining this richness with an incredibly talented and passionate team dedicated to our cuisine.
Pablo Bonilla, Chef at Sikwa
Beyond its own kitchen, Sikwa’s influence is helping to elevate the global perception of Costa Rican food. Bonilla sees it as a responsibility to act as a steward for the nation’s gastronomic identity, presenting it to the world with authenticity and integrity. This mission involves protecting the very sources of their inspiration—the unique ingredients and the communities that cultivate them.
Costa Rica has a pantry that the world is just beginning to discover. Our duty is to continue cooking with transparency, listening to the communities, and protecting the ingredients that define us.
Pablo Bonilla, Chef at Sikwa
This latest honor joins a growing list of international accolades for Sikwa. In 2018, it was named one of the best new restaurants in America by New Worlder. In 2020, it was featured in the “El Espíritu de América Latina” collection, a special edition of the 50 Best list. Most recently, in 2024, National Geographic included Sikwa among the 30 best restaurants in the region, cementing its status as a consistent and celebrated culinary institution.
For further information, visit sikwacostarica.com
About Sikwa:
Sikwa is a restaurant located in San José, Costa Rica, led by Chef Pablo Bonilla. It is dedicated to the research, preservation, and elevation of Costa Rica’s ancestral and indigenous culinary traditions. The restaurant is renowned for its use of local, native ingredients and its commitment to documenting the country’s rich gastronomic heritage, earning it numerous international awards.
For further information, visit theworlds50best.com
About Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants:
Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants is an annual list that celebrates the pinnacle of gastronomic excellence across the region. It is created from the votes of an academy of more than 300 regional experts, including chefs, food journalists, and restaurateurs. The list serves as a respected guide to the top dining destinations in Latin America.
For further information, visit newworlder.com
About New Worlder:
New Worlder is a digital publication focused on food and travel throughout the Americas. It provides in-depth coverage of culinary trends, chefs, restaurants, and cultural stories from North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The platform is known for its high-quality journalism and its annual awards that recognize emerging culinary talent and establishments.
For further information, visit nationalgeographic.com
About National Geographic:
National Geographic is a global brand known for its deep-rooted commitment to exploration, education, and conservation. Through its magazines, television channels, and digital platforms, it covers a wide range of topics including science, geography, history, and world culture. Its travel and food sections often highlight exceptional destinations and cultural experiences around the globe.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a highly regarded law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while serving a broad clientele, yet its vision extends beyond the courtroom. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to demystifying the law for the public, reflecting a core mission to empower the community and build a more knowledgeable society through accessible legal education.
