Although the reviews have been in for years, it's never too late to shower more praise on Chimera. Regarded as one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica, Chimera is the brainchild of Chef Karen Neilsen, whose first successful venture, Sofia, is another favorite among foodies.
Wild Eggplant — Photo courtesy of whologwhy
The abundance of local produce and high-quality organic ingredients in Monteverde make it an ideal place for experimenting and inventing, and Chimera's coconut lollipops and eggplant tower have become legendary dishes that are on many a traveling foodie's bucket list.
With GMOs on everyone's tongues stateside, it's refreshing to find a restaurant that has been consciously free of chemical additives and dedicated to serving only locally grown organic produce since its inception, and will continue to do so into the future. Especially if people keep making the trip to Santa Elena on the crest of the majestic Monteverde Rainforest.
Small plates and tapas-style appetizers make Chimera a great place for sharing dishes and trying many things on the menu. Cocktails are practically a course by themselves, and dessert is exceptionally noteworthy, too. So, expect to spend some time relishing a meal at Chimera - it will be a souvenir experience that will have you longing for its flavors long after the trip has ended.
