Steve n' Lisa's

Ok...First off I don't know Steve and Lisa.  But when we drive from San Jose to Jaco I stop and get a cold Imperial and some excellent cerviche (it is rumored to be the best in CR).  Views are pretty good also.  You know when you are close when you cross Tarcoles River Bridge (aka Croc Bridge).

Here is a review from Fodor's
A convenient location, an ocean view, and good food make this roadside restaurant overlooking Playa La Pita a popular pit stop for those traveling between San José and the Central Pacific beaches. Sit on the covered porch or at one of the concrete tables on the adjacent patio, and enjoy the view of the Gulf of Nicoya through the palm fronds. The menu includes breakfast options and a wide selection of lunch and dinner entrées that ranges from tacos and hot dogs to a pricy surf and turf. There's a salad bar, and an eclectic mix of appetizers includes a chicken quesadilla, two types of ceviche, onion rings, and deep-fried cauliflower.