Sabress (meat) will have a sister dairy restaurant, HIBA, in the same complex

A new kosher dining option is launching in Jaco, Costa Rica, with the upcoming opening of HIBA, a kosher dairy restaurant located inside the Izu’s Place Hotel, next to the established kosher meat restaurant Sabress. The opening marks another step in the continued growth of kosher infrastructure in Costa Rica, particularly in Jaco, which has become an increasingly popular destination for Jewish travelers seeking beachside accommodations with access to kosher food.

HIBA is scheduled to begin operating next week, initially on a limited schedule. The concept is intentionally modest at launch, allowing the restaurant to grow alongside demand while supporting the broader goal of bringing more Jewish tourism to Costa Rica rather than redistributing existing clientele from nearby kosher establishments.

Open Air Concept Near the Hotel Pool

One of the defining features of HIBA is its open-air design. The restaurant is located inside the Izu’s Place Hotel complex and is set up as an outdoor dining space near the hotel’s pool. This layout aligns well with Jaco’s tropical climate and creates a relaxed, resort-style environment for guests. Diners can enjoy meals in an open setting while remaining within the hotel grounds, making it especially convenient for travelers staying onsite.

The open-air format also makes HIBA accessible to visitors who may not be hotel guests but are in the area and looking for a kosher dairy option. Its proximity to the pool and shared spaces within the hotel gives the restaurant a casual, vacation-friendly feel rather than that of a traditional enclosed dining room.

Dairy Menu With Israeli Influences

HIBA’s menu focuses on classic dairy comfort dishes with strong Israeli café influences. The pizza offerings include familiar favorites such as Margherita with tomato and mozzarella, along with richer options like Alfredo-based pizzas featuring feta and mozzarella. Guests can customize pizzas with vegetable toppings, including mushrooms, onions, olives, peppers, pineapple, jalapeño, as well as additions like tuna, feta, or sweet potato.

The menu also includes several salads such as Greek salad with feta and zaatar, tuna salad with vegetables, boiled egg, and potato, and a Shuk-style salad featuring ricotta and fresh produce. Burekas are offered in both cheese and potato varieties and are served with traditional accompaniments including pickles, olives, tahini, tomato sauce, and boiled egg.

Additional items include Jerusalem-style paninis paired with green salad, featuring combinations like butter and mozzarella, pizza sauce with olives and mozzarella, or blends of mozzarella, feta, olives, zaatar, or pesto. Pasta options include Alfredo mushroom, rosé sauce, pesto cream with sweet potato, and baked potato Alfredo with melted cheese. Dessert selections currently include crêpes with Nutella, banana, strawberry, and vanilla ice cream, along with individual servings of ice cream.

Initial Operating Schedule

At launch, HIBA plans to operate on a limited weekly schedule. The restaurant is expected to be open Monday through Thursday from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, with Saturday night service from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday and Sunday service will not be available during the initial phase. These hours may evolve as the restaurant evaluates demand and seasonal travel patterns.

Location and Kosher Certification

HIBA is a kosher dairy restaurant operating under the supervision of the Centro Israelita Sionista de Costa Rica, with certification issued by Rabbi Itzhak Prober, Chief Rabbi of the Orthodox Costa Rican community. The certification confirms a dedicated dairy kitchen that is fully separated from any meat preparation. HIBA is located inside the Izu’s Place Hotel complex, approximately 150 meters east of Pops, on the right-hand side, in Garabito, Puntarenas, Costa Rica.