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Experience the Warmth of Our Family-Run Business

Sano Banano Story

The founders of Sano Banano and Ylang Ylang Beach Resort, Lenny and Patricia Iacono, moved to Costa Rica in October 1978 and January 1980 respectfully. They lived off the land and earned a living selling dried fruit. From their earnings, on December 3, 1989, when electricity was installed in the town, they opened the first restaurant, serving healthy food: El Sano Banano in the center of Montezuma. Their beach hotel was also named Sano Banano and was re-named Ylang Ylang Beach Resort in 2005. Both locations have been a labor of love and are our home. In 2000, the business was remodeled and 12 rooms were built above the restaurant. 

Our name, Sano Banano, translates to “The Healthy Banana,” reflecting our mission since our establishment to provide a vibrant atmosphere paired with healthy and nutritious food.

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Years in Business

Staff

Awards

Happy Customers

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Family Legacy

Lenny and Patricia have since stepped aside, but Sano Banano and Ylang Ylang Beach Resort continue to be run by their children and spouse: Moraya, Emma, and Syska. Their love for nature, health, wellness, relaxation, and natural adventures continues through this family-run business.

We love to see our customers happy and enjoying everything the beautiful area of Montezuma has to offer. We feel honored that many guests return year after year to feel refreshed and renewed. Sano Banano and Ylang Ylang are where Moraya and Syska grew up, and we continue to manage them with love. Thus, we warmly welcome you into our home, and from our hearts to yours, we truly hope you will enjoy your visit.

Join us at Sano Banano to experience the perfect blend of tranquility, adventure, and heartfelt hospitality.

What Our Guest’s Say ?

4.3
Based on 131 reviews
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Jennifer Sloan
21:46 02 Jun 24
Staying elsewhere, but have been twice now for food & drinks. Great prices. Friendly service. Relaxing atmosphere. Will be back before we leave!
Beatriz
22:57 28 Apr 24
Healthy and delicious food. The personnel are very friendly.
enid guadamuz
15:13 07 Apr 24
We found this place by accident. It is central, it has parking, good prices, to eat, the rooms are clean, there is one in particular that is for sleeping, and it always seems like night. Breakfasts are included. What it lacks is a swimming pool. Recommended. The girl who helped us was very helpful. Attentive to any request. The receptionists are a little slower.
Patricia Martin
16:54 15 Mar 24
Werner H.
13:34 23 Jan 24
We just ate. The ceviche was excellent, as was the smoothie. The staff was extremely friendly and competent. Gladly again...
Sean Manara
01:46 27 Nov 23
Best deal you’ll find! Incredible staff, amazing restaurant and fantastic location. We felt like we were family while staying there. We’ll definitely be back! Pura Vida amigos! 😎
Mouldy Mangos
19:49 15 Jan 23
You definitely need to be in a no hurry kind of mood when dining here. Montezuma is a sleepy yet bustling community. Everyone is always extremely nice. Though the service definitely takes some time to come around & that's one of the reasons I rate this 4 star, I wish we could give half stars because they're really 4.5/5. The food has always been decent to great, I'd recommend the curry, though I wouldn't say they are exactly consistent. All cocktails have a unique flare. 🙂 One of the top places to eat when in Montezuma. I recommend to dine here 🙂
Rebecca Eads
02:23 14 Mar 22
I stayed here for a weekend and it was exactly what I needed. The location can't be beat. I booked the room without a window and it was like sleeping in a cave (in a good way).Pros:Extremely nice staffDedicated parking lotGreat water pressureExtremely walkable (bars, restaurants, and Montezuma Falls)The restaurant has excellent food (with great vegan options)The only improvement I can suggest is that I would have loved having a mini fridge in the room.
Albert Castrillo
03:29 09 Dec 24
Cindy Avila
16:04 05 Dec 24
Crystel Tremblay
04:50 28 Nov 24
garry1808
22:22 21 Nov 24
Very good service and very tasty food. The price corresponds to the surrounding restaurants.
Dennis
19:55 26 Jul 24
It was very quiet in the restaurant. Not really a pleasant atmosphere. Food was okay, although the fish buritto was not very tasty. Especially a lot of lettuce.The waiter did his best and was very friendly.
Koen Lierop
03:42 21 Jul 24
Delicious food and great service! Many vegetarian options
Tiani Gatti
04:13 18 Jul 24
Charming place, elegant and natural at the same time, excellent service with professionals and friendly people, delicious and healthy food at the same time, a historical place but always being renewed.
Lisa
18:57 04 Jun 24
Jess K
13:54 01 Jun 24
Forgot to take photos of my food but it was all very good. I had rice and shrimp and spring rolls. Both great options and delicious!
Jeff S
15:01 26 Mar 24
Wow, the food and service is top notch! That combined with the relaxing surround of the back patio, only completes the pleasant ambiance.Came here for breakfast on March 3, 2024, and was going to get everything a' la carte, because I wanted refried beans and sour cream with eggs. Well voila, there was the exact order I was looking for: Huevos Rancheros, complete with everything! Except the coffee which I ordered in the large size. Just right and soooo delicious! The service was excellent and very quick with the food!The only drawback regarding the place is, some of the tables are rickety, wobbly and some, chunks of stone missing or cracked. I guess it may be an authentic rugged, tough look they're aiming for maybe?When I first came in that Sunday am, the young lady waitress by the doorway was a bit annoyed and acted as if she had something wedged up her....ahhh, rear.... Very unfortunate, she was this frustrated and angry that morning.But the waiter (didn't get his name) was friendly and very excellent every step of the way! People like my waiter - along with the excellent food and drinks, keep you coming back for more! Thanks whatever your name was!
Eber Rodriguez
14:28 23 Mar 24
Amazing vegetarian, vegan and meat place!! ✨I live the smoothies here in the morning.Dinner is special! Get sure you get your reservation cause it can get full quickly in the garden.
Tara Caseley
03:57 24 Feb 24
On Monday my family enjoyed 4 great meals with friendly service at this unique landmark restaurant, and as we left one of the servers invited us back the following night for live music. We returned Tuesday for dessert and drinks, and unfortunately the service and food didn’t match our experience the previous night. The mousse I ordered was a fraction of the size I had seen pass me the previous night, and my drink never arrived. I tried to catch the server’s eye to re-order the drink but she never looked my way and never returned to our table again.
Dani D
21:30 21 Feb 24
The back patio is very relaxing and cozy, there are a variety of delicious food options both gluten free and not, as well as the waiters are friendly!
Melinda McManus
00:17 26 Dec 23
The food is delicious especially the nachos with a generous amount of toppings and piping hot! Also had a rice bowl full of flavour. What stands out the most is how great the staff look after you — so attentive and good sense of humour and a warm inviting ambiance. Highly recommend
Liana H.
17:19 14 Oct 23
Lovely place with great vegan options. They serve Breakfast and Lunch and in the evening you can enjoy drinks in the back yard area. The staff is friendly and quick. I like the place a lot!
Loves Traveling
15:54 31 Oct 21
The ambiance of this place alone is worth stopping for - especially the patio. But the food is another reason to make it a destination. There were four of us, and we all loved our meal. Cosadas are excellent - we had chicken and fish. 😋 Another ordered the Thai style chicken dish and it was tasty with a bite. Greatly enjoyed a well-made gin tonic. Saw a very large iguana - Pepe - in the tree above the patio fountain. He was well-mannered. Wait staff was very friendly with a great sense of humor.
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CocoZuma

Living off the land in the tranquil, remote village of Montezuma offered many opportunities. Lenny and Patricia created unique, all-natural fruit blends using local bananas, mangos, and coconuts, drying them under the tropical sun. Their fruit rolls became popular with passing tourists and were even considered for a major U.S. supply deal, which they ultimately declined due to sourcing challenges. Today, their original recipe is still made and sold at our restaurant, with flavors like coconut, banana, cinnamon, blackberry, spirulina, and more. Sweetened only with natural fruit, these snacks are perfect for any adventure and make great gifts with their fun, colorful packaging.

We hope you’ll try them during your visit.

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