Central Valley Restaurants
Growing Escazú has become as metropolitan as San José and has the restaurant selection to prove it. Elsewhere, as befits this cradle of the country's tradition, typical Costa Rican cuisine still reigns.
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7 Recommendations
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1. La Divina Comida
$$$$ | |The country’s top Peruvian restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to re-create Peru’s greatest hits, served with style. A variety of ceviches accompany favorites such as aji chicken risotto, grilled octopus in balsamic vinaigrette, or lomito saltado (beef tenderloin in tomato sauce). You may have a hard time choosing one entrée; a sampler plate gives you small portions of six of them. A complimentary pisco sour comes with all meals. Top off the evening with a smooth, meringue-like suspiro de limeña for dessert. A few have reported glitches in the reservation system; otherwise, the place is a winner.
Autopista Próspero Fernández, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica2208–8899Known For
- Attention to detail
- Impeccable service
- Sceney vibe
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2. Taj Mahal
$$$ | |This burst of northern Indian flavor is a surprising treat. Richly swathed in warm fuchsias, red ochers, and golds, the mansion's dining area sprawls through a handful of small, intimate rooms and out to a gazebo in the tree-covered backyard. The price-to-portion ratio is a little high, particularly for North Americans used to good, cheap Indian food, but the sharp tandoori dishes, curries, and biryanis are a welcome vacation from ubiquitous European and American fare. Vegetarians may swoon at the options. Helpful waiters, in black or maroon traditional Punjabi dress, are frank about recommendations.
Escazú, San José, 10203, Costa Rica2228–0980Known For
- Great tandoori menu
- Impressive vegetarian offerings in a mostly meat-devouring country
- Pleasant, helpful waitstaff
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3. Barbecue Los Anonos
$$ | |Costa Ricans flock here to enjoy Los Anonos’ family-friendly grill fest. Your best bet is the grilled meat, and there is plenty to choose from, including imported U.S. beef and less expensive Costa Rican cuts. Fresh fish, shrimp, and half a dozen salads round out the choices. The crowd tends toward families on weekend nights, whereas weekdays are busier during lunch, when business executives come for the midday specials. Choose between the original dining room, a rustic collection of deep booths with wooden benches, or a more elegant expanse decorated with historic photos.
400 meters (1,312 feet) west of Los Anonos Bridge, Escazú, San José, 10203, Costa Rica2228–0180Known For
- Hearty grilled steaks
- Family-friendly service
- Reasonably priced weekday lunch specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
4. Búlali
$$ | |The name means “honey” in Costa Rica’s indigenous Bribri language, and that—rather than refined sugar—provides the added sweetness to the baked goods here. Croissants, quinoa pancakes, and omelets make for filling breakfasts while light beef, chicken, and veggie fare with salads round out the lunch offerings. Accompany all with cold-pressed juices, smoothies, or teas for what might ail you.
Autopista Próspero Fernández, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica2519–9090Known For
- Plenty of gluten-free offerings, a rarity in Costa Rica
- Fruit and honey smoothies
- Mouthwatering baked goods
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5. Gallo Rojo
$$ | |An upscale tour of the street food of East and Southeast Asia focuses primarily on the owner’s mother’s native Taiwan, with flavors from Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore mixed in for good measure. The wealth of riches includes gua bao (a Taiwanese steamed meat or chicken sandwich), gyoza (Japanese-style pork and ginger rolls), pad Thai, and Singapore noodles. The menu does vary slightly every few months just to shake things up a bit. If you come for dinner, make it an early one; the place closes at 7 pm.
Escazú, San José, Costa Rica2289–5254Known For
- Gastronomic tour of Asia
- Friendly staff
- Several gluten-free options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
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6. Le Monastère
$$$$ | |This monastery-themed formal restaurant high in the hills has a great view of the Central Valley. The dining room is dressed up in antiques, with tables set for a five-course meal, and the classic French dishes are outstanding. Waiters don short friar tunics over their standard black pants and white shirts, which makes the atmosphere too theatrical for some tastes, but the food makes up for it. The more casual Cava Grill dining area serves platters of grilled meat. Cantina La Cava, beneath the dining room, has tasty appetizers, live music Thursday to Saturday, and is open into the wee hours.
Escazú, San José, 10203, Costa Rica2228–8515Known For
- Impressive French menu
- Elegant surroundings
- Other more casual dining options on-site, too
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch -
7. Plaza España
$$$ | |Generous portions of Spanish tapas and entrées draw diners to this whitewashed adobe house up the hill near San Antonio de Escazú. Presentation isn't the strong suit here: straight-up good food is, as are reasonable prices. Wooden-bench tables are distributed along a wraparound porch with views of the Central Valley; inside, tables are arranged in small-to-medium rooms. Start with a pitcher of sangria and begin sampling; the extensive menu includes dishes such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet).
Del Cruce del Barrio El Carmen, Escazú, San José, 10202, Costa Rica2228–1850Known For
- Reasonably priced Spanish menu
- Friendly, informal setting
- Mouthwatering sangrias
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Sun.
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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