Does anyone know of places to eat that are vegetarian-friendly? I will be in Manuel Antonio, Arenal (Fortuna) and Monteverde. <BR><BR>Initially it sounded like I'd be living on gallo pinto, but I've come to find that most often it is made with lard (animal fat). Fortunately I eat eggs and cheese, so I think there's hope! Either that or I'll actually come home from a vacation having LOST weight! (Not a terrible thing...) <BR><BR>Thanks in advance.

Carol, do you eat fish and other seafood? If so, you should have no problem in CR. Virtually every restaurant serves fish dishes.<BR>In Manuel Antonio, we liked Karola's (mahi mahi was served with plain rice and not gallo pinto). We also liked Rico Tico bar in Hotel Si Como No where you can get a nice mahi mahi sandwich or a mahi mahi salad.<BR>Can't think of good places in Arenal (we ate at a really nice local restaurant called La Vaca Muca but we ate beef and chicken dishes there so I am not sure if they have any vegetarian dishes).<BR><BR>Enjoy your trip!

Thanks Iza... however, I guess I should mention on here that I don't eat fish or any type of seafood either. (And I live in South Florida!) I may end up traveling with a crate of Power Bars!<BR><BR>Thanks for your reply... I've read many of your responses to other posters and you're really informative!

Carol, I don't think you'll have too much trouble finding food in the places that you mention. I have to admit, though, that I didn't think about the type of fat used to fry things. In Monteverde there's an interesting little cafe called the 'Jungle Groove Cafe'. Tiny place, up on a hill, I know they have some vegetarian things on their menu. Also some absolutely wonderful fried yucca, but I don't know what type of oil it was cooked in. Manuel Antonio has so many restaurants that I can't imagine you'll have a problem. I don't remember as many vegetaria options in La Fortuna, but I bet they're there. There were a couple of vegetarian options at the restaurant at Tabacon, but they didn't sound very interesting to me. I'm not really a vegetarian, I just don't like 'big hunks of meat'.

Thanks Jean,<BR><BR>Just yesterday, one of my Cuban friends taught me how to order "without lard" ("sin manteca")... hopefully some restaurants in CR will be accomodating!

Hello! I can't remember where I just read it on this forum, but someone mentioned that El Sapo Dorado hotel in Monteverde has good vegetarian food. I haven't been there myself, however. Carol, I understand... I've been a vegetarian for years, but just recently started eating seafood again (so its easier for me). I think that places you go will generally be accomodating. I'm sure you're used to asking lots of questions before ordering anyway! (The idea of learning those phrases in Spanish is helpful, but I'm sure most people will understand your English.)<BR><BR>If anyone out there knows of other good places for vegetarians to eat, I'd be interested to hear also since I'm returning in the spring.

Hi Carol,<BR>Thanks to Penelope, I can now remember the place I stayed in Monteverde. El Sapo Dorado! It was wonderful! It's not vegetarian (I had fish) but is vegetarian friendly. The dinner we had there was one of the best on the entire trip. Their b'fasts are great too. <BR><BR>We were very pleased with the accom. as well.<BR><BR>Good luck

FISH IS NOT A VEGETABLE! DUH!

Hello Last Time--<BR>I know that fish isn't a vegetable; I suppose I didn't explain myself well. What I meant to say is there were vegetarian selections on the menu, thus the 'vegetarian friendly' comment!<BR><BR>Debbie<BR><BR>

Hey "last time"... no need to be rude and condescending. I perfectly understood what Debbie meant. A purely vegetarian restaurant serves no meat, fish, etc. She was merely conveying that this restaurant does serve meat, but has dishes for vegetarians also. <BR><BR>I guess her subtlety was lost on you. Do you really think that all vegetarians eat are vegetables? From my estimation, you're probably a bored 17-year-old trying to impress a friend with your "wit." Instead you came off rude and uneducated.<BR><BR>Debbie... Mature people using this site appreciate the feedback from people like you. Please don't be so quick to apologize or explain yourself when you're not in the wrong... Empower yourself, my "wandering jew" friend! <BR><BR>Josh

Hi Josh,<BR>Thanks for the support It's 2nd nature for me to reexplain things as I am a Special Ed. teacher. It seemed to me that Last Time might understand my reply if I simplified my answer.<BR><BR>Happy Travels,<BR>Debbie

Debbie... got you. I just didn't think his rudeness deserved your patient explanation. You must be a very patient person! You definitely have a great "way" in this world <BR><BR>Anyway, Sapo Dorado sounds great! I'm going to have to check it out!<BR><BR>Josh

I saw that Sapo Dorado got a favorable review from Vegetarian times.

I stumbled across this article today. It looks a little outdated, but may be helpful anyway.
http://www.costaricaescape.com/misc/vegetarian.html