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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27 Recommendations
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1. Andiamo Là
$$$ | |One of the Central Valley's trendiest restaurants stands out with its daily fish and meat specials, including starter carpaccios of salmon, octopus, and beef. The...
One of the Central Valley's trendiest restaurants stands out with its daily fish and meat specials, including starter carpaccios of salmon, octopus, and beef. The sea bass and jumbo shrimp combination plate comes with a sauce of chopped fresh tomatoes, white wine, and garlic. Surf and turf is pricey, but includes grilled tenderloin and jumbo shrimp with a side of buttery spaghetti and asparagus. Lunch specials are a good value here. Service is as polished as the ample chrome, and there's usually at least one waiter who speaks English.
Santa Ana, San José, 10901, Costa Rica2282–7879Known For
- Delicious homemade pastas
- Terrific-value lunch specials
- Polished, friendly service
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. -
2. La Divina Comida
$$$$ | | PeruvianThe country’s top Peruvian restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to recreate Peru’s greatest hits, served with style. A variety of ceviches...
The country’s top Peruvian restaurant uses fresh local ingredients to recreate Peru’s greatest hits, served with style. A variety of ceviches accompany favorites such as aji chicken risotto, grilled octopus in balsamic vinaigrette, or lomito saltado (beef tenderloin in tomato sauce). You may have a hard time choosing one entrée; a sampler plate gives you small portions of six of them. A complimentary pisco sour comes with all meals. Top off the evening with a smooth, meringue-like suspiro de limeña for dessert. A few have reported glitches in the reservation system; otherwise, the place is a winner.
Avda. Escazú, Autopista Próspero Fernández, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica-2208–8899Known For
- Attention to detail
- Impeccable service
- Sceney vibe
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3. Taj Mahal
$$$ | |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...
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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4. Bacchus
$$$ | |Take a Peruvian chef who trained in France and an Italian owner, and the result is this solid member of the local dining scene. Duck...
Take a Peruvian chef who trained in France and an Italian owner, and the result is this solid member of the local dining scene. Duck breast in a port sauce, baked mushroom-and-polenta ragout, and a variety of pizzas are among the delights to be found on the menu. Modern art decorates the simple but elegant interior, and outdoor seating is available. An extensive wine list and reasonable prices make it a great pick for dinner.
Santa Ana, San José, 10901, Costa Rica2282–5441Known For
- Impressive French and Italian menu
- Extensive wine list
- Elegant setting with modern art and garden terrace
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
5. Bar y Restaurante Coto
$$ | |A local institution since 1952, this large rancho restaurant and bar is famous for its huge meat platters—we're talking 1 to 1½ kilos (2¼ to...
A local institution since 1952, this large rancho restaurant and bar is famous for its huge meat platters—we're talking 1 to 1½ kilos (2¼ to 3½ pounds) of meat—with all the típico side dishes. Or you can dine more daintily on sautéed trout. The interior dining area is actually quite smart, with fresh white tablecloths overlaid with colorful cloths, and a view of the lovely Orosi church.
Orosi, Cartago, 30203, Costa Rica2533–3032Known For
- Enormous meat platters
- Good seafood dishes
- Pleasant view of Orosi church
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6. Bar y Restaurante El Mirador
$$ | |Perched on a ridge several miles north of town, El Mirador has a sweeping view of the Central Valley that is impressive by day but...
Perched on a ridge several miles north of town, El Mirador has a sweeping view of the Central Valley that is impressive by day but more beautiful at dusk and after dark. Get a window table in the dining room, or one on the adjacent porch if it isn't too cool. The menu, which includes lomito (tenderloin) and corvina (sea bass) served with various sauces, and several shrimp and chicken dishes, plays second fiddle to the view; you may want to stop in around sunset for drinks and appetizers instead of dinner. There are at least two other restaurants nearby with similar names and views—this is the one we recommend. It’s on the main road, close to the Buena Vista Hotel.
Road to Poás, Alajuela, Alajuela, 20103, Costa Rica2441–9347Known For
- Stunning views of Central Valley
- Lomito (tenderloin) in variety of sauces
- Friendly service
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7. Barbecue Los Anonos
$$ | |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,...
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. -
8. Bromelias del Río
$$ | | Costa RicanThis simple garden dining spot in the far northern Central Valley makes a great breakfast stop if you’re on your way to the Caribbean. Fortify...
This simple garden dining spot in the far northern Central Valley makes a great breakfast stop if you’re on your way to the Caribbean. Fortify yourself with the tradicional (gallo pinto, eggs, bread, and coffee) or americano (ham, eggs, bacon, toast, and juice) breakfasts. Lunch gives way to light lasagnas, soups, crepes, and salads. You’ll appreciate the variety of coffee drinks here; there’s a bit of a chill in this higher-elevation sector of the valley.
San Isidro de Heredia, Heredia, Heredia, 40601, Costa Rica-2268–8445Known For
- Hearty, filling breakfasts
- Good value
- Coffee drinks
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
9. Búlali
$$ | | CaféThe name means “honey” in Costa Rica’s indigenous Bribri language, and that—rather than refined sugar—provides the added sweetness to the baked...
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.
Avda. Escazú, Autopista Próspero Fernández, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica-2519–9090Known For
- Plenty of gluten-free offerings, a rarity in Costa Rica
- Fruit and honey smoothies
- Mouth-watering baked goods
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10. Freddo Fresas
$$ | | Costa RicanFresas means "strawberries," and they’re the star at this rustic wooden place on the way to the volcano. They end up on your corn pancakes...
Fresas means "strawberries," and they’re the star at this rustic wooden place on the way to the volcano. They end up on your corn pancakes, in juices, as desserts, or as sides to the variety of típico dishes here. Gallo pinto is on the menu for breakfast, of course. Hearty olla de carne and sopa de pozol—meat and bean soups, respectively, make for filling lunches. A good, economical bet is the casado lunch special, a Costa Rican specialty of meat, rice, beans, and salad.
Poás Volcán National Park, Alajuela, Costa Rica-2482–2800Known For
- Tortillas aliñadas (huge corn tortillas with cheese and cream)
- Piping hot coffee
- Strawberry everything
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
11. Gallo Rojo
$$ | | AsianAn 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...
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 Rica-2289–5254Known For
- Gastronomic tour of Asia
- Friendly staff
- Several gluten-free options
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. -
12. Jalapeños Central
$$ | |Tasty, hearty, filling Tex-Mex food and a gregarious owner make this basic downtown joint a great place for lunch or dinner. Everybody seems to know...
Tasty, hearty, filling Tex-Mex food and a gregarious owner make this basic downtown joint a great place for lunch or dinner. Everybody seems to know everybody else here—this is a favorite hangout among the area’s expat community—and you’ll be welcome, too. Fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and tacos make up the fare, all spiced up or simmered down according to your wishes. The kitchen is always happy to prepare a vegetarian version of any dish, too.
Alajuela, Alajuela, 20101, Costa Rica2430–4027Known For
- Great fajitas
- Friendly service
- Fun dining atmosphere
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13. La Casona del Cafetal
$$ | |The valley's most scenic and famous lunch stop sits on a coffee plantation overlooking the Cachí Reservoir. It's firmly on the beaten path, which means...
The valley's most scenic and famous lunch stop sits on a coffee plantation overlooking the Cachí Reservoir. It's firmly on the beaten path, which means frequent visits from tour groups. The spacious indoor dining area has a high barrel-tile roof, but the most sought-after tables are out on the tiled, lakeside portico, draped with flowering vines framing gorgeous lake views. The menu has both Costa Rican staples and sophisticated dishes such as corvina guarumos (bass stuffed with mushrooms). Expect a wait on weekends, when diners come from miles around for the gargantuan $25 lunch buffet that ends with delicious, coffee-flavored desserts and the Casona's own coffee, made cup by cup in the old-fashioned Costa Rican way. After lunch, take a stroll down the garden path to the lake or check out the souvenir stands in the parking lot.
Orosi, Cartago, 30204, Costa Rica2577–1414Known For
- Immensely popular weekend lunch buffet
- Yummy coffee desserts
- Solid menu of típico food
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner -
14. La Garza Bar y Restaurante
$ | |With weathered, blond-wood tables and chairs, and big windows with a view out onto the central park, La Garza is a popular meeting spot with...
With weathered, blond-wood tables and chairs, and big windows with a view out onto the central park, La Garza is a popular meeting spot with a little more atmosphere than most of the eateries in town in spite of its extremely plain interior. The menu runs the gamut from hamburgers to chicken and has a good seafood selection. Open until 2 am, this is the only place in town for a very late bite to eat. There's a pleasant bar here, too, backed by a Latin soundtrack or karaoke.
Northwest corner of central park, Turrialba, Cartago, 30501, Costa Rica2556–1073Known For
- Decent burgers
- Nice outdoor view, even if plain interior
- Late-night eats
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15. La Puerta del Sol
$$ | |A cut above the usual soda, this large, long-established restaurant across from the basilica has been feeding pilgrims for seven decades. Along with hearty portions...
A cut above the usual soda, this large, long-established restaurant across from the basilica has been feeding pilgrims for seven decades. Along with hearty portions of seafood, grilled meats, and typical casados, the restaurant has a popular bar and terrace.
North side of basilica plaza, Cartago, Cartago, 30102, Costa Rica2551–0615Known For
- Ample servings
- Decent dining in a town that generally lacks it
- Good view of the basilica
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16. Le Monastère
$$$$ | |This monastery-themed formal restaurant high in the hills has a great view of the Central Valley. The dining room is dressed up in antiques, with...
This monastery-themed formal restaurant high in the hills has a great view of the Central Valley. The dining room is dressed up in antiques, with tables set for a five-course meal, and the classic French dishes are outstanding. Waiters don short friar tunics over their standard black pants and white shirts, which makes the atmosphere too theatrical for some tastes, but the food makes up for it. The more casual Cava Grill dining area serves platters of grilled meat. Cantina La Cava, beneath the dining room, has tasty appetizers, live music Thursday to Saturday, and is open into the wee hours.
Escazú, San José, 10203, Costa Rica2228–8515Known For
- Impressive French menu
- Elegant surroundings
- Other more casual dining options on-site, too
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch -
17. Plaza España
$$$ | |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...
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. -
18. Restaurant 1910
$$ | |The menu here at this upscale countryside spot is predominantly Costa Rican, with such traditional specialties as trucha (trout) and rice with chicken, along with...
The menu here at this upscale countryside spot is predominantly Costa Rican, with such traditional specialties as trucha (trout) and rice with chicken, along with some more sophisticated dishes, like corvina (sea bass) fillet with a coconut-liqueur sauce. The Sunday típico buffet is a great introduction to Costa Rican cooking. Decorated with vintage photos of early-20th-century buildings and landscapes, this upscale restaurant teaches a history lesson of the region. The photos also document the disastrous 1910 earthquake that rocked this area and all but destroyed the colonial capital of Cartago.
Road to Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú, Irazú Volcano National Park, Cartago, 30101, Costa Rica2536–6063Known For
- Variety of trout dishes
- Pleasant rural setting
- Vintage photo exhibit
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Sun. -
19. Restaurante Chubascos
$$ | |Dine amid tall pines and colorful flowers on the upper slopes of Poás Volcano. There’s a small menu of traditional Tico dishes that includes platters...
Dine amid tall pines and colorful flowers on the upper slopes of Poás Volcano. There’s a small menu of traditional Tico dishes that includes platters of gallos (homemade tortillas with meat, cheese, or potato filling) as well as delicious daily specials. The refrescos (fresh fruit drinks) are top-drawer, especially the ones made from locally grown fresas (strawberries) and moras (blackberries) blended with milk.
Poás Volcán National Park, Alajuela, 20801, Costa Rica2482–2280Known For
- Terrific Tico cooking
- Refreshing fruit drinks
- Pleasant countryside setting
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Tues. No dinner -
20. Restaurante La Feria
$$ | |A permanent exhibition of local art and the expertise of the owner make this a worthwhile stop. This pleasant family-style restaurant has the usual midscale...
A permanent exhibition of local art and the expertise of the owner make this a worthwhile stop. This pleasant family-style restaurant has the usual midscale Costa Rican fare, ranging from fast food to filet mignon. The house specialty is beef tenderloin topped with a Spanish-inspired red-wine-and-mushroom sauce. Casados and gallo pinto compete with more-familiar chicken and seafood dishes. Even paella is on the menu (with three hours' notice), and there's homemade apple pie for dessert.
Turrialba, Cartago, 30501, Costa Rica2556–5550Known For
- Beef tenderloin in mushroom and wine sauce
- Good menu of Costa Rican favorites
- Reasonably priced lunch specials
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No dinner Tues.
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