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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  • 1. 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 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 Rica
    2533–3032

    Known For

    • Enormous meat platters
    • Good seafood dishes
    • Pleasant view of Orosi church
  • 2. 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 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 Rica
    2577–1414

    Known For

    • Immensely popular weekend lunch buffet
    • Yummy coffee desserts
    • Solid menu of típico food

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No dinner
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

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