Restaurants in Alajuela
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Como en Casa
This Argentinean grill is a popular weekend lunch spot, serving a comprehensive round-up of grilled meats and a strong selection of pastas (including vegetarian options). There is a good wine list (from ₡6600 abottle), as well as desert crepes stuffed with local strawberries.
reviewed
-
A
Jalepeños Central
Run by an animated Colombian-American from New York City, this popular Tex-Mex spot will introduce some much-needed spice into your diet – as well as some super jumbo burritos. You’ll also find Tico specialties, spit-roasted chicken and New York–style cheesecake.
reviewed
-
B
Los Olivos
This bright corner spot facing the Parque de los Niños serves tasty café con leche (coffee with milk), along with a mix of international specialties, from burritos to steak. The best part: if you pick up fresh strawberries from the roadside vendors near the Poás volcano, the kitchen will clean them and whip them up into a delicious natural de fresa (strawberry shake without milk) – with the purchase of a main dish.
reviewed
-
C
Ceviche del Rey
It’s worth the trek to the northern outskirts of town for Peruvian food at this favorite family outpost. Expect all manner of Andean classics, including fresh ceviche (seafood marinated in lime juice), the tender stir-fries known as saltados and even harder-to-find regional specialties such as cabrito a la norteña (stewed goat in cilantro). They even have Peruvian beer.
reviewed
-
D
La Mansarda
An old standby for traditional Costa Rican fare is this casual balcony restaurant overlooking the street. Grilled fish and chicken dishes are the specialty, and can be complemented by a good selection of wines by the glass (from ₡1400). Save room for the flan de coco (coconut flan) or, better yet, a belt of Flor de Caña rum. The best!
reviewed
-
Dolcelato
A fantastical array of Italian ice creams in flavors of both fruit and chocolate can be found at this contemporary gelateria at the strip mall on the south edge of town. In a nod to local palates, they even have the mysterious flavor known as ‘Churchill’.
reviewed
-
E
Ambrosia
This pretty, open-air cafe in a yellow building is good for a pick-me-up espresso. The menu features a mix of Italian-influenced options, including sandwiches, pasta and several types of tasty lasagna (including one made with hearts of palm).
reviewed
-
Mercado Central
Head to the enclosed Mercado Central for lots of sodas, produce stands and much, much more. If you're having a little bit of culture shock, all of your favorite fast-food chains are conveniently located downtown.
reviewed
-
F
La Baranda
Though this soda (inexpensive eatery) definitely caters to tourists, it's still packed with locals in search of hearty casados and fresh ceviche (uncooked but well-marinated seafood.
reviewed
-
G
Panadería Santa Clara
Follow your nose to this outstanding bakery, which is stocked with all types of homemade breads as well as eye-popping pastries, cookies and cakes. The macaroons totally rule!
reviewed
Advertisement
-
H
La Cocina de Abuelita
A real locals' haunt, this place serves up a buffet of such Tico treats as pork stew and fried plantains. It's as cheap, hearty and authentic as a farmer's cackle.
reviewed
-
I
Coffee Dreams Café
This adorable cafe is a great place to sample the local blend, but it’s worth bringing your appetite along, too, as the tamales here are hot and heavenly.
reviewed
-
J
Café Las Delicias
A cute corner spot for cappuccino, iced coffee, chilled drinks, cheesecake and a highly yummy pastelito de piña (pineapple pastry).
reviewed
-
K
Soda El Puntalito
Do as the locals do and grab a stool under the old blue awning at this cheap, unassuming corner sidewalk stand.
reviewed
-
Xandari
If you want to impress a date, then you can’t go wrong at this elegant restaurant with incredible views, housed at the hotel of the same name (opposite). The menu is a mix of organically focused Costa Rican and international meals (with plenty of vegetarian options), from catch of the day seared in olive oil and wasabi to healthy interpretations of local casados (set meals). For dessert, try the chocolate macadamia nut cake.
reviewed
