Restaurants in Central Valley & Highlands
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Colbert Restaurant
Two kilometers east of the Poás Volcano Lodge, you’ll find this charming French restaurant with nice views and a chef that looks like he’s straight out of Central Casting: Joël Suire is not only French, he is bequeathed with an ample moustache and wears a toque. Expect a menu loaded with traditional French items such as onion soup, house-made paté and beef tenderloin grilled with green peppercorns. There is a good wine list (bottles from ₡7800), strong on vintages from South America and France. Don’t miss the fresh bread or to-die-for lace cookies.
reviewed
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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
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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
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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
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La Casona del Cafetal Restaurant
This charming lakeside restaurant is situated in the middle of a coffee plantation. It is popular with local families who arrive to dip into fresh river trout or grilled pork loins glazed with tamarind sauce. Don’t miss the coffee-laced deserts, such as flan and ice cream. There is a small playground for the kiddies, as well as short trails and a lagoon with paddle boats for rent (in high season). This is a popular spot on Sundays.
reviewed
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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
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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
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Restaurant 1910
On the road up to the park entrance, 100m north of the Pacayas turnoff, this homey spot is worth a stop for lunch to see its collection of old photographs documenting the 1910 earthquake that completed the destruction of colonial Cartago. Expect a long list of Tico specialties, including fresh grilled river trout.
reviewed
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Cowboy Steakhouse
This yellow-and-red joint with two bars has patio seating and the best cuts of beef in town. As the title suggests, steak is the focal point, making it a meat-lover’s must. But the hearty salads and extensive list of bocas (savory bar snacks) are worth a nibble as well.
reviewed
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Restaurant Don Porfi
Four kilometers north of town (and a ₡2000 taxi ride), this longtime local favorite whips up a mix of international and Tico cuisine, from grilled steaks to stacked seafood platters to chicken bathed in garlic. A wine list features a selection of South American vintages.
reviewed
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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
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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
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La Puerta del Sol
Located downstairs from Los Ángeles Lodge, this pleasant soda has been around since 1957 and serves myriad Tico specialties as well as burgers and sandwiches. Don’t miss the vintage photos of Cartago displayed on the walls.
reviewed
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La Casa del Viñedo
La Casa del Viñedo is a family restaurant on the edge of La Garita that grills up ribs and steaks. It also sells a selection of pastas, empanadas and locally crafted wines. Our advice: avoid the wine.
reviewed
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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
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Pastelería Merayo
Founded in 1928, this informal bakery produces made-to-order coffee that is strong and delicious, as well as some excellent pastries. Tip: anything with custard – crema pastelera – is guaranteed to be good.
reviewed
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Aroma’s Café
About 100m west and 50m south of the central plaza in San Ramón is this bright, attractive spot – good for lounging – that serves up a variety of coffee drinks, pastries and light meals.Inexpensive sodas abound.
reviewed
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Las Carretas
One of the most popular spots for a lunch break is this restaurant adjacent to the Fábrica de Carretas Joaquín Chavarrí. Expect a mix of Tico classics along with international items such as burgers and burritos.
reviewed
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La Feria
This unremarkable-looking eatery has friendly service and excellent, inexpensive home cooking. Try the pollo a la milanesa, a crisp chicken cutlet served with cucumber-yogurt dipping sauce. Tasty!
reviewed
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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
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Bar-Restaurant La Garza
A Turrialba institution, this corner place has been serving traditional Tico dishes to locals and tourists alike as long as anyone can remember. It’s an excellent place for an evening beer.
reviewed
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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
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Cafetería Orosi
Adjacent to the Orosi Lodge is this recommended cafe that serves organic local coffee, as well as a mix of homemade pastries, salads and sandwiches – and even an excellent apple cake.
reviewed
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Don Efraín
A good dinner place is the popular Don Efraín, which serves grilled meats and seafood in an open-air patio. It is located just north of the Healthy Day Country Inn.
reviewed
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Vishnu Mango Verde
This branch of the famous San José chain is the top spot in town for vegetarian fare – including a wide array of colorful salads and cheap, gut-filling casados.
reviewed
