Restaurants in Costa Rica
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A
Sabores
This place serves Monteverde’s own brand of ice cream, plus coffee and a variety of homemade desserts. It’s the perfect place for a civilized scoop after a morning hike through primitive forest.
reviewed
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B
Eat@Joe's
The best snack in town is at this US-run surf camp, where you can order the famous ‘nachos as big as your ass’ (or sushi rolls) while sucking down cold ones on the outdoor deck until 2am.
reviewed
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C
Alma de Café
One of the most beautiful cafes in the city, this atmospheric spot evokes early 20th-century Vienna. In other words, a perfect place to sip cappuccino, enjoy a crêpe or quiche and take in the lovely ceiling frescoes.
reviewed
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D
Restaurant Salsa Brava
Specializing in fresh seafood and open-grill cooking, this popular spot is the perfect end-of-day cocktail stop – hit happy hour between 5pm and 7pm and you'll also catch two-for-one mojitos (US$6) for sunset overlooking the Salsa Brava surf break.
reviewed
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E
Paso Real
An old standby, this 2nd-floor fish house doesn't dole out ambience as much as it delivers tasty seafood dishes. The shrimp platters are particularly delectable, but all is fresh and flavorful. Portions are big enough to share.
reviewed
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F
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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G
Café del Parquecito
Five words: crepes stuffed with tropical fruit.
reviewed
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H
Perro Loco
If you’ve been boozing it up, this greasy spoon is what you need. ‘Crazy Dog’ serves eight internationally themed hot dogs. Our favorite: the Chihuahua dog, loaded with fresh guacamole.
reviewed
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I
Café Valandra
This new French-run spot in Barrio Amón is a good spot for coffee – as well as a traditional French croque monsieur (a grilled, smoked-ham sandwich topped with melted cheese).
reviewed
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J
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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K
Café El Rico
Dark, rich coffee - iced, even - is served alongside light breakfasts and lunches. Bonus: you earn yourself a free cappuccino by doing your laundry onsite. Bikes are rented here, too.
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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L
Coco Coffee Company
Next door to Papagayo Seafood, this coffee joint draws the gringos with its siren call of bagels with cream cheese, fresh sandwiches, espresso drinks and tasty homemade pastries.
reviewed
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M
La Esquina Argentina
This popular roadside stand sells piping-hot empanadas, smoked meats and tasty mashed potatoes. The outdoor patio is a good spot to linger over a cup of coffee.
reviewed
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N
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
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O
El Testy
Here it is folks, your one-stop shop for burritos, ravioli, hamburgers, tacos, chicken and fries. Feeling indecisive? It also sells ice cream, candy, cookies and snacks!
reviewed
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P
Smilin' Dog Taco Stop
Those hankering for Mexican grub will appreciate the quality of offerings at this popular eatery, while shoestringers will revel in the generous portions and low prices.
reviewed
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Q
Soda Teresita
On the west end of the soccer field, this popular soda is your best bet for a torta (sandwich), an array of breakfasts, as well as ceviche and all the grilled meats and fish dishes.
reviewed
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R
La Toscana
Satisfy those pangs for gnocchi or spaghetti carbonara at one of the most authentically Italian restaurants in the region. Tuscan wine, tablecloths and tira-misu await.
reviewed
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Market Sodas
There are a number of cheap sodas in the mercado (market) that are good for a quick bite, as well as all your favorite Costa Rican fast-food chains.
reviewed
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S
Rancho Dulce
Sometimes a casado is more than a casado, and this outstanding, family-run soda, with groovy wooden tables and good batidos (fruit shakes), serves some of the best amid shady palapa ambience.
reviewed
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T
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
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U
Mercado Municipal
You can fill up for a couple of thousand colones at the Mercado Municipal, which has sodas to spare and plenty of very fresh groceries.
reviewed
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V
La Yunta Steakhouse
A favorite with the cruise-ship crowd, this long-running steakhouse has professional service (bow ties!), a tiered veranda overlooking the boardwalk and ocean and impressive portions of well-prepared tender meat. The menu is rounded out by seafood.
reviewed