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No Name Comedor
This tiny place, next to an upscale Japanese restaurant (Kamakura), is popular with drivers waiting for their bosses to finish their California rolls, and one of the few budget eateries in this part of Escalón. Serving mostly típica, the occasional stir-fried noodles or rice-and-veggie dish does appear.
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Panadería Latino
So much more than a bakery, this downtown institution is popular for its huge comida a la vista (buffet). Just smile and point - the servers will fill your plate with all manner of steaming delights including tasty lasagna, beef in salsa, and crisp veggies, then ladle you a cup of horchata (soft drink) from plastic pails at the end of the line.
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Punto Café
Located at the Museum of Modern Art, this café is popular with wealthy capitalinos and serves creative and pricey dishes in a sleek dining area.
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Restaurante Basilea
An upscale urban restaurant, Basilea is the place to head if you want a reliable, familiar meal. You can order such classics as coconut shrimp, Waldorf salad, or even a Philly steak sandwich. A pleasant outdoor eating area, complete with white wicker chairs and a koi pond, is a nice option on warm evenings.
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Restaurante Royal
While so many Chinese restaurants bowl you over with huge portions and no-nonsense service, the Royal lets you enjoy the experience, starting with a pleasant air-cooled dining room (the goldfish tank is spotless - that's gotta be a good sign) and culminating in tasty dishes, like garlic shrimp over rice noodles and stir-fried broccoli, mushrooms and bamboo shoots. Service is terrific, and the prices amazingly affordable.
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Salvatore's Pizzería y Pastas
In case you had any doubts, rest assured that this cozy place is all about pizza and pasta. A dozen pasta dishes are available and the pizza combinations are just about limitless. If you're into 'shrooms, try Pasta Salvatore - spaghetti served with an awesome mushroom cream sauce. All dishes include garlic bread and a salad, and there's free delivery.
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Sidewalk Comedores
You'll find Sidewalk Comedores lining the streets surrounding Plaza Hula Hula, a block west of Plaza Barrios. They're all essentially the same, but everyone you ask has a personal favorite. We liked the ones on the east side of 1a Av Sur across from the park, mainly for the clean vinyl tablecloths, friendly service and mid-afternoon sun, but maybe you'll see others that call to you.
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Sol y Luna
A rare sight - a vegetarian restaurant! And in a breezy, sunny, comfortable setting. Comida a la vista is on offer, as well as à la carte soy burgers, fruit shakes and salads, and service is friendly.
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Taquería Los Tapatíos
At the far western end of Paseo General Escalón at Plaza Masferrer is this large open-air taco stand, serving up great tacos, burritos and tortas stuffed with the meat of your choice: chicken, beef, pork, adobado (spicy marinated meat) , al pastor (seasoned rotisserie pork). Wooden tables with benches are set up off the road, so the traffic noise can be overpowering - then again, the bustling informality is part of the charm.
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Taquerilla Los Potrillos
One of the best taco stands south of the (Mexican) border. You'll find all the classics - tacos al pastor , quesadillas, rows of salsas and tons of fixin's…food even comes served on Styrofoam plates. It's open late.
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Típicos Margoth
A popular cafeteria-style restaurant serving, as the name suggests, típico . Food is fresh and served in good-sized portions. There's occasional live music on Saturday night.
