Costa Rica » San Jose » Guide to Restaurants

There is a good selection of restaurants in the capital to suit every budget. More and more places serving international cuisine – usually French, Italian or Japanese – are springing up, along with various American-style steak and burger places.

Stick to local restaurants serving traditional fare for good value, hearty meals – there are plenty to choose from in the neighbourhoods around the University of Costa Rica in San Pedro or the National University in Heredia, and in the Central Market.

Restaurants

Le Chandelier, 2225-3980, 100 metres east and south of Los Yoses. Elegant atmosphere with a formal setting, offering traditional French cuisine.

Tin Jo, 2257-3622, Ca 11 Av 6/8. Offers good Pan-Asian cuisine including an extensive vegetarian menu. A firm local favourite.

Café Mundo, 2233-6272, Barrio Amon. Located in an old mansion with a chic eclectic décor. Casual yet elegant, serves new fusion cuisine.

L´Ile de France, 2283-5812, located in Hotel Le Bergerac, Ca 35, Los Yoses. Indoor or outdoor seating in a tropical garden courtyard. Traditional yet innovative French menu.

Le Monastére, 2289-4404, spectacular setting above the hills of Escazú in a converted church. Elegant atmosphere, serves French, Belgian and international cuisine.

La Cava Grill, behind the restaurant, is a nice bar with a more casual setting which often has live music.

Bakea, 2248-0303, 300 metres north of Parque Morazan, Barrio Amon. A trendy restaurant located in a restored, offering fine fusion French-Costa Rican cuisine.

Chancay, 2289-6964, Plaza Itskatzu. One of the best Peruvian restaurants in town

Bars and Cafes

Jazz Café, 2253-8933, next to the old Banco de Costa Rica. A nice place for hearing live music from alternative Costa Rican bands.

Il Panino, 2228-8606, Escazu. A trendy chillout bar, great for having a Martíni or a glass of wine with a panino curridabat.

Café Teatro Nacional, 2221-3262. Situated inside the National Theatre, a nice place for a casual lunch or a cup of good quality coffee (surprisingly hard to come by in this nation of coffee growers).