Dining in Costa Rica

When traveling to another country it’s always good to know what to expect when dining out and feel comfortable when choosing a restaurant.  Costa Rica Guides will give you an essential overview of Costa Rica’s restaurants and gastronomy.

In Costa Rica, the variety and types of restaurants has become increasingly cosmopolitan - from fast food chains found throughout U.S and Europe, to typical Costa Rican food restaurants, to fine international cuisine.

A great number of restaurants can be found in the Central Valley, including rustic mountain lodges and extraordinary diners in the Escazú hills.  When dining in San José, you will find everything from French cuisine to Japanese food.  Seafood is another great option, as there are many fine restaurants offering delicious fresh seafood from the coast.

If you’re looking to get your fill of traditional Costa Rican food, around nearly every corner you will find a typical restaurant or local ‘soda’ where you can satisfy your palate.  Costa Rican food specialties include gallo pinto (rice and beans), casados (rice, beans, fried plantains, salad, cheese, and fish or meat), arroz con pollo (chicken with rice), ensalada de palmito (heart-of-palm salad) and sopa negra (black-bean soup), among many other typical dishes.

Definitely the most well-known drink in Costa Rica is coffee, the country’s leading export product along with bananas. Costa Rica’s coffee is one of the traditional drinks and it’s usually served with milk. Other popular local drinks include agua dulce (a hot and sweet beverage prepared from tapa de dulce) and horchata (a cinnamon flavored cornmeal drink).

In the Central Valley, wherever you eat, be it a small café or a sophisticated restaurant, dress is casual.  Note that 23% is added to all menu prices - 13% for tax and 10% for service. Because a 10% gratuity is included, there is no need to tip. However, if you receive an outstanding service, it's nice to add something to the obligatory percentage.

Featured Restaurants in San José, Costa Rica

• Tiquicia: Location:  Escazú
  Tiquicia Bar & Restaurant offers the best typical Costa Rican food, as well as an outstanding view of the Central Valley.

• Il Padrino: Location: Sabana Este
  "IL PADRINO" Ristorante, Café & Pizzeria has excellent wines, delicious Italian dishes and affordable prices.

• Tin Jo: Location: Downtown San José
  This is an incredible Asian restaurant featuring Japanese, Thai, Chinese and Indian food. The restaurant is clean, beautifully decorated and offers excellent service.

• Machu Picchu Restaurant: Location: San Pedro
  Machu Picchu is one of the best international Peruvian food & Seafood restaurants in the country.

• Pizzeria Il Pomodoro: Location: San Pedro
  One of the best known casual restaurants in Costa Rica serving fine Italian cuisine, a variety of pizzas and pasta, and good wine.

• News Café: Location: Downtown San José
  The News offers American Style "comfort" food, great quality and good prices.