5 Best Restaurants To Visit In San Jose

As perhaps Central America’s most welcoming country, it’s no surprise that the restaurants here in San José represent a variety of cultures from those who have come to make Costa Rica home. Try these top places to eat in Costa Rica while experiencing flavors from all over the world.

* Park Cafe

For an exceptionally well-crafted evening, make sure to seek out the Park Café. This gastronomic restaurant, located by the large Sabana Park, provides only the best and will not sacrifice quality for a larger influx of guests; so much so that you will need to make reservations here in advance. Whether sitting inside, surrounded by antiques, or in the elegant garden outside, the Park Café provides an intimate environment to enjoy an evening with close companions. The gourmet, European-inspired dishes, crafted by Richard Neat, are inventive and beautifully presented. The array of pictures on Neat’s blog exhibit his skill. In light of the precision required to create the evening, expect to take your time soaking up the entire experience.

* Cafe de los Deseos

With a setting that feels almost more like an art gallery than a restaurant, Café de los Deseos whisks you away to a funky evening that is, in a word, hip. With dishes inspired by cultures all over the world, it really will fulfil your deseos (wishes). They offer a variety of coffee drinks and alcoholic beverages including craft beer and sangria.

* Restaurante Grano de Oro

The fine-dining restaurant Grano de Oro, located in the boutique hotel of the same name, serves gourmet cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Featuring both European and Costa Rican dishes, the restaurant offers a variety of flavors as well as an extensive wine list. It’s no surprise the restaurant has gained such an outstanding reputation with alluring dishes such as the ‘a foie gras crème brûlée with caramelized pears.

* Andiamo La

This Italian restaurant located in the neighborhood of Santa Ana is not to be missed while visiting San José. Enjoy traditional Italian dishes such as gourmet pizzas, ravioli, panna cotta, antipastos, calamari and gnocchi that will make you feel like you’re in Italy. The the welcoming ambience and attentive staff make for a relaxed experience, even attracting famous clientele such as actor Chris Hemsworth.

* Restaurante Kalu

Found in one of the most artistic areas of the city, the Escalante neighborhood, Kalú itself is a work of art. The building is home to not only the restaurant and terrace seating, but also the eye-catching Boutique Kiosco and Cafeoteca, a coffee bar where purely Costa Rican coffee is available. Inspired chef Camille Ratton creates an array of dishes that range from Indonesian vegetable soup to falafel to quiche. See the Kalú website’s gallery of photos as well as the enticing (and oh-so-well-designed) menu. Be sure to check out the boutique afterwards for Costa Rican clothing, jewelry, ceramics and toys.