When it comes to food, San José has it all. From cozy spots to enjoy its rich coffee culture to upscale restaurants for a fancy dinner, the capital city’s geographic location and cultural melting pot make finding locations to enjoy Costa Rica’s eclectic cuisine an easy task.
La Oveja Negra
For the authentic Costa Rican experience, La Oveja Negra is the place to go. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere while indulging in traditional dishes like the classic chifrijo, made with rice, pork, beans, and lemon, or plantain tortillas with mashed beans and pico de gallo. Moreover, for beer enthusiasts, La Oveja Negra offers a wide selection of locally made artisan beers.
Apotecario
Discover the charm of Barrio Escalante while sipping one of the best gin and tonics in town. Apotecario is a casual venue that offers live music daily, artisan-made food, and cocktails. After your meal, take a leisurely walk around Barrio Escalante, where you can enjoy over 50 different types of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and unique nightlife experiences.
Restaurante Silvestre
Vintage buildings in San José radiate a special charm, making Restaurante Silvestre a must-visit. Nestled in the historic Barrio Amón, Silvestre has been revitalized into a contemporary dining hotspot. The menu specializes in traditional seasonal flavors presented with a modern twist, providing a true taste of Costa Rican culture.
Café Miel
Café Miel, located in an old yellow house, offers a delightful escape in the city. With numerous stairs leading to a window filled with desserts and fragrant coffee shakes, this cozy spot features colorful tables and wooden chairs across uniquely decorated rooms. Enjoy your visit with a classic Torta Chilena and a cup of americano.
Feria Verde de Aranjuez
Feria Verde de Aranjuez (Green Fair) is a vibrant farmer’s market open on Saturday mornings. This market was created by local producers to connect people from diverse backgrounds, offering locally made food, organic products, and promoting cultural diversity through events and art.
Arbol de Seda
Árbol de Seda serves up comforting vegetarian food in an intimate setting. To reach this delightful restaurant, take one of the many buses from downtown San José to the Barrio Escalante neighborhood. The restaurant starts the day with a traditional Costa Rican breakfast of gallo pinto (rice and beans), and offers additional options like plantain and bean hamburgers, veggie-based meats, salads, sandwiches, vegetable soups, and organic fruit smoothies.
Kalú
Kalú is situated in the heart of Barrio Escalante within a picturesque house that features a terrace overlooking a garden. This open-concept restaurant includes a handmade crafts store and a coffee shop called Cafeoteca. The refreshing garden atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a weekend brunch or a private dinner.
Azotea Calle 7
There aren’t many rooftop bars in San José, but when the weather is right, a visit to Azotea Calle 7 is a must. Located on the rooftop of Hotel Presidente in downtown San José, this bar boasts stunning views of the city. Additionally, Azotea Calle 7 has its take on the chiliguaro, an authentic Costa Rican drink made with cacique guaro (a hard liquor), limes, and hot sauce.
La Ventanita Meraki
La Ventanita Meraki is a popular spot that everyone tends to visit after a night out. La Ventanita offers street food options at great prices. Located near La California, one of the liveliest neighborhoods in town, this small venue serves up street food at its finest.
El Mestizo
Experience the culinary diversity of El Mestizo, where one location offers 13 unique concepts. Each ‘bar’ not only features street food with a gourmet twist but also possesses its distinct bar-style design, ensuring a unique dining adventure in San José.
