Eating & Drinking in San José
San José is surprisingly culinary — especially Barrio Escalante has developed into the gastronomic epicenter of Central America. From authentic sodas to fine dining, everything is represented.
€ Budget — Sodas & Streetfood
Soda Tapia (Mercado Central) · Avenida Central — The institution in the market. Casado with Carne en Salsa or Pollo for 3,000–4,500 CRC. It doesn't get more authentic. Huge portions.
La Sorbetera de Lolo Mora · Avenida Central/Calle 4 — Handmade ice cream from tropical fruits since 1920. A scoop of Cas or Guanábana for 1,000 CRC — the best refreshment in San José.
Restaurante Tin Jo · Calle 11, Avenida 6/8 — Surprisingly good Asian restaurant (Chinese, Thai, Japanese) at fair prices. Pad Thai for 5,000 CRC, sushi rolls from 4,000 CRC. An institution for over 30 years.
€€ Mid-range
Al Mercat · Calle 33, Barrio Escalante — Spanish tapas bar with a Costa Rican twist. The croquetas and patatas bravas are excellent. Lively atmosphere, good wine selection. 8,000–15,000 CRC per person.
Kalú · Calle 31, Barrio Escalante — Café, bistro, and gallery in one. Fantastic breakfast and brunch, excellent cake. The courtyard is a green oasis. 5,000–12.000 CRC.
La Criollita · Avenida 7, Calle 7 — Traditional Tico cuisine in a house with over 60 years of history. The best Casado in town for 5,500 CRC, served by waiters who have worked here for decades.
Mantras Veggie Café · Calle 35, Barrio Escalante — The best vegetarian restaurant in Costa Rica. Creative plant-based cuisine with local ingredients. The "Buddha Bowl" and vegan tacos are excellent. 6,000–10,000 CRC.
€€€ High-end
Sikwa · Calle 33, Barrio Escalante — The most extraordinary restaurant in Costa Rica. Chef Pablo Bonilla cooks with forgotten indigenous ingredients: insects, wild herbs, cacao, yuca flowers. The tasting menu (35,000 CRC / approx. 60 USD) is a culinary journey back to pre-Columbian cuisine. Reservation required!
Silvestre · Barrio Escalante — Fine dining focusing on Costa Rican ingredients and innovative techniques. Seasonal menu based on the harvest. 40,000–60,000 CRC per person with wine pairing.
Craft Beer & Bars
Costa Rica Beer Factory · Barrio Escalante — In-house craft beers in an industrial setting. The "Segua Red Ale" and "Libertas Tropical Blonde" are excellent. Pint from 3,000 CRC.
Club del Mar · Barrio Escalante — Cocktail bar with excellent Guaro cocktails and a mezcal selection that rivals Mexico. The "Tico Sour" (Guaro, lime, egg white, Salsa Lizano) is a must. Cocktails from 4,500 CRC.
Stiefel Pub · San Pedro — German beer house (yes, really!) with imported German beer and surprisingly good schnitzel. Popular with expats and students from the nearby university.
Achtung
Do not walk alone through poorly lit streets in San José at night — especially around Mercado Central and Parque Central after 9 PM. Uber is the safest way to get around at night (cheaper than taxis and more reliable).