San José, Costa Rica’s bustling capital, is a lively hub filled with energy and great food. The city offers much, from traditional Costa Rican dishes to international flavors. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. That’s where this guide comes in handy – it’ll help you navigate some of the best restaurants in San José, Costa Rica, like a pro. Let’s dive in!
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Local cuisine restaurants in San José, Costa Rica
La Criollita
- Address: Av. 7, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 6:30 – 19:00 | closed on Sundays
- Contact: +506 2256 6511
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/restlacriollita
La Criollita is a popular restaurant known for its generous servings of classic Costa Rican dishes in a relaxed setting. Locals love it, which says a lot about its quality.
Guests rave about the delicious flavors of dishes like sea bass with seafood sauce and their hearty breakfast options. The portions are huge, and their lemonade is excellent. For the best value, try their breakfast or lunch menus. Each lunch comes with a tasty soup to start, a juice, and finishes with your choice of dessert or coffee. It’s a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without spending too much.
Restaurante Silvestre
- Address: Avenida 11 955, San José Province, Amón, 10101, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 12:00 – 16 & 18:00 – 22:00 daily | closed on Sundays
- Contact: +506 2221 2465
- Website: www.restaurantesilvestre.com
Silvestre Restaurant, led by Chef Santiago Fernandez Benedetto, offers a unique dining experience highlighting traditional Costa Rican ingredients with a modern twist. They serve innovative dishes like Guanacaste-style arroz guacho and empanadas stuffed with ricotta cheese, chives, and egg yolks.
The menu changes regularly to feature local, organic ingredients and responsibly sourced fish and meat. Downstairs, the cozy bar, Cothnejo Fishy, serves small bites and creative cocktails, adding a fun twist to the dining experience.
Sikwa
- Address: C. 41, San José, Los Yoses, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 18:00 – 22:00 weekdays | closed on weekends
- Contact: +506 7093 1662
- Website: www.sikwacostarica.com
Sikwa Restaurant stands out among locals as one of the top restaurants in San Jose. It offers a unique take on traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Chef Pablo Bonilla has delved into ancient indigenous culinary traditions to create a menu that blends old flavors with modern interpretations.
Each dish at Sikwa tells a story through its ingredients and presentation. Don’t miss their tamales filled with breadnuts and pejibaye, gallina con chelate (purple corn porridge with chicken and plantains), or the michilá ice cream featuring caramelized banana and cocoa seed. It’s a dining experience celebrating Costa Rican heritage with a creative twist.
Restaurante y Mirador Ram Luna
- Address: Mirador, De la Iglesia de Aserrí, 5km norte, carretera a Tarbaca sobre Ruta 209, San José Province, Aserri, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 17:00 – 22:00 Tue to Fri | 12:00 – 23:00 Sat | 12:00 – 21:00 Sun | closed on Mon
- Website: restauranteramluna.com
Ram Luna is a premier dining choice in San José, attracting tourists and locals since it opened in 1967. Perched 1700 meters above sea level, this restaurant offers romantic views of San Jose and the surrounding volcanic peaks.
Wednesday nights at Ram Luna are a highlight. They feature a buffet of Costa Rican specialties, an open bar, live marimba music, and traditional dancing—a perfect taste of local culture. Due to its popularity, making reservations in advance is advisable to ensure a spot.
International cuisine restaurants in San José Costa Rica
La Esquina de Buenos Aires
- Address: Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, Calle 11 esquina Av. 4 Detrás de la, San José, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 11:30 – 22:30, break time from 15:00 – 18:00
- Contact: +506 2223 1909
- Website: laesquinadebuenosaires.net
If you’ve ever dreamed of a culinary getaway to Argentina, La Esquina de Buenos Aires is your ticket. This place has a super cozy, traditional vibe, with framed photos of tango musicians and antique Italian liquor signs that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a classic bodegón. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a relaxed meal.
When you dine here, you must try their mouthwatering cuts of meat, including bife de chorizo, entraña, or vacío – all grilled to absolute perfection. Don’t leave without trying their selection of Argentine wines – they’re the perfect pairing for your meal. Just a heads up, you’ll need a reservation!
Sapore Trattoria San José
- Address: 75 metros oeste de Plaza de la Democracia. Frente Caja de Ande Sobre, Av. 2A, San José Province, 10104, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 11:30 – 22:00 weekdays | 12:00 – 23:00 weekends
- Contact: +506 2222 8906
- Website: saporetrattoria.com
Next stop, Italy! Sapore Trattoria is your go-to for a slice of Italian heaven in San José. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, with rustic decor. As you walk in, you’re greeted with the warm, inviting aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and freshly baked bread.
The menu is packed with Italian classics. Think handmade pasta drenched in rich, flavorful sauces and crispy, wood-fired pizzas topped with the freshest ingredients. You can dig into a bowl of creamy carbonara or enjoy a Margherita pizza with its thin crust, tangy tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil.
Lubnan
- Address: WWM6+W6F, Frente a la Torre Mercedes Benz, P.º Colón, San José, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 11:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 21:00 Tue, Wed | 11:00 – 22:00 Thur | 11:00 – 15:00 & 18:00 – 22:00 Fri | 12:00 – 16:00 & 18:00 – 21:00 Sat | 11:00 – 17:00 Sun | Closed on Mon
- Contact: +506 2257 6071
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lubnancr
This place is one of the rare Middle Eastern gems among restaurants in San José, serving up a wide variety of tasty dishes from the region. If you can’t decide what to order, go for the meze platter – it’s perfect for two people and lets you try a bit of everything. Check out the juicy shish kebab de cordero (lamb kebab), or try the raw ground-meat kebbe naye (with wheat meal) or kafta naye (without wheat meal).
There’s a cool bar in the back that serves the same menu. For extra fun, drop by on Wednesday nights for live synthesizer music or on Thursday nights for the popular 8 pm belly-dancing show.
Jardín de Lolita
- Address: 50 m Este del costado Sur de la Antigua Aduana, San José, Barrrio Escalante, 10101, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 12:00 – 22:00 Sunday to Wednesday | 12:00 – 23:00 Thursday to Saturday
- Website: www.jardindelolita.com
Jardín de Lolita, or Lolita’s Garden, is another great gastronomical market with various food stands and plenty of outdoor and semi-outdoor seating. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet burger, a slice of artisanal pizza, some spicy Asian fusion, or a taste of the Mediterranean, this place has got you covered. The outdoor, casual vibe makes it the perfect spot for a relaxed meal with friends or family, where you can mix and match dishes to your heart’s content.
Tierra Gaucha Parrilla Argentina
- Address: 200 metros sur de la Pizza Hut del, P.º Colón, San José, Barrio Don Bosco, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 11:30 – 22:00 weekdays | 12:00 – 22:00 weekends
- Contact: +506 2100 6172
- Website: www.tierragaucha.co.cr
We go back to Argentina, but this time, we go to Tierra Gaucha Parrilla, where the grill is king. Their menu is a meat lover’s paradise. Start with tasty empanadas or provoleta, a cheesy delight ideal for sharing. Then, dive into their impressive variety of meats, from classic bife de chorizo (sirloin steak) to rich morcilla (blood sausage), all expertly grilled for that authentic Argentine flavor.
To top it off, pair your meal with a glass of Argentine wine for the perfect dining experience. The laid-back, rustic ambiance with wooden tables and a cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot for family dinners, casual outings with friends, or even a relaxed date night.
Amor de Barrio
- Address: WWMJ+M86, Av. 1, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
- Open hours: 12:00 – 21:00 daily
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amordebarriocr
At Amor de Barrio, you can enjoy a convenient and delicious dining experience during your trip. They offer a variety of cuisines from around the world in one place, including Peruvian dishes, classic Italian pizza, flavorful Asian cuisine, traditional Costa Rican food, spicy Mexican favorites, and more. It’s the perfect spot to try different flavors and find something everyone will love. Be sure to visit the Selvatica bar on the rooftop for a drink and a view!
To sum it up, whether you’re craving a hearty Argentine steak, a tasty Italian pizza, or a traditional Costa Rican dish, San José’s covered you with various delicious options. So, get ready to dig in and enjoy the tasty treats of San José, Costa Rica – one bite at a time!
