San Jose Restaurants

La Cocina de Leña
Try some typical Costa Rican dishes such as black bean soup, gallo pinto, tamales, oxtail stew served with yucca and plantain, stuffed peppers, or tortillas with various types of meat. La Cocina de Lena meaning “the wood stove”, may be located in the modern El Pueblo shopping center, but it transports patrons back to old rustic Costa Rica with rural decorations and menus printed on paper bags. Prices: $6-$22, Hours: 11am-11pm, Phone: 2255-1360.
Manolo’s Restaurant
Located conveniently on Avenida Central. Manolo’s attracts Ticos as well as travelers. A buffet is served offering delicious typical Costa Rican dishes, and the kitchen serves regular platters as well. The first floor is set up as a diner and offers first-rate people watching, and live folk dancing performances can be seen on the upper floors nightly. Prices: $3-$12, Hours: 11:30am-10pm, Phone: 2221-2041.
Try a soda (Costa Rica’s version of a café) because you can find one almost anywhere. Though mainly small, tapas-style plates, you can find many variations. Try the traditional chilero (a zesty condiment of pickled vegetables) or a casado (a combo platter) of your choice.
La Masa de Triquell
Located in Sabana Norte in the Casa España. Catalan cuisine along with excellent, formal service is served up in this restaurant frequented by the rich and famous. Some adventurous dishes served include lamb, quail, rabbit, squid and octopus, but a sure bet is to follow the gazpacho with the famous paella, all washed down with a delicious glass of sangria. Located in Sabana Norte, 50m west and 175m north of the Burger King in La Sabana. Prices: $10-$22. Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 pm/ 6:30 pm-10:30 pm. Phone: 2296-3528
Restaurante Taska Al Andalus
Offers more Andalusian cuisine as well as other international dishes at more reasonable prices. Located in the center at Calle 3, Avenidas 7 & 9. Phone: 2257-6556.
La Piazzetta
Delicious food is served by waiters in bow ties, and the impressive wine list is as extensive as the menu. Colorful and tasty salads are only a prelude to the mouth watering risotto and pasta dishes with tiramisu as the perfect finale. Paseo Colon near Calle 40. Prices: $6-$26, Mon-Fri 12pm-2:30pm, 6:30pm-11pm/Sat 6:30pm-11 pm. Phone: 2222-7896.
Restaurante Tin Jo
Serves Asian/Indian fusion cuisine and is located in downtown San Jose, Calle 11, Avenida 6 and 8. Pleasant staff serve delicious food in a comfortable environment. Prices: $10-$30 Phone: 2221-7605.
Macchu Pichu
On Calle 32, Avenida 1 & 3 125m north of Pollo Kentucky. It offers authentic Peruvian food specializing in seafood; the ceviche is known to be the best in town, and pisco sours are fabulous. Hours: 11am-3pm/6pm-10pm. Phone: 2222-7384
Other Restaurants:
Tapas de Manuel of Escazu is located in Plaza Itskazu.
Hotel Grano de Oro is on Paseo Colon,
El Olio plates Mediterranean food in Barrio Escalante.