Santa Ana Restaurants

The downtown area of Santa Ana is experiencing a boom in restaurant options as new residents with higher disposable incomes arrive and old favorites refresh their offerings. The selection is still a bit limited but there are a few good spots to check out.

El Martinese - With good food, a laid back ambiance and an affordable price, this is my personal favorite. The menu is kind of limited with only pizza and pasta made from scratch on the premises, but what they do, they do well. Martinese has no liquor license because of zoning restrictions but you’re welcome to bring your own beer or wine to go with your meal. 2203-7355

Bacchus – Housed in a converted historical building, this upscale restaurant is popular with the in-crowd and serves traditional and creative Italian fare. Make sure to make a reservation as walk-ins may not get a table. Bring your plastic as it can get pricey. 2282-5441

Ceviche del Rey - Tasty Peruvian food in an open air setting. You can’t miss if you try their ceviche, the Causa Limeña or the Suspiro Limeño for desert. 2282-8019

Pollo Rock & Roll - With it’s big-screen TV, it’s a local favorite on game night as it shows NFL, NBA, MLB or whatever’s on. Plenty of American-style specials like ribs, buffalo wings and burgers + local favorites. It’s also a good spot for breakfast pancakes or a continental breakfast. There’s also a fully stocked bar and a couple of pool tables so a cool place to hang out at. Free WiFi. 2282-9613

Café Vale - Having started as a café and pastry shop this place has some awesome desserts. They offer a wide selection of local and international dishes. Ask about their daily lunch specials. 2282-6759

El Estribo – This newly renovated Costa Rican steakhouse is one of Santa Ana’s oldest and most popular places. 2282-5339

Casa de Abel – Serving traditional Tico specialties in a converted old wooden house, it’s a great place to sample the local favorites. 100 m. South from Hermanos Montes gas station.

Tex Mex – American style Tex Mex food in an open air restaurant & bar. Not one of my favorites as the food never lives up to my expectations but many foreigners seem to love it. 2282-6342
Off the Beaten Track
These are worth checking out if you’re feeling more adventurous. They are a bit far from the downtown area so you’ll need to drive.

Motor Psycho - Biker bar, restaurant, custom shop and all around hangout spot about 1km West of the “Cruz Roja”. Free WiFi. 2203-8361

Rancho Macho - With a great view of the valley from their open air veranda and good local favorites like “chicharrones,” this is a good place for a Sunday lunch. The road to get there is very steep but it was recently paved, so most cars should make it up the hill. 2282-9295