Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [134]
MIDRANGE & TOP END
Lava Lounge (Map; 2479-7365; Av Central btwn Calles 2 & 4; mains ₡2500-6000; 11am-10:30pm) This hip, open-air restaurant is a breath of fresh air when you just can’t abide another casado. There’s pasta, fish, burgers, wraps and a fair selection of other such well-executed international standbys, brought to you by friendly waiters. Skip the sushi.
Restaurant Los Nenes (Map; 2479-9192; Calle 5; mains ₡3000-11,000; 10am-11pm) This classic La Fortuna establishment 200m east of Parque Central is adored by locals and tourists alike. If you’re in the mood for fine dining, the seafood platters here can’t be beat, and the ceviche (₡1500) is as good as it gets.
Las Brasitas (Map; 2479-9819; Av Central; mains ₡3000-10,000; 11am-11pm) Sometimes you just need some good Mexican food – nothing against Lizano sauce, but there’s just no burn. Check out this breezy but elegant open-air spot 200m west of Parque Central, with good fajitas and something called a choriqueso (sort of like a sausage fondue). Hey, if you’re going to have a heart attack, go happy.
Vagabondo (Map; 2479-9565; mains ₡3000-8000; noon-11pm) Of the many Italian restaurants in the region, Vagabondo has the best wood-fired pizzas around, plus great pasta dishes. There’s also a popular sports bar. It’s 1.5km west of La Fortuna near a sharp bend in the road.
La Choza de Laurel (Map; 2479-9231; www.lachozadelaurel.com; mains ₡4000-9000; 6:30am-10pm) This place serves good, reasonably priced comida típica (typical food), and it always seems to be bustling. Live large and order a banana split, served on the half-shell of a pineapple.
Hojoche (Map; 2479-9197; www.lafortunahotel.com; cnr Av Arenal & Calle 3; mains ₡4000-10,000; 7am-11pm; ) Named for the gorgeous dark wood liberally used throughout the decor (check out the ceiling!), this open-air restaurant at La Fortuna Hotel is one of our favorite new dining spots. The international menu specializes in fresh seafood dishes. There’s live music on weekends, sports and movies on TV and even a Wii video game corner. The tropical Jungle bar has daily happy hour specials.
Ginger Sushi (Map; 2401-3310; www.thespringscostarica.com; mains ₡6000-10,000;2pm-11pm) This fabulous, open-air restaurant on the ground level of the Springs Resort & Spa has fantastic sushi rolls. It’s a bit out of the way, but you’ll find it’s worth the drive once you take your first bite of the fabulous creations, such as our favorite, the sunset roll.
Restaurante Mirador Arenal Steak House (Map; 2479-1926; mains ₡7000-15,000; 10am-11pm) Go West, young (wo)man! If you’re craving a good churrasco (steak), that is. This sabanero-themed steakhouse has the grilling technique down pat, with great volcano views from the patio. It’s located 8km west of La Fortuna.
Restaurant Don Rufino (Map; 2479-9997; www.donrufino.com; cnr Av Central & Calle 3; mains ₡5000-23,000; 10am-11pm) Fortuna’s best restaurant is formal enough to justify buttoning up your shirt and putting on a little lipstick. The contemporary, open-air restaurant is popular with locals and tourists alike. Continental cuisine with judiciously applied Tico flavor makes up the menu here including gigantic shrimp, fish, filet mignon and prime rib. The half-in and half-out bar is also a prime place to chill with a cocktail (as late as 2:30am, if you’re in that kind of mood).
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Drinking & Entertainment
Despite the tourist influx, La Fortuna unfortunately remains a cultural wasteland. Occasionally, cultural events are advertised on flyers posted on store windows, though entertainment in the area tends to be more of the liquid kind, and is aimed more at locals looking to get hammered and hopefully score with a gringa.
Volcán Look (Map; 2479-9690;