Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [60]
BEST EATS IN THE METROPOLITAN AREA
Every restaurant has a specialty that it does better than anyone else. Here’s our guide to the best…
Bocas La Casona de Laly, Escazú (Click here)
Caribbean cooking Restaurante Whapin, Los Yoses (Click here)
Casados Nuestra Tierra, San José (right)
Cheesecake Kalú, San José (above)
Cinnamon rolls Giacomin, Los Yoses (Click here)
Gallo pinto El Buen Comer, Los Yoses (Click here)
Historic atmosphere Restaurante Grano de Oro, La Sabana (Click here)
Hummus Aya Sofya, Los Yoses (Click here)
Pizza Pane e Vino, San Pedro (Click here)
Spanish-style tapas Olio, Los Yoses (Click here)
Steak La Esquina de Buenos Aires, San José (Click here)
Café Mundo (Map; 2222-6190; cnr Av 9 & Calle 15; mains ₡2800-6500; 11am-10:30pm Mon-Thu, 5pm-12:30am Fri & Sat; ) Location. Location. Location. This longtime Italian cafe and expat favorite has it. Set on a sprawling terrace in a vintage Barrio Otoya mansion, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine and good (if not earth-shattering) pizzas and pastas within sight of a splashing outdoor fountain. The wine list is good and even includes a selection of bubbly Spanish cavas.
La Cocina de Leña (Map; 2222-1883/8782; Centro Comercial El Pueblo; mains ₡3500-6000; 11am-11pm Sun-Thu, to midnight Fri & Sat) ‘The Wood Stove’ is a charming spot with terra-cotta tiles, a wood-beam ceiling and the endearing tradition of printing its menu on brown paper bags. The fare is all Costa Rican country cooking, strong on dishes like tamales and olla de carne, a hearty meat-and-vegetable soup that warms the bones on chilly nights. There is live marimba music on some evenings.
Don Wang (Map; 2223-5925/6484; www.donwangrestaurant.com; Calle 11 btwn Avs 6 & 8; mains ₡4000-7800; 11am-3pm & 5:30-10pm Mon-Fri, 11am-11pm Sat, 11am-10pm Sun; ) This hopping Cantonese eatery is an ideal place for dim sum (they serve it all day every day), as well as a long list of Chinese specialties, from stir-fried shrimp with cashews to mu shu vegetables (there are more than a dozen veggie dishes to choose from). Parents will love the children’s play area in the corner – ideal for restless toddlers.
News Café (Map; cnr Av Central & Calle 7; mains ₡4200-11,000; 6am-10pm; ) On the ground floor of Hotel Presidente is the most popular cafe in the city among gringo expats. The main draw is the daily selection of foreign newspapers and the free wi-fi, as well as a simple menu strong on American specialties such as sandwiches, salads and steaks.
Restaurante Tin-Jo (Map; 2221-7605; www.tinjo.com; Calle 11 btwn Avs 6 & 8; mains ₡5000-8500; 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-10pm Mon-Thu, 11:30am-3pm & 5:30-11pm Fri & Sat, 11:30am-10pm Sun; ) The interiors of this popular Asian standard-bearer are a riot of pan-Asian everything – just like the menu. Expect a wide range of fare from various regions – from kung pao shrimp to spicy tuna maki to pad thai – as well as an extensive vegetarian menu.
Nuestra Tierra (Map; cnr Av 2 & Calle 15; mains ₡5200-10,000; 24hr; ) A taxidermied bull’s head greets you at this country restaurant, where the theme is Costa Rican spit and sawdust. Cheery waiters deliver wooden platters piled with heaping casados to hordes of hungry tourists and Tico families seated at rustic picnic-style tables. Portions are large, the food is good and the prices reasonable.
Top End
El Patio (Map; 2221-1700; www.elpatiodelbalmoral.com; Av Central btwn Calles 7 & 9; sandwiches ₡1400-2200; mains ₡5200-11,000; 6am-10:30pm) Filled with chattering gringos and suited Ticos, this all-purpose cafe-restaurant is a good place to chill out while taking in the pedestrian action on Av Central. Bonus: on sunny days, the restaurant