El Patio Del Balmoral

Located in Hotel Balmoral, El Patio offers you an amazing outdoor dinner experience. It fuses Costa Rican and American cuisine and offers a wide selection of dishes for every taste. Come here for dinner or grab some cocktails, it's always worth a visit.

• Web:

  www.balmoral.co.cr/restaurant

• Address:

  Calles 7 y 9, Avenida Central, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2222 50 22

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6:30am–8pm

• More info:

  Located at Hotel Balmoral

La Esquina de Buenos Aires

La Esquina de Buenos Aires transports you into the Argentine capital in the 50s. Fantastic service, excellent food and rustic atmosphere. It’s hard to get a booking - but we’ll worth the effort, especially for a special occasion.

• Web:

  laesquinadebuenosaires.net

• Address:

  Calle 11 esquina Av. 4, detrás de la Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Soledad, San José, Costa Rica

• Phone:

  +506 2223 1909

La Muny

Boasting one of the friendliest services you will come across in San José, La Muny is what Costa Ricans see as a comfort restaurant. Try one of their many traditional dishes, such as Gallo Pinto — Costa Rican rice and beans — and experience the warmth of Costa Rican food and culture.

• Address:

  Calle 40, Avenida 4, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2248 4815

• Opening hours:

  Mon 11am–6pm, Tue–Sat 11am–10pm, Sun closed

La Tortillería de Luján

It is almost impossible for a restaurant to be more Costa Rican than La Tortillería de Luján. Wether you're looking for a cheesy dish packed with beans or a traditional cup of coffee, La Tortillería de Luján is certainly a must-go for any traveller in San José.

• Web:

  latorticr.com

• Address:

  Calle 19b, Trans. 17, Barrio Luján, San José

• Opening hours:

  Daily 6am–7pm

Machu Picchu

Restaurante Machu Picchu is a Peruvian hidden gem in the middle of San José. This place is as authentic as they come. The ceviche is the real deal: fresh fish with the real rocoto pepper sauce. This restaurant is a must for every foodie.

• Web:

  www.restaurantemachupicchu.com

• Address:

  Calle 32, Avenida 1 & 3, Pitahaya, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2255 1717

Ram Luna

If you are looking to dine with a view, Ram Luna the right fit for you. Regular dance shows and performances add some excitement to the romantic atmosphere. Take in some culture with your meal and enjoy your evening.

• Web:

  www.restauranteramluna.com/en

• Address:

  14 km south of San José

• Phone:

  +506 2230 3022

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Fri 4pm–10pm, Sat noon–10pm, Sun noon–9pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  All ingredients are gluten free

Antik Restaurant + Bar

Whether you are looking for an outstanding dinner or an exciting night out, Antik Restaurant and Bar is your fit. Come early for a taste of the local cuisine and stay late for the party. You will want to come back for more!

• Web:

  www.antik.cr

• Address:

  Casa Matute, Calle 21, Avenida 10, San José

• Phone:

  +506 7204 9909

Bar Bahamas

Pub grub, beer, wine, and cocktails are waiting for you at Bahamas Bar in San José. Its affordable drinks menu makes it the ideal bar to start your evening, right before diving deep it into the local club scene.

• Address:

  Avenidas 0 & 2, Calle 21, San José

• Phone:

  +506 4030 1328

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Thu 4pm–10pm, Fri–Sun 3pm–10pm

• More info:

  Between Avenidas 0 and 2

Costa Rica Beer Factory Inc

With over 100 different beers, the Costa Rica Beer Factory is a favourite among locals and travellers alike. Located in a vibrant neighbourhood, it is the go-to for the typical burger and a beer.

• E-mail:

  reservas@costaricabeerfactory.com

• Address:

  Calle 33, Barrio Escalante, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2234 2644

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri noon–midnight, Sat & Sun 11:30am–midnight

El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte

El Cuartel has been around for more than a decade, entertaining guests with live music and a menu filled with over 200 cocktails and traditional Central American dishes. You can always count on having a good time here. El Cuartal is just a short walk from Parque Nacional.

• Address:

  Avenida 1, Calle 23, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2221 0327

El Observatorio

El Observatorio is the venue for live music in San José’s trendy Barrio La California. The stage is never empty, showcasing musical acts, stand-up comedians, audiovisual productions and exhibitions. There are drinks and pub crag to keep you going until 2 am. El Observatorio can be found in the narrow alley across from the Cine Magaly. Inside you'll find a large performance space with high ceilings and exposed brick walls.

• Web:

  elobservatorio.tv

• Address:

  In front if Magaly cinema, Calle 23, Avenida Central, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2223 0725

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sat 6pm–2am

El Sótano / Amón Solar

People crowd at El Sótano and Amón Solar to take part in one of their regular music shows. In this Neo-Classical building you will come across delightful live acts every night, making this the perfect destination all the culture-lovers and party-goers.

• Address:

  Calle 3, Avenida 11, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2221 2302

Alma de Café

Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

• Web:

  www.teatronacional.go.cr/Cafeteria

• Address:

  National Theatre of Costa Rica, 1, Catedral, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2010 1110

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 9am–7pm, Sun 9am–6pm

Cafe La Mancha

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

• Web:

  www.cafelamancha.com

• Address:

  Calle 1, Avenidas Central & Primera, San José

• Phone:

  +407 533 1433

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun closed

Café Miel Garage

Café Miel is one of the best places for a quick coffee and a snack in San José. Serving a wide range of coffee, sandwiches, and cupcakes, this places also presents its visitors with a cozy and lovely atmosphere. Do not forget to try the chai tea with milk and honey. Their specialty is cold coffee — just what you need on a hot day.

• Web:

  www.cafemielgarage.com

• E-mail:

  cafemielcostarica@gmail.com

• Address:

  Between Calle 11 & 13, Avenida 9, San José

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 1:30pm–6pm

Café Rojo

Café Rojo is unlike anything else you will come across in San José. Located in a quirky building, this cafe boasts a wide selection of natural and handmade juices, cakes, and salads that will make you want to go back there more than once. Do not miss one of their many Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

• Web:

  amon.cr/listing/cafe-rojo

• Address:

  Calle 3, Avenida 7, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2221 2425

• Opening hours:

  Daily 12pm–8pm

Cafeoteca

Cafeoteca is a place where one can truly have an authentic coffee experience in a stylish space with 50s Scandinavian design and a cozy outdoor space. Choose the coffee beans of your liking, as well as cup size and the brewing method. In case you get addicted to their particular blends (which can easily happen), you can even purchase bags of their roasted coffee beans.

• E-mail:

  info@kalu.co.cr

• Address:

  Calle 31, Avenida 5, Barrio Escalante, San José

• Phone:

  +506 2253 8367

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9am–6pm

Dulce Junio Café

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

• Web:

  www.dulcejuniocafe.com

• Address:

  Calle 11, Avenidas 9 & 11, Barrio Escalante, San Jose

• Phone:

  +506 4081 8812

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Fri 11am–8pm, Sat & Sun 8am–8pm

• More info:

  200 m east of the Santa Teresita church