5 Best Restaurants in San Jose, Costa Rica

Grano de Oro Restaurant

$$$ | Paseo Colón Fodor's choice
The Hotel Grano de Oro houses one of San José's premier dining destinations: a splendid restaurant wrapped around a lovely indoor patio and bromeliad-filled garden. The garden area is a perfect spot for lunch on a warm day—choose from among a variety of light sandwiches and salads, or opt for dinner in the elegant indoor dining area for dishes like breaded sea bass with orange sauce and macadamia nuts or cerdo en salsa tamarindo (roasted pork in tamarind sauce). An impressive selection of 100-plus wines and a decadent dessert menu—the coffee-cream “Pie Grano de Oro” is the must-try option here—round out the offerings. Although elegance is the word in this grand coffee-plantation-house-turned-hotel, you’ll see everything from diners in business attire to guests in casual garb just back from the hinterlands.

Kalú

$$$ | Barrio Escalante Fodor's choice

At one of the capital's trendiest dining spots, the panini and pastas are the standouts, but Kalú's menu incorporates Costa Rican, Thai, and American elements, too. For one of those Americanized touches, try the hambuguesa Kalú, with portobello mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, and hummus. Browse in the adjoining art gallery before or after your meal, or while you wait for your food.

Eclectic Breakfast Lunch Dinner $$$ Fodor's Choice
C. 31, Avda. 5, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
2253–8426
www.kalu.co.cr
Known For
  • pleasant garden setting
  • inventive menu
  • adjoining art gallery for browsing while you wait
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Mon. No dinner Sun.

Le Chandelier

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Formal service and traditional sauce-heavy French dishes are part of the experience at this elegant dining room with wicker chairs, tile floors, and original paintings. Start off with saffron ravioli stuffed with ricotta cheese and walnuts, and opt for a unique main course like corvina in a pejibaye (peach palm) sauce or hearts of palm and veal chops glazed in a sweet port-wine sauce. The more familiar pato a la naranja (duck à l'orange) gets a tropical twist as pato a la maracuyá (duck in passion fruit).

Recommended Fodor's Video

Restaurante Silvestre

$$$$ | Barrio Amón Fodor's choice
Chef Santiago Fernandez is at the helm of this ambitious and wildly successful exploration of upscale contemporary Costa Rican cuisine. The regularly changing menus use local and organic ingredients (along with fish and meat procured through responsible means) to take diners on a journey into some of the most creative (and delicious) food Costa Rica has to offer. Many dishes also incorporate a whimiscal look into an aspect of Costa Rican history and culture, such as appetizers served under a colorful devil's mask, representing Masquerade Day, a traditional Costa Rican take on Halloween. Downstairs, the darkly alluring bar, Cothnejo Fishy, offers small bites and a fun cocktail menu.
Costa Rican Dinner Fodor's Choice Lunch Prix-Fixe $$$$
Avda. 11, C. 3A, San José, San José, 10101, Costa Rica
2221–2465
www.restaurantesilvestre.com
Known For
  • gorgeous setting in a renovated mansion with a plant-filled indoor terrace
  • prix-fixe menus of sustainable fine dining, including wine pairings
  • hip downstairs bar
Restaurants Details
Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

Tin Jo

$$$ Fodor's choice
The colorful dining rooms of this converted house evoke Japan, India, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. Start with a powerful Singapore sling (brandy and fruit juices) before trying such treats as Thai shrimp and pineapple curry in coconut milk, Chinese mu shu stir-fry with crepes, Indian samosas, and sushi rolls. The vegetarian menu is extensive. Tin Jo stands out with always-exceptional food, attention to detail, and attentive service that make it, hands down, the country's top Asian restaurant.