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.

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.

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L'Olivo

$$$ | Paseo Colón

The vaulted ceilings and a vineyard mural on one wall evoke old Italy at this restaurant serving homemade pastas—spinach cannelloni and linguine with clam sauce are popular dishes. An extensive wine list rounds out the offerings, and service is attentive—the chef makes the rounds to ensure that you’re satisfied. The scant dozen tables mean that reservations are a good idea for dinner. The smallness of the restaurant does create one drawback: it can be difficult to carry on a conversation when things get busy, although that does add to the liveliness of the place. The same owners behind the west-side lodging Suites Cristina also operate L’Olivo. The restaurant is most easily entered from around the corner, however—it's physically separate from the hotel.

Park Café

$$$ | Sabana Norte

Set within an antiques shop, the internationally inspired all-tapas menu includes Thai-style tuna salad, red-snapper couscous, and other tasty dishes. The colonial-style house is only about a decade old, but attention to architectural detail and antique furnishings make you think the building was transplanted from Antigua or Granada. Space is limited, so reservations are a must. The January–April dry season takes the pressure off a bit, allowing seating to spill over from the covered veranda to the open courtyard. You dine among the many antiques for sale here, so small children are not allowed.

San Jose

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