Lonely PlanetAug 18, 2026
What to eat and drink in Costa Rica
From seafood to tropical fruit and everything in between – here
25 things in this story
- Soda El PattyRestaurantRustic restaurant famous for its patí.
- Taylor's Dine & GrillRestaurantServes patí and other Caribbean dishes.
- Lizzie 1879RestaurantSample rondón on the Caribbean coast.
- Elsewhere
- Mercado CentralMarketSan José, Costa RicaGallo pinto served here.
- Plaza FeriasMarketAlajuela, Costa RicaFarmers market in a mango-growing area.
- Tamarindo Farmer's MarketMarketTamarindo, Costa RicaBuy fresh guanabana here.
- CocomanRestaurantTortuguero, Costa RicaGreat place to grab a beef patí.
- Sheriff RusticRestaurantSámara, Costa RicaBeachside view for gallo pinto.
- Soda TapiaRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaServing traditional dishes since 1965.
- Soda KaweRestaurantCahuita, Costa RicaReasonably priced gallo pinto and casado.
- Papaya RestaurantRestaurantPlaya Chuquita, Costa RicaOffers beautifully presented gallo pinto.
- Santuario EcológicoPlaceMonteverde, Costa RicaOffers hands-on cooking classes.
- Maxi's By RickyRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaDoes a great rondón soup.
- Alma de AmónCaféSan José, Costa RicaSells meat- and fish-free rondón vegano.
- SelvinRestaurantPunta Uva, Costa RicaTop restaurant since 1982.
- Café LiberiaCaféLiberia, Costa RicaEsteemed for its fresh ceviche.
- Restaurante OrquideasRestaurantParaíso, Costa RicaServes excellent ceviche and shrimp.
- SAGE @ Playa 506RestaurantPlaya Cocles, Costa RicaCoastal location for mahi-mahi ceviche.
- Mr Maxi’s RestaurantRestaurantManzanillo, Costa RicaEnjoy ceviche with a Caribbean view.
- La VentanitaRestaurantEl Castillo, Costa RicaSells the best chifrijo for miles.
- El Social SabanaRestaurantSan José, Costa RicaEnjoy quality chifrijo and a relaxed vibe.
- Casona de LalyRestaurantEscazú, Costa RicaSan José favorite; order chifrijo.
- Museo de InsectosMuseumSan José, Costa RicaServes mealworms and crickets.
- Fiesta del MaízRestaurantCosta RicaFestival of Corn.
- Feria Nacional de PejibayeFestivalCosta RicaNational Peach Palm Market.