For travelers, dining in a foreign country can be a challenge. However, for many—especially die-hard “foodies”—sampling the local cuisine is often an essential part of the vacation experience. Dining in Costa Rica can be quite varied, mainly because the country has traditionally been a melting pot of cultures. This means you’ll find a wide variety of cuisine in restaurants across the country, including traditional fare (called “tipico”), Chinese, African, and many others.
Dining in Costa Rica isn’t much different from dining in other parts of North America. Unlike Europeans, who tend to eat dinner late, Ticos (as native Costa Ricans are called) eat lunch between 11 am and 2 pm and dinner between 6 pm and 8 pm, much like Americans and Canadians. Small diner-type restaurants, called sodas, which serve local food, generally stay open from 11 am until 11 pm. Some restaurants remain open 24 hours a day, but these tend to be popular chain restaurants that you might also find elsewhere in North America.
The city of San José is where you’ll find the most restaurants, as well as the greatest variety. The capital city has everything from coffee shops to deli-type establishments where you can grab a quick sandwich, to five-star restaurants offering fine cuisine and the ambiance to go with it. Other large cities offer fewer choices, and in remote coastal and inland areas, finding a restaurant can be a challenge.
Dining on Local Foods
Eating meals in Costa Rica doesn’t have to be too adventurous, as you can always find common foods like pizza and burgers if that’s your preference. However, there are some wonderful local dishes you should try while visiting the country—even in small quantities if you’re not too daring.
The staple of nearly every traditional Costa Rican meal is rice and beans, but not the kind you might associate with other Central American countries like Mexico, where the food is often much spicier. You’ll even find rice and beans on the breakfast menu—look for gallo pinto—served with eggs, meat, or seafood. At lunch and dinner, rice and beans are served with meat, often accompanied by a cabbage salad and fried plantains. This combination forms a dish known as casado. The ingredients of the casado may vary depending on what the soda has available that day.
Ticos love their meat, and Costa Rica is home to many cattle ranches, providing plenty of good beef for the country’s restaurants. One of the most popular beef dishes is olla de carne, a hearty beef vegetable soup containing potatoes, squash, corn, plantains, and yucca. Chicken is also widely served, and dishes like Arroz con Pollo (chicken with rice and local vegetables) are favorites.
Of course, with two coasts, dining in Costa Rica should include sampling the fine local seafood. Sea bass, known as corvina, is a widely served fish, as is tuna, mahi-mahi (sometimes called dorado), and red snapper. Shellfish isn’t as popular because much of it is exported, and what remains tends to be overpriced.
The fruits and vegetables in Costa Rica are top-notch. Some tropical fruits will be foreign to many visitors but should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid stomach issues. Expect to find mangoes, pineapples, various melons, passion fruit, star fruit, and plenty of bananas. Juices served in restaurants are typically fresh-squeezed and very tasty. Vegetables aren’t as plentiful or varied, but one popular salad item on most menus is palmito or heart of palm, usually boiled, chopped, and mixed with other salad greens. Cabbage is also a common side dish, as are tomatoes.
Desserts are simple but delicious. Similar to Mexico, custard-like flan is often served in restaurants and homes, as well as pound cakes, often accompanied by tropical fruit.
When it comes to beverages, most independent restaurants, as well as those in hotels or resorts, offer bottled water to customers. While the water supply in Costa Rica is generally considered safe, it’s always best to be cautious. Diners can order sparkling or regular (non-bubbly) water.
Alcohol is served at many restaurants, with beer being particularly popular, especially German varieties. North American visitors will also find some Canadian and American brews. South American wines are more common than those from the U.S. or Europe. Guaro, Costa Rica’s national liquor, is used in many alcoholic drinks, usually mixed with soft drinks like Coca-Cola or tonic water for a sweet, flavorful drink.
Finding a Good Restaurant in Costa Rica
Where you dine in Costa Rica may depend on how adventurous you are with your food choices.
Most of the country’s upscale resorts and hotels have excellent restaurants, often considered the highest-rated in Costa Rica. These establishments offer local foods, as well as steaks and chicken. Prices are generally higher at these venues.
As with any destination, the best places for dining in Costa Rica are the sodas that are highly recommended by locals. Ask any Tico where to eat, and they’ll likely lead you to a small café in an out-of-the-way spot that you might never consider without a local’s recommendation. Often, these places have low prices, wide selections, and always fresh food. You usually won’t find these spots on internet restaurant guides or tourist maps. But if you give them a try, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised and walk away knowing you sampled some of the best local cuisine.
