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Silvestre, San José, San José, San José

Silvestre

4.7
4.7
653 Reviews
$30 and under
Latin American
Top Tags:
Silvestre is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of San José, Costa Rica. Chef Santiago Fernández offers a well-thought-out, curated small seasonal menu that brings you the freshest locally sourced ingredients. Silvestre is a worthy stop, as part of your exploration of the city, also perfect for a romantic dinner or to celebrate a special occasion. We also offer an impressive conceptual menú degustación about the Costa Rican soul, its flavors and everything in between.

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2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Latin American, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Latin
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Phone number
    2221 2465
  • Website
    http://www.restaurantesilvestre.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Santiago Fernández Benedetto

What 653 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Costa Rica

    Best Overall

  • Costa Rica

    Best Food

  • Costa Rica

    Best Service

  • Costa Rica

    Best Value

  • Costa Rica

    Good for business meals

  • Costa Rica

    Innovative

  • Costa Rica

    Healthy

  • Costa Rica

    Neighborhood gem

  • Costa Rica

    Great for fine wines

  • Costa Rica

    Good for special occasions

  • Costa Rica

    Most Booked

  • San José

    Best Overall

  • San José

    Best Food

  • San José

    Best Service

  • San José

    Best Ambiance

  • San José

    Best Value

  • San José

    Good for business meals

  • San José

    Healthy

  • San José

    Neighborhood gem

  • San José

    Great for fine wines

  • San José

    Romantic

  • San José

    Good for special occasions

  • San José

    Lively

  • San José

    Most Booked

653 Reviews

  1. XtyLu

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Una experiencia gastronómica superior: desde el ambiente, la narrativa y la comida. Esa capacidad de poder ponerle sabor a los recuerdos y que te lleve a re conectar con gratos recuerdos se convirtió en una buena forma de generar conversaciones con las personas en la mesa.

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  2. RODOLFOA

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    It is a nice place. But the price seems too expensive.

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  3. SofiaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Un lugar que demuestra el esfuerzo y dedicación que ponen en cada plato y concepto de menú. La cida realmente representa el sabor de un recuerdo y fue una experiencia inolvidable. Regresaría para probar los nuevos menús degustación

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our expectations were exceeded at every level. The restaurant is beautiful and an experience in and of itself. The lighting, the music, the other guests were all lovely and interesting. Our waiter was enthusiastic and kept us smiling and entertained throughout the evening. It was like Christmas each time a new wine was poured and perfectly paired with each course which was beautifully presented artwork on our plates and a culinary delight. Special touch by using carefully selected local produce and honoring the people cultivating or harvesting the products. The chef was able to combine the ingredients in an unusual way giving each dish a special twist perfectly paired with wine. The Our waiter presented us with a beautiful card that told a story around each course and the cards were ours to take as a gift at the end of our meal. The chef came out and spoke with us at the end of our meal, which added a really nice touch to the overall experience. It was one of our most memorable dining experiences. The chef is incredibly talented and their concept is truly unique. We will go back the next time we are in San Jose.Our expectations were exceeded at every level. The restaurant is beautiful and an experience in and of itself. The lighting, the music, the other guests were all lovely and interesting. Our waiter was enthusiastic and kept us smiling and entertained throughout the evening. It was like Christmas each time a new wine was poured and perfectly paired with each course which was beautifully presented artwork on our plates and a culinary delight. Another special touch that impressed us was how they carefully selected local produce and honored the people cultivating or harvesting the products. The chef was able to combine the ingredients in an unusual way giving each dish a special twist perfectly paired with wine. Our waiter presented us with a beautiful card that told a story around each course and the cards were ours to take as a gift at the end f the eveni

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  5. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most amazing food experience ever with this surprise tasting menu! superb!

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  6. RogelioR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    They need to improve the time between different plates. It's too long now.

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  7. GabrielaR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Nos encanto la cena, la EXPERIENCIA y el servicio fue extraordinario. Volveríamos. Los precios son un poco altos pero paga una ocasión especial es perfecto. Leandro fue la persona que nos atendió toda la noche e hizo súper amena la cena. ¡PURA VIDA! PURA DELICIA 🩷

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  8. Chris

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s an 8 course tasting menu, you can request vegetarian or Pescetarian.

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  9. Comensal

    Costa Rica

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Tuvimos que prestar atención a las explicaciones que el servicio daba en otras mesas sobre los ingredientes de los platillos que degustamos porque no había consistencia en las descripciones dadas.

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  10. MonserratM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was amazing! She explained every plate with such detail. Truly a one of a kind experience!

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This place is truly an experience. I have been three times. I used to live the a la carte menu but this time they switched to only the Chef tasting menu. It is really amazing and the chef is so creative. The servers are amazing at telling you the stories. It made me proud of my costarrican cuisine. If you don’t want the chefs menu head over to their bar Conejo Fishy. In the basement. Excellent food there as well. And the house itself is a gem of old San Jose.

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  12. OpenTable Diner

    Costa Rica

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Necesitamos más lugares como este en Costa Rica. Impecable. La presentación de los platos, el sabor, las texturas, el maridaje, una experiencia que no tiene nada que envidiarle a los grandes restaurantes de ciudades cosmopolitas 👌🏻

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  13. Claire

    London

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The most brilliant experience - wonderful food, welcoming, warmth, a love and passion for their food. A must go in San Jose. We did the tasting menu and loved it.

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  14. GlorianaCH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Todo increíble!!! Dem gracias a don Leandro por atendernos tan bien y ponerle tanto cariño a su trabajo. Definitivamente nuestro nuevo restaurante favorito.

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  15. CelesteS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing experience! The food and service were incredible, will most definitely be coming back

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  16. MiguelR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lo único que no me gusto es que no regresaran a la mesa a continuar sirviendo el vino. Claro eran muchos clientes.

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  17. AlexG

    Costa Rica

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Chef Santiago always surprise us, already booked my next night out with my wife. If you come to Costa Rica I highly recommend Silvestre, you won’t be disappointed.

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  18. RafaelaGuedes

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Beautiful antique building bringing a cozy atmosphere. The waiters were all very polite and knew well about the menu and wine list. Great food served with elegance. They have kids option.

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  19. Amigo

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 30, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The restaurant was fairly quiet on a Friday night, with mostly people in formal business wear. Some hits and misses with the food. Price is a little on the high side, but that’s expected. My pork chop came between medium/medium rare, so some parts were stringy. Might have preferred medium well done. Overall a nice place for date night if you want to impress your dining companion.

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  20. Elobservador

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    The food was not as good as we expected. The lamb was hard and the beens of the fish was were burnt. In addition to that the pejibaye was stale. Finally the caldoso was terrible

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  21. JohannaF

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 28, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    It is a good experience for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries

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  22. OpenTable Diner

    Costa Rica

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Como siempre, no es una simple cena es toda una experiencia! Gracias por todo!

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on July 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place. Eight course tasting menu is wonderful. Get the wine pairing. :-) Service is excellent and tells you a story about every course.

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  24. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the tasting menu with classic pairings - beautifully presented, lots of new tastes, great pairings and loved the stores. Staff super friendly and efficient.

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  25. AlejandroFaydella

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious upgrade, just one mistake the meat was overdone an a little hard yo bite, I dont want ro return the plate because it was ti much Work done in my plate

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  26. Sebastianbeltran

    Costa Rica

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    If you value gastronomic experiences based on sensory stimulus and also like stories to be told for each valuable ingredient, then silvestre is your choice. You want to be here if you want to set a nice memories for special and routinaries moments. each every single time i have visited silvestre i find a different relationship with each plate.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on July 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was amazing but as good as it was, that didn’t compare to the story behind each dish. We did the 8 course tasting menu and it did not disappoint! Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable of every dish that was provided. 10/10 would go back.

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  28. Chris

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The was a true treat. Just a wonderful wonderful meal that was inspired by a chef that’s just amazingly creative and with love foe detail! We all loved it and recommend it to any foodie and one that wants to become one!!

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  29. MarielaH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente servicio y comida. El menú de degustación siempre es una experiencia increíble y más con los maridajes.

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  30. MarvinC

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Menú de degustación altamente creativo. Comida fabulosa. Una experiencia más allá del paladar. Totalmente recomendado.

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  31. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful food and excellent service! Highly recommend!

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  32. DanielaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was spectacular, great service from everyone

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best choice for my last meal in Costa Rica! Amazing food, impeccable service, they were very accommodating to my allergies and definitely made my experience dining solo a good one. Ambiance is A+ as well.

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  34. Silvia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience1
    Servíce was not great, food was good but overpriced

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  35. CarlosB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Great Food, a little sour for me, meat was fantastic and the service for Paloma make a difference.

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  36. PTHOEN

    Mexico City

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall2food3service5ambience3
    I’ve been at Silvestre three times now. With so much hype around Silvestre, I always feel somewhat let down. The ceviche was excellent however the pork was way over salted. Service kind and enthusiastic, especially from our waiter-sommelier.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Costa Rica

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excelente experiencia y la comida deliciosa. Muy buena elección.

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  38. LameR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing storytelling through food. All dishes were phenomenal but the storytelling brought it all together. Excellent wine pairings. Professional service. Top notch dining experience in costa rica.

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  39. VicenteB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great experience. I highly recommend this restaurant, together with the fixed menu experience.

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  40. JonathanL

    New York Area

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on June 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I’ve traveled to many places and this is one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had. It was a highly personal culinary trip through the heart of Costa Rica. Every course was meticulously crafted and thought through. Simply wonderful, at least a two Michelin starred restaurant anywhere in the World.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Silvestre is rated 4.7 stars by 653 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 17 times today
Google Map for Silvestre

Calle 3A - Ave. 11 - 955, Downtown, San José, San José, San José 10101

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Calle 3A - Ave. 11
  • Neighborhood
    San José
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Mon–Sat 6:00 pm–10:30 pm
  • Cuisines
    Latin American, Farm-to-table, Contemporary Latin
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Valet Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, JCB, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Santiago Fernández Benedetto
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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