Silvestre

Name: Silvestre
Address: Calle 3A - Ave. 11 - 955 Downtown, San José, San José, San José, Costa Rica, 10101
Telephone: 2221 2465
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.7

4.7

683 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.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
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

Location
Calle 3A - Ave. 11 - 955, Downtown, San José, San José, San José 10101
Neighborhood
San José
Cross street
Calle 3A - Ave. 11
Parking details
Valet Parking
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Ecological trout from Dota, smoked bacon Bernese sauce, cauliflower, and escarole $11,382.12
(Smooth, balanced, with daring textures)
Tuna tartare, shrimp ham, pujagua corn$6,097.56
(Perfect for sharing, with a Latin essence, fun)
Roasted sea bass, roasted heart of palm, octopus jus, and tomato $13,414.64
(Delicate, smooth, fresh, and elegant)

Earth

We celebrate the richness of Costa Rican soil. We honor the country’s vegetables and tubers and proudly present them with flavor.

Creamy arracache (Local parsnip variety), honey and garlic puree, coffee “soy” broth$6,097.57
(Vegan by chance, complex, umami)
Moist heart of palm cake, gremolata, white tomato sauce, and crispy corn$7,317.08
(Smooth, warm, like a grandmother’s hug)
Creamy pejibaye salad, lacto green tomato, egg, Massa bread$6,097.57
(Great to start, with interesting textures and familiar flavors)

Meat

Our meats are always sourced locally. Each preparation aims to highlight the flavors and elevate them, prompting us to contemplate the marvelous intrinsic qualities of the products that the country offers.

Grilled national beef tenderloin, spicy creamy carrots, and purslane$12,113.83
(Our adapted classic, with grill and vegetable tones, African accents)
Silvestre’s chicken pâté, hibiscus honey, plum paste, soft bread$3,658.54
(For engaging conversations, daring pairings, complex and approachable)
Char siu pork brioche, chili ferment, five-spice honey$6,504.07
(Our adventurous yet delicious dish, perfect for sharing)
Charcoal-grilled lamb tenderloin, toasted merguez chorizo boronas, ripe plantain and eggplant puree, juicy greens$15,040.66
(Balanced, creamy, and crispy with spicy and umami notes)

Sweet

The best way to conclude an adventure is with sweet treats that intertwine our culture with a touch of insight.

Fried tres leches cake, mangrove honey ice cream with salt$5,528.46
(Creamy, cold and hot, comforting)
Brûlée of ripe plantain, Greek yogurt, fried plantain jelly, and cinnamon bark chips$5,528.46
(Interesting textures, for locals, it’s full of familiar flavors)
Almond and mandarin moist cake, vegan mandarin ice cream, plum paste$6,016.27
(Light, with fresh acidity and gentle contrasts)
Osa Sphere - World Heritage, Talamanca cocoa, guava, and corn$6,016.27
(A house classic, even more “ours” than we imagine)

What 683 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
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Costa Rica
Best Overall
Costa Rica
Best Food
Costa Rica
Best Service
Costa Rica
Best Ambiance
Costa Rica
Best Value
Costa Rica
Innovative
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
Innovative
San José
Good for groups
San José
Healthy
San José
Neighborhood gem
San José
Great for fine wines
San José
Romantic
San José
Good for special occasions
San José
Most Booked

683 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience5
The ambiance of the restaurant was lovely. The servers were very nice but occasionally there were long pauses in service as it became busier in the restaurant. The amuse bouche was a nice touch and delicious. My partner is a vegetarian and there were relatively few options on the menu for her but we did enjoy the salad and she loved the heart of palm dish. I had the steak and it was tasty but quite tough. I loved my cocktail “Lolita Zeller”. The desserts we tried were yummy.. Everything was beautiful in appearance. It was expensive compared to other food we’d had in Costa Rica but still a relative bargain compared to similar restaurants in large cities in the U.S.if you are looking for delicious food in San Jose, I would also recommend Amana in Barrio Escalante.
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F
Fiona
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Excellent service and fun experience. Able to accommodate gluten free diet. Speaks English.
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GR
GustavoRuizC
Costa Rica
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
One more time, Santiago and his team do it again. On this occasion, celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary, the experience was simply spectacular. A unique atmosphere, exquisite service, and the tasting menu were perfect details for a magical evening. In my opinion, it's the best restaurant in Costa Rica today. Thank you, Paloma, Andrew, and Chef Santiago! Thank you.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall3food3service5ambience5
It was average , food could’ve been betters I was there last year and the taste was really good.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 24, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
We tried the tasting menu. It was a delicious, sumptuous experience. Each course was outstanding—flavorful, creative, and even thematically thought out. And the service was superb! It was definitely a meal we will always remember!
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K
Kate
Washington DC
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 22, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Can easily say this was one of the best / most memorable meals I have ever had
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Costa Rica
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 19, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fue una experiencia culinaria que nos cambió para siempre.
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A
Agatha
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on November 16, 2023
overall4food5service4ambience5
Con un menu que destaca la idea de momentos importantes es una propuesta interesante de valor adecuado. Nos encanto el maridaje alcohólico tanto como el no-alcoholico. Solo me queda la pregunta si en la reflexion de los recuerdos Costaricenses/Latinoamericanos resonara de misma manera con el 90% de clientela extranjera.
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K
Kevin
Costa Rica
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 14, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Tasting menu certainly would delight you. Try it with the chef's wine recommendations, is amazing!
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GR
GustavoRuizC
Costa Rica
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 10, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
"Silvestre" offers the best culinary experience in Costa Rica by far. My guests were more than delighted with everything: the personalized attention from Chef Santiago, the details, the passion in every dish—simply exceptional. Once again, you've exceeded my expectations in every way. Thank you very much to the entire staff.
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AV
AprilV
New York Area
7 reviews
vip
4.0
7 reviews
Dined on November 9, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience3
We were very excited to try Silvestre based on other reviews. The restaurant is beautiful and the concept of story telling along with the Chefs Tasting menus was wonderful. Unfortunately there was a very large party that made it difficult to hear the servers’ presentation of the dishes. The wine pairings were superb and our dessert was the star of the show! The other dishes were ok but not what we had hoped for . We would give it another try but may order from the alacarte menu next time.
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CC
CarlosC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
El menú degustación es excelente 100% recomendado.
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JG
JavierG
Orlando
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Creatividad, historia, sabores y servicio impecables. Costo sigue siendo por encima de lo razonable para las porciones, pero sin duda es de lo mejor de Costa Rica y amerita experimentar cada nuevo menú degustación!
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LB
LuisB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 4, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelent place, with great plates using Costa Rican products in a novel way. Totally recommended
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c
claudiag
Las Vegas
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Nos encanto la comida y el servicio , mejor de lo que esperaba
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C
Chinara
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing and thoughtful experience with delicious food. We did the 7 course chef selection. Highly recommend!
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m
michaelo
San Francisco
16 reviews
vip
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on October 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely amazing experience of a 7 course tasting menu with wine pairing!
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PS
PolloSolano
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Esxcelent Tasting Menu, delicious, inspired, a really good experience. Little booklet to remember the experience. Price fair for all the goods it brings.
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AC
AbbyC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was all perfect. From the food, to the experience. I had a wonderful evening! Thanks to Leandro for his great customer service.
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L
Leha
San Francisco
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 24, 2023
overall4food4service4ambience5
The appetizers were great! The main dishes were not so good. I would recommend ordering several appetizers and skipping main dishes.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience4
Excelente todo la atención de Paloma espectacular. Y el menú de degustación increíble.
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OE
OmiraE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 21, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excelente servicio, la atención de los meseros, calidad de la comida y el hecho de ser gluten free es increíble
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MH
MauricioH
Mexico City
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food4service4ambience5
Un espacio agradable. La propuesta del menú de 7 tiempos muy original. Hay detalles que realmente te hacen sentir que vale la pena. El maridaje sugerido muy atinado a los platillos. Las porciones son adecuadas, aunque no así la del maridaje que si bien es cierto es para degustación, podrían alcanzar otro nivel. El precio es alto, pero el valor también lo es. Buen servicio del personal.
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t
tcbrackin
Jacksonville
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 15, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was amazing, the experience was once in a lifetime, and the presentation by Paloma made it truly unforgettable. ❤️❤️
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JH
JasperH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 13, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was a unforgettable time and experience to make good memories
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ES
ErickS
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 7, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
Un lugar diferente, buena cocina, ambientación especial tipo a la antigua, el servicio muy bueno. Un cuentos historias, sobre la comida, sensaciones y aventuras del chef que sin duda fue una cosa singular.
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MB
MariaB
Costa Rica
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 6, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Comida deliciosa y natural en un ambiente agradable y excelente atención
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S
Stefan
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 4, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
the 7 course menu was a great experience and a unique idea you have to try
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JB
JimenaB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 3, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of the best foodie experiences I've had. The stories, the album, just made the experience so memorable, and the food was absolutely amazing. I picked the place for specialising in local food, and I couldn't have picked better. So skip your overpriced hotel restaurant, and head out to an amazing historic house for a meal and experience of a lifetime.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 1, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Me encanto la experiencia de los 8 tiempos y su historia
Is this helpful?
XL
XtyLu
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 29, 2023
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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RO
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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SC
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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OT
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
Is this helpful?
OT
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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RR
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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GR
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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C
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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C
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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MM
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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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily

FAQs

Silvestre is rated 4.7 stars by 683 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 7, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 19 times today

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
Price
$30 and under
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

Website
http://www.restaurantesilvestre.com/
Phone number
2221 2465

Silvestre

Make a reservation

Additional information

Menu

Water

Ecological trout from Dota, smoked bacon Bernese sauce, cauliflower, and escarole $11,382.12

Tuna tartare, shrimp ham, pujagua corn$6,097.56

Roasted sea bass, roasted heart of palm, octopus jus, and tomato $13,414.64

Earth

Creamy arracache (Local parsnip variety), honey and garlic puree, coffee “soy” broth$6,097.57

Moist heart of palm cake, gremolata, white tomato sauce, and crispy corn$7,317.08

Creamy pejibaye salad, lacto green tomato, egg, Massa bread$6,097.57

Meat

Grilled national beef tenderloin, spicy creamy carrots, and purslane$12,113.83

Silvestre’s chicken pâté, hibiscus honey, plum paste, soft bread$3,658.54

Char siu pork brioche, chili ferment, five-spice honey$6,504.07

Charcoal-grilled lamb tenderloin, toasted merguez chorizo boronas, ripe plantain and eggplant puree, juicy greens$15,040.66

Sweet

Fried tres leches cake, mangrove honey ice cream with salt$5,528.46

Brûlée of ripe plantain, Greek yogurt, fried plantain jelly, and cinnamon bark chips$5,528.46

Almond and mandarin moist cake, vegan mandarin ice cream, plum paste$6,016.27

Osa Sphere - World Heritage, Talamanca cocoa, guava, and corn$6,016.27

What 683 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

FAQs

How is Silvestre restaurant rated?

Is Silvestre currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information