Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Costa Rica

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2024

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Costa Rica? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Capital Grille - San José

4.9

4.9 (361)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Escazu

About the restaurant

Fundado en 1990 en Providence, RI, The Capital Grille es un restaurante de alta cocina conocido por sus cortes de carne añejados en seco, mariscos frescos, una lista de vinos galardonada y un servicio personalizado y profesional en una atmósfera elegante y relajada.

Top review

Ben

Dined on Sep 28, 2024

Stopped in for a quick early lunch. Had the shrimp appetizer, which is normally breaded and has peppers. I asked for it just sautéed with butter and garlic and they were some of the best, most tender and tasty shrimps I've ever had

Amana

4.9

4.9 (47)

$30 and under

Contemporary Latin

San José

About the restaurant

A modern culinary concept that aims to combine local ingredients with techniques and preparations from across the world.

Located in Barrio Escalante, Amana offers an inviting, casual, and warm atmosphere right outside the heart of the capital; paired with creative dishes, attention to detail, and exceptional service.

Our kitchen is led by San Pellegrino Young Chef 2024 Regional Finalist (Latam & Caribbean) and Costa Rican winner of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs: Kenneth Ruiz.

Chef's Table available Thu-Sat, seating between 6:30pm and 8:30pm (8 people per night max)

Top review

Julián

Dined 6 days ago

The food was delicious and the personal experienced! All the dishes were incredibly delicious! Luis attended us very respectfully and recommended the best of the menu! We will go back again

Jaguar Negro

4.8

4.8 (1044)

$30 and under

Mexican

San José

About the restaurant

La experiencia comienza cuando pasas por las puertas de Jaguar Negro y te transportarás a un oasis tropical mexicano con aires relajados y elegancia casual. Primero descubres un jardín secreto rodeado de agua y plantas nativas mexicanas y desde ahí emprendes un viaje sonoro, sensorial y visual que te transportará a México sin salir de Costa Rica.

Nuestro menú esta inspirado en la cocina de cantina, en los platillos de tradición y en las técnicas ancestrales que acompañan cada preparación. Todo se disfruta alrededor de una mesa pensada para ser compartida.

Top review

Dan

Dined on Sep 29, 2024

Tacos were delicious. Chicken mole was precooked and over done. Octopus was lost in the sauce. Server was excellent but the meal overall was rushed

Huacas Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (68)

$30 and under

Contemporary Latin

Nosara

About the restaurant

An elegant open air restaurant for guests 15 and older, with the best view in Nosara, offering creative dishes and mixology crafted with ingredients from the surrounding community, the real flavors of Costa Rica.

We want you to taste the Earth and Ocean with every meal we prepare for you.

*All dietary restrictions and desires are happily accommodated. (Vegan, Keto, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Dairy-free, etc).

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner every day of the week.

15-year-old and above age policy.

No pets allowed.

Top review

Katya

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

Had an amazing experience that day :) get the burger and chicken sandwich. 🤌

Meso

4.8

4.8 (19)

$30 and under

Mediterranean

Marina Papagayo

About the restaurant

Explore our newest restaurant and prepare your taste buds for “Mesoterranean cuisine,” an innovative blend of vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a touch of Mesoamerican influence, complemented with refreshing tropical renditions of classic Mediterranean cocktails. Located at Nacascolo beach at Casa de Playa.

Top review

Candace

Dined on Aug 10, 2024

We went for dinner service during tapas week and the food was excellent. I had the paella, my husband had the pork chop and our daughter had the pasta. We all loved everything. The server was incredibly attentive. We went at night so we didn’t get the view but loved the open air concept.

Los Tres Mexican Bistró

4.8

4.8 (20)

$30 and under

Mexican

Santa Ana

About the restaurant

Los Tres®️ es un tributo al legado familiar de los tres Luis Alfaro: abuelo, padre e hijo, pioneros de la comida mexicana en Costa Rica desde 1972. Este restaurante nos transporta al pasado, presente y futuro, fusionando ideas de las tres generaciones. La alta cocina de asador y parrilla regiomontana está presente, empleando ingredientes de primera provenientes de nuestra huerta y proveedores especializados.

En Los Tres®️ te sentirás como en casa, en un espacio familiar que trasciende. Como bistró mexicano, combinamos la atmósfera acogedora y el servicio atento de un bistró con la rica tradición culinaria mexicana. A través de cada platillo y bebida, te brindaremos una experiencia única .

Top review

Katy

Dined on Sep 14, 2024

Finally a good Mexican inspired restaurant in Escazu. The sauces were tasty (loved the salsa verde), the courtesy beans with pork were excellent, margaritas and cheladas were great,, Al pastor tacos were legit and desserts were unique and excellent. There was a large party taking place at the restaurant with loud live music but the service continued and the music was nice. .

Silvestre

4.6

4.6 (818)

$30 and under

Latin American

San José

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Joselyn

Dined on Oct 2, 2024

Excellent service, experience and the food was amazing.

Olive Garden Terrazas Lindora

4.6

4.6 (1167)

$30 and under

Italian

San José

About the restaurant

¡En Olive Garden la generosidad Italiana estará siempre en tu mesa!
Sabemos que todo en la vida es mejor en familia y por eso te ofrecemos lo mejor de la comida italiana en un ambiente muy agradable.
Podrás disfrutar de nuestros icónicos favoritos, al mejor estilo italiano como son el Fettucine Alfredo, Tour of Italy, Lasagna Fritta y Chicken Parmigiana. Además no podes dejar de probar nuestros ilimitados de sopa, ensalada y lops mundialmente famosos breadsticks.

¡Te esperamos en Olive Garden porque aquí todos somos familia!

Top review

Gabriel

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

* Great Place. * Great Food. * Great Service. * Excelent Service.

Olive Garden Escazú Village

4.5

4.5 (1445)

$30 and under

Italian

San José

About the restaurant

¡En Olive Garden la generosidad Italiana estará siempre en tu mesa!
Sabemos que todo en la vida es mejor en familia y por eso te ofrecemos lo mejor de la comida italiana en un ambiente muy agradable.
Podrás disfrutar de nuestros icónicos favoritos, al mejor estilo italiano como son el Fettucine Alfredo, Tour of Italy, Lasagna Fritta y Chicken Parmigiana. Además no podes dejar de probar nuestros ilimitados de sopa, ensalada y lops mundialmente famosos breadsticks.
¡Te esperamos en Olive Garden porque aquí todos somos familia!

Top review

Sven

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Good meal, slightly overpriced. Upon requesting salad refill, a noticeable smaller portion was given to us.

Buchon Cantina

4.5

4.5 (54)

$30 and under

Wine Bar

San José

About the restaurant

Buchón es nuestra interpretación de una cantina de vinos en el corazón de San José. Tapas, una tienda fabulosa de botellas de vino y cócteles clásicos para pasarla muy bien.

Top review

Bernardita

Dined on Sep 21, 2024

It's the fourth time I visit Buchon and it's definitely one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica. It is very difficult to find a place that has amazing food, amazing drinks, amazing ambience and service, and amazing prices. No matter what type of food you like, I guarantee you'll have an incredible experience at Buchon. Their menu changes seasonally but it has always delivered and they maintain customer favorites. The burger and cheese cubes are a MUST. If it's your first time visiting, don't worry about parking on the street or with the local guachiman, you're in good hands!

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