San José Restaurants
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Amana
Price: Moderate•Contemporary Latin•4.7(95)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)Jaguar Negro
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.7(1,107)The experience begins as you step through the doors of Jaguar Negro, transporting you to a Mexican tropical oasis imbued with relaxed vibes and casual elegance.
You first encounter a secret garden surrounded by water and native Mexican plants, setting the stage for a sonic, sensory, and visual journey that takes you to Mexico without leaving Costa Rica.
Our menu is inspired by cantina cuisine, traditional dishes, and ancestral techniques that enrich every preparation. Everything is enjoyed around a table designed for sharing
Olive Garden Terrazas Lindora
Price: Moderate•Italian•4.5(1,206)¡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!Caffe Negroni
Price: Moderate•Bistro•4.7(98)Caffè Negroni is a Mediterranean restaurant in Escazú offering artisanal pizzas, risottos, braised meats, and signature cocktails in a cozy, nature-surrounded setting. Inspired by European bistros, it’s known for its Negroni specialties—Classic, Rosé, and Bianconi—along with expertly crafted drinks. Caffè Negroni also pioneers collaborative dining in Costa Rica, hosting guest chefs and mixologists to deliver unique culinary experiences. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.
Doma Escalante
Price: Expensive•International•4.8(190)In the heart of Barrio Escalante, next to the iconic "El Farolito" roundabout, stands DOMA. A house of Costa Rican architecture and Spanish colonial dyes built-in 1945, which was restored for 10 long months; rescuing it from time, updating its design through a colorful façade, and giving it the value it deserves within the neighborhood.
Our founders are dreamers, lovers of design, art, and fashion; passionate about cooking and fine dining.
Through fresh products and honest flavors, DOMA has created a gastronomic experience with local products that arise at the foot of the volcanoes, the plains, and the Costa Rican mountains. Which are transformed into art thanks to the vision, dedication, and talent of our chefs.
DOMA is happy to share this house, a space designed to inspire and encourage creative and entrepreneurial minds to work as a team under a feeling of community and collaboration, with the aim of serving as an oasis in the heart of San José.The Capital Grille - San José
Price: Very Expensive•Steakhouse•4.8(402)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.
Los Tres Mexican Bistró
Price: Moderate•Mexican•4.7(40)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 .Buchon Cantina
Price: Moderate•Wine Bar•4.4(85)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.
Outdoor dining in Costa Rica
See what locals rave about in San José
From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
- JJosé JoaquínCosta Rica •2 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 15, 2025Amazing place, outstanding food and service from the staff. Great value for the priceMore infoAzotea Calle 7Price: Moderate• Dining Bar• San José•4.6
- RRegineWashington, D.C. Area •5 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 11, 2025The service at Capitale Grille in San José was truly one of the best I’ve ever experienced. The staff was exceptional—attentive, kind, and incredibly thoughtful. It was my sister’s birthday, and they went above and beyond to make her feel celebrated. Their kindness genuinely touched my heart. The food was absolutely delicious—beautifully prepared with care and attention to detail. I’m already looking forward to my next dining experience at their Brickell, Florida location!More infoThe Capital Grille - San JoséPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• Escazu•4.8
- MMatthewNew Orleans / Louisiana •7 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 9, 2025Best restaurant in San Jose. Never miss it when in town.More infoJaguar NegroPrice: Moderate• Mexican• San José•4.7
- BBenVIPTampa / Central Florida West •74 reviews5.0Dined on Jun 7, 2025Excellent service. You have to love the wings here. I ask for them with no breading and they are arguably the best wings in all of Costa Rica.More infoOutback SteakhousePrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Escazu•4.5
- MManuel BDenver / Colorado •1 review5.0Dined on May 7, 2025Absolutely beat expectations in all categories. Every dish was better than expected. Drinks surprisingly delicious and ambience 100%More infoCaffe NegroniPrice: Moderate• Bistro• Escazu•4.7
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Frequently asked questions
The best reviewed restaurant in San José is Il Vicolo Trattoria - Sabana
The best vegan restaurants in San José are Amana, Olive Garden Terrazas Lindora and Pimento - InterContinental Costa Rica
The best vegetarian restaurants in San José are Silvestre, Olive Garden Escazú Village and Azotea Calle 7
The restaurants with the best service in San José are La Cova - San José, Fogo Rodizio - Escazú and La Cascada
The restaurants with the best ambiance in San José are Perséfone y Deméter, Fogo Rodizio - Escazú and Tienda Bottega Privée - Pinares