All rights reserved. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Thank you!! He tops that with more ice, and then pours snow cone syrup over the top. As for the food, its best described as elevated surf and turf. Theres the requisite New York strip, filet, and rib-eye steaks on the menu; the seafood selections include locally caught trout, Pacific jumbo shrimp, and grilled octopus. Located a the very edge of the town center just before you head up to the hot springs, this Chinese-owned restaurant and cabins house the best American-style Chinese food Ive found in Costa Rica. La Fortuna town center, north of the park. At La Hormiga, you pay at the counter with your table number. Don Rufino Exceptional ( 428) $$$$ International Alajuela Booked 14 times today Don Rufino is about contemporary food, with a local touch. Arenal Kioro Hotel has arguably some of the best nighttime views of the Arenal Volcano, and they also have several restaurants on property with excellent views. 1. If you would like to talk to me about a customized itinerary or specific Costa Rica travel advice for your family, (zero sales- just advice!) Marisqueria Snappers House is a great little place, offering super high-quality food and service. Open for lunch and dinner, this restaurant really comes alive with creative plates of fried, steamed, and broiled fish and flambed seafood. On the road to the La Fortuna Waterfall, there is this adorable little farm where you can take a Costa Rican cooking class and learn to cook your own food. Parts of chicken may differ, the veggie may differ, how the rice and beans are prepared may differ, and how the plantains are cooked may differ. As soon as we settled in, the bartender came to our table and made the most delicious jalapeno margaritas (the way to my heart!). We then ordered a complimentary Dulce de Leche, a traditional milk cake for dessert. Keep reading to plan the perfect itinerary. New posts every week. August 3, 2022 Tacos, Burger and Fresh Juices at Mercadito Arenal Looking for the best restaurants in La Fortuna? Interestingly, theres a heavy Lebanese influence here, and you can also find veggie-friendly Mediterranean options like falafel, tabbouleh, and fattoush salad. Read our Privacy Policy. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines. La Parada is named because its in front of the bus stop in the center of town, right on the southeast corner of the park. You also get to try cocoa beans in all stages and squeezed sugar cane juice, and can make your own chocolate from the cocoa beans youve just pressed. In it, Ill share my 12 favorite restaurants in La Fortuna and what I loved so much about each place. They also have a solid wine list featuring blends, cabs, pinots, and Chilean and Argentine standouts like Malbec and Carmnere. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As an aside, Walmart in Costa Rica is fancy. They do some creative vegetarian and vegan dishes here as well, like crispy coconut teriyaki tofu. Located right in the town center, Don Rufino is a beautiful restaurant with an extensive, diverse menu and decent pricing. Service is no-nonsense, the food is traditional Costa Rican and super super cheap. how are you? Organico Fortuna is a farm-to-table restaurant located in the heart of La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Plan B. Finally, head to the kitchen where you will learn to cook a delicious, made from scratch, organic meal. I bet there are over 100 places to eat just in the downtown area. We loved the covered outdoor setting and enjoyed the live music beautiful acoustic guitar. Each of these three places had their unique charm as did the", "Kim Kim arranged our trip to Costa Rica and it was flawless. Organico Fortuna. I later had the Oso Perisozo IPA. Ultimate Guide: Shoes to Pack For Costa Rica, 50 Interesting Costa Rica Facts You Need To Know, 15 Top Arenal and La Fortuna Costa Rica Activities (For Families), 25 Mouthwatering Jaco, Costa Rica Restaurants, 15 PHOTO-WORTHY Hot Springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, The ONLY La Fortuna, Costa Rica Guide You Need, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica- The COMPLETE Guide, Dominical, Costa Rica- The COMPLETE GUIDE, 10 Kick Ass Things to Do in Dominical, Costa Rica. The answer: yes it does and then some. Located next to the Mega Super right downtown, with its own small parking lot. Restaurante Los Rodriguez 473 reviews Opens in 8 min Fast Food, Costa Rican 1.5 mi La Fortuna de San Carlos "Very good empanadas and tacos!" People come to La Fortuna for the epic wilderness, as the town is surrounded by luscious green rainforest and sits in the shadow of a dramatic volcano. This is one of the best Restaurants in La Fortuna for sushi fans. Eel River Brewing Company 667 reviews Closed Now American, Bar $$ - $$$ Menu Great fish and chips . She even made several suggestions that were definitely much needed. Alternatively, you may use. Absolutely! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for this! It might not rival Italys, but it is some of the best Ive had. Some popular dishes on the menu include tuna ceviche, beef casado with plantains, and some of the best steaks in the area. Im a mom of two Latinas, bicultural, bilingual (English/Spanish), and 100% in love with celebrating parenthood in all its forms, (even the sucky parts). The arepas were impressive with how much delicious tender meat was overflowing the bread. The smoked BBQ sauce was yummy and awesome. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. La Fortuna town center, one block south of the park. Overall, the menu is extensive, with numerous options. My fianc ordered tacos, which were loaded with seafood and I regretted not ordering the same because they were so yummy! Most all of the food grown in Costa Rica originates in this area, and the meat is cut and processed in this region of San Carlos as well. The lunch was absolutely delicious and very well-prepared. The restaurant is strategically located so some visitors can view the Volcano while seated. "Probably the best restaurant in La Fortuna" Fashaof4 - Trip Advisor reviewer "Lovely atmosphere. You can always pay with colones, of course, but everyone also takes the US dollar in cash as well. La Fortuna town center, 100 meters south of Banco Popular. We still only drank tap water at restaurants a few times but later realized that we were drinking smoothies that they had put tap water into *shrug*. Vegetarians will be happy here, toothere are a good number of veggie options, all explicitly labeled on the menu. Super affordable. This local staple has been serving up hearty Costa Rican fare for yearsand even though this is one of the most renowned eateries in town, it wont break the bank. We came here on a recommendation from a friend back home, and he was right about their dishes. Be sure to start with the flavorful Miso soup, it cures all your blues for real (and a few hangovers!) Thank you for the recommendation for Ristorante Nenes! Like its American counterpart, this style of cooking is all about grilled meatsand for carnivores sojourning in La Fortuna, La Parilla de Maria Bonita is a paradise. Mercadito Arenalis a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. The plantain and queso empanada sounds weird, but was really amazing. Most people choose to stay in hotels along this road, which ultimately leads to a small town called Nuevo Arenal. Unique side dishes you can find here are arracacha root puree, pickled fennel, and purple corn polenta. Wood-fired pizzas and fresh-made pasta are the specialties here, but you cant go wrong with the Caesar salad either. The fish was well-done, a bit dry but flavorful. Don Ruffino is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day and you can view their menu here. This hidden gem is known for its commitment to using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in all of its dishes. Knowing what to eat is as important as knowing where to eat in La Fortuna these are the foods and dishes that we ate and loved and should definitely be on your to-eat list! Please let me know if you need anything else, and thank you for commenting! Other than the bright red sign out front, this tiny sushi bar is rather unassuming. Just ask! Soda La Parada is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is as much a restaurant as it is a gathering place for locals as they wait for the bus. Best Restaurants in La Fortuna Dining in La Fortuna is nowhere near as inspiring as the area's natural attractions, but, given the town's booming tourist business, options abound. They know the property well and know exactly where to find Costa Rican wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more. Its been tico-owned forever and is impossible to miss because of its big thatched roof, located on the southwest corner of the park. Don Rufinos offers upscale Costa Rican and world cuisine including filet mignon, grilled octopus, pork belly confit and Tom Yum soup. The service was good, the food tasty, and beautifully served. The truck and eating area were directly in front of the owners home, which had a nice feel. Its a super-friendly spot, offering tasty tpico , What began as a snack counter on the last pass before La Fortuna waterfall has turned into a full-blown fusion excursion by Scott, famous for his love of, We know its bad form to start with dessert, but the irresistible sweets at this popular spot are beautiful to behold and delicious to devour. You can usually order it made with either milk or water, but for sure get it with milk. How Much Does a 10 Day Costa Rica Trip Cost? The whole experience was magnificent! I was last there in August and I would say Soda La Parada $5-7 a plate. This fruit and vegetable stand had THE BEST smoothies! Mostly rolls and some typical appetizers (edamame. The 360 rotating restaurant is the perfect place to view the sunset, enjoy a cold beverage and European food before taking the train back down. 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Both were very fresh and delicious. Restaurante Grano de Oro is truly one of the best fine dining experiences in San Jose and a must for those who enjoy tasting delicate food with amazing flavors. The meat was so juicy, and the different options were unique and full of flavor. The thing about Kalambu is the admission fee can include a meal- they have a nice buffet with traditional Costa Rican cuisine that rotates by day, plus pizza and chicken fingers for the kids. La Fortuna de San Carlos Where to eat: the 23 best restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos When is your trip? Funny story about this: Our first night in Costa Rica, my parents bill for dinner came to 23,000 colones. The nachos are out of this world, and the service is excellent. This tour may be the most unique place on this list of where to eat in La Fortuna, but its a delicious feast! London. From a sports bar with fun snacks and appetizers (Carajjillos) to a fine dining restaurant with incredible views (Heliconias), I would highly recommend making a reservation to eat here for a romantic and private evening. I would go here ten times over for the dining experience. There are extensive, gorgeously landscaped grounds, a large, hot breakfast buffet (as I waxed poetic on above! The first thing you need to understand about La Fortuna is how the town is set up. I loved the veggies and mashed potatoes as well. :), 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, best areas and hotels to stay in La Fortuna, the best free and cheap things to do in La Fortuna, 5 BEST Sloth Tours in La Fortuna (Sloth Watching Trails), 5 BEST Night Tours in Monteverde (Monteverde Night Walks), 7 BEST Coffee Tours in Costa Rica (Local Coffee Plantations You Should Visit! They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more. Exploring hanging bridges in La Fortuna is a must-do, in my opinion! Sodas are the absolute cheapest places to eat, and they have some delicious food. The have entire roast chickens served with sides for a great price enough to feed an entire family. It is the largest Costa Rican city, and is due to its location at the center of the Bio-diverse country, solo travelers can enjoy: An adventure in La Sabana Metropolitan Park. The Falafel sandwich was good too, well-seasoned, and came with long crunchy fries. The highlight is the perfectly prepared grilled meats: the New York Steak with mushrooms is to die for, This open-air restaurant has become a go-to spot for post-activities lunch or dinner. The best steak in Fortuna. They are open from 10 am to 10 pm every day! They were professional and highly personable. This is another dining option that makes for a nice alternative to the meat-heavy staples of Costa Rican cuisine. In the middle of the area is the Arenal Volcano, and the main town is called La Fortuna. This is a top-of-the-charts Mexican spot among La Fortuna restaurants. So dreamy and perfect if youre in Costa Rica on a honeymoon! La Fortuna, Costa Rica is arguably one of the most visited areas in all of Costa Rica- and rightfully so. Check out the best areas and hotels to stay in La Fortuna! The best part is, they are dirt cheap! The staff was friendly and attentive throughout our dinner. Everyones food was very delicious and inexpensive we were impressed! Do note that the price they give you in dollars is not as good as the price in colones, but it is helpful to have the option to pay in dollars. The menu is a monster, including everything from shrimp cocktails and ceviche to arroz con pollo, pasta, and burgers. Potato hash this reminded me of a potato stuffing and was my favorite part of the casados. This keeps the glass cool and creates an Insta-worthy smoke look! Where Are The Best Restaurants In La Fortuna Located? Dont be put off by the appearance; if you have a chance to try it, definitely do! The Costa Rican food was excellentfresh ingredients with unmatched flavors. Less hauling luggage around- order and you can have your food at your doorstep on the day you return from Costa Rica! The staff did a fantastic job on both occasions. I can still taste all of this ! Arenal/La Fortuna, Monteverde & Tamarindo: Best Itinerary 5 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas. ). You cant beat the prices and the quality of the food youll receive at this food truck. We ate at Soda La Hormiga for lunch one day (they are only open for lunch and close at 4pm). Organico Fortuna is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day except for Sundays when they open at 10 am. Overall, the pizza was excellent, with outstanding service. Its got three small pools, one for kids that includes a water slide and a huge bucket that dumps water intermittently. Costa Rica Adventure: Whitewater, Beaches & Volcanos - 8 Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- Best Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica For Every Level, Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast, Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World. 5.0. So keep that in mind as you are searching for places to eat. We swapped one piece each (as we always do), and it was so good! We always visit Nenes for the evening meal of hamburgers they are amazing! The food is a bit on the pricey side, but you pay for the experience which includes a small tour through Costa Rican history, the train ride, and the rotating restaurant. Mercadito Arenal is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day. Kappa Sushi is a Japanese sushi restaurant in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica. Tiquicia Restaurant 1,454 reviews Closed Now Latin, Costa Rican $$ - $$$ 0.6 mi La Fortuna de San Carlos The beef fajita was amazing. Soda La Hormiga is a popular Soda in La Fortuna. If you just want to explore Arenal as I did,this specific tour is a great option. Marisqueria Snappers House is located across the street from the BAC bank. I actually lived in La Fortuna in 2022, and while there, tried so many of the best restaurants in La Fortuna. Its the best craft beer Ive had in Costa Rica. Check their Instagram for rotating discounts on admission with lunch- it can go as low as about $12 Us per person for pool entrance with lunch. Probably the best dinner we had in Costa FoFood isso fresh and delicious! Olman planned the perfect trip for us. The pizzas at La Cava Pizza were really thin crust and really flavorful, but the stars of the meal were the two appetizers we ordered: the mushroom dip, and these Venezuelan chorizo tacos. Both so well-seasoned and cooked, the meat and ribs fell right off the bone! Related post- 16 Basic Spanish Phrases Every Traveler To Costa Rica Should Know. Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. However, we asked at a few places if the water was purified and were told either yes, it was, or that the water in the whole region is purified. Luckily, La Fortuna is a tourist haven, and there's no shortage of restaurants. Cafe Mediterraneois a little out of the downtown zone but worth visiting. 1. We later had iced coffee with cute quinoa cakes. The atmosphere is open and relaxing. Great food." 2022 3. I highly recommend the fruit salad! Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! My dad gave our waitress his credit card and told her to run it in colones. The menu features a variety of options, from traditional Costa Rican plates to international dishes with a . Patacones are fried plantain chips and were served with guacamole, beans, and salsa. We are Dittus & Mate It was very flavorful! On the other end of the spectrum, youll find spaghetti and meatballs and other pasta dishes with meat and bacon sauces (best paired with a Chilean red from the respectable wine list Chile). Located just south of the town center, youll find this popular osteria. Ill start with a few of my favorite restaurants right in the city center. 3 Days in La Fortuna and Arenal, Costa Rica prev next Taylor Deer Published on May 5, 2021 27 Comments Last updated on March 19, 2023 From La Fortuna Town to Arenal Volcano There is nothing more magical than visiting the La Fortuna and Arenal area in North Western Costa Rica. 2 reviews. Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcanos base and slightly up its steep face. This restaurant is one of the top dining options in La Fortuna for a variety of reasons, and ticks all the boxes that any socially responsible eatery should: it sources grass-fed beef from local farms, seafood is locally caught and sustainable, and the vegetables have the label organic written in stone. When we got to the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised with a warm hello and a handshake from the host there is great service here. My family tried the mercadito Arenal and chipotles during our recent trip to La Fortuna and loved them both! 27. The mood was quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano. This post contains affiliate links. Its an open-air concept- youll arrive to seat yourself and order off the large menu on the wall. Literally meaning "married", a Casado typically has a meat, rice, beans, veggies, and plantains. Gracias Jeremy Filet mignon was fantastic and so was the. Overall, the service was terrific, the beer cold, and the atmosphere lovely with really excellent service. a perfect Guacamole to start and th. Ro Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park Guided Rainfo Arenal Volcano & 1968 Reserve Guided Hike, How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal / La Fortuna, How to Choose the Best Arenal Volcano Experience. Some of my favorite meals at La Parada include: This little restaurant has popped up in La Fortuna over the past year or so, and has quickly become a favorite with locals. Yellow Bark is a small restaurant just down a side road offering delightful homemade and local fast food such as quesadillas, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, healthy cocktails, and more. This rice and beans dish is typically served at breakfast. You can come in and re-energize any time of the day. Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famo 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. They serve gigantic burgers of all kinds, with more than ten options, so you cant miss your favorite burger in Costa Rica. I loved it because you could pick how many tortillas you wanted with every bite. The interior dcor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. The wait staff are friendly and accommodating. 17 comments Best Add a Comment unroulyone 1 yr. ago We just did that exact itinerary for our honeymoon LOL. Once youve had your fill, you have to ask for the bill. Kids played, we enjoyed a cold beer (, Vida Campesina Organic Farm and Cooking School. I hope to visit in December, and I would love to stop by and check you out! Hi- Im Christa, and Im on a mission to help the world fall in love with Costa Rica through food, travel and language. Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Sleep, Eat, And Do. Everything was delicious and very well . The best restaurant in Costa Rica ( la Nataltia Martinez for Presidente! Kappa Sushi is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day, and you can view their menu here. The currency in Costa Rica is the colon (plural is colones). The service was out of this world, patient, and efficient. I loved the taste of the pizza, and it had a perfectly crispy thin crust, wonderful pesto sauce, and plentiful fresh toppings. The service was slow, but we patiently waited for the overwhelmed staff to bring out our order. 35+ Travel Essentials for Women in 2022: Outfits, Accessories, and Gear, The Perfect 3 Day, 5 Day, or 7 Day Paris Itinerary, 2023 The Unknown Enthusiast Journey Theme by Restored 316. Dined on April 2, 2023. overall 5 food 5 service 5 ambience 5. . The wine list at Don Rufinos is extensive, and the in house sommelier makes excellent pairing recommendations. This lunch was included in the price of our Adventure Tour with Arenal Canopy Tours and was provided at the Lands in Love Hotel. Cesar cranks up weepy ranchera music while you drink in the atmosphere: a troika of sombreros and painted skulls complete, If you have a hankering for pizza, you cant do better than Anchio, where the crust is crispy thin, the toppings are plentiful and the pie is cooked in a, The vibe is trendy at this indoor-outdoor grill. (I had to see this for myself.) Los Lagos, a gorgeous hot springs resort. My fianc and I went on an excursion and ended up here on the recommendation of our tour guide. This stunning 230-foot (70-meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. You try the most fresh, delicious fruits such as mango, guanabana, pineapple, apple bananas, starfruit, papayas, and fresh squeezed oranges.