Welcome to the Costa Rica Visitor Center - Restaurants
Restaurants are typically cheaper in Costa Rica than in the U.S. Costa Rican cuisine is natural and wholesome. The spiciness frequently associated with Latin America originated in Mexico, most Costa Rican foods are not spicy but rather they simmer in a large pot to bring out flavors. Coffee is world class and well known to be among the best in the world. Vegetarians have no trouble eating well in Costa Rica's Restaurants. Fresh fruit is plentiful and there is a tremendous amount of variety.
Restaurants
In Costa Rica, tip bellboys, tour guides, drivers, and maids. Restaurant bills include a 10% gratuity. Americans get better service because they often tip extra. You don't have to tip. Try these dishes: Gallo pinto is a mixture of rice and beans with a little cilantro and onion. While most common at breakfast, it can be served at lunch or dinner. Casado, which means married, is the national lunch of Costa Rica. It consists of rice and beans with meat, chicken or fish, and is always served with salad and fried plantain. Plato del dia, is the 'Plate of the Day' and is typically a Casado with the meat or fish selection of the day added. The beef cattle are raised on grass; the meat will taste different from corn fed cattle. The cuts of meat at the local restaurants are also different. Chicken is indistinguishable from
Restaurants in Costa Rica! Restaurants in Costa Rica!
what we see in the U.S. Most places have potable water, so its ok to drinking tap water. Bottled water is sold at low prices. In Central America a ham sandwich is another traditional breakfast. Local bakers and markets offer fresh breads and breakfast pastries. Be sure to taste Salsa Lizano, it is served at any restaurant. It is a mild and sweet vegetable sauce with a hint of curry. Often referred to as Costa Rican ketchup because it tastes good on anything!
Mercados provide a great opportunity to sample fruit and other Costa Rican fare, most have sit-down snack-bars. Many of the local fruits do not "travel well" as they are bruised easily and or have a short shelf life. In the U.S. we never see these fruit so try them here. Refrescos are beverages made from fresh fruit (cas, guanabana, sandia/watermelon, mora/blackberry, fresa/strawberry, granadilla/passion fruit), sugar and either water or milk. All sodas (mom and pop diners) serve these. The national drink is called guaro, which is made from fermented sugar cane. It is similar to vodka, and is usually drunk with water and lemon. Note that it's not a very "clean" liquor, so exercise caution. There are approximately 8 different beers available nationally, which are sold in cans, bottles and even kegs. The most common beers in the country are Pilsen and Imperial: all bars and restaurants serve both. Bavaria, "Bavaria Negra" (dark) and Rock Ice are more expensive and therefore less common. Heineken is locally made under license and is more expensive as well. Be sure to stop off at a rest room along any of the roads: a casado and beer will cost ~ $3.
