Costa
Rica Restaurants
Prices are per-person for a main course. In San José
and surrounding cities, sodas (informal eateries) are usually
open daily 7 AM to 7 or 9 PM, though some close on Sunday.
Other restaurants are usually open 11 AM-9 PM. In rural
areas restaurants are usually closed on Sunday, except around
resorts. In resort areas some restaurants may be open late.
Most all-night restaurants are in downtown San José
casinos. However, Nuestra Tierra and Manolos are both good
24-hour options. Normal dining hours in Costa Rica are noon-3
and 6-9. Desayuno (breakfast) is served at most sodas and
hotels.
Except for those in hotels, most restaurants close between
Christmas and New Year's Day and during Holy Week (Palm
Sunday to Easter Sunday). Call before heading out. Those
that do stay open may not sell alcohol between Holy Thursday
and Easter Sunday. Even if you keep your base in San José,
consider venturing to the Central Valley towns for a meal
or two.
Click
here to see our list of Costa Rica Restaurants...
Credit cards
are not accepted at most restaurants in rural areas. Always
ask before you order to find out if your credit card will
be accepted. Visa and MasterCard are the most commonly accepted
cards; American Express and Diners Club are less widely
accepted. Remember that 23% is added to all menu prices:
13% for tax and 10% for service. Because a gratuity is included,
there's no need to tip, but if your service is good, it's
nice to add a little money to the obligatory 10%.
Reservations
are always a good idea; we mention them only when they're
essential or not accepted. Book as far ahead as you can,
and reconfirm as soon as you arrive. (Large parties should
always call ahead to check the reservations policy.)
Costa Ricans
generally dress more formally than North Americans. For
dinner, long pants and closed-toed shoes are standard for
men except for beach locations, and women tend to wear dressy
clothes that show off their figures, with high heels. Shorts,
flip-flops, and tank tops are not acceptable, except at
inexpensive restaurants in beach towns. |
