Food & drink in Costa Rica

Due to Costa Rica’s exotic climate, they have a bounty of fresh fruit and vegetables on their doorstep to incorporate into dishes. Meals are often based around various combinations of rice and beans, alongside meats and fruit. As for drinks, you cannot visit Costa Rica without enjoying a few cups of their famous coffee!

hands holding coffee beans in costa rica, food in costa rica

what to eat in costa rica fresh fruit market stall

What food is Costa Rica famous for?

Fruit

The tropical climate of Costa Rica provides the perfect conditions for growing fruit with most areas having at least a few fruits nearby. As well as the familiar banana and pineapples that we are all so fond of, Costa Rica also grow an incredible selection of the more obscure, exotic fruit that is not as common but which should definitely be tasted!

If you see any fruit stalls nearby, keep an eye out for a 'maracuyá' - a sort of large passion fruit and a 'mamone'. Other fruit to try include 'guanábanas', 'carambolas', 'zapotes' and 'jacotes'. Most fruit stalls also make juices so choose selection and enjoy one of the freshest drinks you'll ever have!

Did you know?

Cacao beans used to be such a prized possession that they were used as a currency up until the 1930s by the Chorotega people of Costa Rica!

Rice and beans

Gallo Pinto is the national dish of Costa Rica and a staple on any table, or any plate for that matter. The combinations of ingredients and flavours in this dish make it taste different in almost every single restaurant you visit. Sometimes the rice and beans are topped with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, red peppers, onions, fresh herbs and more often than not, the favourite condiment of Costa Rica - Salsa Lizano.

Locals often have Gallo Pinto for breakfast alongside a few other ingredients, but it can definitely be enjoyed during any part of the day. The dish is often referred to as simply 'pinto' by Ticos (local Costa Ricans).

food to eat in costa rica vegetarian and vegan is gallo pinto

Vegetarian and vegan food in Costa Rica

Vegetarians and vegans are often initially put off by the majority of the dishes in Costa Rica being topped with meat, most commonly pork. However, Costa Rica is actually a great destination for vegetarians and vegans. The national dish 'Gallo Pinto' is gluten free, vegan and is generally served with a selection of fruit and salad, just remove the meat. Common snacks are based around fried and fresh fruit and vegetables and as many of the meals are a mish mash of ingredients and dishes on one plate, you can easily remove the meat and still have a mountain of food to get through!

San José is particularly good for vegan and vegetarian restaurants but you won't find many others outside of the capital.

Regional tastes

Costa Rican food is all about simple, quality, home-cooked meals, so due to the simplicity of the dishes, they are often adapted with various preferences of spices, vegetables and herbs. Everywhere has their own 'special' Gallo Pinto!

Tastes will also differ from region to region. The Caribbean side has a much more Jamaican influence, opting for a coconut twist on their rice and beans, and this is also the best area to catch a bowl of delicious spicey, fish stew.

Like most other capital cities, San José has a vast selection of international restaurants, including French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese.

View tours to Costa Rica

food to try in costa rica regional varieties gallo pinto

Where to eat in San José?

On a Budget

Chelles
(Calle 9, Central Avenue)
Soda Tapia
(Calle 42, Avenues 2 - 4, Costado east side of La Sabana Park)
La Muny Restaurante & Bar
(Avenida 10, 300 m east of the municipality of San Jose)

Won’t Break the Bank

Restaurante Silvestre
(Calle 3A - Ave 11 - 955)
Restaurante Ram Luna
(From the center of Aserri 5 km to Tarbaca)
La Criollita
(Avenue 7, Between Calle 7-9)

Treat Yourself!

Restaurante Grano de Oro
(Calle 30, Avenida 2 - 4 #251)
La Terrasse French Cuisine
(21747 Bertram Rds)
La Divina Comida
(Avenida Escazu, Escazú)

*Please note that these are only current recommendations. Restaurants can change and close down fairly quickly so this list should only be used as a guide to start you off on your own research. If you are planning any fancy dinners during you holiday to Costa Rica, make sure you book well in advance as these often get booked up quickly. Mid range restuarants can often get very busy during peak hours, so make sure you turn up early!*

Drinks in Costa Rica

Costa Rican Coffee beans are some of the best in the world so it would be a shame not to taste a few cups! Due to the climate, the rich volcanic soil, and the coffee beans being grown at high altitude, the flavours are silky, smoothe and very robust.

Due to the tropical climate of Costa Rica, fresh fruit and vegetables is a staple in any diet, and the Refrescos are a must! (Meaning fruit juices) Stalls can be found all over, usually behind a little kiosk, and can be made from almost any fruit under the sun. Mangos are often the favourite!

As for beer, even though the Costa Ricans love it, there isn't a huge variety. The main ones (which you will find in every bar, restuarant and supermarket are 'Imperial' (4.6%) and 'Pilsen' (5.1%), with 'Bavaria' being the most popular alcohol-free beer.

food to try in costa rica costa rican coffee beans in a grinder

What food should I try in Costa Rica?

Casado

Translates as ‘married man’ is a marriage of typical Costa Rican dishes on one plate. Casados vary from area to area and even restaurant to restaurant. The plate usually includes rice and beans, salad, fried plantains, some meat or fish, potatoes and cheese. Often a VERY large portion, usually eaten for lunch before a long siesta.

View tours to Costa Rica

food to try in costa rica casado plate of fish rice beans and vegetables

Chifrijo

Is a popular snack usually served in bars or street stalls. It’s a bowl of rice and beans, topped with fried pork meat, chopped tomato, chimichurri, avocado and lime and served with tortilla or plantain chips. Delicious!

Patacones

Made from green plantains by slicing, boiling and frying chunks until crispy. They are usually served sprinkled with salt and squeezed lime with refried beans and avocado on top. Often eaten as a snack or a starter. Definitely a must try for vegetarians.

Cacao Fresco

Cacao pod are what the world’s favourite indulgent snack is made from - chocolate! Ripened cacao pods though, can be cracked open to reveal tender white flesh surrounding the cacao beans. It’s sweet, tangy and looks a little like a mango. Another delicious vegan snack!

Gallo Pinto

Traditionally served for breakfast, this vegetarian dish contains rice and beans, onions, red peppers and cilantro, and often served with eggs, cheese plantains and tortillas. And if you can stomach it, sprinkle on a little of the national hot sauce - Salsa Lizano!

Chicharrones

Chicharrones are a much beloved snack among the Costa Ricans, and whilst they are truly, mouth-wateringly good, they definitely aren’t the healthiest. It is essentially a very full plate of fried pork rinds. They love it so much there is even an annual Chicharrones Fair celebrating the dish!