Tastes and To-do's
Food in Costa Rica, unlike that of many neighboring countries, is not spicy! Costa Rican cuisine is known for its freshness and savory flavors.
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Beans and rice are eaten at nearly every meal, along with fresh fruits and vegetables bought from street vendors. Meats are not quite as common since they are expensive, but many popular dishes contain pork or, more commonly, fish such as tilapia, bass, mahi-mahi, or tuna.
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Local Dishes to Try
Local Restaurants to Try
Gallo Pinto- A typical breakfast dish made of rice, beans, bell peppers, onions, cilantro, and Salsa Lizano (the most popular Costa Rican sauce).
Olla de Carne- A beef stew with carrots, corn, plantains, and taro root. This hearty dish provides a unique mix of flavors and is a common weekend dish.
Casado- This dish means "marriage" and it is a platter of rice and beans with 2-3 sides, either plantains, salad, tortillas, or meat. This is a very common home cooked lunch for Ticos.
Grano de Oro- Originally a hotel café, it is now one of Costa Rica's finest restaurants, featuring a blend of European and Costa Rican cuisine.
Product C- This trendy restaurant in San Jose is part of a rising movement in favor of locally grown food. It serves sustainably obtained seafood that is caught hours before being served!
Chimera- This restaurant near the Monteverde Cloud Forest serves Costa Rican tapas (small dishes) using local ingredients.
