La Fortuna, Costa Rica was once a quiet town surrounded by the lush Arenal volcanic mountains where few tourists would visit and experience the fresh air and breathtaking views. They listen to my requirements and provided the perfect itinerary. Mercadito Arenal 161 reviews Closed Now Bar, Mexican $$ - $$$ Menu The fresh and juicy tropical fruit makes the smoothies absolutely incredible. We shared two excellent pizzas, with thin crispy crust done in a wood fire oven and topped with fresh juicy ingredients. In Costa Rica, there are traditional eateries called sodas, typically family-run and often found on the side of the road. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. A Guide to the Best Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica Pia Colada At our waiters recommendation, we drank our Cerveza Costa Rican style, with a glass of ice and lime juice at the bottom. Pollo Fortuneois a busy restaurant in La Fortuna known for its roast chicken and pork ribs. 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. After a day of trekking around the enormous Volcan Arenal, there are likely only two things you want: a soak in a nearby hot spring and a good meal. Related post- 16 Basic Spanish Phrases Every Traveler To Costa Rica Should Know. I also got the fajitas, which were top notch. Once youve had your fill, you have to ask for the bill. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more. Don Rufino Exceptional ( 428) $$$$ International Alajuela Booked 14 times today Don Rufino is about contemporary food, with a local touch. We came here for an early dinner and had a three-course meal. Related post: 30+ Foods To Try In Costa Rica. Our mains comprised of the seafood risotto so tasty! They serve gigantic burgers of all kinds, with more than ten options, so you cant miss your favorite burger in Costa Rica. Vegetarians will be happy here, toothere are a good number of veggie options, all explicitly labeled on the menu. Find Mediterranean fare, Peruvian dishes, great sushi, elevated Costa Rican cuisine, and moremost within short walking distance from the main squarewith this list. ~Christa. Related article: 16 Basic Spanish Phrases Every Traveler To Costa Rica Should Know. Costa Rican pizza is so so so good. Home La Fortuna 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. The dishes were full of bold flavors, and the beers and margaritas were just perfect! Plan B. This restaurant is one of the cheapest in town, and they will make food to order: for kids, vegan options, vegetarian options and more. For dessert go for a Tico staple like tres leches cake or flan de coco (coconut flan). Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. La Fortuna center itself is really tiny- probably 8 square city blocks of commerce, with the central park and church in the middle of town. We just LOVE it there- and Im glad you did too! The have entire roast chickens served with sides for a great price enough to feed an entire family. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Hike Chato Volcano. La Fortuna, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica's most talked about destinations. Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip. Moreover, its open-air location at the edge of town and adjacent to some forest means you might just spot a sloth hanging from the nearby trees as you enjoy your meal. We always visit Nenes for the evening meal of hamburgers they are amazing! 16 Unmissable Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica - Roam and Thrive Where to Eat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica | kimkim I highly recommend the fruit salad! The truck and eating area were directly in front of the owners home, which had a nice feel. They have chicken, beef, seafood, and pork to choose from with different sauces and lots of sides. Read more > About our rating system advertisement Store We always come here for the Casados, which cost around $5 USD each. 2. Definitely get it with milk. You will need to ask your waiter/waitress specifically for your check when you want to go they dont want to rush you out and so wont bring it until you ask for it. 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. This video tells you about some of my favorite places in La Fortuna. The restaurants on this list are located either in the city center, close to the city center, or along the main road between the hot springs and Arenal National Park and La Fortuna center. Keep reading to plan the perfect itinerary. 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. Plus if you are traveling with kids- kids like pizza! Some of the fruits we saw and tried were mango, papaya, passionfruit, pineapple (so juicy! THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! I didnt actually even know what I was ordering when I ordered the patacones, but Im so glad I did because this was one of my top favorite things I ate in Costa Rica. Good. Your email address will not be published. I just left Costa Rica last week and the food was definitely on point ! The tour involves entering a larger cavern before exploring smaller caverns, and at some points, youll squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through. There were security guards out and the workers inside were dressed up like perfume salespeople in Dillards. 9 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica - Hungariandreamers Luckily, La Fortuna is a tourist haven, and there's no shortage of restaurants. The ambiance is warm and inviting. So. La Fortuna town center, one block east of the park. The current exchange rate is about 670 colones to $1. Our fantastic dinner of mouth-watering BBQ ribs and roast chicken came right off the rotisserie, succulent and moreish. They were so fresh and creamy and flavorful and cheap (~$1.67) My personal favorite was the mango pineapple, but we also loved the guava pineapple as well. If youre craving fine dining while touring La Fortuna, this place is fantastic! . With views of the soaring Arenal volcano throughout the town, phenomenal hot springs, ziplining, and hiking opportunities, it is probably my very favorite spot in all of Costa Rica. Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! They serve everything from the yummy Gallo Pinto for breakfast to the endless variety of Casados served at lunch. Very hygienic and lovely, with low lighting in the dining area. We washed it all down with some beers, and people watched from the restaurants front porch. If you dont have transport or would prefer a guide,I recommendjoining this guided tour. La Fortuna, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is a charming little town in the province of Alajuela in central Costa Rica. They come for the wildlife watching (especially sloth tours! Im Christa, a former high school teacher married to a handsome Costa Rican and mother of two bilingual daughters. My fianc and I went on an excursion and ended up here on the recommendation of our tour guide. I almost always order the typical arroz con pollo, here. 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. The Costa Rican food was excellentfresh ingredients with unmatched flavors. When paying with a credit card, always ask them to run the bill in colones, not dollars. 1. Service is no-nonsense, the food is traditional Costa Rican and super, If you are walking through the park in front of the Catholic church and see the , This mid-priced restaurant offers views of the volcano, a full bar, grilled meats and a solid menu of traditional Costa Rican food. I ordered one at every restaurant we went to and dont regret that choice one bit. It should come as no surprise thatLa Fortuna Waterfallis one of the top attractions in La Fortuna. We washed down everything wed eaten with cold craft cocktails. Not served like a fried burrito in the US but rather in a fresh-made sauted shell. 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. Everything went very well and we had the best time in Costa Rica! This stunning 230-foot (70-meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below thats surrounded by lush forest. Franco - Best brunch This blog may contain affiliate links. He understandably had a short heart attack before figuring out the issue our waitress had mistakenly run the bill as 23,000 DOLLARS! Don Rufino Restaurant - La Fortuna, L Fortuna | OpenTable La Fortuna town center, 100 meters south of Banco Popular. The meat was well done, and the sauce was OMG amazing! Salsa Lizano is a uniquely Costa Rican condiment. I hope you found this blog useful and now have a huge list of restaurants to visit on your upcoming visit to La Fortuna. 5 good restaurants in La Fortuna, from pizza to parrilla - The Tico Times "Probably the best restaurant in La Fortuna" Fashaof4 - Trip Advisor reviewer "Lovely atmosphere. The tacos were equally outstanding, with yummy chicken strips, soft, fresh wraps, and fabulous mayonnaise chilled with a tinge of peppermint. Meaning, there is a roof, but no windows or walls. This is probably the cheapest place to eat in La Fortuna. We later had iced coffee with cute quinoa cakes. Here youll find colorful and creative plates of Costa Rican seafood, often with a Caribbean twist. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines. 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. Patacones are fried plantain chips and were served with guacamole, beans, and salsa. ). Home Costa Rica Restaurants near Arenal Volcano National Park Apr 9, 2023 7:00 PM 2 people Find a table 8 restaurants available nearby 1. However, its worth the wait if youre not in a hurry! This is a hotel/restaurant/brewery/tourist attraction located about 20 minutes outside of La Fortuna on the road to Nuevo Arenal. We had the Falafel sandwich and the Cajun bowl, which had the yummiest sauce served as decoration for the plate holding the Cajun dish. The flavors were pure heaven, simply perfect! It does. And the dumplings just perfect! I bet there are over 100 places to eat just in the downtown area. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 am to 10 pm, and you can view their menus here . Thanks for stopping by, Your email address will not be published. 8 Restaurants Near Arenal Volcano National Park Most people choose to stay in hotels along this road, which ultimately leads to a small town called Nuevo Arenal. My personal favorite is the chicken in sauce that normally comes with beans, salad, and potatoes. Arenal Volcano is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica. Tip 10% of your meal charge. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. Located in the heart of La Fortuna, this restaurant has an expansive menu of over 100 items. Thank you for the recommendation for Ristorante Nenes! In fact, there are plenty of vegetarian options, like the green fettucini made with avocado and tomato. Thank you!! I actually really liked mixing it with my eggs and topping it with. 2 reviews. The plantain and queso empanada sounds weird, but was really amazing. All restaurants in La Fortuna (and in any spot we saw in Costa Rica) are open-air. What are the best restaurants in La Fortuna that provide takeout? Our goal was to be able to have a memorable trip without all of the stress associated with", "We had an excellent experince from beginning to end with Kim Kim and all those we met along the way. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. The restaurants were all very pleasant and it added to the ambiance of the area to have the bustle of restaurants open to the street. Located just south of the town center, youll find this popular osteria. Here, you also enjoy fresh, healthy natural drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at super cheap prices too. The best-kept secret, though, is that a local family runs the indoor/outdoor restaurants in the hotel, and you can head over for soaring views of the Arenal volcano while you eat delicious food prepared by locally trained chefs at a great price. La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica's Most Popular Destination I was last there in August and I would say Soda La Parada $5-7 a plate. One drive through the city center, however, and you are sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of restaurants, bars, cafes and food stands. La Fortuna Lodge Tiquicia Restaurant 1,454 reviews Closed Now Latin, Costa Rican $$ - $$$ 0.6 mi La Fortuna de San Carlos The beef fajita was amazing. Alternatively, you may use. The menu is fairly dynamic, too, going beyond mere veggie burgers and offering local plates like fried plantains with black beans and guacamole, and even veggie sushi rolls. My fianc and I ordered a medium sushi boat with four rolls. ocated in the heart of La Fortuna, this restaurant has an expansive menu of over 100 items. Marisqueria Snappers House is located across the street from the BAC bank. Soda La Hormiga is open from 7 am to 4 pm every day. Funny story about this: Our first night in Costa Rica, my parents bill for dinner came to 23,000 colones. THE 10 BEST Dinner Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos - Tripadvisor Kappa Sushi turned out to be a great surprise while living in La Fortuna. We came back here almost every day, I loved it so much. When I tried to determine where to go/what to do on my own I just got overwhelmed, but Yuliana put t", Traveled to Costa Rica as a family in May, 2023, "We took a beautiful two-week trip in Costa Rica for our honeymoon. Best restaurants La Fortuna, Arenal & Around - Lonely Planet Central America Costa Rica Must see restaurants in La Fortuna Sights Restaurants Entertainment Nightlife Shopping Hotels S Soda Mima Though nothing fancy from afar, the love radiates outward from Mari and Alvaro's kitchen to warm your belly and your heart. There are extensive, gorgeously landscaped grounds, a large, hot breakfast buffet (as I waxed poetic on above! Its been tico-owned forever and is impossible to miss because of its big thatched roof, located on the southwest corner of the park. Thats why, in this post Ill help you narrow down some of the best La Fortuna restaurants by budget, location and type of food- so you can focus on eating and not on deciding where to go! Dined on April 2, 2023. overall 5 food 5 service 5 ambience 5. . Related read: Need to book a hotel? Olman planned the perfect trip for us. Best Things To Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (2022 Travel Guide) The staff did a fantastic job on both occasions. All up, you spend around 45 minutes in the cave and come out with a ton of knowledge and lots of smiles we had such a great time! Today, La Fortuna is a bustling town with tourists visiting all year round. I love all things Spanish and bi-cultural, (especially travel and food!) Its the best craft beer Ive had in Costa Rica. 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. I loved the taste of the pizza, and it had a perfectly crispy thin crust, wonderful pesto sauce, and plentiful fresh toppings. As soon as we settled in, the bartender came to our table and made the most delicious jalapeno margaritas (the way to my heart!). Great experience from start to finish. The wait staff are friendly and accommodating. cheese + the usual burger trimmings." ". 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. I loovvveeeed all the batidos we drank in Costa Rica! A little bit steep, but worth the splurge Such great food in a charming, casual environment. The nachos are out of this world, and the service is excellent. The capital city of Costa Rica is a popular destination for many. You can come in and re-energize any time of the day. The white pizza is pretty epic. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas. Though nothing fancy from afar, the love radiates outward from Mari and Alvaro's kitchen to warm your belly and your heart. The options are enough to make your head spin and delight your stomach: ceviche, arroz con camarones (shrimp rice), fried tilapia, avocados stuffed with shrimp in seafood sauce, rib-eye surf and turf with langoustine, and much, much more. Restaurants in Fortuna View map Sort by: Highest Rating 1. You try the most fresh, delicious fruits such as mango, guanabana, pineapple, apple bananas, starfruit, papayas, and fresh squeezed oranges. I can still taste all of this ! Come hungry because you will get stuffed! A casado isnt a specific type of food per se, but rather the name for a plate of food that includes rice, beans, plantains, a salad, and some type of meat. (I had to see this for myself.) Super affordable. This spot offers THE best Italian pizza in the area, according to our personal foodie experience. La Fortuna, Costa Rica is arguably one of the most visited areas in all of Costa Rica- and rightfully so. I would 100% recommend renting a car for your time in Costa Rica its hands down the easiest and most convenient way to get around. 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. You cant beat the prices and the quality of the food youll receive at this food truck. Definitely a different vibe than in the US! Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. Its confusing because the volcano is called Arenal, there is a town called Nuevo Arenal, but where you want to eat and shop is in La Fortuna. Luigis Pizza has been a staple in the downtown restaurant scene in La Fortuna for years. Mercadito Arenal is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day. Add sweetened condensed milk and a cookie straw- and you have a Costa Rican copo! Most entrees I bought were around $10, and my dinner bills usually came out to between $15-20 (that included the entre, smoothie, tax, and tip). The first thing you need to understand about La Fortuna is how the town is set up. One great soda in La Fortuna is La Parada. We really adored our stay at Los Lagos, a gorgeous hot springs resort. Ultimate Costa Rica Itineraries: 5, 7, 10, & 14 Days. 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). 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El Chante Verde is a shrubbery-disguised restaurant curating dishes for vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores. Wood-fired pizzas and fresh-made pasta are the specialties here, but you cant go wrong with the Caesar salad either. You will definitely know this word by the end of your trip because batidos are everywhere! We had the days special for dessert Naranja Holandesa and almond cakes with a smoky cream; accompanied by a sweet wine. Fairly new to the La Fortuna restaurant scene is Don Rufino, a fine dining establishment also located in San Jose. 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. 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. Tips for saving money in Costa Rican restaurants, Best Restaurants in San Jose (for Families). Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a beer and cocktail list, excellent c, Its an open-air concept- youll arrive to seat yourself and order off the large menu on the wall. 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica 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. This hidden gem is known for its commitment to using only the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in all of its dishes. When you think about budget, time, and distance to attractions on your itinerary, it can be daunting to decide where to eat. And the fresh pasta with prosciutto. Related Read: If you are on a tight budget, check out the best free and cheap things to do in La Fortuna before you go! THE 10 BEST Restaurants Near Lake Arenal (Updated 2023) Kids played, we enjoyed a cold beer (, Vida Campesina Organic Farm and Cooking School. It was an incredible value for the high quality stay we got! Great food." 2022 3. Overall, this was a fun restaurant to visit. You watch the chefs work with incredible speed in the open kitchen and see how they prepare and cook the woodfired pizza. I ordered the chicken chimichanga. But I mention it here because its the best place to stop and stock up on water bottles, sunscreen, and bug spray. We focus on affordable, adventure travel with an emphasis on saving money where we can to spend on the experiences that really count. The atmosphere was also really sweet. 3341 La Fortuna, Costa Rica is arguably one of the most visited areas in all of Costa Rica- and rightfully so. Theres so much good food in Costa Rica that no matter where you decide to eat in La Fortuna, youll be sure to find something delicious. We came here on a recommendation from a friend back home, and he was right about their dishes. This is a family-run hotel about halfway between the entrance to the Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna city center. It also has SOO MANY delicious foods and restaurants - we ate veerrrry well during our time in La Fortuna! This fun, and somewhat scary experience, takes you underground to explore the cave with an expert guide. All ", Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in April, 2023, Tabacon Hot Springs Half Day Pass with Meal. I would say that food was slightly less expensive than the United States although it depended a lot on where you ate in La Fortuna! 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. One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. Then, on the 6.5 kilometers of road from La Fortuna on the way to the volcano and the laguna, there are tons of tourist attractions. 31. 2 reviews. on the outside and fluffy on the inside) another ordered the fish and chips.