Great Food Abounds!

Many restaurants offer to-go or Express (to your home) delivery for a nominal fee.

Recommendations are based solely on the writer's personal experience.
in sarchi

Restaurante y Jardín Else Kientzler

by Irina Just

Most of you know the wonderful botanical garden and growing grounds in Sarchi,
where they raise tropical flowers to be mailed all over the world.

But recently, they added a “fine dining” restaurant to the ambience - and it is well worth the trip!
For starters, the husband-wife team in charge are none other than the previous chefs at the Gran Hotel in downtown San José (across from the national theater). Second, they hired Roy Castro, known - and loved - for his many gigs in our area, to be their head-waiter.

If that isn’t enough, the food is delicious! We all ordered salmon, which was cooked to perfection and was accompanied by a beautiful salad with blueberries and a lovely mélange of sautéed vegetables.
The menu is interesting but limited, and the wine selection even more so (just one type of red and white each), but Roy, always eager to please his customers, promised to “work with the chef” to broaden the selection and offer more of a variety.

The main dining area was added to the already existing terrace, and they did a great job fusing the two. Under a huge tent-cover, there is room for large parties, weddings, special events and they offer an interesting buffet (if it is anything like the one they offered at the Gran Hotel, it is outstanding!) on weekends. Plus, there is a stage area where they hope to have live music in the future.

Addendum re: buffet breakfast - It ends early, or I'd call it a brunch.
Yummy and only 5,800 colones/person!

They offer a 15% discount for seniors - just ask for it.

The restaurant is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 11:30 - 5 pm, and
from 9-6 pm on weekends. It is closed on Tuesdays.


Tel: 2454-2070/6409-9659

They are on Facebook under Jardín y Restaurante Else Kientzler, in Sarchi Norte

The Entrance

You know you're in the right place when you see the purlins of the greenhouses rise above the landscape. 

Head-waiter Roy Castro

Working to get a wider selection of wines on offer!

Cooked to Perfection

And visually appealing as well, the limited menu selection promises more delicious dishes.
Posted 4/9/2024
Grecia

Sal y Pimienta

By Joe Cahill

Here is a restaurant that has a great Casado for 3500 colones, and never raised the price during the last couple of years.

We go there a lot as a family and have the Casados - we enjoy the open air atmosphere, fresh hot plates, house salad dressing, real silverware wrapped in cellophane,, and complementary large glass of ice tea with the casado. They also have a full menu of other dishes priced very reasonably. Also free WIFI throughout the restaurant.

Located in Grecia about 50 meters east of Pali and the metal church downtown.


Phone:  4030 9849   Curbside pickup - Express service available

posted 1/8/2024

Briselas - Brunch and Pizzeria

This New Restaurant is open Thursday thru Sunday.

Thursday thru Saturday 7:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m

Located on Calle Corinto (country road to the east that parallels the main road from Cooperative Victoria into Grecia), look for the Gymnasio sign. Then head down the tiny street to the 12-car parking lot on your right. It's a hidden gem, breakfast is wonderful, their coffee is awesome, the service is good, and the view towards Grecia is very green and uplifting! Get there at 8 for breakfast and you'll almost have the place to yourself. Dinner - packed. Don't expect this restaurant to stay secret for long!

Pizza + dinner menu, beer and wine.

6211- 3708 whatsapp

Calle Corinto, 200 mts camino a Grecia del Meson cooperativa, Grecia, Costa Rica.



posted 1/5/2024
restaurant - recommendation

Briselas for Brunch

By Judy Burnham

The person in charge is Stacy.

We had a large group in March and the food, and service was great. I would recommend it.

posted 28/5/2024
Downtown Grecia

Paula’s Gastro Café

By Ivy Penman

New gastro café in Grecia town centre. Paula’s Gastro Café brings a touch of class to Grecia. Located 2 blocks from Subway (with Subway on your left, go straight, cross over one street and the café is just along on the left). 

It is spotless. The beautifully furnished interior offers various corners and secluded spots where you can relax on sofas or sit outside at tables. The atmosphere is tranquil and welcoming. It is an ideal spot to meet a friend for a chat. Erick is a superb chef and has trained in many countries.

There is a selection of gourmet freshly ground Costa Rican coffees, carefully prepared. Many are from Grecia and include San Roque and Grecia varieties. There is also a variety of teas and other hot and cold drinks and wines and beers are available. The food is outstanding and everything is cooked to perfection. In fact, perfection is the word which best describes the whole experience. We had delicious pulled pork and coleslaw sandwiches. The pork was cooked for 10 hours and melted in the mouth. A guayaba refresco and a freshly baked cake and coffee rounded off the meal. The helpings are generous, so I was feeling rather full. Home-made pulled chicken, salmon, filled bagels and mini pizzas are also on the menu. There is a wonderful selection of mouthwatering cakes, including chocolate eclairs, blondies and scones. 

At present the café is open from 1 pm till 9 pm every day, excluding Monday. I explained that many ex-pats like to go out in the morning and return home in the afternoon. Erick would be very happy to open earlier if there is a demand for this.

posted 9/18/2023
santa gertrudis norte

Punto y Coma

by Jennifer Schubert

Punto y Coma is family business founded in 2020. The restaurant was opened during the pandemic and started as a “to go” business and had 4 people working - now through the years that number has increased up to eleven.

The work team is characterized by having professional people in charge; the baker chef (my husband) for example, has over twenty years of experience and the main chef (Wendy Céspedes Solís) over ten, and both share the passion about the cooking. Their restaurant has a dynamic menu, which means they try to change and add some new dishes every certain time, of course keeping the high quality that identifies Punto y Coma. The menu has also been created to satisfy everybody´s need, from the young ones to the older ones, so it´s possible for the customers to find burgers, salads and even different kinds of desserts (the burgers are the top sellers).  No alcohol available.   

posted 7/10/2023
Downtown SArchi

Enrollato 

Review by Don Davis

Enrollato is a new restaurant in downtown Sarchi. The food was great and included creative ingredients that were well-prepared and served with great attention. The restaurant has a comfortable atmosphere and seats about 35. The menu includes a nice selection of: poke bowls, burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and sopa Azteca. Enrollato also has great hot/cold coffee drinks, wonderful fruit drinks and spectacular desserts. Enrollato offers dine-in, take out, and delivery. 
(Note: there are currently no taxes charged due to Enrollato's unique tax classification as a "cafeteria." ALSO, the service is good, but there is NO 10% SERVICE FEE charged, either. So, be sure to add a tip.)

Open from 12-9pm Thursday-Tuesday (closed Wednesday). 

Located on Avenida 2 between Ferreteria M. Ledezma and Pets Shop Sarchi.

Find them on Facebook

posted 6/2/2023
In Grecia

El Chante Gastrobus

Review by Diane Cooner 

I watched the evolution of this new eatery for much of 2022. First it was just 2 buses. Then the buses got nice paint jobs, a platform went in between them to create an open space that became the bar, the inside of one bus was converted to tables and seats, the other became the kitchen. The result is El Chante Gastrobus, one of Grecia’s newest restaurants and occasional music venues. 

They have a full bar and lots of choices on the varied menu, the prices are reasonable and a good value, from 3800 for the Casado up to 12,000 for full dinners. I went for the basic Casado or daily plate, with grilled chicken (and rice, salad with tomato, plantain, fried egg). It was excellent! My lunchmates enjoyed Sopa Azteca (chicken/tortilla soup in a tomato base), and the breaded chicken Casado. Empty plates/bowls all around! I went for the limonada with hierba buena (spearmint, excellent), but everyone else went for the maricuya fruit drink, which is creamy and tart/sweet. This is the basic batido that is fruit mixed with ice and either milk or water. 

The Gastrobus serves everything from bocas to full-on meals - daily plate, ceviche, burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, steaks. The food was excellent, the service was excellent (our waiter spoke English, the owner does not, except for ‘Thank You!’). 

The restaurant is located at the back of the large corner public parking lot, 2 blocks north of the main (west) entrance to Grecia’s Central Market, so there is plenty of guarded parking at 600 colones per hour. Free street parking also available. 

Phone: 6265-7653 Facebook

posted 3/28/2023    
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday  noon – 11pm Friday – Saturday  noon-midnight 
Good value for the money.
Owner at left, English at right.
Where it is in Grecia.
trending now

Wilfredo's Restaurante

By Judy Burnham (and Kathleen Fleischer)

Located just past Cooperativa Victoria in Grecia, on the corner across from the futbol field and school. Typical food but excellent! Beautiful presentation, reasonable prices.

Charming set up with two dining rooms and outdoor garden. Great music played in the outdoor seating area offsets busy road to Santa Gertrudis.

Lunch and dinner, great buffet. Check out their FB page for mouth-watering photos of dishes from their menu and further details.
Open 12 noon - 9 p.m. Closed Mon/Tues. 
posted 10/1/2022
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A great combo!

Umami Cafe at Vivero Santa Gertrudis

by Kathleen Fleischer
What could be better than strolling thru a beautiful plant nursery and then enjoying a wonderful lunch after? Perhaps lunch first and then the nursery....

Umami restaurant is on the grounds of Vivero 'Ana' in Santa Gertrudis Norte. 
Lunch and dinner. Don’t miss the Brownie dessert!

The vivero hours are daily 8-5, Sunday 9--5, closed Monday.  Vivero FB page here.
posted 10/1/2022
RESTAURANTS

La Nachería

by Irina Just

For us oldtimers, this restaurant is in the same location as the former “Cilantro” followed by other restaurants. I hope it is not a bad omen because this place deserves to stay open. For those who don’t know where it is located: a couple of doors south of the downtown Pali, on the west side of the street. There’s a public parking lot right across.

For one, the décor is lovely - inspired by “días de los muertos” - Mexican colors, paint and style. Even Stephanie, the waitress, looked like a young Frida Kahlo. She does speak English.

The menu is extensive and fast:  tex/mex and Mexican; no liquor (yet?). They only opened in August. There were 5 of us, and everyone enjoyed their chosen dish. As a birthday surprise, the chef lit the torch and made crème brulée right at our table.

They do have the occasional live entertainment in the evenings.

Phone: 8904-0218; email:lanacheriacr@gmail.com
Hours: 11AM - 10 PM Monday, Wednesday through Saturday;
Sunday 11AM - 9 PM; closed Tuesdays.
They are on Facebook under La Nacheria Costa Rica. Let’s hope they make it!
posted 8/22/2022
RESTAURANTS

Vuelta al Mundo

by Irina Just

Right downtown Grecia, yet very quiet, on the north side of the park, is a hidden gem of a restaurant -  a lovely secret garden called “Vuelta al Mundo” - freely translated into “trip around the world”. This charming restaurant is part of “Mangifera” hostel. The restaurant is in a tropical courtyard, making it safe outdoor seating during these Covid-times.

The owners of both, the hostel and the restaurant, are a tico and his Dutch wife (who speaks fluent English).

Phone/WhatsApp: 2494-6065

NEW Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Wednesday
CLOSED


Saturday
12:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Sunday
12:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Menu here    
Website: www.mangiferahostel.org. They often have live music on the weekends, but I have never been there in the evening [Editor's note: music caters to the youth!]

Their large menu consists of a plethora of international dishes, individually prepared. I’ve been there several times, trying a different dish every time - and none disappointed. The atmosphere is lovely and Danouck, the Dutch owner, is charming and very accommodating. They serve beer, wine and liquor plus a variety of natural juices. 

updated 11/9/2024
RESTAURANTS

Il Vesuvio Pizzeria y Mas

 by Irina Just

Il Vesuvio is a bit off the beaten path for those not living in or near Los Angeles de Grecia - but it is well worth the kilometer or 2 up the Los Angeles-El Cajón Road. For us in Cajón, it is the nearest rstaurant and often our destination for pizza and wine/beer.

Once in Los Angeles, it is easy to find as it sits on the road right across from the school with a big round visible sign . 

They are closed on Mondays and don't open until 6 pm Tuesday through Friday,  when they close at 10 pm. Hours on the weekend are noon to 10 pm. We prefer to go around 4 PM either Saturday or Sunday, when we get their patio to ourselves, enjoying outdoor seating and Italian ambience. 

Their pizza menu is extensive and we haven’t had a bad one yet. They are very accommodating and helpful, even agreeing to use ingredients we brought (anchovies) to add to their pizza Marguerite. The owner is from Italy, lending authenticity to the restaurant. 

Phone/WhatsApp: 6145-7070. They recently added live entertainment on weekends.

Find them on FB - express delivery to your home after 6pm.
posted 8/22/2022
RESTAURANTS

Pizza il Forno 506


    Located across from farmacia Alfaro in Grecia, Il Forno serves up authentic Italian pizza. Their prices are reasonable and they also have express service to your home. The pizza usually arrives in good condition, too!
    From the metal church in central Grecia, 100 meters north in front of the farmacia Alfaro.
posted 27/6/2024
RESTAURANTS

The Soda at Carnes Solis

by Diane Cooner
They say a full parking lot is a good sign of a good restaurant. I have found this to be true at various truck-stops I've visited in Costa Rica, and it is certainly true of the soda/cafeteria at Carnes Solis, in the Coope Victoria gas station complex, about 2 miles east of Grecia proper.
Their main meal is lunch, although plenty of folks eat breakfast there, too. A basic cafeteria style set up located inside the mini-market and meat market;  casados include basic chicken/fish, various salads, many choices of standard Tico fare with very reasonable prices and always a full plate of food. And it is all Very tasty! Arrive before the lunch rush so you can get a parking space!. You can also pick up food to-go. 
The market is small but comprehensive - the meat counter is excellent, the staff always friendly! 
posted 8/21/2022
San Luis de Grecia

Restaurante Elmirador

By Diane Cooner
Just before you arrive at Isabel's restaurant in San Luis, there is another restaurant across the street that is worthy of your attention - Restaurante Elmirador. This place has been there for 40 years, however the restaurant is under new management and now has an extensive menu, very reasonably priced, along with a large, covered open-aired dining space (protected by those strong ridge winds). The view of the Central Valley is spectacular - arrive early to get a table! After the sun goes down the place is packed. Ample onsite (not street) parking with a watchy-man as well.
We opted for ribeye steak and fajitas - both arrived quickly and were excellent. El MIrador also has a selection of mixed cocktails and beers. They have occasional live music on the weekends (with more to come!).
I had planned to go to another well-regarded local eatery, but at the last minute decided to try El MIrador - I was not disappointed! We will be going back for sure, this may become a Favorite Place.
Open daily from 11am - 10pm. 
You can see their menu on Facebook.
Posted 1/22/2022
Grecia

Casa Nosstra Restaurant & Bar, Grecia

Located at the top of the hill in northeast Grecia near the municipal water tank. (Google ‘Casa Nosstra’ (2 ‘s’s) for menu and directions.) This open-air restaurant and bar with great views of Poas and San Isidro was started by some of the former employees of La Casa de Miguel, and previously was great. We now understand it's under new management and not as good as it was! We'd love to hear your opinions on it. 
 
See their FB page for map, phone, etc -https://www.facebook.com/casanosstra
Updated 20/3/2024
Grecia

Los Jardines Vivero & Cafe

by Diane Cooner

New Favorite Place! Like many others, I had been watching the grounds developing for this new restaurant and nursery, located on the side street behind Rosvil market, near the Tribunales and feria in Grecia. I finally made it there for a celebratory lunch last month and I was not disappointed.
The service was not fast but I didn't want it to be. The grounds are lovely, it was like being on vacation at a beautiful garden resort - lots of little private dining areas, with gardens and clever garden art everywhere, I was happy to not be rushed out!

Los Jardines offers a full menu, appetizers thru desserts, vegetarian plates, beer & wine, even kids' meals. I enjoyed a rib-eye panini sandwich - fresh homemade panini, excellent rib-eye, with my favorite drink, limonada con hierba buena. The arrangement was artistic, the portion was not huge, I was not daunted by the prices.

They also serve organic coffee and are into eco-education and practices, which is really refreshing.

The nursery is small but I can see that it has potential to grow. This is a work in progress and as they opened during the pandemic it doesn't seem that the owners are too concerned about obstacles. For the time investment alone in the garden, I think they're in it for the long haul. I look forward to enjoying the restaurant and grounds many times in the future.

Tons of monitored parking 25 meters west of the grounds on the corner, they recently planted a row of trees for shade on the street side. Don't forget to tip the watchie-man. Truly, it's like taking a mini-vacation in the middle of town. Give it a try!
Closed on Monday. Find their menu and hours on their Facebook page.

posted 4/4/2021
Grecia

Mas Q' Sabor

NOW OPEN FOR BREAKFAST! 

Review by Lou Kritz
Looking for that "go to place" where you can get a pleasant lunch, a light snack, or a full dinner? You may just find it at Más Q' Sabor. The name of this Tex-Mex special place means "more than flavor", and their tag line is "Always Fresh." Proprietor Johnny Lara, along with his wife, Karol Murillo, and an excellent and very competent staff, have worked to provide a widely varied menu that is always fresh and provides a dining experience that has great flavor, but much, much, more.

Here's just a sampling of the truly unique menu you will have to scrutinize. Begin with an appetizer and you'll notice the Mexican theme right away in the Taquitos Rancheros, Sopes, and Quesadilla Supreme. It then broadens out with Peruvian Ceviche and Shrimp Cocktail. Next add freshly house-made Cream of Squash or Azteca Tortilla soup. For salad, the selections are a Taco Salad, Caesar Chicken, the delicious House, and an Asian Salad.Hankering for a burger? The tough decision must deal with the house special Más Q' Sabor Burger, a Santa Fe Grilled Chicken Burger, and a Milanesa Chicken Sandwich. Also, think about the newly-added Bean Burger, designed to please the vegetarians and vegans.

Trying to stay authentic with the Mexican format? Zarapes, Enchiladas, Burritos Chimichanga and Ranchero style, Tacos Dorado, Al Pastor, and Asada, and Fish Tacos Ensenada are just part of the list that offers delectable choices.

For a more filling dinner experience the Seafood and Grill menu will serve. Parillada, a delightful combination of marinated sirloin steak and chicken, with an additional shrimp option, plus sides to round out the meal, will fit the bill. Other choices include Fajitas Mixtas, Peruvian Sirloin Strip, a Fish Filet, and the Pescado ala Diabla, with a tangy hot sauce, and accompaniments of beans, white rice, and veggies.

There are also Executive Meals, which allow you to decide on various options, and a full compliment of Rice and Pasta dishes that are not only filling, but so savory that you'll come back for more. Desserts, again all fresh and house-made. They range from a Strawberry/Nutella-filled Crepe, Lime Pie, and Deep-Fried Ice Cream and are only part of the line-up.


The drink list includes specialty Limonadas, Fruit Smoothies, Ice Tea and the best fresh-brewed coffee this side of the nearest volcano. There is also a liquor selection of craft beers, wines by bottle or glass, and liquor-based cocktails.

Más Q' Sabor offers everything made fresh with great flavor, and their secret ingredient, nourishment, to provide an experience not usually found in such a reasonably priced restaurant. From a light lunch to a multi-course dinner, it's a value here. They've even thought of vegetarians and vegans by adding appropriate items or adjusting your favorites to your program requirements. And, children get special attention with the Children's Menu and an attention to portion size.

Johnny and his team are located on Avenida 1 in Grecia right next door to the correos, or post office. The restaurant opens at 12:00 o'clock noon, and is open into the evening hours for dinner and evening treats, six days per week from Tuesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday.

Call 2444-2660 for hours or delivery. Definitely open for business!

updated 5/10/2024
Barrio Latino - Grecia

Eureka! El Ancla in Barrio Latino

by Diane Cooner
I had been driving past the former 'Donde Papa' Restaurant in Barrio Latino for a few weeks when I noticed some new action there - someone was going to try another restaurant. I waiting until the place looked like it was now open, and stopped in recently to see if I could get something to go.
I was totally surprised and delighted to find that the proprietor is none other than Chef Douglas, formerly of Restaurante Doña Carmen in Grecia. His new restaurant El Ancla (the anchor) opened in July and I think they will be successful there because the food is, of course, GREAT, as is their location - about 1km east from Hwy 118 (road to Sarchi), on the road to San Roque. And there's parking space!
Although this is primarily a seafood restaurant or marisqueria, they have a wide assortment of dishes to choose from. Prices very reasonable, in the 4-8000 colon range. There is also a full bar and a ranchita patio in the front with a beautiful evening view of all the twinkling lights on the hillsides and ridges.
I had the basic fish daily plate, with ceviche costeña to start - excellent!
I ordered 'to go' but next time I will be staying and enjoying the ranchita out front with an umbrella-festooned fruity drink. 
Closed Monday/Tuesday.   Find them on Facebook at El-Ancla-Restaurante-Y-Marisqueria

Updated 10/28/2021
Grecia

Cinco 20 Grill

by Judy Burnham

Cinco 20 Grill is a wonderful new restaurant in downtown Grecia. Directly across from exit side of the new bus station.  On the corner, it has black chain link fence surrounding it and the restaurant is built with shipping containers, painted black, and pallets.

They paid special attention to details in this restaurant.

Awesome food and not expensive.  Grilled meats, salads and desserts. They have wonderful pasta's too. They will give you a menu, and you go up to order the food. Room for lots of people.  Indoor and outdoor.

It has it’s own parking lot. Highly recommended. 

Open Thursday - Sunday, 12pm-8:30pm.  Their FB page is:  cinco20 grill

updated 10/27/2021
Atenas

Crema y Nata Bakery and Restaurant

by Dave Murray
For the past couple of years, shoppers at the farmers’ market (the feria) in Grecia have enjoyed the bakery products offered by Esau Herrera who sells various types of breads, bagels, croissants, large pretzels, cookies, pies, etc. all of which are produced in his bakery in Atenas. He can also offer Canadian bacon, regular bacon and hams on special order.
The bakery in Atenas has included a small retail outlet, but recently that has changed.
Esau still comes to the Grecia feria but he has moved his Atenas restaurant, Crema y Nata, to a new and much better location in downtown Atenas. There, the menu has expanded and the accommodations are delightful. The menu includes custom sandwiches, salads, coffees, daily specials and more. All the breads and other products are available as well. Ample seating is in a very pleasant covered courtyard.
The new Crema y Nata is open daily from 7:00am to 6:00pm. It is located in a strip mall in Atenas that is easy to find on Waze. If you don’t use Waze, take the back road from Grecia to Atenas through Santa Eulalia. When you get to the flashing light at Route 3, go straight uphill for two and a half blocks and look for the sign on the left. If you get to the Stop sign, you went too far.
Crema y Nata makes a trip to Atenas worthwhile in itself.

Updated 17/6/2024
Now in Grecia - In front of the CoopeVictoria offices

Las Orquideas Chicharronera y Marisqueria

Grand Opening Friday, July 19   Always with the traditional and most delicious assortments. We have unique delicious shrimp, chicharrones, potato salad, Corvina ceviche chopped by us, fresh and delicious. In addition, we propose to bring you new dishes, different, modern and delicious, such as ceviche of chicharron, chicharrones with "shell" in a bowl of patacón with guacamole, shrimp with rice, seafood with rice, whole 1k fish so you don't have to go to the port, new side dishes like guacamole and patacones. We hope you enjoy them and have a delicious time with us. Thousands of thanks to everyone who sees us on the street and tells us: When do they open? We miss you guys! What do we miss, when those assortments come back? Those shrimp are unique! The best chicharones!

Starting this listing over again, let us know what you think of the new location and menu!

Open Thursday/Friday 5pm-9pm
Saturday/Sunday 12noon to 9pm

2444 2309

posted 18/7/2024
Piedades Norte - San Ramon

Savory a la Thai - San Ramon

New Review by Irina Just
High up in the hills above San Ramón is a fabulous Thai Restaurant, well worth the trip. Although only 45 km from Grecia, it took 90 minutes to get there, despite the road finally being paved except for the last 10 meters.  
The restaurant, also their homestead, is owned by Addie, a Thai woman and her husband Gerardo, a tico. She cooks and, speaking pretty good English, he takes care of the customers.   
There were 7 of us, and we started with "plates for the table” while we checked the menu. The green papaya salad was a favorite by everyone, followed by spring rolls with shrimp.   
We ordered our main course, which was cashew nuts with vegetables for some, drunken chicken for others, as well as Calamari with yellow curry.  

The prices are super reasonable, the ambience (including cats and dogs) delightful and the hosts a lot of fun to get to know (if it is not too busy). We were told that Wednesdays and Thursdays are the “best” because they are quieter than the weekends.   
Hours are Wednesday through Sunday - noon to 8 pm; closed Monday and Tuesday - but check their facebook page (see link below for map also) as hours might vary during the year.   
Reservations are required by calling 6012-7722.   
We unanimously agreed that this is the best Thai food we’ve found in Costa Rica, and we will certainly be back.  

posted 7/11/2023

#

Review by Teresa Deshech
Really great Thai food, and good prices.  Authentic Thai food so close to home, I'm looking for ways to make sure they succeed. It is called Savory a la Thai. Run by a local couple, he's Tico and - surprise - she's from Thailand.

It is really good thai food that has a lovely, nuanced flavor profile. It is a family run business, and the cook is a Thai lady who creates her own curry mix via growing things like fresh lemon grass in her garden, and even makes her own fish sauce. 

You can either order it tico style, or Thai style.  We ordered THAI style, and got the yellow curry and the Phad Thai, and both were great.  The ingredients were really fresh.
By Reservation Only at this time - see their FB page for directions - about 1/2 drive northwest out of San Ramon.
They speak English and Spanish, and of course, Thai!    6012-7722

Updated 10/27/2021
Cashew nuts and vegetables
Spring rolls with shrimp

Calamari with yellow curry
Drunken chicken

Run by a local couple, he's Tico and - surprise - she's from Thailand.

The owners Addie and Gerardo
Inside
Outside

San Isidro de Grecia

Pizza Family - To Go or Delivered

This new Pizzeria is located next to the church in San Isidro. They also deliver!

They offer New York and Chicago style pizza, plus a house pizza and cheese pizza choices.
2494-7309  
Currently open Fri-Sat-Sun only.
Click here to see their menu with prices.
updated 10/27/2021
Grecia - on the Old Alajuela Road

Chirinquitos del Rio

by Greg Pekas
We ate at this great place last week, and wanted to share...If you want an UNDER-priced and OVER-served meal that is wonderfully cooked with fresh ingredients, you really need to dine at Chirinquitos del Rio, just outside of Grecia on the old road to Alajuela. Consider this: (2) Filet Mignons with potato and vegetable (2) Vino Blanco (2) Ron Centenario.  Total bill: 18,100 colones! The steaks were done to perfection and we'll be back!
Updated 10/27/2021
Sarchi Norte

Bar  Restaurante El Monstruo

by Tom Rosenberger
I was in Sarchi recently inspecting a new home for Tiina Läärä and on the main road back to Naranjo, on the right hand side I saw that the Bar El Monstruo had plenty of parking in front, so I pulled in to grab a quick bite to eat.
The ambiance was tipico and comfortable with a large bar and many tables. The bartender gave me a menu of bocas and told me that their special was a beer or drink and boca for 1500 colones. I ordered a ceviche with a beer and was pleasantly surprised by the size of the boca and once I tried it, I was very impressed with the flavor. The guy next to me had a boca of chorizo with fresh tomatoes and warm tortillas and I ordered one of those as well, and it was great. The ceviche was so good that I ordered a full portion to take home with me.
I recommend this bar/restaurant to anyone who enjoys quality typical food and attentive service. It’s also considered a sports bar with plenty of TV’s, if you’re in the mood to throw a few cold ones down along with some of the locals in Sarchi Norte.

updated 10/28/2021
Grecia

Atori Sushi & Restaurante

by Joe Richard

Now located 200 meters south of the Muni, on the corner just south of Ekono department store.
Now I’m no sushi connoisseur and I’m easy to please. California rolls make me happy. Today I went crazy trying something strange and hoping for the best. Pixsushi: Arroz panconizado, queso crema, aguacate, salmon, kanikama and masago for 4500 colones. Right, not your typical Japanese sushi. Kinda a Tico variation and there are several of them. No seaweed on this one, rather a crispy breaded exterior with a rice interior and all those little things piled on top. I loved it. There were eight good sized sushi accompanied by the traditional soy sauce and wasabi.
A sampling of the sushi plates [prices likely updated!]:
California: Queso crema, Kanikama, aguacate and pepino. 3500 colones
Tuna Love: Queso crema, Kanikama, aguacate, pepino and cubierto de atun. 4000 colones
Ojo de dragon: Salmon, atun y kanikama tempurizados con cobertura de ajonjoli. 5500 colones
Atori has more traditional plates as well. Their entradas range from 2500 to 4000 colones for dishes like Ensalada Portobello, Ceviche, Salmon Wrap and Camaron Tempura. The hot plates are 3800 to 7000 colones for plates such as vegetable lasagna, Yakiton (pinchos de cerdo, pollo y camaron) and Salmon a la Naranja.

The owner, Josue Quesada, may have a hit on his hands. It certainly adds another favorite to my list of good places to eat.
Atori is open every day from noon to 10pm, except Tuesdays.  2444-1250
A tip of my sugekasa to Atori! 

updated 17/6/2024
Barrio San Juan de Sarchi

Duna's Bar

by Don Davis 
If you haven’t tried local bar hopping Costa Rican style, get off the dime and give it a shot. It’s part of the culture and is usually a pretty cheap date and a fun night out.
Spain has tapas. Costa Rica has bocas. Bocas are inexpensive appetizer plates, soups and salads. The wife and I are partial to seafood and shrimp ceviches. You’ll find them on the menu of almost any local bar.

Duna's Bar is an icon in the small community of Barrio San Juan de Sarchi. It’s across from the school, next door to the church and above the tiny store. The food is good, the atmosphere is friendly and the bartender who has been there on the nights we’ve visited, Rudolfo, speaks English. Duna’s is open in the evening and closed on Mondays.

If you don’t know where Barrio San Juan de Sarchi is located, then directions to Duna’s Bar are a bit long. Here goes:

Directions coming from Grecia Drive past the Sarchi town square with giant carretta (on your right) just over 100 meters to the first street on your right and turn right onto the one-way street. (There is a new commercial building on one corner with a shoe store and on the other corner a boutique, “Eclipes,” and a small ferreteria, “Frosa” behind it on the one-way street.)

Directions coming from Naranjo Drive past the Sarchi futbol field (on your right) and through the intersection with the traffic signal to the next street on your left and turn left onto the one-way street. (There is a new commercial building on one corner with a shoe store and on the other corner a boutique, “Eclipes,” and a small ferreteria, “Frosa” behind it on the one-way street.)

Universal directions from this point to Duna’s Bar You will quickly pass a “Pali” market and the big orange and white communication tower both on the right. Follow the road—it goes straight for about 1/2 a kilometer (past “MCC” ferreteria on your left) and then turns sharply left just past the big “Beneficios La Eva” coffee exporter with a guard station and barricade. Keep left and up and around a hill with one “reductor” (speed bump) at the top. Keep right on the main road as it heads downhill and winds a bit more. You will come to a narrow bridge with the “CEDA” sign on your side. Just past the bridge take a sharp left up the hill and bear to the right. Go straight (north) at the top of the steep street there’s an intersection with a road bearing sharply to the left. Take it and go steeply up and curve to the right. At the top of hill you are in “downtown” San Juan de Sarchi and Duna’s Bar will be just past the futbol field and on your right across from the school.

Updated 10/28/2021
Grecia

La Casa de Miguel

New Review! by Lou Kritz
A restaurant of the quality of Restaurante La Casa de Miguel deserves more than a one-visit review. So, after living in Grecia for over seventeen months, and dining there at least once every two weeks, and sometimes more often, I feel it’s time to laud this one of a kind place. It can honestly be considered the best restaurant in Grecia and the surrounding area. It’s not only become our favorite, but it’s become our go-to place to entertain visitors form the States.  In our 40+ visits, we’ve sampled the Spanish/English menu in all categories.
It begins with fresh, crisp salads of simple greens, to chicken and tuna varieties, and a Capresse offering. Follow this with both cold and hot appetizers. Ceviche is delicious, with several types of Carpaccio and Tartar and several soups. Here you will find the house specialty, Ceviche La Casa de Miguel. If you even think you like ceviche, you must try this one. Sister-in-law Kim from Pennsylvania looked up long enough to say, “This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten.”

Serious entrees begin with a wide selection of pastas. Fruti di Mari, mixed seafood sauce, either white or red, over a choice of pastas. Boloñesa will make you forget the word “spaghetti.”  Loraine can’t get past the Crema de Salmón con nuestra salsa de vodka, or as us gringos say it, “Salmon with vodka sauce.” Beef dishes run the gamut of a selection of locally raised cuts, including a Grilled Mixed Plate of beef, chicken, and chorizo, of course with excellent sides.
The imported beef menu includes Churrasco, Delmonico, New York Strip, a Porterhouse, and surprisingly, the best Grilled Outside Skirt Steak you’ve ever eaten. To say it melts in your mouth is an understatement. Or, If you prefer Mariscos, or seafood, choose any variety and it’s here, grilled, breaded, fried, or in cream sauce. There are both white and tomato sauces, and even a tempting Camarones Kung Pao shrimp dish.
There is chicken in no less than five presentations, topped off by the  Cordon Bleu,  that you will order when you return. Rice dishes go from the typical house rice to Rice with Shrimp. A small children’s menu follows the entrees, along with a large sandwich selection for lunch or a lighter dinner. Desserts, if you make it that far, include Starwberry Cheesecake, Pears in Red Wine Sauce, Chocolate Cake, and Passion Fruit Mousse. If you can’t make up your mind, go for the Flan de Coco, Coconut Flan. Outstanding!. All are made daily on-site and are exquisite.

Drinks available include the standard batidos, iced teas, fruit drinks, and hot tea. The coffee is top quality and individually brewed on order. There is a full bar with a large wine selection and an assortment of liquors that can be mixed.

A restaurant should be judged on its menu and food quality, ambience, service, and value. Miguel’s is tops in all categories. There is simply no other restaurant for kilometers around that offers this selection. Everything is fresh and hand-prepared on order. Enter the restaurant from the street and the ‘business end’ is up front. A large, quiet dining room is next, with the open-air veranda at the back, looking over a calm garden. There is no street noise, just the pleasant sound of the birds in the trees. Roy, the manager, and his staff speak both English and Spanish, are welcoming and warm.

Prices reflect the high quality of both the food and service, but are surprisingly reasonable for this level of dining experience. Simply put, it is well worth the price!

La Casa de Miguel is located on Avenida Central at the ‘top of town’ just three doors, or 50 meters west of the bomberos station. There is limited on-site parking.  It’s open Tuesday through Thursday at 11:00AM to 9:00PM, Friday and Saturday, 11:00 am to 10:00PM,  Sunday, 11:00am to 5:00 PM, and closed on Mondays.

Phone: 2444-6767
Updated 10/28/2021
Grecia

El Griego

by Kristen Dreaper
If you are looking for affordable, casual, authentically Tico food, try El Griego! Located on the left side of the road that leads you to Paca Loca from Central Park, El Griego offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner with fast service and a friendly, family oriented atmosphere. Their breakfast menu is very simple, gallo pinto with an accompanying side such as platanos, natilla, or tocineta. Lunch and dinner include traditional casados as well as typical soups, stews, and heavier meals. It is possible for 2 adults to order 2 meals and 2 drinks for $10, but El Griego doesn't skimp on flavor. They have a very large selection of bottled and canned drinks, and offer natural juices for just over $1. When you are looking for a no-frills meal that tastes great and will fill you up, you must try El Griego.
On the corner, 50 meters north of PeriMercado.
Updated 10/28/2021
Grecia

ARJE's Restaurant and Seafood

by Debbie Rudd  with update by Nancy Mirr (3/31/2016)
You may already know this but if not it is worth mentioning. Since I have been here, I’ve been going to a little restaurant called ARJE. They pronounce it “R-jays”. It was just a little soda kind of place but the food was always excellent and the prices were very reasonable for what you would get – like Bacon wrapped shrimp with potatoes, salad and vegetable for only around $8.
Whomever decorated did a great job, I remember a blue, white and yellow theme on the inside with a beautiful front of a VW bus on the wall. Oh and get a load of this - PADDED SEATS TO SIT ON! Please try to support them. I want them to still be here when I return.
Directions - From Subway restaurant at the corner of the park go down to the end of the block, cross the street and continue one half block more away from town. It is on the other side of the street.
The owners are a couple named Arturo and Jessica.  They have a wide variety of seafood items as well as casadas and other traditional food.  They offer delivery and can also do catering.  The prices are very reasonable and each meal is prepared with loving care!
They have a copy of their menu (which is in Spanish and English) on their FB page. There are also photos of their food. Open Tues-Sunday 1130am to 9pm, closed on Mondays.
Updated 10/28/2021
San Luis de Grecia

Essprezzo de la Casa (aka Isabel's)

Now open starting Jan 6: Days are Thurs, Fri from 2PM and Sat 9AM to 1PM. 
by Kim Scruggs

Essprezzo de la Casa (AKA ISABEL’S) is one of those cafes that totally deserves a shout out for the complete dining experience that Isabel, the owner and chef, has created.

If you haven't been to Essprezzo de la Casa, do yourself a favor and take a drive up there to experience a culinary delight.  You will enjoy a very friendly beautiful, atmosphere. The cafe is located at the top of San Luis ridge above Grecia. The restaurant sits on a very sweet spot with expansive breathtaking views of lush cone shaped mountain peaks. You can watch the setting sun from the dining room and there are some spectacularly colorful displays. The ambiance that Isabel has created is sophisticated, yet rustic. I describe her music play list as romantic and happy.

Then there's the food. She consistently creates a memorable culinary experience. My husband and I have described Isabel's cooking as that of an experienced food chemist. She knows how to combine flavors to please the palate. Her menu has something for everybody with options from Costa Rica dishes to her personal recipes from Mexico and a fusion of both. She uses fresh organic fruits vegetables which are grown on an adjacent farm. If we had to pick our favorite entree, it would have to be the enchiladas, pictured below. This dish is excellent.  She makes a red sauce from guajillo Mexican peppers that are not available locally. The Pescado a la Plancha and the breakfast burritos are some of our other favorite menu items. The strawberry and cream cheese crepes are to die for.  She also has specials from time to time, like her sensational fish soup or her Mexican tamales. The list goes on and on of our favorites. The coffee drinks are fabulous, too. Upon request, she brews up natural tea using fresh ingredients. Her food presentations are photo worthy. We would thoroughly recommend Essprezzo de la Casa to anyone who enjoys a good dining experience and we are confident you will be a return patron.

Essprezzo de la Casa is open on the weekends. Friday and Saturday hours are from 3:00PM to 8:00PM. Sunday hours are from 9:00AM to 5:00PM. The prices are moderate. Essprezzo de la Casa does not serve alcohol but you are welcome to bring your own. Parking is off road in a private lot adjacent to the cafe.
Contact information is 2444-2967 and 8895-8999 essprezzodelacasa@hotmail.com
Updated 1/3/2022
San Miguel de Grecia

Mirador Brisas del Monte

by Jen Beck Seymour
The other night we visited a cozy little restaurant up on the San Miguel Ridge, one ridge over from where we live. We went with our good friends, who had been wanting to take us there for a while. The place is called Mirador Brisas del Monte, and really the best thing about it is the gorgeous views you can see from anywhere you sit inside the soda.
You can also sit outside in the back, where they have some limited seating. There are pillars throughout the café and outside with wood carvings on them, which the owner did himself. The owner, Tom, is a friendly guy who is always smiling– he was happy to show us around when we first got there.
A little hidden gem about this place, is behind the restaurant - there is a little casita that Tom had built in the old, traditional Costa Rican style. This casita is very much how Costa Rican people lived in the "olden days", and how some people still live – it shows a lot about their customs and traditions. In fact, Tom told us he currently has a worker staying in this little house .We had heard the food was nothing to write home about, but after perusing the menu in great detail and questioning our waitress at length, we all decided on our entrees. Prices were pretty decent, and here's what we had: chicken fingers, chalupa, chilfrijo and dirty rice. We all tasted each others entrees and thought it tasted pretty good. But like I said – if you don’t go to this place for the food, go at least to have a drink and look at the view. Well worth it!
Brisas is open Friday through Sunday, 11am – 11pm, and is located on the San Miguel Ridge - just drive up the ridge until you see it, it’ll be on the left hand side.
Here’s their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mirador.san.miguel
Updated 10/28/2021
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