Restaurants San Jose Costa Rica: Gran Hotel Costa Rica Restaurant
The Gran Hotel Costa Rica has arguably the best location of any downtown hotel & restaurant. Located in front of the National Theater (Teatro Nacional) and the Plaza de la Cultura.
With veranda and patio seating directly in front of the Plaza de la Cultura, this is one of the most atmospheric spots for a casual bite and some good people-watching. A wrought-iron railing, white columns, and arches create an old-world atmosphere. On the plaza in front of the cafe, you can hear a marimba band perform and see vendors sell handicrafts. Stop by for the breakfast and watch the plaza vendors set up their booths. You can enjoy a great cup of Costa Rica coffee while you have your shoes polished.
The menu has recently been upgraded. The chef prepares delicious dishes that are beautifully presented. Live piano music was piped outside for our enjoyment.
We started lunch with the fried camembert cheese & strawberry sauce appetizer. ($10) Next came the cheese fondue accompanied by shrimp, zucchini and bread cubes. ($30) Delicious! Our main meal was the Lomito Gran Hotel: Beef tenderloin, 2 jumbo shrimp with a Roquefort cheese sauce. ($18) I was very impressed. The steak was tender and presentation excellent. One of us ordered the rack of lamb which consisted of 3 ribs served with a vegetable stuffed tomato. ($29)
Our waiter Geovani Briones Solonero was great. Overall experience was very good and we highly recommend it. Dinner entrees from $12 - $35.
There isn't a better place downtown to bask in the tropical sunshine while you sip a beer or have a light lunch. It's a great place to come before or after an event at the National Theater.
After lunch enjoy the shops along Avenida Central, take a stroll in Francisco Morazan Park, visit the Costa Rica's Gold Museum across the street take is some of the many sites, tours and attractions in Costa Rica's capital San Jose.