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. You cant beat the prices and the quality of the food youll receive at this food truck. La Fortuna town center, 50 meters north of Farmacia El Pueblo. The currency in Costa Rica is the colon (plural is colones). Mostly rolls and some typical appetizers (edamame. La Fortuna Lodge We loved ending our day hopping between the all thehot springs on the resort. If you are walking through the park in front of the Catholic church and see the copo vendor, you must stop for a try. Tip 10% of your meal charge. Cheap, delicious casados (set, Best place in town, hands down. Most people choose to stay in hotels along this road, which ultimately leads to a small town called Nuevo Arenal. We had the most amazing time. Im a mom of two Latinas, bicultural, bilingual (English/Spanish), and 100% in love with celebrating parenthood in all its forms, (even the sucky parts). Related Read: Check out all the best hot springs in La Fortuna! ~Christa. Theres a wide variety to choose from, including everything from sausage platters and stuffed pork to Black Angus skirt steak and St. Louis Style ribs. It also has SOO MANY delicious foods and restaurants - we ate veerrrry well during our time in La Fortuna! We heard their tiramisu is the best and had to try it out. 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. Start date - End date Start planning Wanderlog staff updated Aug 24, 2022 Many of us are foodies on the Wanderlog team, so naturally we're always on the hunt to eat at the most popular spots anytime we travel somewhere new. A few minutes later, he got a text from his credit card company that his purchase was denied because it was over his credit limit. Lonely Planet Best restaurants in La Fortuna, . When youre near a volcano and a massive lake, the last thing youd expect in this topography is sushi because theres no ocean in sight, and nobodys thinking about seafood, right? You may find that you are spending a ton of time driving between the Arenal Volcano, the hot springs, and La Fortuna City Center. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Your credit card will automatically make the conversion when it bills you, but you will get a better exchange rate that way. Here, you also enjoy fresh, healthy natural drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at super cheap prices too. a perfect Guacamole to start and th. The menu includes an interesting Bio about the establishment, how they began, and how they use certified organic produce to make their amazing dishes. This tour may be the most unique place on this list of where to eat in La Fortuna, but its a delicious feast! I highly recommend the fruit salad! They offer vegetarian plates here too. Our entrees included octopus with coriander, pineapple, yucca, and romesco sauce; meatballs sated with dates and tomato salsa. Many of the dishes youll find here are served with traditional Latin American/Caribbean staples like fried yucca and plantains. Arenal Volcano is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica. Don Rufino Exceptional ( 428) $$$$ International Alajuela Booked 14 times today Don Rufino is about contemporary food, with a local touch. Chifa La Familia Feliz 1,501 reviews Closed Now Chinese, Peruvian $$ - $$$ "I fell in love with Peruvian Food" "Try this food right now!" 2022 2. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. La Fortuna, also known as La Fortuna de San Carlos, is undoubtedly one of Costa Rica's most talked about destinations. My fianc ordered tacos, which were loaded with seafood and I regretted not ordering the same because they were so yummy! Its a large swath of German-owned land that features a small train that leads up to a towering view of the volcano. Can you give me some approximate prices for a simple lunch or dinner at the above places. 11 Best Restaurants in Fortuna, CA for 2023 (Top Eats!) Salsa Lizano is a uniquely Costa Rican condiment. 1. We discovered it because it has a kids play place inside- slide, toy house, and a nice bathroom with a sink kids can reach. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos - 2023 - Tripadvisor The atmosphere is open and relaxing. La Nice stay with excellent food, good music La Fortuna de San Carlos Bed and Breakfast, La Fortuna de San Carlos Vacation Rentals, Last Minute Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Romantic Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, 5-stars Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, 4-stars Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, 3-stars Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, La Fortuna de San Carlos Hotels with Free Parking, La Fortuna de San Carlos Hotels with Pools, Pet Friendly Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Cheap Accommodations in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Boutique Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Hotels with Shuttle in La Fortuna de San Carlos, All Inclusive Hotels in La Fortuna de San Carlos, La Fortuna de San Carlos City Center Hotels, La Fortuna de San Carlos Hotels with Hot Tubs, Boutique Resorts in La Fortuna de San Carlos, La Fortuna de San Carlos Luxury Boutique Hotels, Hotels with Free Wifi in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Hotels near Arenal 1968 Volcano View & Trails, Hotels near Arenal Expeditions - Tours and Transfers, Fast Food Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Fusion Restaurants with Delivery in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Gluten Free Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Healthy Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Late Night Cafes in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Latin Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Seafood Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, South American Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Steakhouses for Families in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Vegan Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Vegetarian Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Surf And Turf in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Juice & Smoothies in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Veggie Burger in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Breakfast Sandwich in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Cheeseburgers in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Burritos in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Best Calamari in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Breakfast Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Lunch Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Food Delivery Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Kid Friendly Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Late Night Restaurants in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Restaurants for Group Dining in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Restaurants for Special Occasions in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in La Fortuna de San Carlos, Restaurants near Tifakara Boutique Hotel & Birding Oasis, Restaurants near The Royal Corin Thermal Water Spa & Resort, Restaurants near Hotel El Silencio Del Campo, Restaurants near Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, Restaurants near Noah"s Forest by Tifakara, Restaurants near Costa Rica Driver and Adventure. You try the most fresh, delicious fruits such as mango, guanabana, pineapple, apple bananas, starfruit, papayas, and fresh squeezed oranges. And dont forget to pin this post for later! Our local travel specialists have been recommended by, "Terrific trip: Lake Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio Now we have a great story we laughed about it through the entire trip! The portions are huge, and the food is very traditional. Anchio is open from 12 pm to 10:45 pm every day except Tuesdays. The restaurant is strategically located so some visitors can view the Volcano while seated. We really believe it was an honest mistake and everything got sorted out just fine, and we never had this problem anywhere else in Costa Rica. UPDATE: The last part of the hike up Chato Volcano, although accessible (the lodges will still let you access the trail for a fee), is now illegal to use. Youll like these other restaurant guides from Pura Vida Moms: Welcome! This is a top-of-the-charts Mexican spot among La Fortuna restaurants. Its not chunky, but rather it is very smooth and potently flavorful. Be sure to start with the flavorful Miso soup, it cures all your blues for real (and a few hangovers!) We came back here almost every day, I loved it so much. It offers a variety of sushi dishes, including Japanese, Sushi, Asian and Fusion cuisine. Restaurants in Fortuna View map Sort by: Highest Rating 1. My dad gave our waitress his credit card and told her to run it in colones. 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. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a beer and cocktail list, excellent casados, and great pizzas, there is something for everyone on the menu. 2022 2. We always come here for the Casados, which cost around $5 USD each. The rooms are exceptional, and its one of our favorite area hotels for families. Here youll find colorful and creative plates of Costa Rican seafood, often with a Caribbean twist. Very hygienic and lovely, with low lighting in the dining area. Keep reading to plan the perfect itinerary. Our MO was to drink bottled water. This post contains affiliate links. Thank you!! Ideally located in the town of La Fortuna, with easy access to all tourist activities: two blocks away from the bus and taxi terminal, and services such as restaurants, convenience stores and pharmacies are within walking distance. Next to the bus terminal, on the river road, this spacious supermarket is a good place to visit before that next long ride. They serve gigantic burgers of all kinds, with more than ten options, so you cant miss your favorite burger in Costa Rica. 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. Please let me know if you need anything else, and thank you for commenting! 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. 3341 La Fortuna, Costa Rica is arguably one of the most visited areas in all of Costa Rica- and rightfully so. When you think about budget, time, and distance to attractions on your itinerary, it can be daunting to decide where to eat. This article breaks down where to eat in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, including the best restaurants in La Fortuna, types of foods to try, and general info about dining out. This spot offers THE best Italian pizza in the area, according to our personal foodie experience. the chicken soup and the house burger!" 32. Best Restaurants in La Fortuna Costa Rica: An Arenal Restaurant Guide We later had iced coffee with cute quinoa cakes. 2. There are extensive, gorgeously landscaped grounds, a large, hot breakfast buffet (as I waxed poetic on above! Ultimate Guide: Shoes to Pack For Costa Rica, 50 Interesting Costa Rica Facts You Need To Know, 15 Top Arenal and La Fortuna Costa Rica Activities (For Families), 25 Mouthwatering Jaco, Costa Rica Restaurants, 15 PHOTO-WORTHY Hot Springs in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, The ONLY La Fortuna, Costa Rica Guide You Need, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica- The COMPLETE Guide, Dominical, Costa Rica- The COMPLETE GUIDE, 10 Kick Ass Things to Do in Dominical, Costa Rica. 30 Best Things to do in La Fortuna & Visitor Guide - Costa Rica Travel Life ), watermelon, guanabana. 35+ Travel Essentials for Women in 2022: Outfits, Accessories, and Gear, The Perfect 3 Day, 5 Day, or 7 Day Paris Itinerary, 2023 The Unknown Enthusiast Journey Theme by Restored 316. Here, you will find great cappuccino, pizza, pasta, wine, and a range of tasty cocktails. Related read: Need to book a hotel? Ill start with a few of my favorite restaurants right in the city center. We had a wonderful time and visited La Fortuna/Lake Arenal, Mo", Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in May, 2023, "Nuria went way beyond in helping me plan trip. One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. If you pay in cash dollars, you will usually get colones in change! After dinner, its time for a well-prepared espresso or cappuccinoand if youve got the appetite, don't miss the tiramisu or the more unique dessert offerings like banana ice-cream crepes and pizza dough with Nutella and almonds. Definitely a different vibe than in the US! If you would like to talk to me about a customized itinerary or specific Costa Rica travel advice for your family, (zero sales- just advice!) The food is outstanding, perfectly presented, and has excellent taste. I love all things Spanish and bi-cultural, (especially travel and food!) On the main drag, a 5-minute walk west of town, is Mercadito Arenal, a bustling food hall with a handf. My personal favorite is the chicken in sauce that normally comes with beans, salad, and potatoes. The son gave the whole tour and the dad freshly cut the fruit and passed it out during the tour. This lunch was included in the price of our Adventure Tour with Arenal Canopy Tours and was provided at the Lands in Love Hotel. Sodas are the absolute cheapest places to eat, and they have some delicious food. What are the best restaurants in La Fortuna for cheap eats? Dont miss the patacones appetizer and the smoothies at La Parada the papaya smoothie I got was one of the best smoothies I had in Costa Rica. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. We loved the covered outdoor setting and enjoyed the live music beautiful acoustic guitar. We then ordered a complimentary Dulce de Leche, a traditional milk cake for dessert. IIts got a lovely atmosphere decorated with gorgeous local art paintings. Cheap, filling sandwich and omelette fillings at this corner stand include chicken, three, This thatched landmark has been around so long that the faltering palapa roof is almost as big an institution as the volcano it mimics. Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, and you can purchase them at the gate orhere online in advance and skip the line(its the same price.) Raul, the owner, ensured our meal was a personal and exceptional time. 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. 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. I highly recommend the burgers. Redwood Cafe 70 reviews Closed Now American, Cafe $$ - $$$ Chicken Fried Steak! 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! Translated, a marisqueria is a seafood restaurant, and thats mostly what this breezy open-air eatery does. This is because the ingredients are locally sourced, super fresh and organic. They also have a solid wine list featuring blends, cabs, pinots, and Chilean and Argentine standouts like Malbec and Carmnere. On The Unknown Enthusiast, were always up for experiencing something new (even if that something new is kind of gross, like eating fermented shark!). We went there for dinner, and I ordered a Caprese salad with woodfired pizza while Daniel ordered homemade Gnocchi with Bolognese, which was Simplemente perfecta! Kids played, we enjoyed a cold beer (we had a microbrew) while our food was freshly prepared, and everyone cleaned their plates and left full and happy. Though nothing fancy from afar, the love radiates outward from Mari and Alvaro's kitchen to warm your belly and your heart. Its locally owned by a family from La Fortuna. :), 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica, best areas and hotels to stay in La Fortuna, the best free and cheap things to do in La Fortuna, 5 BEST Sloth Tours in La Fortuna (Sloth Watching Trails), 5 BEST Night Tours in Monteverde (Monteverde Night Walks), 7 BEST Coffee Tours in Costa Rica (Local Coffee Plantations You Should Visit! 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. This is probably the cheapest place to eat in La Fortuna. The flavors were pure heaven, simply perfect! It was very flavorful! In fact, there are plenty of vegetarian options, like the green fettucini made with avocado and tomato. Franco - Best brunch Nuria, our Kim Kim organizer was exceptional and provided excellent suggestions and accommodated", "Costa Rica was amazing, the trip that KimKim (Veronica) planned for us was on point. This is one of the fancier restaurants in town, so be prepared to pay fine-dining prices. But does La Fortuna live up to the hype? 1. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its a super-friendly spot, offering tasty tpico , What began as a snack counter on the last pass before La Fortuna waterfall has turned into a full-blown fusion excursion by Scott, famous for his love of, We know its bad form to start with dessert, but the irresistible sweets at this popular spot are beautiful to behold and delicious to devour. The capital city of Costa Rica is a popular destination for many. You can send me a message at puravidamoms at gmail dot com and we can connect! Restaurante Tierra Mia is open from 6:30 am to 10 pm every day. "Probably the best restaurant in La Fortuna" Fashaof4 - Trip Advisor reviewer "Lovely atmosphere. The horizon is stunning at sunset an ideal time to come out here and dine as you enjoy your evening. 31. Muy sabrosa y muy amable! everything to know about driving in Costa Rica. Tiquicia Restaurant 1,454 reviews Closed Now Latin, Costa Rican $$ - $$$ 0.6 mi La Fortuna de San Carlos The beef fajita was amazing. See also What to Do in Monteverde Hi! Kappa Sushi is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day, and you can view their menu here. If youre craving fine dining while touring La Fortuna, this place is fantastic! 16 Unmissable Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (Last Updated On: December 15, 2022) Traveling to Costa Rica and looking for the best things to do in La Fortuna Costa Rica? 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. But breakfast, oooooh breakfast. 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. Hike Chato Volcano. Located a the very edge of the town center just before you head up to the hot springs, this Chinese-owned restaurant and cabins house the best American-style Chinese food Ive found in Costa Rica. The hotels, experiences, guides, transportation, all wer", Traveled to Costa Rica as a group in May, 2023, "Randall planned a wonderful trip to Costa Rica for my boyfriend and me in December. Located diagonally across from the Alamo Rent a Car. I hope to visit in December, and I would love to stop by and check you out! It is widely served at breakfast and every one of us put it on our breakfast foods each morning. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Best restaurants La Fortuna, Arenal & Around - Lonely Planet But youre not coming here for flashyoure coming here for the freshest and best-prepared sushi in La Fortuna. Alternatively, you may use. Otherwise, youll find a crowd and wait for hours to get one. The best restaurant in Costa Rica ( la Nataltia Martinez for Presidente! When I used to visit La Fortuna on a college budget, we would eat pizza here because the portions are big and the prices are fairly low. This is a family-run hotel about halfway between the entrance to the Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna city center. 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. Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most Famo 5 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itineraries, 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas, 2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas. In reality, most of the fare youll find here is all vegan. And the fresh pasta with prosciutto. Potato hash this reminded me of a potato stuffing and was my favorite part of the casados. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more. All ", Traveled to Costa Rica as a couple in April, 2023, Tabacon Hot Springs Half Day Pass with Meal. The mood was quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. Everyones food was very delicious and inexpensive we were impressed! (I had to see this for myself.) The Costa Rican food was excellentfresh ingredients with unmatched flavors. Hey Geovanny- thanks for commenting and talking about your restaurant! I got a burrito and a delicious batidos for under $5. Located right in the town center, Don Rufino is a beautiful restaurant with an extensive, diverse menu and decent pricing. Home La Fortuna 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. . In it, Ill share my 12 favorite restaurants in La Fortuna and what I loved so much about each place. This fruit and vegetable stand had THE BEST smoothies! This restaurant is one of the cheapest in town, and they will make food to order: for kids, vegan options, vegetarian options and more. Best Things To Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica (2022 Travel Guide) 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. (As a side note: Ive never stayed at the hotel, but Ive heard that the beds are nice.). Youll learn a ton about the park and volcano! I loved the taste of the pizza, and it had a perfectly crispy thin crust, wonderful pesto sauce, and plentiful fresh toppings. I can still taste all of this ! The BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna 1. Best Sodas in La Fortuna -Eat on a Budget - Lets Jet, Kids! Mercadito Arenal is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day. Mercadito Arenalis a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. 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. Related post: 30+ Foods To Try In Costa Rica. Another popular spot downtown for many years in La Fortuna is La Cascada (which means the waterfall). 12 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica Restaurante El Coloso Arenal 527 reviews Opens in 8 min Latin, Healthy $ Menu 1.3 mi La Fortuna de San Carlos ". It was an incredible value for the high quality stay we got! We focus on affordable, adventure travel with an emphasis on saving money where we can to spend on the experiences that really count. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. ). Interestingly, theres a heavy Lebanese influence here, and you can also find veggie-friendly Mediterranean options like falafel, tabbouleh, and fattoush salad. La Fortuna, Costa Rica is one of the top tourist towns in the country, and there's no doubting why. Surely, Locally beloved and set conveniently next door to the bus station, this open-air lunch counter is one of the quaintest, cheapest sodas in town. 12 Best Destinations In Costa Rica For Solo Travelers A Foodie's Restaurant Guide To La Fortuna, Costa Rica 16 Unmissable Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica - Roam and Thrive On the 702 highway, 500 meters from the town center and the Catholic church. ~Christa. 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. The fish is fresh (youre not that far from the ocean), A lovely little family operation that preaches better living through better eating, and the proof is in the pudding (or maybe the falafel). Some of the fruits we saw and tried were mango, papaya, passionfruit, pineapple (so juicy! Hola !! We went there twice. Check their Instagram for rotating discounts on admission with lunch- it can go as low as about $12 Us per person for pool entrance with lunch. At La Hormiga, you pay at the counter with your table number. Includes a full bar and a playground within view of the poolside restaurant. 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. The tacos were equally outstanding, with yummy chicken strips, soft, fresh wraps, and fabulous mayonnaise chilled with a tinge of peppermint. Chipotles is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day, and you canview their menu here. THE 10 BEST Restaurants in Fortuna (Updated June 2023) Just ask! The service was out of this world, patient, and efficient. Pure Costa Rica- Off The Grid Family Adventure- Volcano Included! You can usually order it made with either milk or water, but for sure get it with milk. I hope you found this blog useful and now have a huge list of restaurants to visit on your upcoming visit to La Fortuna. He understandably had a short heart attack before figuring out the issue our waitress had mistakenly run the bill as 23,000 DOLLARS! August 3, 2022 Tacos, Burger and Fresh Juices at Mercadito Arenal Looking for the best restaurants in La Fortuna? If youre into a filling and tasty breakfast, youll love staying here! This keeps the glass cool and creates an Insta-worthy smoke look! The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects. When paying with a credit card, always ask them to run the bill in colones, not dollars. For dinner, we really enjoyed the casado, the fajitas, and the creamy pasta bowl.