Location: Alajuela
Top Restaurants in Alajuela
Where to Eat in Alajuela: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Alajuela (Spanish pronunciation: [alaˈxwela]) is the second-largest city in Costa Rica after the capital, San José. It is also the capital of Alajuela Province.
Things to do in Alajuela
1. Jalapenos Central
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 767 reviews
Open 7 days a week. Mon- sat 11:30-9:00 pm Sun 11:30-8:00 pm Accept credit cards except American express
Reviewed By therock1963 - Wasola, Missouri
I went to Jalapenos on a Friday night and it was packed. We were seated immediately. The server was very friendly and spoke some English. We had soft tacos, frijitos and key lime pie for desert. The Pico and fire roasted salsa was delicious. I would heartily recommend this establishment
2. La Fabbrica Pizzeria
Overall Ratings
4 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By SpartaBrian - Sparta, New Jersey
Great place for pizza (thinner crust) and homemade pastas. Local beers and a decent wine list available. We had a pizza to share to start and then individual pasta dishes. We had a Spanish speaker in our party which helped, otherwise we would have just muddled through ordering (menus have English). Food was excellent and we had a great time. Place did get a bit loud and the folks in the Mexican restaurant next store were entertained by a loud mariachi band but the good food and company made it all tolerable. I hope to be back on my next trip to San Jose.
3. Chubascos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 271 reviews
This restaurant had the best food and service of all the places where we ate in Costa Rica. Family owned and always on site. Cozy, very clean, and surrounded by beautiful vegetation. Friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend the casados, a local dish - delicious! I ate it in other restaurants but it couldn't be compared to Chubascos. I swear I could eat that every day. For dessert, try the home made apple pie (Costa Rican apples) and the arroz con leche. Ah, and do not forget to try their natural fruit drinks. Their coffee is pretty good too.
4. Monteleone - Restaurant and Cocteleria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By saltygypsy5 - Quepos, Costa Rica
I have taken groups of tourists here several times for the fact that Ronald, the frequent server, is so wonderfully pleasant and attentive.
The food is great, big portions for good prices. I will definitely keep taking groups there.
He llevado varios grupos aquí por el hecho simple de que el servicio que ofrece Ronald es muy bueno. El es muy amigable y atento.
La comida es muy buena con porciones grandes por buen precio. Definitivamente pienso seguir trayendo grupos a Monteleone.
Muchas Gracias Ronald!!
5. Restaurante Chiwake
Overall Ratings
4 based on 108 reviews
The best Peruvian cousin
Reviewed By Jimmy R - Orem, Utah
This was the best food we had in Costa Rica.. My buddy and I both took our first bites and we both looked at each other like, "Holy smokes, that's amazing!" We considered going back a few hours later lol.
6. Restaurante El Sabor de la Montana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Follow the footsteps of the road, indulge your palate with specialties in grilled meats and foods.
Reviewed By kilroyc - Atlanta, Georgia
Great stop for those visiting Poas. Fantastic lunch for our family. Three children (12, 9, and 7). Loved it. Authentic Costa Rican meal.
Casados were fantastic. Steak was great. Chicken was great.
Patacones are a great starter that is an authentic Costa Rican dish.
Wait staff did not speak great English but menu is in both English and Spanish.
7. Coffee Dreams Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By brocdog - Santa Cruz, California
Nice cafe offering friendly service in a comfortable setting. Traditional meals like casados are available, along with fancier dishes like sea bass. Pork tamales are especially good -- though you will of course pay a premium for enjoying them here rather than on a stool at the nearby market. Coffee is also quite good. Definitely a nice place to relax and enjoy a hearty meal.
8. Cevichitos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By Chris_Rath - Vienna, Austria
we had 1 ceviche, 1 bottle of water, 1 plate big shrimps fried, 2 fish filet with potato and salad. All was perfect and delicious. Very kind Waiter + good food + price value = perfect.
9. Restaurant Chubascos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By inside1058 - Costa Rica
I think the whole atmosphere in this restaurant is amazing. Real Costarican cuisine, kind and quick service, delicious food and generous portions. The prices are a little expensive and the restrooms should be cleaned and serviced more often. This restaurant offers an open area where you can see a beautiful garden and a closed room if you want to escape from the cold temperatures of the place.
10. Carnes y Parillas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By PhreedomPhun - St. George, Utah
I went to this place 3 years ago or so when they were in their old, small location. Wow, they have really picked up the service. Absolutely the best grill spot in Alajuela now. Take a taxi to it if you are staying in town...MoreCon todo gusto, desde 18500 colones impuestos incluidos. Sera un placer recibirlos.
