Costa Rican Cuisine

Local Cuisine

Compared to many countries, Costa Rica isn’t a culinary standout, and much of the food revolves around rice, beans, chicken, and occasionally locally sourced beef, served with tortillas.

Other Cuisines

As a major tourist destination, Costa Rica also offers a variety of international cuisines in cities and popular spots. You’ll find Chinese, Italian, Tex-Mex, and occasionally Middle Eastern or French restaurants. Additionally, the country has plenty of fast-food chains of all kinds.

Specialties

Starters

Main Dishes

Desserts

Drinks

Where to Eat

Eating in Costa Rica is quite affordable if you seek out small local spots and stick to local food. In fact, it’s often the least expensive part of a trip here. Everywhere you go, you’ll find small eateries (called sodas) offering a daily special or a basic menu for around $5 or $6 USD. For even less, you can grab something from small shops or bakeries that sell sandwiches or takeaway meals. Fast-food chains—both local (the cheapest) and international—are also well-established in the country.

Otherwise, you’ll find the usual range of restaurants, especially in cities and tourist areas. While prices, styles, and types of food vary, you can generally expect a full meal for around $12–15 USD if you stick to "classic" options. However, prices can rise quickly, especially in areas with many tourists, particularly North Americans. As a rule, if the menu is in English, prices tend to be higher. Also, note that taxes aren’t always included in the listed prices.