We drive guests in and out of La Fortuna every day, and the question we get most after "where can I see the volcano?" is "where should we eat?" Below is the shortlist we actually give people — a mix of touristy classics, local sodas where you'll see no tourists, and the spot we recommend for a special night out.
Prices are in USD per person, drink not included. Soda in Costa Rica means a small family-run restaurant serving traditional food, usually the best value in any town.
1. Don Rufino — The Fine-Dining Pick
The most recognized restaurant in La Fortuna, right on the main street facing the church. Fusion menu — think Costa Rican ingredients done with a polished hand. Tenderloin, fresh seafood, ceviche, vegetarian options. Service is sharp, wine list is real.
- Price: $25–45 per person
- Order: The beef tenderloin in tamarind sauce, or the catch of the day
- When: Dinner. Book ahead in high season.
- Why we send guests here: Anniversary, honeymoon, or just one nice dinner during the trip.
2. Anch'io — Wood-Fired Italian
A neighborhood Italian place that punches way above its weight. The pizzas come out of a real wood-fired oven, the pasta is fresh, and the staff treats you like family on the second visit. Outdoor patio with twinkle lights.
- Price: $15–25 per person
- Order: The four-cheese pizza, or the gnocchi al pesto
- When: Dinner. Often busy from 7pm onwards.
- Why we send guests here: Families with kids who want something familiar, couples who want a low-key date night.
3. Soda La Hormiga — The Local Soda
Two blocks off the main park, this is where the bus drivers and construction workers eat. No frills, plastic chairs, fluorescent light, but the casado is enormous and the rice and beans are perfect every time.
- Price: $6–10 per person
- Order: Casado con pollo a la plancha (grilled chicken plate) or gallo pinto for breakfast
- When: Lunch, when it's busiest (and freshest)
- Why we send guests here: Travelers who want to eat what locals eat for the price locals pay.
4. Lava Lounge — Casual, Reliable, Big Menu
A gringo-friendly spot on the main strip with a huge menu — burgers, wraps, salads, pasta, ceviche, smoothies. Vegetarian and vegan options clearly marked. Big tables, good for groups.
- Price: $12–20 per person
- Order: The "Lava Burger" or the chicken Caesar wrap
- When: Anytime; it's open all day.
- Why we send guests here: Big families, picky eaters, or that first night after a long travel day when nobody can agree on a cuisine.
5. El Chante Verde — Farm-to-Table, Plant-Forward
A relaxed, plant-forward spot with a strong vegetarian and vegan menu, but the meat dishes are equally well-executed. Ingredients are sourced locally and the kitchen leans into Costa Rican flavors with a lighter touch. Cozy atmosphere, friendly staff.
- Price: $12–22 per person
- Order: The veggie casado, or the catch of the day with chimichurri
- When: Lunch or early dinner
- Why we send guests here: Couples, vegetarians, anyone wanting a healthy meal that still tastes like Costa Rica.
6. Tiquicia — Traditional Costa Rican Done Right
A classic comida típica spot — what locals call "comida de la abuela" (grandmother's food). Generous portions of casados, olla de carne (beef stew), arroz con pollo, and gallo pinto. Unpretentious, consistent, and reliably good.
- Price: $10–18 per person
- Order: The casado with bistec encebollado (onion-smothered steak), or the arroz con pollo
- When: Lunch, when locals fill the place
- Why we send guests here: Travelers who want one really solid plate of authentic Costa Rican food without the soda's plastic-chair vibe.
7. Selva Rústica — Jungle Setting, Wood-Grilled Meats
A bit outside the town center, set among the trees with an open-air dining room and the sound of the forest in the background. Wood-grilled meats, fresh tilapia, big sharing plates. Great for sunset.
- Price: $18–30 per person
- Order: The grilled tenderloin or the whole tilapia
- When: Late afternoon into evening — the setting shines as the light fades
- Why we send guests here: Anyone who wants to feel like they're eating in Costa Rica, not just in La Fortuna. Pairs perfectly with a hot-springs evening.
8. Benedictus Steakhouse — Up the Hill, Best Volcano Views
A 5-minute drive out of town up toward El Castillo, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Arenal Volcano. Meat-focused, but the side dishes (yuca, plantains, roasted vegetables) are excellent. Service is patient — they know people are here for the view too.
- Price: $30–55 per person
- Order: The bone-in ribeye, or the surf-and-turf
- When: Sunset (around 5:30pm) for the best volcano light
- Why we send guests here: A splurge night with a view that beats any postcard.
9. Café Mediterráneo — Wood-Fire Pizza With a Twist
A bit harder to find (a few blocks off the main strip) but worth the walk. Italian owner who's been in La Fortuna for 20+ years, makes everything by hand. The bread basket alone is worth the trip.
- Price: $15–25 per person
- Order: The prosciutto and arugula pizza, or the lasagna
- When: Dinner, lighter crowd than Anch'io
- Why we send guests here: People who already had pizza at Anch'io and want to compare, or who want a quieter Italian dinner.
10. Organico — Health-Focused, Vegan-Friendly
Bright, plant-forward menu with bowls, smoothies, fresh juices, and a few well-done meat dishes for the omnivores. They make their own kombucha. Strong WiFi if you're working remotely between trips.
- Price: $10–18 per person
- Order: The Buddha bowl, or the cacao smoothie
- When: Breakfast or lunch
- Why we send guests here: Vegetarians, vegans, anyone craving vegetables after three days of casados.
A Quick Word on Tipping
Costa Rican restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge and a 13% sales tax to your bill. The 10% is the tip — you don't need to add more unless service was exceptional. The total bill will be roughly 23% above the menu prices, so factor that in.
Getting There From Your Hotel
Most of these spots are within a 5-minute walk of La Fortuna's central park. Don Rufino, Soda La Hormiga, Lava Lounge, Anch'io, El Chante Verde, and Tiquicia are all walkable from downtown hotels.
Benedictus Steakhouse and Selva Rústica are a 5–10 minute drive out of town. If you're at a hotel like Tabacón, Nayara, or The Springs, your hotel can call a local taxi, or just ask your shuttle driver to add it as a quick stop on your transfer day.
If you're arriving from SJO airport or LIR airport and want us to recommend a dinner stop on the way in, let your driver know — most of these places are an easy detour, and it's a great way to break a long transfer day.