Where to Eat in Alajuela: The Best Restaurants and Bars

December 22, 2017 Elouise Mccaul

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

Jose Maria Alfaro | 50 mts Sur South del Correo Post Office, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Television, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mexican, Latin, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$16 - HK$71 +506 2430 4027
Excellent
69%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 767 reviews

Jalapenos Central

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

Plaza Real Alejuela, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner
Excellent
57%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
2%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 72 reviews

La Fabbrica Pizzeria

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

North Laguna Fraijanes, on the way to Poas Volcano. 1km, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Latin, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Dinner, Late Night +506 2482 2280
Excellent
57%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 271 reviews

Chubascos

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.

Reviewed By d1289 - Vancouver, Canada

Stopped in for lunch one day while staying in the area ... cool location and setting. Our Spanish is limited but we managed .. ordered a few share plates and they were really good. Reasonably priced, I would definitely return if in the area.

4. Monteleone - Restaurant and Cocteleria

Calle 2 | Del parque Central de Alajuela, 200 metros al Norte., Diagonal Ambrosia, frente a Zapateria Best Brands., Alajuela 5018-4050, Costa Rica Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Television Latin, Central American, Costa Rican, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$94 +506 6282 1561
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

Monteleone - Restaurant and Cocteleria

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

Este 100 Norte Banco Nacional la Tropicana 50 | Alajuela Centro, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Brew Pub, Peruvian, Latin, Seafood, Pub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$55 - HK$181 +506 7070 5400
Excellent
56%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 108 reviews

Restaurante Chiwake

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

Frente a Coopepoas, Alajuela 506, Costa Rica Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible Latin, Central American, Costa Rican, Spanish, South American, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner +506 2482 1367
Excellent
64%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 49 reviews

Restaurante El Sabor de la Montana

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

Cnr Calle 1 Av 3, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Seating, Takeout, Reservations, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible Cafe, Costa Rican, Latin, Spanish, South American, Central American Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner +506 2430 3970
Excellent
41%
Good
49%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 43 reviews

Coffee Dreams Cafe

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

75 meters from POPS parque central Alajuela, Alajuela 04050, Costa Rica Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff Latin, Seafood, Central American, Costa Rican Lunch, Dinner +506 2430 2664
Excellent
50%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 111 reviews

Cevichitos

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

M. Al Norte de la Laguna de Fraijanes - Alajuela 300 | Fraijanes, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible Central American, Costa Rican, Latin, Spanish, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +506 2482 2280
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Restaurant Chubascos

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

Alajuela, La Ceiba, from Automercado 250 m north | 300 Meters Al Norte De Automercado, La Ceiba, Alajuela 20101, Costa Rica Reservations, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Accepts Credit Cards Steakhouse, Latin, Grill, Argentinean, International, Barbecue, Central American Lunch, Dinner HK$118 - HK$212 +506 4080 4300
Excellent
55%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 60 reviews

Carnes y Parillas

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.

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