The airport is relatively small and quite expensive. For example, a coffee costs $5, a hamburger is $24, pizza is $18, and even a simple magnet is priced at $10–11. I recommend making any purchases outside the airport to save money. If you need to rent a trolley for your luggage, it will cost you $5. However, one benefit of staying inside the airport is the air conditioning, which provides a much more pleasant environment, especially in hot and humid weather.

Other than the loud speaker reminding travelers of Laws and regulations every two minutes constantly, this is the friendliest,cleanest, easiest, but hardest to sleep at airport I have ever been on stand by at in my life. It could use some more 24 hour food services in the main terminal and maybe even convert a small area to be a hostile so long waiting passengers can lay down their belongings in a secured area and lay down in a quiet part of the building and get some shut eye for a few hours or days ! just a suggestion but all airports should offer a Free place to get out if the way in a quiet place so one can get some rest area for airline customers only. please think about it no cots would need to be bought just a piece of floor with maybe lockers for personal carry on luggage.

Juan Santamaria International Airport is the primary international gateway serving San José, Costa Rica, and is located in the nearby city of Alajuela. It functions as a central hub for several airlines, providing connections to numerous domestic and international destinations, particularly within North and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The immigration and customs processes were notably lengthy, especially during peak hours. Compared to previous years, the check-in procedures have significantly improved, and security lines now progress more efficiently. The airport also features a variety of retail shops and dining establishments within the terminal. However, the prices at these establishments are considerably higher than outside the airport, making it advisable to purchase souvenirs and snacks elsewhere before your trip.

Landing was easy and welcoming. Not many in customs so it took about 30 minutes to make it outside without checked bag or carry on, in October. Leaving is even bigger and with ATMs , a few shops, kid area, charging area, plenty of screens and seats. Licor tastings as well as water sources so being your empty bottle! They even had water for pets. Definitely not a bad experience.

Very small international airport. Wide variety of local products but they are all overpriced. I don’t know how they sell like this. Unaesthetic… Very limited food restaurants. Pack your meals before get here :) Easy check out process

Small but nice airport, friendly staff with the "Pura vida" slogan present but pricy, first the question of what we bring in out bags and carry on as souvenirs, specially coffe as you cannot pass I think more than 250gms of it, "it's not allowed for safety reasons......." big BS as you can buy any size coffe packages once inside. 250, 500 or a kilo at a very high price, a magnet, sticker $5 to $9, food also expensive...a typical breakfast anywhere in CR $15, there $30.

Amazingly nice airport Staff is so friendly and helpful Very clean airport, water refill stations everywhere Lots of restaurants, food, and coffee options Unfortunately lounge closes at 8 pm which is not good, I had a 11:59 pm flight and I couldn’t access the lounge as I reached by 8:30 pm There is ATM , pharmacy, and amazing vibrant souvenir shopping

Attended Mass here while on vacation. Mass time was accurately listed online. We parked street side. Beautiful church! I speak very little Spanish, but it was evident that the priest was very enthusiastic about his homily (I wish I could have understood everything that he said!) and the singing was beautiful.

Beautiful church and stunning grounds.

Stunning Architecture with Beautiful Murals

Lovely church with an active park setting

The architecture was stunning and the paintings inside were breathtaking. The exterior landscaping was also very nice.

This is a very beautiful cathedral which is located opposite a park.

All the doors were open, people flowing through freely, children playing near the altar, yet it felt very peaceful.

Free entrance, you are not allowed to take photos inside the museum, I tagged along a tour group & went up to the rooftops . Open 9-5 I didn’t know about William Walker some 19th Century. US private citizen a self proclaimed ‘ President ‘ of some Central American territories… anyway he fell out with some US backers ..but still invaded Costa Rica , ….Costa Rica & several other coalitions defeated him in a battle Mr Walker surrendered at went home He returned to invade again…was captured by the Royal Navy ( British) they handed him over to Honduras , was court marshalled & that was the end of him Look him up … I’ve probably got some facts wrong 😉 Anyway that’s what the guide said , he also said most of the the rifle & cannons were English Worth a visit

A wonderful museum of history and art. Met some wonderful artists doing stitch art pictorials, they were fabulous. The cultural art on the second floor was stunning. The building as a former prison was very nice to visit but I wouldn’t want to be sent there as punishment.

Had some time to kill before our flight. Went to Alajuela and found the museum. The people who work there were really nice. We learned about the history of Costa Rica and saw some great art. All for free and with friendly people. The town of Alajuela is pretty cool too. We were the only Americans anywhere. We got some lunch at a Soda in the market and hung out in the park. Weather was perfect. It was interesting and everyone was very nice.

The museum opens at 9 am. Two floors of interesting exhibits tell about the history, traditions and life of Costa Rica. Many exhibits about the time of the struggle for independence. An interesting hall that shows this in drawings. Separately there are weapons and clothes of warriors. Models of the most important historical battles. On the second floor there are exhibitions of contemporary artists, a gallery of students. You can also go up to the roof and look at the city from above. I recommend it to get to know the country better. Admission is free

The people working there were very kind and obviously care a lot about the history. We practically had a private tour of the place due to a recent holiday. It's also free entry

I really enjoyed this museum! I am a history buff so I really enjoyed all the illustrations and histories of Central American states. I will say, if you don't know Costa Rican history, it may not fascinate you as much so read up before you come! The rooftop was amazing! Great views and you can take a photo with the flag! 🇨🇷

Wonderful little museum with some history about the military events in the 1800s, and lots of smaller exhibitions from local tourists. Entrance is free, there are some explanations in English.

Great mall. Great food. My wife and I stayed at the Hilton nearby so we could catch an early flight out. This mall was an unexpected treat. Great end to an awesome trip. 🇨🇷

Big! Clean! Safe! All spaces occupied....

Visiting from Ohio USA. Pleasantly surprised. This is a large Mall with many different shops and food choices. Clean ,safe, friendly, but not cheap. Be prepared to spend some money

Another big mall with lots of stores and also small stations selling toys, plants, candies, pastry, jewelry and more. Very clean and stores are well organized and attractively showcased. However…, in the ladies restroom there were some small roaches coming from behind the mirror and walking around the wash basin. I love gardening and in Sol Naciente, I found seeds. They have a decent variety of seeds at affordable prices. I bought 4 packets, and at the counter I received one for free. The variety pf gardening products like pots and tools is good. They also have (educational) toys, school supplies, thick socks and more. All at affordable prices but not at the low end. With regard to food, we are vegans and it is a bit difficult to find a balanced meal in the mall, so we ended up buying a medium veggie pizza without the cheese at Domino’s. for 9,900 colones (+/- $20), which tasted nice. Overall pleasant experience at this mall.

Very big mall similiar to what you would find in North America with every store imaginable. There is an extensive food court on the upper level as well as sit down dining options. We were looking for an ATM and found a whole slew of banks on the top floor. If you are looking to exchange currency you can do so here at BAC Credomatic ( lines can be fairly lengthy at times though). Overall a nice way to spend a few hours if you are in the area.

This is a cool mall recommended if you have a late flight you can hang out here and eat at food court.

Big mall. Lots of stores and souvenir shops. 3-4 floors in this mall. A lot to look at and explore the second time around.

I love this part. It’s actually right across the street from the cathedral, which is gorgeous. And the museum is right next-door also. Definitely you will want do when you’re in Costa Rica.

Cool little town park we went to before eating dinner. Small and not room to play around but the statues were pretty neat and we liked the murals as well. If you are here then stop by for some photos and head on for dinner.

Beautiful little park well maintained by the municipality. It's hard not to fall in love with this province. The park is surrounded by several stores and there is a private parking near by as well.

Great atmosphere and great place to take your kid's

Small park, with some canons and a statue of Juan Santamaria. We had a local tico show us around and gave us the history of Juan. The park could be a very nice place except for the large amount of trash left on the ground.

A small but nice park. The city should restore the murals. I watched a dance troupe practicing.

Small shady bit in the center of town. What's not to like. And quite a few little bakeries and coffee shops around too.

Very fast service. Jelepenos rolls was good for appetizer. Burrito and Chimichanga was OK not great. Owner speaking fluent English was a plus.

We had a lunch menu each here (enchilada with chicken and quesadilla with carne) and the portions were very big and definitely worth the food price! Service was wonderful and the vibes of the place were really nice! Would definitely come back again :)

Jalapeños Central in San José, Costa Rica is a must-visit for Mexican cuisine lovers. The tortilla soup is rich and flavorful, packed with fresh ingredients. The beef quesadillas, chicken tacos, and beef enchiladas are generously portioned and delicious, showcasing tender meats and vibrant flavors. A fantastic dining experience overall!

Excellent food! They were able to accommodate gluten free and soy free food! Absolutely amazing experience!

Such a cute authentic place to eat yummy meals such as tacos, burritos, fajitas and many more. We bumped into this when walking down the street and it was full, so thought we'll give it a try. We weren't disappointed. The atmosphere is superb, all the decoration creates a nice vibe and the stuff is really friendly and attentive. I can very much recommend this place.

Great vibe and great service. The desserts and burria were excellent. My standards for enchiladas are very particular so it was just okay from my POV. I love they give very hot sauce when asked and good guacamole. Next time I'll try what other people posted that looked really good.

Great food and ambiance!

Good stadium, it would be better if the vendors accepted credit cards

Always great place to visit, its safe and the energy of the crowd is amazing!!!

First time at a football soccer game. Enjoyed the game. LDA are champions in woman's soccer.

Beautiful Stadium easy access to and from the City of Alajuela and surroundings. The pit is immaculate the stands and seats are comfortable most importantly it is a very family oriented place where you can enjoy and relax watching a game if you're with your children The name suits the place perfectly known as The Cathedral of soccer in Costa Rica La Catedral del futbol Costaricense

Enjoying going to the games here. Parking is tricky until you find a good person to watch your vehicle. We park next to the church of la agonia. Don Carlos will take great care of your car.

The sun stands are built to be used as stands in between, but they are used all in a row, which makes it very uncomfortable to enjoy a game or activity. It is the worst stadium in Costa Rica. Under the stands there are various food sales. I do not recommend it

For Alajuelense fans, this is the best place on Earth. We've enjoyed, we've suffered, we've cried joy tires and felt the world falling apart as well in this place. The stadium itself is nice, not like the National Stadium but it looks good enough.

We ended our Costa Rica vacation with dinner at Pesqueria da Limonta, and it was nothing short of phenomenal! The dishes that Daniel and the team create are amazing. The seafood was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The standout dish was the Trio special—a perfect combination of fish, octopus, and lobster that was cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was just as impressive, with a beautiful outdoor covered terrace that created the perfect dining ambiance. Daniel provided exceptional service, offering thoughtful recommendations that truly elevated our meal. Out of all the amazing food we had in Costa Rica, this might just be our favorite dining experience. Highly recommended!

I was visiting Costa Rica from Las Vegas for a ministry conference. We wanted some fresh seafood and we chose this place based on the reviews. This place was excellent! The owner even came out to greet us and check if everything was tasting good. You can’t go wrong if you’re searching for fresh and flavorful seafood! The food was amazing and the service was great! I will ALWAYS eat at this restaurant whenever I visit Costa Rica!

If you are anywhere close to Alajuela, or if you’re just coming to/leaving the airport, you MUST try this place. I can’t believe my dad and I found such a gem by searching “ceviche near SJO” we were so lucky! The ceviches Neptuno and Tropical were outstanding, and getting a sampler of their iconic dishes was a great way for two people to try as much as possible. What is truly impressive is how simple most of the dishes were, but perfectly executed. We had tuna tartare, wood grilled octopus, and sea bass (nonna Susy), and they were all the best versions of those dishes we’ve ever had. The staff were also absolutely lovely and very helpful.

Daniel was the absolute best! Phenomenal service, phenomenal food. Couldn’t have had a better last meal before catching our flight the next morning after an incredible 10 day visit from the United States. Thank you!!!!

The food is simply great. Even if a lot more expensive than other places, it is totally worth it. Our waiter, Daniel, was a great host. We had the sea bass ceviche, tuna bruschetta and the crispy octopus. Delicious! The place is not big (max 10 tables) so it might need booking if you are there in the evening or during weekends.

Everything was so good I went twice. If you like seafood, this is definitely a place to visit, everything taste so fresh, and the taste of the food matches the descriptions perfectly, no listed ingredient was missing. Food 10/10. Daniel, our server, was attentive throughout the reservation and dining process. There's an open concept with the bar and the kitchen, so you can thank the bartender and chefs on your way out.

Cozy place with outstanding service. Food is perfectly served gourmet style with creativity in each plate. And the flavor of the food, a dream to the palate. Highly recommended must if you are looking for sea food with personal touch and tons of love within its preparation.

It's Central America's largest wildlife centre. We went on a tour given by Eduardo who was a lot of fun (and knowledgeable!). Without the tour we wouldn't have heard all the fascinating although sad stories as to how many animals have ended up at the center. We bought some postcards with beautiful photos, which it turns out were taken by Eduardo. We also had lunch there and found the food to be excellent. Go if you get the chance, you won't regret it.

A beautiful sanctuary doing very important work. Visitors help fund their hospital and mission. You will feel good for visiting and buying food and/or souvenirs during your visit. The grounds are beautiful. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!

The highlight of my kids trip. We hit this on the last day and were so happy to find security watching the cars until close since we had to travel with luggage before spending our night in SJ, but wanted to do something chill for the kids. This place is incredible, so much wildlife and feels like a rescue center not a zoo. Even though the animal sightings are amazing and several species are out in the open or wandering the park. We don’t use a guide but a guide pointed out a sloth moving across a rope for the kids. It was super rainy and stormy so my ponchos finally got put to good use and barely anyone was out, felt like we had the place to ourselves. Much of the animals were hiding from the rain and you could see them. Then they all came out after the rain and looking for dinner. We got to only spend maybe 3 hours here but we stayed until the last minute and ran around to circle the park close to twice. It was big! Would definitely recommend to families, couples, solo travelers. Such a treat. Tons of photo ops with all the animal statues too. We felt like we were in the jungle. Some covered areas in the snake center and some other spots was nice when lightning got strong.

There are no words — this was an absolutely incredible experience, and it was well worth spending the extra day in the San José area just to visit. We did the guided tour with our very large group, and Eduardo was amazing — funny, engaging, and clearly passionate about the animals, the park, and the educational mission of the rescue center. We had several young children with us, and it was magical for them to see ocelots, mountain lions, birds, snakes, and so many other animals up close. This is a must-visit destination when you’re in Costa Rica.

If you have a few hours to explore in the San Jose area, I highly recommend spending your time at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center. This is not a zoo, but a rehabilitation center for injured animals. There is however an area for young children to interact with various domestic animals. My wife and I arrived at opening time. 9:00am and left at 2:00. We are both senior citizens, so that may account for some of the time, there are lots of benches to sit for a while and observe the animals. Most of the paved paths have some degree of incline (after all this is Costa Rica) We did not take the guided tour, felt like we probably could not keep up with the pace, but I’m sure from other reviews that we read that it’s worth spending the money to do so. Another reason we were there until 2:00 was the on-site restaurant Kivu, although they serve breakfast, we wanted to explore first and then have lunch. Huge menu of appetizers, main course, and some desserts. Cost for entry, lunch, and souvenirs, were all reasonable, when you consider that the profit from all of these income sources, is part of what allows Rescate to do what they do. PS food and service both were very good. All employees that we interacted with, were polite and courteous.

Great experience. Lots of animals to see and they are all rescues so you feel very good about encouraging them. Highly recommend if you are spending a day near San Jose.

Wonderful experience. We paid $30 US per person. But you get to see a wide variety of birds and animal and it is for good cause. Especially the birds, you get to see them up close.

We visited the sloth preserve while on a shore excursion from a cruise ship. It's a nice place to visit. It was described as a 1 hour walk, but it's more of a stroll with time to stop and look at the various critters. Relaxing and enjoyable. Staff seem to be mostly students from around the world doing internships.

The Rescue Center in La Juela is an incredible place full of heart and purpose. We saw so many rescued animals – parrots, toucans, monkeys of different species, wild pigs, deer, marmosets, and many more. You can really feel the love and dedication of the whole team: the staff, the on-site veterinarian, and the many young volunteers who give their time and energy selflessly to care for these animals. It’s not just a rescue center, it’s a place where animals are given a second chance at life – with proper food, medical care, and comfort. Visitors can either spend a full day helping to feed the animals and being hands-on, or just take a one-hour guided tour (as I did), which is also very informative and enjoyable. The explanations are often given by volunteers, which makes the experience even more authentic. The location is convenient, not far from the city center, with parking available. I strongly recommend visiting – and if you can, please make a donation. It’s truly a beautiful project, a place of compassion and learning, and well worth supporting.

I am so happy I came here. I learned about how the center started and grew as well as about the animals and their origins and got some great photos. I found the staff very warm and welcoming and I’m happy I was able to support a great cause. Highly recommend

Great! We (a family of five) spent three days volunteering at the Costa Rica Animal Rescue Center, and it was the perfect end to our trip. Working with the animals was incredible, and the general vibe of the place was quiet, chill, and wonderful. The $50 per person daily fee covers room, showers, and all meals. This price was comparable to what we were paying just for lodging and food elsewhere in Costa Rica, making the experience itself an absolute value. We visited in October and had some afternoon rain, but it didn't hurt the experience. The work is fun and rewarding, but we felt three days was the perfect amount for a great and helpful experience. We wholeheartedly recommend the center!

I spent two weeks in CRARC as a volunteer, and it was an amazing experience! The people at this animal rescue have incredible knowledge, dedication, and passion for what they do. I learned so much and had the chance to spend time with wonderful animals and truly inspiring people. Highly recommend volunteering or supporting this place — it’s full of heart and kindness!

It was good to see the animals seem to be well cared for and tourists can’t touch or get too close to them. We did the princess cruise tour on this occasion. We liked the sloth part but weren’t too interested in the other parts. It should have been a half day tour.

We enjoyed the tour with all the awesome animals. It is very kind of what the volunteers are doing there and how they care about the animals.

Such a great little find. Hand made pasta, meals are fresh and very well prepared. We did not expect authentic Italian hidden away here. They make their own limoncello. They have a strong one and one that is a little milder. Both are fantastic. We stopped in for lunch. We had the scallops, one was chicken & the other was beef. Thinly sliced meat in homemade sauces with a side of pasta & tiny roasted potatoes. Really impressive flavors. Staff was very attentive, everyone was smiling ear to ear.

Came here before my flight. Easy uber ride to and from the airport. Had gluten free pasta with red sauce and zucchini!!! Very good!

Delicious Italian food combined with great service! It wasn’t cheap but it was yummy. We had the spaghetti carbonara, pizza Hawaii and the beef lasagna. And a tiramisu and zucotta for dessert. Also the sangria was very tasty! Highly recommend it.

I knew I made the right choice for dinner as soon as we stepped in the door. Warm greetings like you were invited into the family's home for dinner. We ordered a few pizzas, rissoto marinera, desserts and each were made with love to the utmost delicious perfection. (Don't skip the sangria too!) And to complete the dining experience, house made Limoncello was brought to the table without us even asking. Highly recommend, no notes on the Italian Gem not too far from San José proper

Staff was friendly & attentive. I had a peperoni pizza there wasn't a lot of flavor to it. Will go back to try something else to be fair. Update went back had the meat lasagna was pretty good for desert had the flan good as well.

Amazing food and wine, very friendly service, nice music. Such a wonderful place! Will be coming again. Probably the best carbonara in my life!

The staff was attentive, speedy and friendly. The taste of every dish was absolutely perfect. It was flavorful, and you had the option to make it as spicy as you want. Phenomenal. We had a little mishap with a chill oil spill, but the server cleaned it up quickly and got a new table cloth with minimal interruption. He handled the situation with a smile which we appreciated so much. Let's also talk about the speed. We had a flight to get to and all the food was delivered without any delays and still tasted sublime. Truly a gem. Highly recommend this place for anyone looking for high quality Italian food (with amazing vegetarian options!!)

Very fast service. Jelepenos rolls was good for appetizer. Burrito and Chimichanga was OK not great. Owner speaking fluent English was a plus.

We had a lunch menu each here (enchilada with chicken and quesadilla with carne) and the portions were very big and definitely worth the food price! Service was wonderful and the vibes of the place were really nice! Would definitely come back again :)

Jalapeños Central in San José, Costa Rica is a must-visit for Mexican cuisine lovers. The tortilla soup is rich and flavorful, packed with fresh ingredients. The beef quesadillas, chicken tacos, and beef enchiladas are generously portioned and delicious, showcasing tender meats and vibrant flavors. A fantastic dining experience overall!

Excellent food! They were able to accommodate gluten free and soy free food! Absolutely amazing experience!

Such a cute authentic place to eat yummy meals such as tacos, burritos, fajitas and many more. We bumped into this when walking down the street and it was full, so thought we'll give it a try. We weren't disappointed. The atmosphere is superb, all the decoration creates a nice vibe and the stuff is really friendly and attentive. I can very much recommend this place.

Great vibe and great service. The desserts and burria were excellent. My standards for enchiladas are very particular so it was just okay from my POV. I love they give very hot sauce when asked and good guacamole. Next time I'll try what other people posted that looked really good.

Great food and ambiance!

Exactly what you would expect. Fast type foods, with a bit of a more restaurant menu i.e. steak etc. Service is good. A tad pricey. Remember tips are always included. Caters for the hotel foreigners mostly. Ample and safe parking. Also the casino next door. The restaurant does its job.

Overall, I had a very pleasant experience here. The service was exemplary even if the food.was ordinary. The menu seemed a little lacking in items that excited me, but nonetheless, I was able to find enough to leave full and filled. I didn't even have room for dessert. Close to the airport, it makes a great place to get a meal after arriving, or before your flight. Granted, this is homogenized US dishes and not some of the tasty local cuisine, but as a corporate entity, you know what to expect.

Today my family of 6 members went for Sunday breakfast to Denny’s airport and the service given by Mariano, our waiter, was exceptional: great attention, very kind and profesional. Congratulations to the restaurant’s Manager, Braulio, for having such great and motivated staff here. Food was delicious and the atmosphere at the restaurant great, making our waiting time to go to the airport departure terminal very pleasant (it’s a 5 minutes ride by car and better to wait here that outside the terminal, where there is nowhere to sit!). Great choice for a family brunch! ;-)

When visiting Denny's in America, it never disappoints, this one in Costa Rica's Alajuela was positively different. The service was exceptionally fast. Our waiter Alex was super friendly, passionate and a true professional at his job.

David was an excellent server. Really friendly and was a great help. His English was amazing which really helped as it’s our first night in Costa Rica after a long flight. He was very nice and really made us feel welcome. Couldn’t have asked for more.

Not very consistent. Eggs and hash browns undercooked. Bacon, overcooked. Chocolate chip pancakes, chocolate chips all dumped to the middle of the pancake. It was like eating a candy bar. Service was ok. The issue were reported to the staff on duty. The appearance of the food looked ok but once you started eating the food was not quality cooked.

My boyfriend and I had just come from a long shuttle ride and were staying at the holiday inn, we went across the way to this Denny’s and the staff was so friendly! We did a take out order and Valeria and her manager at the front were so pleasant! She complimented my necklaces and was so sweet! The food was 10/10 and super quick!

We ended our Costa Rica vacation with dinner at Pesqueria da Limonta, and it was nothing short of phenomenal! The dishes that Daniel and the team create are amazing. The seafood was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor. The standout dish was the Trio special—a perfect combination of fish, octopus, and lobster that was cooked to perfection. The atmosphere was just as impressive, with a beautiful outdoor covered terrace that created the perfect dining ambiance. Daniel provided exceptional service, offering thoughtful recommendations that truly elevated our meal. Out of all the amazing food we had in Costa Rica, this might just be our favorite dining experience. Highly recommended!

I was visiting Costa Rica from Las Vegas for a ministry conference. We wanted some fresh seafood and we chose this place based on the reviews. This place was excellent! The owner even came out to greet us and check if everything was tasting good. You can’t go wrong if you’re searching for fresh and flavorful seafood! The food was amazing and the service was great! I will ALWAYS eat at this restaurant whenever I visit Costa Rica!

If you are anywhere close to Alajuela, or if you’re just coming to/leaving the airport, you MUST try this place. I can’t believe my dad and I found such a gem by searching “ceviche near SJO” we were so lucky! The ceviches Neptuno and Tropical were outstanding, and getting a sampler of their iconic dishes was a great way for two people to try as much as possible. What is truly impressive is how simple most of the dishes were, but perfectly executed. We had tuna tartare, wood grilled octopus, and sea bass (nonna Susy), and they were all the best versions of those dishes we’ve ever had. The staff were also absolutely lovely and very helpful.

Daniel was the absolute best! Phenomenal service, phenomenal food. Couldn’t have had a better last meal before catching our flight the next morning after an incredible 10 day visit from the United States. Thank you!!!!

The food is simply great. Even if a lot more expensive than other places, it is totally worth it. Our waiter, Daniel, was a great host. We had the sea bass ceviche, tuna bruschetta and the crispy octopus. Delicious! The place is not big (max 10 tables) so it might need booking if you are there in the evening or during weekends.

Everything was so good I went twice. If you like seafood, this is definitely a place to visit, everything taste so fresh, and the taste of the food matches the descriptions perfectly, no listed ingredient was missing. Food 10/10. Daniel, our server, was attentive throughout the reservation and dining process. There's an open concept with the bar and the kitchen, so you can thank the bartender and chefs on your way out.

Cozy place with outstanding service. Food is perfectly served gourmet style with creativity in each plate. And the flavor of the food, a dream to the palate. Highly recommended must if you are looking for sea food with personal touch and tons of love within its preparation.

Taj Mahal in San Jose is an exceptional spot for Indian cuisine (with many vegetarian options), surpassing even some fine dining Indian restaurants in the US suburbs, like those in the SF Bay Area and New Jersey The Gajar Halwa served with Kulfi was the best I’ve ever eaten—rich, perfectly sweetened, and paired beautifully with the creamy kulfi. Another pleasant surprise was their Masala Papad, which was creatively served in a shot glass format—a unique and fun twist! The Paneer Tikka Masala was spicy and very rich and tasty; Tandoori Roti and Lachha Parathas were soft & fresh. The host was very warm and welcoming, fluent in both English and Hindi, which added to the overall comfort and excellent dining experience. The restaurant is a convenient 15 min drive from the San Jose airport in Costa Rica, making it a perfect stop to or from the airport, for anyone craving traditional and authentic Indian food.

From the drinks to appetizers to main courses and even dessert, everything was beyond delicious! Service was great and the waiters were very attentive. The atmosphere for the restaurant was outdoor seating and very authentic and pleasant to experience while eating our dinner. The quality of the food was very authentic and delicious, I would say it’s one of the best Indian places I’ve been to and highly recommend visiting it if you’re around Alajuela area. Parking is safe and secure when you enter the plaza (gated).

This is a very nice spot near the airport! I have celiacs disease and was looking for a gluten free option. Almost their entire menu is gluten free and they the menu was labeled. The food was amazing and the service was great. The restaurant itself has a wonderful relaxing atmosphere.

Vegetables Handi Masala was amazing. Om was an amazing host. All of it was an experience, plan your lunch and dinner soon.

One of the best Indian food that I have had in a while.

I really didn't expect to eat such authentic Indian cuisine in CR. The food was simply outstanding, and the service was super friendly and very attentive! Highly recommended! 👏

A family of 16 landed at SJO and needed some immediate food. We headed to Taj Mahal and the place did not disappoint! We were situated quickly for a large party. Ordering for 16 people is challenging but we started with their quinoa aloo tikki and vegetable tandoori. Both were great and helped our extremely hungry family. The main course consisted of malai kofta, shahi paneer, paneer tikka masala, mix vegetables and dal. We also ordered a variety of naan and roti. Overall, this was a great spot and a location we would recommend to others!

Ordered pizzas and imperial beer. Pizzas ok. I ordered margherita pizza 8000 corona added some mushrooms and olives they added 5000 corona to pizza cost which I felt was outrageous. Fortunately they forgot to add the second imperial x 2 to bill 4800 corona so ended up ok but how can 2 extra topping sprinkles cost more than 2 beers crazy!! Wouldn’t go back

Fresh lemon/mint drink was delicious. Pizza was more or less, not my favorite. Big mixed salad was good. Regular coffee was too strong. Service staff were friendly. Atmosphere ok. Prices are too high for CR !!!

The food is expensive but good. I felt tricked when we got the receipt it costs 3,300 colones per bottle of water. The bottles of water aren't big, just regular soda bottle sized. I wish my waiter would've told me the water costs 3,300 colones before we drank 3 bottles. I've never spent 9,900 Colones on water before. Besides the expensive water the food and service are good

This is inside City Mall with high traffic and tourist because it is close to the airport. The food was good but the micro-aggression from the server was STROOONG. We are used to dine with natural tap water, and we think bottled water is overrated because CR has clean and natural resources from the tap. So we asked for tap water. When the server approached with a bottled water, I told him we wanted tap water in Spanish. After looked at me, his Spanish has gone bad all of a sudden and said literally "yo poner agua, yo no cobrar agua". My husband is local, I am not but I am fluent in 3 languages. People on the phone would think I am a native Spanish speaker but somehow some others would look at me and stopped understanding me all together. I would have been ok if he spoke to me in English assuming I am a tourist just coming from the airport, but in the "simplified Spanish" with chinese stereotypical accent was plain micro-aggression and veeeeery disrespectful. Loved the food, hated the service. I guess I put it on myself when I decided to try a new place before checking Maps. They are only 3.8 for a reason.

A great meal, with a great atmosphere. The service is fast and the food is really good. We had the carpaccio and lasagna with some cosmopolitans.

This place is located on the outside of the mall. It ha a menu with a good selection. We had pizza, and salads as well as smoothies and desserts. Everything was good and had great presentation.

Stopped here our last night in costa before flying out and the service and food were exactly what we wanted. The host server was exceptional and main waiter very nice. We ordered bolognese pasta which was very authentic, chicken parm also well prepared and delicious, and a pizza which was thin brick fired and delicious. Definitely recommend.

Food is very average. Service is too slow. The atmosphere is ok, and has that latino local food feeling. Yes, the food is supposed to be healthier and a 'home' cooked themed, with chicken, beans, rice and so on. But some of the stuff I had was so so. You can sit inside or outside. Ample safe parking. More of an airport type restaurant.

A Quiet rustic restaurant. Food is alright, the chicken is slightly dry but has a great taste. The prices are also reasonable. Yerlin is very friendly and helpful. Before he helped us we were stared down a bit by the other employees because we didn't know where no go because we were not greeted at the door. But it could've been on us because we entered via the side door.

WOW what an amazing gem!!! This restaurant, a super short walk from two hotels, has friendly service and authentic cuisine. HIGHLY RECOMMEND the Panzada Crocante, Dúo Costilla BBQ, Wings, and Dados de Queso!!! Absolutely delicious 😋 The only quirk is that is located directly opposite to the end of the runway and you can see, hear and feel the planes take off. I got a kick out of that really makes the restaurant special!!!

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express next door and were informed at the front desk that IHG members get a 10% discount at Rostis. They were advertising a Monday-Friday meal deal for 3990 Colones on a billboard outside(we went on a Tuesday) and two sangrias for 4500 Colones on a table top sign. I ordered one of the above mentioned meal deals and my girlfriend ordered a salad and two sangrias. The waitress kept pushing appetizers so we ordered guacamole. After we finished eating, the waitress tried to push dessert on us which we declined. We were finishing up our sangrias and didn’t even ask for the check, she brought us the bill. We told her that we were staying next door and we were IHG members. She refused to honor discount the hotel had informed us about. The manager refused as well. We ended getting charged 4057 colones instead of 3990 colones for the meal deal and 7317 colones for the sangrias instead of 4500 colones, not to mention full price for the salad (5358 colones) and 3895 colones for the guac plus 13% tax and 10% service charge. Some of the travel literature we read gives tourists the heads up about restaurants overcharging, and this was an example of that.

Great food and service! Many options to choose from.

Not to great. Ordered a soup. Expected something similar to what on the menu. Got 1/2 of what was ordered. And the waiter k was keep telling me it is the way it supposed to be to be.

We Had dinner here @ rosti pollos the Horchata was the best! I'm starting with horchata! We ordered boneless wings and regular wings, tostones and the chalupas. The chalupas were the best they are big. 6 out of 10

My husband’s favorite food is Indian food and this little place has an amazing mixture of flavors just for him. In the heat of Alajuela and hidden inside the Mall we had some delicious traditional Indian Cuisine and we enjoyed every bite of it.

Tikka Masala in Costa Rica is an absolute gem! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed and made to feel right at home. The service was impeccable—attentive, friendly, and genuinely kind. But the real star of the show? The food! Every dish was bursting with authentic flavor, perfectly spiced, and beautifully presented. You can truly taste the care and passion that goes into every bite. Whether you're a longtime fan of Indian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Tikka Masala delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Costa Rica—this place is a must-try. Thank you to the entire team for such a memorable meal!

What a fantastic experience. I usually stay at the Hilton Garden Inn at City Mall and I would always walk by this restaurant on the way to the mall for a coffee or froyo. What have I been missing!!! The service is extraordinary, the food fantastic. Get the garlic naan! A must every time I come back!

Tiki Masala has an amazing menu, super close to the SJO airport and is located above the casino on the third floor. I dropped by for a couple chai teas and some naan. The dipping sauces were super tasty. Definitely coming back to explore the menu further.

Delicious hidden gem! 🌟 Tikka Masala in City Mall is a must-try. The Dahi Puri Chaat was the perfect start — so fresh and full of flavor — and the complimentary papad and crunchy little sev/murukku-style snacks were addictive. The Dal Tadka was honestly the best I’ve ever had (and I eat a lot of Indian food!). I even enjoyed the leftovers more the next day. The décor is beautiful, the vibe is cozy, and the service was excellent — big thanks to Carlos for being such a great host. Totally worth finding this spot if you’re craving authentic Indian food in Alajuela!

Great food and freshly made to order ! Its right beside Hilton and in city mall. Tandoori chicken was very tender and tasty.

Phenomenal! We ordered our butter chicken Indian Spicy and it did not disappoint. Great flavour with a kick to it and amazing service!

Quiet and comfortable, friendly staff and fantastic fresh food. Everything you'd want in a meal. We devoured the Buffalo cauliflower Tacos (3 and they're big), onion rings and a chefs burger. Sooooo good!!!

One of the best vegan restaurants in San Jose. We ordered hummus, veggie burritos and burgers. Everything was delicious. Not overly salted like in most restaurants. Good size portions. The owner is an amazing person and chef. He makes his own bread and burger patties. Highly recommend this place.

Upon entering the restaurant we were waited on immediately. I had the lintel chickpea burger with freshly made fries and the pineapple juice. My husband had the cauliflower tacos with their papaya juice. Each bite was absolutely amazing! Wish I lived in Costa Rica I would never cook 😊

Outstanding vegan food! One of the best burgers I’ve ever eaten. Bonus points for being the only restaurant I found on my Costa Rica adventure that served Beyond Meat. A terrific menu and the service was perfect. A must-visit destination for all vegan and vegan-friendly diners in the area.

We were driving across CR from Puerto Viejo to Tamarindo and came across this vegan gem of a restaurant. It was convenient that there was parking right across the street, The place is clean and the staff is very friendly. Our food came fast too. The owner shared that it's not easy to run a 100% vegan restaurant in this area, but he is very passionate about this cause. Please try to support his business while enjoying his delicious vegan creations. It's fantastic!

Loved dining at this place! The staff was super friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was a vibe! And the food was delicious. I got the cauliflower buffalo tacos. Got to meet the owner and he was so welcoming. Will definitely come back here when if I’m back in the area.

Absolutely incredible vegan food and drinks (and gluten free options). We had a very tasty plate of nachos, pesto pasta and Portobello mushroom burger. The hot chocolate and frappacino were great as well. We will be back on our next trip to Costa Rica to try out more items from their menu.

It was good, and the prices are fair. Nothing about here is standout amazing but we had good service, the food was well seasoned and tasted good, and we left feeling like we had eaten a good meal. The sharing platter is a good option for 3-4 people. I'd eat here again. It's good overall.

I had the Reina pepiada arepa. At 3990 colones, it was small. It came with a small cup of some kind of sauce or salad dressing. Tasty, but I was expecting more.

I don’t understand the apparent popularity of this place. We picked it on the theory that there were locals eating, so it must be good. Wrong. The chicken was dry, the service was horrible, and we waited 55 minutes after ordering for the food to arrive. We first thought the wait might be engineered to get us to order another round of drinks. However, the waitress never came. At about the 30 minute point, I walked around, found her, and asked when our food might be ready. At least she was honest (one point for that): she told me it wouldn’t be soon. We were hungry, so I went to the food court upstairs, bought some food from an Asian restaurant, and we ate that while continuing to sit there and wait. Prices are high relative to the portion size. Our appetizer in particular was minuscule. The was our worst meal and worst overall experience during our two weeks in Costa Rica. This restaurant is a blot on a beautiful country.

I recently visited Rosti Pollos and was impressed by how tasty and flavorful the food was — everything from the seasoning to the quality of the ingredients really stood out. Unfortunately, the dishes arrived much too cold, which took away from the overall experience. That said, the server was very kind and attentive, and to make up for the inconvenience, they offered us a free dessert, which was a nice touch and much appreciated. With hotter food, this would have been an excellent meal.

Poor slow service while we were basically the only ones there. We ordered an appetizer arepa and a salad and chicken crunch sandwich as our mains. The sandwich was supposed to come with roasted potatoes and they came with cold fries instead. The arepa didn't even taste edible. Also they took over 30 minutes and brought everything out at once. We only came here because we had a late flight and we felt comfortable sitting here. That was an unfortunate mistake. Stick to one of the well known and busy food court establishments. We had local food at La fortuna, monteverde, quepos, and uvita that was miles better than this! Their menu looks better than their food does

The “Arrollado con Bacon” at Rosti is a delightful dish that expertly combines chicken, bacon, and a creamy Parmesan cheese sauce with mushrooms. The chicken breast remains juicy, thanks to its bacon wrapping, which adds a savory depth. The Parmesan cheese sauce is rich and velvety, with the mushrooms providing an earthy note that complements the dish perfectly. The service from Yuliana was exceptional, enhancing the overall dining experience with her attentive and friendly demeanor.

Delicious food. Comfortable and nice place. Good prices.

The airport is relatively small and quite expensive. For example, a coffee costs $5, a hamburger is $24, pizza is $18, and even a simple magnet is priced at $10–11. I recommend making any purchases outside the airport to save money. If you need to rent a trolley for your luggage, it will cost you $5. However, one benefit of staying inside the airport is the air conditioning, which provides a much more pleasant environment, especially in hot and humid weather.

Other than the loud speaker reminding travelers of Laws and regulations every two minutes constantly, this is the friendliest,cleanest, easiest, but hardest to sleep at airport I have ever been on stand by at in my life. It could use some more 24 hour food services in the main terminal and maybe even convert a small area to be a hostile so long waiting passengers can lay down their belongings in a secured area and lay down in a quiet part of the building and get some shut eye for a few hours or days ! just a suggestion but all airports should offer a Free place to get out if the way in a quiet place so one can get some rest area for airline customers only. please think about it no cots would need to be bought just a piece of floor with maybe lockers for personal carry on luggage.

Juan Santamaria International Airport is the primary international gateway serving San José, Costa Rica, and is located in the nearby city of Alajuela. It functions as a central hub for several airlines, providing connections to numerous domestic and international destinations, particularly within North and South America, as well as the Caribbean. The immigration and customs processes were notably lengthy, especially during peak hours. Compared to previous years, the check-in procedures have significantly improved, and security lines now progress more efficiently. The airport also features a variety of retail shops and dining establishments within the terminal. However, the prices at these establishments are considerably higher than outside the airport, making it advisable to purchase souvenirs and snacks elsewhere before your trip.

Landing was easy and welcoming. Not many in customs so it took about 30 minutes to make it outside without checked bag or carry on, in October. Leaving is even bigger and with ATMs , a few shops, kid area, charging area, plenty of screens and seats. Licor tastings as well as water sources so being your empty bottle! They even had water for pets. Definitely not a bad experience.

Very small international airport. Wide variety of local products but they are all overpriced. I don’t know how they sell like this. Unaesthetic… Very limited food restaurants. Pack your meals before get here :) Easy check out process

Small but nice airport, friendly staff with the "Pura vida" slogan present but pricy, first the question of what we bring in out bags and carry on as souvenirs, specially coffe as you cannot pass I think more than 250gms of it, "it's not allowed for safety reasons......." big BS as you can buy any size coffe packages once inside. 250, 500 or a kilo at a very high price, a magnet, sticker $5 to $9, food also expensive...a typical breakfast anywhere in CR $15, there $30.

Amazingly nice airport Staff is so friendly and helpful Very clean airport, water refill stations everywhere Lots of restaurants, food, and coffee options Unfortunately lounge closes at 8 pm which is not good, I had a 11:59 pm flight and I couldn’t access the lounge as I reached by 8:30 pm There is ATM , pharmacy, and amazing vibrant souvenir shopping