San José - Costa Rica - page 175

Central San José East

Long-standing neighborhood sodas (lunch counters) mix effortlessly with contemporary
cafes and Asian-fusion eateries on San José's eclectic east side.
Supermarkets include Automercado ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2233-5511;
www.automercado.co.cr ; cnr Calle 3 & Av 3; 7am-9pm Mon-Sat, 8am-4pm Sun) , with a good se-
lection of cheeses, produce, liquor, coffee and chocolate, and economical Perimercado (
MAP GOOGLE MAP ;

2222-2252; Calle 3 btwn Avs Central & 1; 7am-9pm Mon-Sat, 8am-3pm

Sun) , conveniently located downtown.

Café de los Deseos CAFE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2222-0496; www.facebook.com/Cafedelosdeseos ; Calle 15 btwn Avs 9 &
11; mains US$5-12; 2-10pm Tue-Sat)
Abuzz with artsy young bohemians, this cozy, colorful Barrio Otoya cafe makes a romant-
ic spot for drinks (from wine to cocktails to smoothies), bocas (handmade tortillas with
Turrialba cheese, salads, teriyaki chicken, individual pizzas), and tempting desserts. Walls
are hung with the work of local artists and rooms are adorned with hand-painted tables,
beaded curtains and branches entwined with fairy lights.

Alma de Café CAFE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 2010-1119; www.almadecafe.net ; Teatro Nacional; mains US$5-10;
9am-7pm Mon-Sat, to 6pm Sun)
One of the most beautiful cafes in the city, this atmospheric spot evokes early-20th-century
Vienna. In other words, a perfect place to sip cappuccino, enjoy a crêpe or quiche and take
in the lovely ceiling frescoes.

Delicias del Perú PERUVIAN, COSTA RICAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; Calle 3A btwn Avs 7 & 9; mains US$7-12; 11am-4pm)
Service with a smile and tasty seafood are the specialties at this friendly neighborhood
soda near the heart of town. Lighter appetites can indulge in steaming bowls of parihuela
(Peruvian-style seafood soup) made with corvina (sea bass) or mariscos (mixed seafood),