Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sharing a sleek space with
Kiosco SJO
in Barrio Amón, chef Camille Ratton's exceptional
back-patio cafe serves a global fusion menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, pastas and un-
conventional delights such as the fish taco trio filled with mango-glazed salmon, red curry
prawns and macadamia-crusted tuna. Don't miss the mind-meltingly delicious cheesecake,
served with fresh strawberries stewed in balsamic.
Restaurante Tin-Jo
ASIAN
11:30am-2:30pm & 6-10pm Mon-Thu, noon-2:30pm & 6-11pm Fri & Sat, noon-9pm Sun; )
The interiors of this popular Asian standard-bearer are a riot of pan-Asian everything, just
like the menu. Expect a wide range of fare from various regions - from
kung pao
shrimp
to spicy tuna
maki
to
pad thai
- as well as an extensive vegetarian menu.
Otoya 1155
ITALIAN
2222-3636; Av 9 btwn Calles 11 & 13; mains US$14-20;
6pm-midnight
Tue-Sun)
At this intimate Italian restaurant in a 19th-century Barrio Otoya mansion behind Casa
Amarilla, a series of elegant rooms, including an open-air 2nd-floor terrace, create a casu-
al, romantic backdrop for cocktails, Italian wines and a short but sweet chalkboard menu
that includes homemade pasta and gelato. On the downside, portions run small, and the
food is less spectacular than the setting.
Central San José West
The city's hectic commercial heart has some of the cheapest eats in town. One of the best
places for a budget-priced lunch is the Mercado Central, where you'll find a variety of
so-
das
serving
casados,
tamales, seafood and everything in between.
Mariscos Poseidon
SEAFOOD
The congenial Doris runs this narrow, blue-and-yellow seafood joint in the central mar-
ket's northern annex. The
ceviche mixto
appetizer (fish, shrimp and octopus marinated in
lime juice) is tasty and cheap, as are the generous portions of seafood-studded rice.
