San José

Café Miel is one of the best places for a quick coffee and a snack in San José. Serving a wide range of coffee, sandwiches, and cupcakes, this places also presents its visitors with a cozy and lovely atmosphere. Do not forget to try the chai tea with milk and honey. Their specialty is cold coffee — just what you need on a hot day.

POPS will satisfy all your ice cream cravings. Have a refreshing break and enjoy fruity, homemade ice cream flavours, such as banana, sour kiwi, and sweet strawberry.

Café Rojo is unlike anything else you will come across in San José. Located in a quirky building, this cafe boasts a wide selection of natural and handmade juices, cakes, and salads that will make you want to go back there more than once. Do not miss one of their many Vietnamese-inspired dishes.

Cafeoteca is a place where one can truly have an authentic coffee experience in a stylish space with 50s Scandinavian design and a cozy outdoor space. Choose the coffee beans of your liking, as well as cup size and the brewing method. In case you get addicted to their particular blends (which can easily happen), you can even purchase bags of their roasted coffee beans.

Sitting inside the National Theatre, Alma de Café lets you enjoy your meal surrounded by frescoes and chandeliers, a marble checkerboard floor and pale green walls decorated with paintings and portraits. Their signature Café 7 Provincias is made with grains coming from different provinces of Costa Rica, and can be coupled with snacks like quiche and crepes.

Cafe La Mancha is a lovely coffee shop tucked away in the busy downtown of San Jose — yet sitting inside provides a respite from the busy noise of the city. The staff as well as the owner will eagerly chat with you about their coffee. Pair your perfect cup of caffeinated goodness with freshly made carrot cake or lemon pie. Take a break under the glass roof of the courtyard and recharge your batteries.

Dulce Junio Café not only has some of the best coffee in San Jose, but also offers you great variety of desserts. Try the creme de menthe chocolate cake — it comes with a frosting of rich fudge-like chocolate topped with a mint frosting that balances out the sweetness perfectly. For lunch, get the huge curry chicken sandwich made with the perfect focaccia bread. Dulce Junio's inner courtyard is a a quite space to enjoy a coffee and brief rest while out walking around the city neighbourhoods.

Franco's Marzocco never stops churning out rich espressos, ready for the most spectacular latte art you'll find in San José. The space itself is pretty spectacular: plenty of space for everyone, both indoors and outdoors. The place is pet friendly, so get ready to see some fluffy cuties around! The food doesn't disappoint! Try their breakfast burger, the all star pancakes, a coffee or a smoothie. The menu has lots of vegan and gluten free options. Pastries are top-notch, as are their cocktails.