Coffee and Lunch - San José | ArrivalGuides.com

Coffee and LunchGuide was updated: April 16, 2025

Cafes in San José are usually cozy and intimate, yet welcome everyone to a quick refreshment or an extended break on a busy day of sightseeing. You will come across plenty of places to grab an ice cream to eat as you stroll through the city, or just a small coffee shop to sit down and enjoy an afternoon snack. San José is one of the world's capitals of coffee, so don't miss out!

Kalú

Kalú's meals are prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally grown meat. Whether you're looking for juicy burgers, healthy salads or sweet crepes, Kalú has got it all. Serving brunches and lunches, hop in at any time and prepare to be amazed by this groundbreaking Costa Rican cafe and restaurant.

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Café Miel Garage

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.

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POPS

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.

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Café Rojo

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.

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Cafeoteca

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.

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La Criollita

La Criollita is a well established restaurant offering generous plates of classic Costa Rican eats in a relaxed setting. The place is popular with locals so that's always a good sign. You get the best value for money if you go for their breakfast or lunch (ejecutivo) menus. Each lunch starts with a delicious soup, a juice, and ends with a dessert or coffee.

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Jardín de Lolita

Jardín de Lolita is an extremely popular food court serving drinks and good food in a backyard garden with many levels. You will have several good food options, most of them pretty healthy, too. Same for drinks, from coffee to any cocktail you want. There is also an ice cream shop at the entrance. Across the street you'll find several shops selling beautiful craft items. There's also a lovely cafe Encafeinados with exceptional espresso drinks prepared by an award-winning barista.

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Selina

Selina is a renowned chain of hostels located in trendy and up-and-coming locations around the world. Popular with younger hip crowd, Selina in San José is the place to meet cool people. The hostel features a coworkind space and a restaurant-cafe-bar combo. Stop by any time of the day to get a delicious and fairly priced meal (Costa Rican curry with fish is the star of the show), sit around with your laptop while sipping coffee or sip a cocktail in the evening.

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Alma de Café

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.

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Cafe La Mancha

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.

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Dulce Junio Café

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.

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Franco

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.

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