11 BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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La Fortuna, Costa Rica was once a quiet town surrounded by the lush Arenal volcanic mountains where few tourists would visit and experience the fresh air and breathtaking views.
Today, La Fortuna is a bustling town with tourists visiting all year round. They come for the wildlife watching (especially sloth tours!), hiking, hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure tours like ziplining. However, with the tourists came the restaurants, and La Fortuna is filled with fantastic places to eat.
I actually lived in La Fortuna in 2022, and while there, tried so many of the best restaurants in La Fortuna.
So, if you’re wondering where to eat in La Fortuna, this article is for you! In it, I’ll share my 11 favorite restaurants in La Fortuna and what I loved so much about each place.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Our personal favorite spot in La Fortuna is Mercadito Arenal, a gourmet food court with multiple restaurants and a bar. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more. I also highly recommend ordering cocktails served with dry ice from Voodoo Mixology Bar!
The BEST Restaurants in La Fortuna
1. Mercadito Arenal – Best Market/Food Court
- Location: West of the main plaza on the outskirts of town
- Average Price: $10 USD for mains
- Come here for: A casual dining experience with TONS of choices
- Takes reservations: No
Mercadito Arenal is a relatively new gourmet food court in La Fortuna, offering tasty meals from a variety of restaurants and an exclusive Voodoo Mixology Bar. It is truly a spectacular place to hang out for couples as well as families. They have plenty of different food options ranging from tacos, sushi, burgers, pizzas, and more.
The owner of Voodoo has a wicked passion for creating drinks that elevate your cocktail experience! (I had to see this for myself.) If you can, try one of the cocktails served with dry ice. This keeps the glass cool and creates an Insta-worthy smoke look!
We came here specifically for the famed pizza and tacos. I loved the taste of the pizza, and it had a perfectly crispy thin crust, wonderful pesto sauce, and plentiful fresh toppings. Simply delicious!
The tacos were equally outstanding, with yummy chicken strips, soft, fresh wraps, and fabulous mayonnaise chilled with a tinge of peppermint. So yummy and refreshing too. We washed down everything we’d eaten with cold craft cocktails.
After a few visits, I noticed the burgers looked amazing and just had to try one! They turned out to be one of the best burgers in La Fortuna! The meat was so juicy, and the different options were unique and full of flavor. I highly recommend the burgers.
Mercadito Arenal is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day except for Tuesday when they’re closed.
2. Kappa Sushi – Best Sushi
- Location: Near the National Bank and La Fortuna Park
- Average Price: $10 USD per roll
- Come here for: Delicious sushi
- Takes reservations: Yes
When you’re near a volcano and a massive lake, the last thing you’d expect in this topography is sushi because there’s no ocean in sight, and nobody’s thinking about seafood, right?
Wrong!
Kappa Sushi turned out to be a great surprise while living in La Fortuna. This is one of the best Restaurants in La Fortuna for sushi fans.
Kappa is easy to find, located near the central park. IIt’s got a lovely atmosphere decorated with gorgeous local art paintings. The service is professional but slow. However, it’s worth the wait if you’re not in a hurry!
Be sure to start with the flavorful Miso soup, it cures all your blues for real (and a few hangovers!) And the dumplings… just perfect! My fiancé and I ordered a medium sushi boat with four rolls. We requested a customized plate of about 20 pieces – which we were allowed to choose.
We washed it all down with some beers, and people watched from the restaurant’s front porch.
This was a good find, and we highly recommend this sushi restaurant if you find yourself in La Fortuna craving seafood!
Kappa Sushi is open from 12 pm to 9:30 pm every day, and you can view their menu here.
3. Marisqueria Snapper’s House – Best Seafood
- Location: Fifty meters north of the Central Park, in front of BAC Bank
- Average Price: $15 to $25 USD for mains
- Come here for: Fresh seafood
- Takes reservations: Yes
Marisqueria Snapper’s House is well known as one of the best seafood restaurants in La Fortuna. The atmosphere is open and relaxing. The service is terrific, prompt, and welcoming, and Diego the owner, takes pride in his restaurant—he is quite a charming guy who loves to entertain his guests. We felt the friendliness from the moment we entered this exotic restaurant.
We had seafood (of course) – I ordered seafood soup, and Daniel had salmon in passion fruit glaze and some mussels to start. Both were very fresh and delicious. The cream sauce with the seafood soup was incredible and full of flavor. We then ordered a complimentary Dulce de Leche, a traditional milk cake for dessert.
Overall, the menu is extensive, with numerous options. A little bit steep, but worth the splurge… Such great food in a charming, casual environment.
Marisqueria Snapper’s House is located across the street from the BAC bank. They are open from 11 am to 10 pm every day!
Related Read: Check out all the best hot springs in La Fortuna!
4. Chipotle’s – Best Mexican
- Location: Near the Catholic Church
- Average Price: $12 USD for the mains
- Come here for: Tacos and margaritas
- Takes reservations: Yes
Chipotle’s offers authentic Mexican cuisine combined with international and Costa Rican gastronomy influences. The menu represents bold indigenous flavors, herbs, local products, and peppers reminiscent of the different global cuisines.
The interior décor has stunning murals that uplift this roadside restaurant to a charming dining experience. The owner, a trained chef in Mexico, spares no ingredients so you can taste the authenticity in the soft savory tacos and the mezcal in margaritas.
The staff was friendly and attentive throughout our dinner. As soon as we settled in, the bartender came to our table and made the most delicious jalapeno margaritas (the way to my heart!)
I ordered the chicken chimichanga. Not served like a fried burrito in the US but rather in a fresh-made sautéed shell. I loved it because you could pick how many tortillas you wanted with every bite.
My fiancé ordered tacos, which were loaded with seafood and I regretted not ordering the same because they were so yummy! We swapped one piece each (as we always do), and it was so good! The tacos came with guacamole and unique hot spicy sauces.
At our waiter’s recommendation, we drank our Cerveza Costa Rican style, with a glass of ice and lime juice at the bottom. It was odd, but I did enjoy it!
The dishes were full of bold flavors, and the beers and margaritas were just perfect! Marisqueria Snapper’s House is a great little place, offering super high-quality food and service. This is a top-of-the-charts Mexican spot among La Fortuna restaurants.
Chipotle’s is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day, and you can view their menu here.
5. Restaurante Tierra Mia – Best Costa Rican Flavors
- Location: South of Alamo Rent a Car, near the Catholic Church
- Average Price: $5 – $16 USD
- Come here for: Beautifully presented meals with Costa Rican flavors
- Takes reservations: Yes
Restaurante Tierra Mia is situated on a side street off of the main road, a quiet place, very comfortable, and it made our dining experience unforgettable.
We came here on a recommendation from a friend back home, and he was right about their dishes. The mood was quaint, casual, and authentic to the local surroundings outside. The Costa Rican food was excellent—fresh ingredients with unmatched flavors.
The details in the food presentation exhibited the care taken to make each dish. Raul, the owner, ensured our meal was a personal and exceptional time.
We went there twice. On the first occasion, we had a sweet beef tenderloin with a coffee-flavored complimentary sauce, which I will dream about every time I think of Costa Rica. The meat was well done, and the sauce was OMG amazing! I loved the veggies and mashed potatoes as well.
On our second visit, we had two chicken dishes with similar sides. My favorite was the Tropical Chicken with grilled pineapples dipped in coconut sauce with grilled veggies. My word! Pure goodness, so delicately organized and delicious too!
The staff did a fantastic job on both occasions. They were professional and highly personable. The price is reasonable, more expensive than the local sodas, but cheaper than the other touristy restaurants nearby. If you LOVE Costa Rican food, you’ll enjoy taking a cooking class in La Fortuna too – check out our favorite options here!
Restaurante Tierra Mia is open from 12 pm to 9 pm every day.
Related Read: Need to book a hotel? Check out the best areas and hotels to stay in La Fortuna!
6. Soda La Hormiga – Best Soda
- Location: West of the Bus Terminal next to Mega Super
- Average Price: $5 for a Casado
- Come here for: Casados!
- Takes reservations: No
Soda La Hormiga is a popular Soda in La Fortuna. It’s nothing fancy, just a casual outdoor restaurant with good food and service, you’ll see plenty of locals dining here when you visit. La Hormiga is located near a bus stop that is always busy and is family-run. They serve fresh, tasty meals in large portions.
You can come in and re-energize any time of the day. They serve everything from the yummy Gallo Pinto for breakfast to the endless variety of Casados served at lunch. Here, you also enjoy fresh, healthy natural drinks, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate at super cheap prices too.
We always come here for the Casados, which cost around $5 USD each. They have chicken, beef, seafood, and pork to choose from with different sauces and lots of sides. My personal favorite is the chicken in sauce that normally comes with beans, salad, and potatoes.
Now, it’s important to know that sodas in Costa Rica operate differently from regular “gringo” cafes and restaurants. They never rush you. Once you’ve had your fill, you have to ask for the bill. At La Hormiga, you pay at the counter with your table number.
All in all, it’s a cozy, cheap place with quality Costa Rican food that’s open for breakfast and lunch.
Soda La Hormiga is open from 6 am to 3:45 pm Monday to Saturday and 7 am to 3 pm on Sunday.
Related Read: If you are on a tight budget, check out the best free and cheap things to do in La Fortuna before you go!
7. Pollo Fortuneño – Best roast chicken
- Location: West of the Catholic Church on the main road in the center of La Fortuna
- Average Price: $11 – $35 USD
- Come here for: Roast chicken and large potions
- Takes reservations: No
Pollo Fortuneño is a busy restaurant in La Fortuna known for its roast chicken and pork ribs. It’s always packed to the brim because not only is the food good, but the prices are very reasonable!
My fiancé and I went on an excursion and ended up here on the recommendation of our tour guide. We had two mojitos while waiting for our order to come through and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere.
Our fantastic dinner of mouth-watering BBQ ribs and roast chicken came right off the rotisserie, succulent and moreish. Both so well-seasoned and cooked, the meat and ribs fell right off the bone! The roasted meat came with fried beans, coleslaw, and tortillas. We skipped the beans. The smoked BBQ sauce was yummy and awesome.
The have entire roast chickens served with sides for a great price – enough to feed an entire family.
The service was a decently-fast, organized system where waiting staff had specific tables to serve, which was great.
Pollo Fortuneño is open from 11 am to 10:30 pm every day, and you can view their menu here.
8. Restaurante Cafe Mediterraneo – Best Pizza
- Location: Just om the outskirts of town on the way towards El Salto (rope swing)
- Average Price: $12 – $22 USD
- Come here for: Woodfired pizza and pasta
- Takes reservations: Yes
Cafe Mediterraneo is a little out of the downtown zone but worth visiting. The ambiance is warm and inviting. They have an outdoor/indoor sitting arrangement, cozy and romantic, with the best view of the town’s tourist highlight – the Majestic Arenal Volcano (one of the best volcanoes in Costa Rica to see!)
Here, you will find great cappuccino, pizza, pasta, wine, and a range of tasty cocktails. This spot offers THE best Italian pizza in the area, according to our personal foodie experience. Giovanni, the owner, was an absolute host and a pleasure to chat with.
We went there for dinner, and I ordered a Caprese salad with woodfired pizza while Daniel ordered homemade Gnocchi with Bolognese, which was Simplemente perfecta!
We heard their tiramisu is the best and had to try it out. It was so heavenly and delicious!
Overall, this was a fun restaurant to visit. Very hygienic and lovely, with low lighting in the dining area. You watch the chefs work with incredible speed in the open kitchen and see how they prepare and cook the woodfired pizza.
The whole experience was magnificent! I would go here ten times over for the dining experience.
Cafe Mediterraneo is open from 11:30 am to 10 pm every day, and you can view their menu here.
9. Anch’io – Best fine dining
- Location: 350 m West of the Catholic Church on the main street in La Fortuna
- Average Price: $12 to $15 USD for mains
- Come here for: Fine dining Italian
- Takes reservations: Yes
If you’re craving fine dining while touring La Fortuna, this place is fantastic! Anch’io is right in the heart of La Fortuna, with several shops to browse through in the streets before or after dinner.
The restaurant is strategically located so some visitors can view the Volcano while seated. The horizon is stunning at sunset – an ideal time to come out here and dine as you enjoy your evening. The saxophone and acoustic guitar playing in the background complete the setting with relaxed, romantic vibes. So dreamy and perfect if you’re in Costa Rica on a honeymoon!
When we got to the restaurant, we were pleasantly surprised with a warm hello and a handshake from the host – there is great service here. They had various pizza options on the menu, but the specialized “build your own” to order is the menu’s highlight. We shared two excellent pizzas, with thin crispy crust done in a wood fire oven and topped with fresh juicy ingredients.
Overall, the pizza was excellent, with outstanding service. We loved the covered outdoor setting and enjoyed the live music … beautiful acoustic guitar.
Anch’io is open from 12 pm to 10:45 pm every day except Tuesdays.
10. Organico Fortuna – Best healthy eating
- Location: Next to Banco San Jose
- Price: $12 to $18 USD for the mains per person
- Come here for: Healthy luncha and breakfast
- Takes reservations: Yes
Organico Fortuna presents a much-welcomed change to your diet. The patio has lovely decoration, beautiful plants that liven up the place, a strategic seating arrangement, and a wonderful atmosphere.
They use locally sourced gluten-free and vegetarian ingredients. The menu includes an interesting Bio about the establishment, how they began, and how they use certified organic produce to make their amazing dishes. So unique.
You’ll also notice that the cafe sells locally obtained foodstuffs such as coffee beans and honey with honeycomb slices, art, and fashion.
The service was good, the food tasty, and beautifully served. The service was slow, but we patiently waited for the overwhelmed staff to bring out our order.
We had the Falafel sandwich and the Cajun bowl, which had the yummiest sauce served as decoration for the plate holding the Cajun dish. The fish was well-done, a bit dry but flavorful. We enjoyed the saucy fish nonetheless. The Falafel sandwich was good too, well-seasoned, and came with long crunchy fries. We later had iced coffee with cute quinoa cakes. So moist, delish, and fluffy.
Overall, the atmosphere was terrific, with comfortable indoor/outdoor seating. One of the best restaurants in La Fortuna that offers healthy food.
Organico Fortuna is open from 10 am to 9 pm every day except for Sundays.
11. Don Rufino – Best overall food
- Location: At the corner of 142 La Fortuna Street and Calle 466
- Average Price: $9 to $51 USD
- Come here for: International, Contemporary Central American, Costa Rican
- Takes reservations: Yes
Located right in the town center, Don Rufino is a beautiful restaurant with an extensive, diverse menu and decent pricing. The food is outstanding, perfectly presented, and has excellent taste. Although in an enclosed space with large airy windows, the setting is spectacular. The wait staff are friendly and accommodating.
You have to book a table for the best experience. Otherwise, you’ll find a crowd and wait for hours to get one. We came here for an early dinner and had a three-course meal. Our entrees included octopus with coriander, pineapple, yucca, and romesco sauce; meatballs sated with dates and tomato salsa.
Our mains comprised of the seafood risotto – so tasty! And the fresh pasta with prosciutto. We had the day’s special for dessert – Naranja Holandesa and almond cakes with a smoky cream; accompanied by a sweet wine.
Every dish served was super wow! I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The service was out of this world, patient, and efficient. This was hands down my favorite restaurant in La Fortuna. Continental Cuisine standard. Outstanding dining experience. The staff was all friendly and very efficient.
I highly recommend this place.
Don Ruffino is open from 12 pm to 10 pm every day except for Sunday when they close early at 9 pm and you can view their menu here.
4 Must-Do Activities in La Fortuna
1. Visit the Mistico Hanging Bridges
If you want to get out of town and amongst the treetops, I highly suggest visiting the Mistico Hanging Bridges while in La Fortuna. The hanging bridges are located on a large property that a local family privately protects.
If you want to do a guided tour, I highly suggest this specific tour with Mistico. They know the property well and know exactly where to find Costa Rican wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, snakes, and more.
Exploring hanging bridges in La Fortuna is a must-do, in my opinion!
2. Explore La Fortuna Waterfall
It should come as no surprise that La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the top attractions in La Fortuna. This stunning 230-foot (70-meter) waterfall shoots out from a tall cliff into a powerful pool below that’s surrounded by lush forest.
Visiting is nothing short of breathtaking. Entrance to La Fortuna Waterfall is $18 USD, and you can purchase them at the gate or here online in advance and skip the line (it’s the same price.)
If you don’t have transport or would prefer a guide, there are some great La Fortuna Waterfall tours to join. I recommend this specific full-day tour as you get to hike near Arenal Volcano, take a swim in La Fortuna Waterfall, and then visit a natural hot spring – which you get to enjoy with a cocktail in hand. It’s only $91 USD making it one of the best value tours in Costa Rica. It is popular though (and has hundreds of 5-star reviews!), so you’ll want to book in advance here!
3. Wander Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano is one of the best national parks in Costa Rica. Exploring the park is an adventure that takes you to the volcano’s base and slightly up its steep face. Along the way, you can enjoy the magnificent views and even see where the lava from the last major eruption oozed down the side of the volcano.
If you just want to explore Arenal as I did, this specific tour is a great option. It includes all your fees, water, transport, and a great guide. You’ll learn a ton about the park and volcano!
4. Venado Caves
One of the more unique things to do in La Fortuna is caving through the Venado Caves. This fun, and somewhat scary experience, takes you underground to explore the cave with an expert guide. The tour involves entering a larger cavern before exploring smaller caverns, and at some points, you’ll squeeze through holes barely big enough to fit through.
All up, you spend around 45 minutes in the cave and come out with a ton of knowledge and lots of smiles – we had such a great time! The tour we did was fantastic, and I highly recommend it to those who want to challenge themselves and see a side to La Fortuna almost none do!
Where to Stay in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Because La Fortuna is such a big tourist town, there are a ton of amazing places to stay. Here are our top recommendations for every budget.
Selina La Fortuna – $
One of the go-to budget options is Selina La Fortuna. I’ve stayed in Selina hostels around the world and this is a great one. It has a fun party atmosphere and a great co-working space where we spent a lot of time.
Selina Fortuna is located right in the middle of town, so you have easy access to great bars and restaurants nearby. Rates begin at $26 USD for a one-night stay in a dorm and $124 USD for a one-night stay in a private room. You can check availability and book on Booking.com, Hostelworld.com, Hotels.com, or Expedia.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa – $$
Those with a medium budget should check out Casa Luna Hotel & Spa. I stayed here on my first visit to La Fortuna and loved it. The property is beautiful, with a large pool and four hot tubs surrounded by nature. You can also enjoy the tropical botanic garden at the hotel.
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa is near Arenal Volcano National Park, and all the rooms have views of the volcano and the rainforest. The hotel also includes a delicious breakfast in the $204 USD room rate. Casa Luna is located a short drive from town and you can reserve a room online on Booking.com here, Hotels.com here, or Expedia here.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal – $$$
For arguably the most luxurious hotel in La Fortuna, check out The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal. While the rooms don’t come cheap ($600 USD+), it’s a bucket list place to stay that’s perfect for visiting Costa Rica on a honeymoon!
You’ll find 28 hot spring pools here, making the resort the perfect place if you really want to relax. There’s also a resort-style pool, a fitness center, a swim-up bar, hot tubs, and a spa and wellness center. You can reserve a room at The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal on Booking.com, on Hotels.com, or on Expedia.
For more in-depth info on the areas to stay in La Fortuna, check out our blog on where to stay in La Fortuna!
Getting Around Costa Rica
How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level.
Renting a Car
Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.
One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.
Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.
Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.
You can browse cars on Discover Cars here.
Book Shuttles
If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica, or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.
Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)
To get the best price, use the website Bookaway. They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway!
You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.
Public Bus
Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!
The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!
It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind.
Pura Vida!
La Fortuna isn’t the place you come to relax, it’s a town surrounded by adventure and wildlife! However, that doesn’t mean you can relax with a delicious meal and the list of the best restaurants above proves that.
I hope you found this blog useful and now have a huge list of restaurants to visit on your upcoming visit to La Fortuna. If you did, then check out more of our related blogs such as:
THANK YOU THANK YOU!!! Exactly what I was looking for! 🙂
Hey Jarah,
That’s great to hear. Happy eating!
Bailey
Thank you for this! My family tried the mercadito Arenal and chipotles during our recent trip to La Fortuna and loved them both! My son raved about the burger at mercadito and I had the shrimp tacos at chipotle’s and wholeheartedly agree with your reviews! Thank you!!
Hey Marcy!
That’s so fantastic to hear!
Thanks
Bailey