Edit map → Machuca Valley Collaborative Favorites
Restaurants
From Anton via https://www.sanmateo.love/nurture
So as not to re-invent Yelp of Google Maps, I will only include the places here that I think are really worth a visit. Of course there are many more that you’ll discover on your own.
Orotina/San Mateo
- Casa Victoria - best food in the area by far! See Machuca Elements Newsletter featuring it.
- Shanti - vegan restaurant, coffee shop and a store focused on healthy and Ayurvedic diet. Tico-owned, amazing people!
- La Poza Blanca - local favorite, Steakhouse and Italian
- Malau Orotina - possibly best restaurant in Orotina. Off the beaten path and standard fare, but quality food and service. Best Ceviche!
- Frenesi - possibly the best Tico food in San Mateo!
- Buen Camino - bike park with a great gringo-friendly restaurant and lodging.
- Kafecitos - modernish coffee shop with pastries they bake and a decent breakfast
- Soda y Restaurante El Forgon - decent local cuisine, conveniently located on the main road
- La Terraza - another decent local food spot, slightly more upscale then soda, but not "upscale" by any means
- Mirador Aeromar - local decent cuisine with a view that will knock your socks off! Amazing sunsets!
- Titis - local cuisine, next to the market
- Cafetería y Bubble Tea Yicha - Boba tea and coffee house in Orotina.
Jaco
- Jerah Thai Restaurant in Jaco - go there now! Best Thai outside of Thailand possibly (yes, really!)
- Sushi at home - vegan friendly sushi restaurant in Jaco.
- Ohana - vegan friendly sushi restaurant in Jaco.
- Karma Cafe & Restaurant - delicious vegan restaurant in Jaco
- Restaurante Mundaka - best breakfast, bowls and smoothies in Jaco
Atenas
- Almendra Plant-Based Cuisine - about 30 minutes from San Mateo in Atenas, but very much worth it. Closest Plant-Based restuarant and very tasty.
- La Casita del Café - good coffee and comida tipica, and a view to knock your socks off.
- Monsoon Asian Bistro & Neapolitan Pizza - can you have a place that has awesome Indian and Great Pizza under one roof? Apparently the answer is yes.
- Pequeña Polonia - in addition to classic American fare, also serves good Polish food like pierogis, schnitzel, Hungarian pancakes, etc.
- El Jardin - classic fare from burgers to veg. dishes with great views and thoughtful presentation
Other
- Mae Culpa Restaurante y Pizzería a la Leña - amazing views, good pizza & Italian dishes (use Waze! really important for this one) Minas del Aguacate (nearby spot for a hike and swim)
- Choco-Tour San Mateo - yes, it’s a bit of a touristy thing, but not a tourist trap! Authentic chocolate tour, very educational.
- Raw Co Juicery & Food - when in Escazu, a must stop for a quick and healthy bite, bowl, smoothie, soup, baked goods and more.
- Coffee Tour Atenas