Savoring La Fortuna: Best Restaurants and Local Cuisine

When the sun sets behind Arenal Volcano and the air cools, La Fortuna reveals another treasure—its food. Walking through town, the aroma of sizzling garlic, fresh tortillas, and grilled fish fills the streets, inviting you to pause your adventure and savor something truly Costa Rican.

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🍴 A Culinary Walk Through La Fortuna

My journey started at a small, colorful spot called Soda Viquez. Here, time slows down. The casado arrived on a simple plate—rice, beans, plantains, and perfectly seasoned chicken. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt like home. Each bite was comfort, like sharing a meal in a grandmother’s kitchen.

A few blocks away, the mood shifted at Don Rufino. Elegant but not intimidating, the restaurant served dishes that celebrated Costa Rican ingredients with creativity. The tender pork belly paired with tropical reductions felt like a love letter to the land itself.

And then there’s La Choza de Laurel, a place buzzing with laughter, music, and clinking glasses. Here, casados are king, fresh juices flow endlessly, and the sense of community is as filling as the meal itself.

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🌿 What to Try

• Gallo Pinto at breakfast—beans, rice, and salsa Lizano, the heart of Costa Rican mornings.
• Ceviche, bright with lime and cilantro, best enjoyed on a warm afternoon.
• Seasonal fruits—pineapple, mango, and guanábana that taste sweeter under La Fortuna’s sun.

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💡 Traveler’s Tip

Food here isn’t rushed. Take your time. Ask locals where they eat, follow the aroma of fresh tortillas, and don’t be afraid to sit down at the most humble-looking soda. That’s often where the real magic hides.

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“Eating in La Fortuna is more than a meal; it’s an experience of culture, flavor, and community.”