Best Lunch Restaurants in Cartago

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

American

Italian

Steakhouse

Seafood

French

Mexican

Regions

Heredia

Puntarenas

San José

Neighborhoods

Escazu

Heredia

Quepos

San José

Santa Ana

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

Bar

Counter

Standard

High Top

Outdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

22 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Jaguar Negro

4.7

Exceptional(1213)

$$$$

• Mexican • San José

Booked 5 times today

The experience begins as you step through the doors of Jaguar Negro, transporting you to a Mexican tropical oasis imbued with relaxed vibes and casual elegance. You first encounter a secret garden surrounded by water and native Mexican plants, setting the stage for a sonic, sensory, and visual journey that takes you to Mexico without leaving Costa Rica. Our menu is inspired by cantina cuisine, traditional dishes, and ancestral techniques that enrich every preparation. Everything is enjoyed around a table designed for sharing

2. Amana

5.0

Exceptional(168)

$$$$

• Contemporary Latin • San José

Booked 2 times today

A modern culinary concept that aims to combine local ingredients with techniques and preparations from across the world.Located in Barrio Escalante, Amana offers an inviting, casual, and warm atmosphere right outside the heart of the capital; paired with creative dishes, attention to detail, and exceptional service.Our kitchen is led by San Pellegrino Young Chef 2024 Regional Finalist (Latam & Caribbean) and Costa Rican winner of the Jeunes Chefs Rôtisseurs: Kenneth Ruiz.7-course tasting menu available Tue-Sat, seating between 6:30pm and 8:30pm (8 people per night max).

3. Caffe Negroni

4.5

Awesome(228)

$$$$

• Bistro • Escazu

Booked 18 times today

Caffè Negroni is a Mediterranean restaurant in Escazú offering artisanal pizzas, risottos, braised meats, and signature cocktails in a cozy, nature-surrounded setting. Inspired by European bistros, it’s known for its Negroni specialties—Classic, Rosé, and Bianconi—along with expertly crafted drinks. Caffè Negroni also pioneers collaborative dining in Costa Rica, hosting guest chefs and mixologists to deliver unique culinary experiences. Perfect for brunch, dinner, or special occasions.

A photo of La Cava Alta Fiori restaurant

4. La Cava Alta Fiori

4.9

Exceptional(149)

$$$$

• Mediterranean • Escazu

Booked 1 time today

La Cava Alta Fiori,antiguo Monasterio Le Monastère, un restaurante moderno, con una vista espectacular a todo el Valle Central, cuya esencia es la gastronomía mediterránea.Su apuesta culinaria integra la cocina gourmet de Francia, Italia y España traída a nuestro país con una variedad de ingredientes propios que se mezclan en cada platillo, entre ellos, culantro coyote, jengibre, chile, rábano fresco, pejibaye, y otros importados para lograr una explosión de sabor en el paladar; la oferta gastronómica también incluye variedad de carnes, en nuestros platos fuertes; así como diversidad de tapas, entradas frías y calientes.Cordero Cuatro estaciones, el Fideuá Mar y Tierra, con mejillones, camarones y trozos de res grillados y cortes de res, filetes tan exclusivos como el Tomahawk, el Rib eye de la mas alta calidad, acompañado de una amplia variedad de vinos y cocteles.

5. Enso̅

4.3

Awesome(89)

$$$$

• Japanese • Escazu

Booked 14 times today

Nikkei restaurant where Japanese techniques combine with Peruvian flavor, offering a nod to Costa Rica's biodiversity. Signature cuisine is accompanied by creative cocktails and minimalist service. The surrounding nature complements the ENSO experience, where the basics are transformed into something unique.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Avenida Escazu restaurant

6. P.F. Chang's - Avenida Escazu

4.1

Excellent(300)

$$$$

• Asian • Heredia

Booked 8 times today

Líder mundial en comida casual asiática, ofrecemos un concepto innovador con platos únicos inspirados en la gastronomía panasiática. Disfrutá de sabores auténticos en un ambiente moderno y acogedor. ¡Reservá ahora!

A photo of The Capital Grille - San José restaurant

7. The Capital Grille - San José

5.0

Exceptional(459)

$$$$

• Steakhouse • Escazu

Booked 2 times today

Fundado en 1990 en Providence, RI, The Capital Grille es un restaurante de alta cocina conocido por sus cortes de carne añejados en seco, mariscos frescos, una lista de vinos galardonada y un servicio personalizado y profesional en una atmósfera elegante y relajada.

A photo of El Novillo Alegre - Escazu restaurant

8. El Novillo Alegre - Escazu

4.9

Exceptional(35)

$$$$

• Argentinean • Heredia

Experience the essence of Argentine cuisine at Novillo Alegre. With over 20 years of history, we bring you the finest cuts of meat grilled to perfection and a selection of wines imported from top vineyards. Our warm and welcoming atmosphere is perfect for couples, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience. From traditional asado and juicy chorizos to classic empanadas, our menu is designed to share the authentic flavors of South America with our guests. Join us and discover why Novillo Alegre has been a local favorite for decades

9. Lile de France

4.6

Exceptional(80)

$$$$

• French • Escazu

Booked 5 times today

Más de 40 años de tradición culinaria son nuestro legado. Hoy L’Ile ofrece el balance perfecto entre las técnicas tradicionales de la cocina francesa con ingredientes frescos, platillos contemporáneos y las últimas tendencias de la gastronomía mundial. Esto de la mano de mixología personalizada, un ambiente renovado y personal especializado.

10. La Divina Comida

3.6

Very Good(128)

$$$$

• Peruvian • San José

Booked 6 times today

Created by Chef Marco Antonio Ganoza in 2004, in San José. We are a Peruvian Fusion cuisine restaurant created outside of Peru, this gives us a very interesting value, since in that search for the perfect ingredients, we realize that wherever we are we will find everything we need, and that ingredient is called passion for food. kitchen.We are Essential Costa Rica, working hand in hand with local farmers and fishermen.We believe in the value of local, of what is ours and in the contribution of local communities in our products.We are responsible and sustainable with our supplies.We believe that customer service has to be clear and that experience is the only thing that motivates us.When you pass, order the ceviches, the octopus, the portions of main dishes, we recommend them to share, the dishes are large.We are waiting for you at La Divina Comida on Avenida Escazú.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

R
RyannGold
1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Danny was amazing and we couldn’t have been happier with the meal.
More info
Jaguar Negro$$$$• Mexican• San José
•
4.7
B
Becky
Asheville / Western North Carolina •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 28, 2026
This was an outstanding restaurant. The Ribeye and the steak over risotto were amazing. The Jade Margarita was out of this world (not a traditional margarita from a US perspective). Luis was also great.
More info
Amana$$$$• Contemporary Latin• San José
•
5
J
Jorge
Las Vegas •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on Jun 27, 2026
Great sports bar experience overall. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was outstanding, and our server was very attentive and professional throughout the visit. The food was good, but there is still some room for improvement in terms of overall quality. If they elevate the food a bit more, this place could easily become an excellent overall experience.
More info
Yard House$$$$• International• Escazu
•
4
C
ClaudioGold
Costa Rica •17 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jun 11, 2026
Amazing as always, definitely a come over experience while in SJO
More info
The Capital Grille - San José$$$$• Steakhouse• Escazu
•
5
B
brayam
Philadelphia County •1 review
5.0
Dined on Feb 20, 2026
Nice dinner with my wife. First time in PFC and we enjoyed it
More info
P.F. Chang's - Avenida Escazu$$$$• Asian• Heredia
•
4.1

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