Park Café

Top choice in San José


At this felicitous fusion of antique shop and French restaurant, Michelin-starred chef Richard Neat offers an exquisite menu of smaller sampling plates (Spanish tapas-style), normal-sized mains and a thoughtful wine list. The romantic candlelit courtyard is eclectically decorated with Asian antiques imported by Neat's partner, Louise France. It's near Parque La Sabana's northeast corner (50m north of Rostipollos restaurant).

The tantalizing menu includes classic flavor combinations – ie carpaccio of beef with mustard dressing – alongside innovative offerings such as crab ravioli with asparagus and ginger cappuccino; crispy leg of duck with cucumber-mint salad; or Gorgonzola gnocchi with prune-stuffed pork fillet, all prepared with passion and flair by Neat himself. An eight-table limit enhances the intimate atmosphere. Direct reservations and appropriate dress required.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby San José attractions

1. ICE Building

0.11 MILES

Headquarters for the Costa Rican Electricity Institute.

2. Parque Metropolitano La Sabana

0.25 MILES

Once the site of San José’s main airport, this 72-hectare green space at the west end of Paseo Colón is home to a regional art museum, a lagoon and…

3. Monumento León Cortés

0.29 MILES

This bronze statue of the 1930s Costa Rican president stands regally at the eastern entrance to La Sabana park.

4. Museo de Arte Costarricense

0.3 MILES

This Spanish-style structure served as San José’s main airport terminal until 1955. The remodeled museum features regional art, a sculpture garden, a huge…

5. Museo de Ciencias Naturales La Salle

0.77 MILES

Ever wanted to see a spider-monkey skeleton or a herd of stuffed tapirs? This natural-history museum near Parque La Sabana's southwest corner has an…

8. Mercado Borbón

1.27 MILES

The Mercado Borbón is a true sensory experience of sights and smells, and you might catch the daily hand-truck race among the workers. The focus is on…