While in Costa Rica, you might notice that many restaurants will have vegetarian options available, but not proper vegan food.
That being said, in recent years we have seen more specialty vegan and vegetarian restaurants become popular around the city.
Check out the list for our favorites in San José:
Huacamole
Huacamole is one of the best options in the city. Located in the beautiful Barrio Escalante neighborhood, this restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes from mushroom dishes, vegan “pulled-pork”, burritos, beers, different kinds of juices, and desserts.
Specialties: Huacamole is known for its creative take on vegan and vegetarian versions of traditional Mexican cuisine. Their menu focuses on tacos, burritos, and bowls, all made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. You’ll find hearty options like jackfruit “al pastor” tacos, sweet potato burritos, and nachos with vegan cheese.
Price Range: Dishes typically priced between CRC 5,000 and 7,500 ($9 – $14 USD).Huacamole Restaurant on Google Maps
El Búho
El Buho Vegetariano is one of the most famous vegan restaurants in the city, with more than 10 years of providing the best recipes for its customers.
Located in the vicinity of the Universidad de Costa Rica, their restaurant offers a wide variety of options in a very special restaurant and coffee shop where you can stay working for a few hours.
Specialties: El Búho stands out for its diverse vegetarian and vegan options that mix local Costa Rican flavors with international cuisine. Their specialties include vegetarian empanadas, falafel plates, and quinoa-based salads. They also serve a variety of smoothies and desserts, many of which are gluten-free or vegan.
Price Range: Most main courses range from CRC 6,000 to 9,000 ($11 – $17 USD).
El Buho Vegetariano on Google Maps
Pú Ti, Guadalupe
This is one of the very special ones. A fully vegan Taiwanese food experience and owned by a Taiwanese family, this place will blow your mind.
Located in Guadalupe, a very urban area, the inside of this place offers a very cozy and Asian-like atmosphere. Their menu is all about natural nutritional food with very tasty flavors.
Specialties: Pú Ti offers a unique take on vegan cuisine with Asian influences, particularly Vietnamese and Thai. Popular items include tofu pho, vegan sushi, and stir-fried noodles with a variety of fresh veggies and plant-based proteins. The restaurant is celebrated for its rich, aromatic flavors.
Price Range: Dishes priced around CRC 4,000 to 6,500 ($7 – $12 USD).
Pú Tï on Google Maps
Árbol de Seda
Located in Barrio Escalante, Árbol de Seda is an inclusive restaurant created by a couple of chefs who love their vegan recipes.
With a full menu and specials every day, this place is a great option for a nice delicious vegan meal. You might also find local “nature conscious” products, beer, and coffee if you’re in the area for the afternoon.
Specialties: Árbol de Seda is one of San José’s best-known vegetarian restaurants, offering a wide range of plant-based dishes inspired by Latin American and Mediterranean cuisine. They’re famous for their Buddha bowls, hearty lentil burgers, and vegan desserts. Their daily specials often include creative vegetarian versions of Costa Rican traditional dishes.
Price Range: Meals range from CRC 6,000 to 8,000 ($11 – $15 USD).
Árbol de Seda on Google Maps
Mr. Veggie
Mr. Veggie is one of the newest restaurants in town that is getting lots of attention.
Its varied menu attracts different kinds of food lovers, from hamburgers, falafel, pasta, salads, empanadas, burritos, and more!
Without a doubt, this place provides a number of great vegetarian options for when you’re really hungry.
Specialties: Mr. Veggie is a casual, budget-friendly spot focusing on vegan fast food. They specialize in vegan burgers, wraps, and sandwiches, all made with homemade veggie patties. They also have delicious sides like sweet potato fries and plant-based desserts like brownies and cookies.
Price Range: Affordable, with most items priced between CRC 3,500 and 5,500 ($6 – $10 USD).
Mr. Veggie on Google Maps
Other vegetarian options:
Indian Restaurants
Talking about Indian food, we can assure you that you’ll find incredible vegan or vegetarian dishes.
Places such as Taj Mahal in Escazú or Indian Palace in Barrio Escalante are great options, especially when going out to eat with a non-vegetarian friend.
Traditional “Sodas”
Lastly, the so-called “sodas” can be one of the most authentically Costa Rican culinary experiences all around. Not only can you find some vegetarian options, but also very nutritional foods.
For instance, the typical breakfast “gallo pinto” (special mixed rice & beans) is an excellent veggie option, sometimes served with sweet plantain, salad & fruits.
However, the typical “casado” plate, which is usually served for lunch, has rice, beans, salad, and animal-based protein (beef, chicken or fish). Some sodas, but not all, could remove the meat from what is already a sizeable plate, or replace it with other plant-based items (such as potato-based “picadillo”, sauteed bell peppers, etc.).
Still, sodas remain an authentic and affordable option for a nice price, found everywhere in the country.
Stay tuned for more restaurant recommendations on the CR Nomads Blog!
