Restaurants in Alajuela, Poas & the Airport Area

Vegetarians should definitely head to El Chante Vegano ★ ((tel) 8911-4787; www.elchantevegano.com), a tasty and thoughtful vegan restaurant in the heart of downtown, a half-block south of the post office.

A longtime favorite up toward the Poás Volcano is Chubascos ★ ((tel) 2482-2280; www.chubascos.co.cr), which serves excellent versions of Costa Rican classics in a cozy mountain setting. In addition, the restaurants at Pura Vida Hotel and Marriott Costa Rica Hotel are both excellent.