The sodas around La Fortuna's central park serve honest Costa Rican cooking at $4–10 per meal — the casado (rice, beans, plantains, salad, protein), gallo pinto, and fresh fruit refrescos. Don Rufino is the best independent restaurant in La Fortuna: steaks, seafood, and Costa Rican classics at $15–35 with the best bar and wine list in town. Organico Fortuna handles the healthy end — acai bowls, fresh juices, plant-based options.
Why It Belongs on the List
The sodas around La Fortuna's central park serve honest Costa Rican casados and gallo pinto for under $8. Don Rufino is the town’s best sit-down option — farm-to-table cooking with local ingredients.
What Stands Out
- Casado: the national plate at any soda for $6–10 — best value meal in La Fortuna
- Gallo pinto: the black-bean-and-rice breakfast Costa Rica runs on
- Don Rufino: best independent restaurant, best bar in town
- Organico Fortuna: acai bowls, juices, plant-based options