The Best Street Food Markets And Stalls In Costa Rica

What Costa Rica lacks in geographical size, it makes up for incredible food diversity; it’s a food-lover’s paradise. There is everything from world-class international restaurants and boutique cafés, to family-owned sodas, and unassuming hidden gems such as not-to-be-missed street food. With an overwhelming choice on offer, we’ve selected some of the best for you to try.

1. Eat My Taco

Bar, Seafood

Laurie and Brian Beatty are the friendly owners of the Eat My Taco food truck in Tamarindo. They make to order killer tacos with cheese-coated tortillas using only the freshest ingredients. Their truck is always parked outside of the Langosta Sports Bar on Friday evenings and at the Tamarindo Feria on Saturdays. They are also available for hire for group events, such as weddings and reunions. If you see the Eat My Taco truck it is highly recommended that you grab at least two tacos.

2. Shrimp Hole

Restaurant, Central American, Fusion, Street Food, Vegetarian

Owned by a sweet young couple, the Shrimp Hole is a tiny, but inviting little shack with a cozy deck, one street up from Tamarindo Beach. They serve sustainably and locally sourced shrimp and seafood dishes such as the must-try Bahn Mi sandwich, and a shrimp over rice plate with salad and your choice of one of the several delicious homemade sauces. They also make a variety of very refreshing lemonades to wash all the shrimpy goodness down.

3. Perfect Burger

Food Truck, North American, Street Food, Vegetarian

Perfect Burger is a converted red VW camper burger food truck in Tamarindo. Aptly named, the chef and owner is serving up several different perfect burger options. There is even a black bean burger to satiate the vegetarians out there. The meat is 100 percent Nicarguan beef that is fresh and never frozen, and the buns are savory with a hint of sweet homemade brioche. All the ingredients are fresh and sauces, like the pesto mayo, are made in-house and truly bring the whole burger together. Treat yourself to a perfect, made-to-order burger for only $6.

5. Ben’Tana

Bistro, Restaurant, Central American, Pub Grub, Street Food, Vegetarian

Ben’Tana is the embodiment of Costa Rican street food: they serve some traditional Costa Rican and American “bar-food” dishes with a delicious twist, as well as burgers and sandwiches. All burgers and sandwiches are served on artisanal bread and topped with creative combinations of freshest ingredients, such as plantains, pineapple, local cheese, and homemade salsas and sauces. The menu is sure to make your mouth water.

6. La Ventanita Meraki

Food Truck, Fast Food, Pub Grub, North American, Street Food, Vegetarian

La Ventanita Meraki is a fantastic fast food—but not chain—restaurant in San Jose. They serve up gourmet burgers, choripan, pulled pork sandwiches, thick cut French fries, and even homemade natural sodas, among many other tasty choices. There are also a ton of sauces to accompany the French fries and pretty much anything else you order.

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