The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In San Jose Costa Rica

Costa Rica is actually a very vegetarian-friendly country when it comes to eating out. A great handful of traditional Costa Rican dishes are vegetarian, or can be ordered vegetarian: gallo pinto, pico de gallo, empanadas, arroz con vegetales, sopa negra, tamales, and patacones, just to name a few of the popular choices. To satisfy such diverse tastes, these San Jose restaurants serve up delicious vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes that even meat-eaters will enjoy.

1. Mantras Veggie Café and Tea House

Bistro, Cafe, Healthy, Fusion, Tea , Vegan, Gluten-free, Vegetarian

Mantras is a vegetarian’s happy haven. The ingredients at Mantras are locally sourced, organic, and super fresh. They also offer vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, and raw dishes that even a carnivore would find tasty. Mantras has incredible salads, sandwiches, soups, smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and pastries. The flavor combinations are highly satisfying. Treat yourself to something from Mantras and your body will immediately thank you.

2. Neshuma

Bistro, Restaurant, Central American, Mexican, Asian, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Neshuma is a highly praised vegan and vegetarian restaurant in San Jose. The menu is composed of locally sourced, fresh, and organic ingredients that are put together in creative and delicious combinations. With a great selection of salads, sandwiches, pasta, Asian-inspired dishes, Mexican plates, and pizzas, there is something for everyone to enjoy, even the meat eaters in the group. They also serve up a delicious sangria.

3. Café Rojo

Cafe, Restaurant, Coffee Shop, Bistro, Vietnamese, Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-free

Café Rojo is a Vietnamese restaurant that serves up incredibly delicious and healthy dishes. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, and a special is added to the menu each day. This café uses seasonally available produce that comes from local farmers. They also serve coffee from a carbon neutral cooperative called Santa Maria de Dota in Terrazu. The setting is charming and cozy and completes the whole experience.

5. El Buho

Bistro, Restaurant, Fusion, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

El Buho uses only the freshest organic ingredients that have been grown by Costa Rican farmers. The menu changes every day, the plates are filling, and the prices are inexpensive. The vibe is very laid-back and inviting. It is obvious that those who work at El Buho are truly passionate about providing amazing vegetarian food to their customers. This is a spot most come back to more than once. Dishes are made with love and with the environment always in mind.

6. Arbol de Seda

Bistro, Cafe, Restaurant, Fusion, Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian

Arbol de Seda is a vegetarian café that also serves up some meat dishes. There is something for everyone on Arbol de Seda’s truly delectable fusion menu. They have unique dishes such as a plantain burger, pumpkin soup, and pineapple quesadillas, just to name a few. There are plenty of vegan options too. The plates are very affordable and are of quite sizeable portions. This is a place where you walk away with a very happy belly.

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