Cuisines from around the globe await diners in Escazú, home to innumerable eateries of all flavors and ambiences. The dining options in the upscale western suburb are endless, but here is a short list of 10 to help you eat your way around the world without leaving Escazú.
Chancay
Cuisine: Peruvian
Known for: Fast service
Location: Plaza Itskatzú
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-3 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Contact: 2588-2326, www.chancay.info
El Novillo Alegre
Cuisine: Argentine
Known for: Imported beef
Location: 600 m south of San Rafael de Escazú intersection
Hours: Noon-10:30 p.m.
Contact: 2288-4995, www.cienciaalimentaria.com
L’Ile de France
Cuisine: French
Known for: Elegant ambience, excellent service
Location: Avenida Escazú, first floor of Marriott Residence Inn
Hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
Contact: 2289-7533, www.liledefrance.cr
Los Antojitos
Cuisine: Mexican
Known for: Tacos, grilled meats, family-friendly
Location: 800 m west of San Rafael de Escazú intersection
Hours: Monday-Thursday, noon-10 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 a.m.
Contact: 2289-9700, 2288-5301, www.restaurantelosantojitos.com
Samurai Fusion
Cuisine: Japanese
Known for: Teppanyaki cooked in front of you, variety of sushi rolls
Location: Plaza Itskatzú
Hours: Monday-Friday, noon-3 p.m. and 6-11 p.m.; Saturday, noon-11 p.m.; Sunday, noon-10 p.m.
Contact: 2288-0202, 2588-2240, samuraifusion@hotmail.com
Sisso Taste of Jerusalem
Cuisine: Middle Eastern (Israeli)
Known for: Shawarma, falafel
Location: Plaza Florencia, 200 m north of BAC San José
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
Contact: 2228-4737
Sole Mio
Cuisine: Italian
Known for: Authentic pizzas, vegetarian options
Location: Golden Plaza, 500 m south of Multiplaza, across from Autostar
Hours: Noon-3 p.m. and 6-10 p.m.
Contact: 2288-1400, 2288-1402
Taj Mahal
Cuisine: Indian
Known for: Authentic spicy Indian food, ambience, Indian artifacts for sale
Location: 1 km west of La Paco commercial center, old road to Santa Ana
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, noon-3 p.m. and 6-11 p.m.; Sunday, 1-9 p.m.
Contact: 2228-0980, 2228-3012, www.thetajmahalrestaurant.com
Tiquicia
Cuisine: Costa Rican
Known for: Mountaintop view, Tico specialties
Location: From behind the Escazú church, 1.5 km up (south), turn right at sign 100 m before San Antonio de Escazú intersection, then continue 1.5 km, following signs
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, noon-midnight; Friday-Saturday, noon-2 a.m.; Sunday, noon-9 p.m.
Contact: 2289-5839, www.miradortiquicia.com
Villa Rey
Cuisine: Chinese
Known for: Wide range of Chinese dishes
Location: San Rafael de Escazú, 400 m west of Más x Menos
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 6-11 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
Contact: 2289-5028, 2228-4950, www.restaurantevillarey.com