Amazing tacos at El Chilillazo, and passionfruit margaritas from Ukelele were incredible. Great value for money, good vibe, delicious food and drink.
Overview
Jardín De Lolita offers a charming and vibrant dining experience nestled in the heart of San José, Costa Rica, just 50 meters east of the iconic Antigua Aduana. Located in the trendy Barrio Escalante, this cozy yet refined restaurant stands out for its fusion of contemporary and traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Whether you're a local or a traveler, Jardín De Lolita promises a memorable culinary experience that highlights the rich flavors of Costa Rica, served in a beautifully designed space surrounded by lush greenery.
Stepping into Jardín De Lolita, the ambiance immediately captivates. The restaurant's design combines modern architecture with natural elements, providing a serene environment perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The garden setting, with its verdant plants and open-air seating, makes it an ideal spot for enjoying the tropical weather while savoring expertly prepared dishes.
The menu at Jardín De Lolita is a delightful blend of local and international influences, offering something for every palate. From fresh seafood dishes to hearty meats and flavorful vegetarian options, each plate is crafted with care using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. One standout is their Costa Rican-style ceviche, a refreshing appetizer that embodies the essence of the country’s coastal flavors. For those seeking a more substantial meal, the grilled meats, such as the tender steaks and perfectly charred ribs, are sure to satisfy.
Vegetarians and vegans are also well catered for, with dishes like roasted vegetable quinoa bowls and plant-based tacos, which allow guests to enjoy the local flavors in a more sustainable way. The kitchen at Jardín De Lolita excels at combining textures and flavors, offering a dining experience that feels both innovative and rooted in Costa Rican culinary traditions.
An essential part of any restaurant experience is the drinks menu, and Jardín De Lolita does not disappoint. The cocktail list features creative concoctions inspired by tropical fruits, with highlights including a refreshing tamarind margarita and a bold guava mojito. For wine lovers, the restaurant offers a carefully curated selection of local and international wines that pair beautifully with their dishes. There's also an impressive range of craft beers, many sourced from Costa Rican breweries, adding a local touch to the drink offerings.
Beyond the food and drinks, Jardín De Lolita is known for its exceptional service. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive, ensuring that each guest feels welcome and well taken care of. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely lunch or a lively dinner with friends, the team goes above and beyond to enhance the dining experience.
The restaurant is also praised for its commitment to sustainability. They make a conscious effort to minimize food waste and support local farmers, ensuring that their impact on the environment is as minimal as possible. This dedication to sustainability not only enhances the quality of the food but also aligns with the growing demand for eco-friendly dining experiences in Costa Rica.
For those visiting the area, Jardín De Lolita is perfectly situated in one of San José’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Barrio Escalante is known for its trendy cafés, bars, and restaurants, making it an ideal location for a leisurely stroll after your meal. The area’s lively atmosphere, combined with the restaurant’s exceptional offerings, makes for a perfect day out in the city.
Regular patrons and newcomers alike rave about the food quality, the exceptional service, and the overall atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the restaurant’s ability to balance innovation with tradition, providing a fresh take on classic Costa Rican dishes while honoring the country's culinary heritage. Whether you're coming for a casual dinner or a more elaborate celebration, Jardín De Lolita is a dining experience worth returning to.
In a city full of dining options, Jardín De Lolita stands out as a place where flavor, ambiance, and service come together to create a truly memorable meal. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore local cuisine or simply in the mood for a delightful meal in a beautiful setting, this Costa Rican gem has something special to offer.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ No-contact delivery ✓ Delivery ✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Great tea selection ✓ Rooftop seatingPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Late-night food ✓ Organic dishes ✓ Quick bite ✓ Salad bar ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ SeatingAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ Toilet ✓ Wi-Fi ✓ Wi-FiAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairsParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Paid street parking ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
Location
Reviews
Some of my favorite places to eat are now at this location. There are a lot of wonderful options and it's a great place to be in a social environment. The gentleman who clears the tables does a very good job and is super kind. Really impressive and a great use of an old space next to the train.
This venue is 5 ⭐ across the board. My wife & I purchased food and drinks from three separate vendors, and everything was delicious. The sangria pour was generous and our veggie, fish, carnitas, & birra tacos were outstanding. The location is a short hike from the city center. We used Apple Pay to cover all our charges.
We ate at the Argentine location, the food and cocktails were very good, higher quality than most other places in Costa Rica. But it was also more expensive and much smaller portions. Even the cocktails were smaller.
Really cute food court with both indoor and outdoor seating. Lots of choices for food and drinks, and I was really pleased to see there were plenty of options for both vegetarians and vegans. I ended up purchasing from Ukulele. The staff were super friendly, and the menu had lots of plant based options. They also had a special offer on the cocktails too! Both the food and drinks were fabulous. I’d highly recommend a visit to this lovely food court.
I absolutely love this eatery! You are inspired by the artistry of not only the food, but the overall aesthetics of the food court. While transiting through San Jose I have eaten here every night and I would say the price is fair for the quality of food. Highly recommend the Argentinian grill.
This is the place to come for dinner. We were fortunate enough to see the beautiful sunset from the patio while we waited for our burgers. There are so many options of food to choose from, so I recommend going there with an idea of what you are craving or you will every option offered to you. We chose the burger restraunt, a dos manos, and it was amazing. It was cooked fresh, fast, and with love. Everyone in the whole compound was very friendly and did not mind if you just wanted to glance at the menu. Items are not super cheap, but nothing really is in Cost Rica. We went on a Saturday night at dinner time, and it was very easy to find a spot to eat and people watch. This is the spot for all your food needs.