Unique dining at Corteza Amarilla, San Jose, Costa Rica

In a country inundated by rice and beans the national cuisine is not usually the most memorable feature of a Costa Rica vacation, but thankfully international influences have become very well established in many Costa Rica hotels and restaurants.

A perfect example is Restaurant Corteza Amarilla which, much like the lodge and spa itself, is a breath of fresh air and a pleasant escape from the ordinary.

Nestled in San Jose’s upscale, hillside suburb of Escazu, the Corteza Amarilla is a charming and sophisticated refuge from the life of Costa Rica’s bustling capital city. Constructed entirely of wood recycled from San Jose’s colonial buildings, a mélange of Baroque, Art Deco & Victorian styles reflects the fusions to be found in the restaurant’s exquisite menu.

With a range of starters that include tuna tartar, ceviche and beef carpaccio and a selection of main courses such as skate wing, lobster and skirt steak with caramelized onion risotto, a meal in the Corteza Amarilla is a culinary treat that will define your entire Costa Rica travel experience.

International flavours at the Corteza Amarilla, San Jose, Costa Rica

My meal in the Corteza Amarilla was one of the best I’ve ever had. Everything was perfect, from the smoked salmon, spicy pear and warm goats cheese starter, to the sesame oil pan fried Yellow fin tuna steak, to the cozy ambiance of my quiet, candlelit table on the garden patio.

The service couldn’t have been better and the décor throughout the entire restaurant was unbelievable. In all my years of working and traveling throughout Costa Rica, this is easily the most innovative, delicious and outright unique restaurant that I’ve had the pleasure to enjoy.