Café Rojo

Do you want to eat at a healthy restaurant in San José? Well look no further than Cafe Rojo. Focused on Vietnamese cuisine with Costa Rican flair, we tried their trout spring rolls and meatball banh mi’s. Both were fresh and hearty with plenty of vegetables. The agua de sapo was their most popular non-alcoholic cold drink - it was refreshing and paired nicely with the entrees. My only critique was if they could add pickled daikon, fresh chilis, and butter or mayonnaise to the banh mi as this can enhance the flavor profile of the sandwich (and is how they are traditionally made). Additionally if they could consider adding shrimp spring rolls to their menu. Service was friendly and all smiles.

This is our last day here in Costa Rica as we visit from New York and we wish we would have found this amazing gem during our first day. The food is beyond delicious. Get the Plato Casado base with trout if you’re hungry, so savory. For dessert we had carrot cake and passion fruit tart and it was like eating heaven. The service was fantastic, the bohemian vibe and ambience beautiful. And the prices were better than fair for Costa Rica. If more than 5 stars could be given, this place deserves above the 5 stars. Totally recommend it.

We just came from Cafe Rojo and want to share a fabulous spot. Lucy and her team are top notch....and the chocolate cake is beyond compare. As vegans we sometimes find it difficult to get a superb meal at a omnivore restaurant. Lucy has solved that amazingly....get over to Cafe Rojo, say hi to a wonderful crew, and walk away not just satiated....absolutely satisfied.

I had a lovely lunch here. The vibe is great and the staff is friendly and kind! I enjoyed the casado with pork meatballs and edamame, excellent flavor! I also had an iced oatmilk latte with their house made butterscotch syrup. Highly recommend :)

The best meal I have had so far in San Jose! The smoked trout Vietnamese bowl was absolutely incredible, everything was fresh and prices were very reasonable. A peppermint tea and slice of banana bread was the perfect way finish off the meal. The service was outstanding as well. I highly recommend visiting Cafe Rojo!

So I mistakenly thought this was a seafood restaurant, but it's not. However, it was very good. Kind of Vietnamese bowl meals with fish or meat on top. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing dinner this is the place! Great service too.

Cafe Rojo handled our group of 15 people nicely. Unlike most restaurants in Costa Rica who bring out the food piecemeal, we were all served at the same time, which was fantastic. The food was excellent, everyone had only praise. Prices are good, but the crowning achievement was the service! Excellent! If you have opportunity, ask for Mario (pictured).

I don’t want to put 4 stars but… everything was hood and tasty. For my taste the chicken was over sweet but this is about personal taste. I removed one star from service just because the guy who brought us the food kept his fingers inside the dishes. For me it is unhealthy. I didn’t tell anything and putting now 5 stars for the restaurant but you have to take care about this.