Soda Tala #1

Restaurant · San José

Soda Tala #1

Restaurant · San José

2

Mercado central de San José, Av. Central, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica

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Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by Soda Tala/Facebook
Soda Tala #1 by eater.com
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null
Soda Tala #1 by null

Highlights

Famed Tala Pinto, authentic Costa Rican home cooking, fresh juices  

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Mercado central de San José, Av. Central, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica Get directions

google.com

₡1–5,000

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Mercado central de San José, Av. Central, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica Get directions

+506 2255 3794
google.com

₡1–5,000

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Last updated

Oct 23, 2025

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@eater

The 21 Best Restaurants in San José, Costa Rica | Eater

"Although you’ll want to explore all of the vendors at San José’s Central Market, be sure not to miss Costa Rica’s most famous soda (traditional food stall), founded by Natalia Cervantes, affectionately called Tala and now run by her family. The menu consists of savory antojitos (little cravings), like chorreadas, tortillas de queso, and gallos (filled tortillas). The famed Tala Pintos are combo plates with gallo pinto, egg cakes, and the option of cheese, meat, or sausage with tortillas. The filling casados combine rice and beans with your choice of meat alongside picadillo, salad, and spaghetti — all served with lots of chilera (Costa Rican hot sauce)." - Bill Esparza

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-san-jose-costa-rica
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@eater

The Best Food at Costa Rica’s Mercado Central | Eater

"A soda known for the trademarked Talapinto, an invention by the owner Natalia Cervantes (Tala) consisting of a thin chive-scented egg omelet base topped with a generous portion of gallo pinto and slices of fried salchichón, a preparation created to satisfy regular customers and now a signature item." - Sofía González

https://www.eater.com/21527699/mercado-central-costa-rica-best-food-restaurants
View Postcard for Soda Tala #1

Jacky Chan

Google
Showed up for a late lunch to dodge the crowds, and wow, worth it. Service here is no-frills — you won’t get showered with compliments, but you will get food so good you’ll forget your own name. The place has a great local vibe, and if you take just one piece of advice: order the ox tongue.

Glenn Jones

Google
Great little Soda. I read about in a Costa Rican guide book and it was highly recommended and for a righteous reason. We walked by it a couple of times and there was also a waiting line in comparison to some of the other nearby Sodas. One of the waitresses got us a seat (limited seating). The food was worth the wait and I believe there is local history with this Soda. We’d eat there again.

Jason Harrison

Google
Delicious typical Cost Rican food at an unbeatable price. The pork chop and natural juices were especially good. It’s in the bustling Mercado Central and very popular, so be ready to eat fast—this is not a place for a leisurely lunch.

Kenneth Ho

Google
Costa Rican home cooking. Come here if you’re looking for an authentic experience. Food is delicious , quick and cheap. Get the talalpinto with everything.

Nick “Nick e” E

Google
Excellent typical soda style restaurant. It’s hidden in the market, not easy to find. But worth the hunt. Seating is first come first serve, and you share benches whatever is available. Food is locally sourced and a must try.

Jeremy Taylor

Google
Authentic local cuisine in the heart of the Mercado Central. Very good food, always busy, so that's a good sign. Gallo pinto and tortilla con queso both excellent of course. Good limonada too.

Andres

Google
ATTENTION: cash only. Food Quality: amazing place to have some local style food. For the kind of establishment it is what you would expect and even more. Portions: very good portions especially for such a good price. Drinks: bot many options, but you have to try the local juice they will offer. Price: $ very very good price. Especially when everything else is so expensive. Service: super friendly woman took our order and accommodated us. She helped us through the order and even introduced us to some of the local produce. Atmosphere: cozy little place in the middle of the market. Dont expect much space or comfort, but it is a place to have a good meal and continue your day. Highlights: local food and price. Payment Method: cash only

VGR

Google
Great small place in the middle of the market. fresh home made food! Big portions. Fresh water delicious. Great experience for little money. The only thing is I would like the tortillas to be warm.