A hidden gem in the heart of San José

Recently, the British publication, The Telegraph, selected Costa Rica’s Alma de Café as one of the 50 best coffee houses in the world. According to the article, “This establishment resembles an old-world coffee house with its ornate decore and unique ambience.”

The Alma de Café is located on the first floor of Costa Rica’s National theater which was constructed in the 1897 and considered a national treasure. Around 1000 Costa Ricans, retired expats and tourists visit this unique café yearly. This establishment has the distinction of having received a ‘5-Fork rating’ which is the highest award given by the country’s Tourism Department (ICT). The café’s architecture will transport you to yesteryear with its marble floors, paintings and decorations and seats 52 people with additional space for twenty four more when the adjoining theater hosts special events.

All of dishes are prepared from scratch. Some of the items from the menu are: eggs, toast and a variety of fruit for breakfast; sandwiches, crepes saladas and lasagne for lunch, desserts and lunch specials (el plato del día) cost about $10 USD and come with a choice of beverages like coffee, natural fruit juice drinks, soft drinks or wine. As the manager states, “All of dishes and drinks are competitively priced and have include the sales tax”

The café is the ideal spot for locals, retired expats, tourists and others where they can enjoy a great cup of coffee, read a good book, savor a meal or just gather with friends.