La Choza de Laurel
Experience the heart of Costa Rica at La Choza de Laurel, known for authentic flavors, a unique coffee ritual, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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La Choza de Laurel
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the heart of Costa Rica at La Choza de Laurel, known for authentic flavors, a unique coffee ritual, and a relaxed atmosphere.
"Authentic Costa Rican cuisine, served with a smile and a unique coffee experience that you won't forget."
Clarify plate inclusions
To avoid over-ordering, ask exactly what each dish includes, as menu descriptions can be brief.
Try the swing seating
For a relaxed vibe, opt for the unique swing seating available at the restaurant.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Costa Rican
Price
Budget-friendly
Phone
+506 2479 7063
Address
350 m oeste del parque, Alajuela Province, La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Website
lachozadelaurel.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Costa Rican Flavors
Savor traditional dishes like Farmers Lunch and flavorful chicken stew, hailed as the best in La Fortuna.
Table-Side Coffee Experience
Witness a unique coffee ritual where beans are ground and brewed at your table for an exceptional cup.
Unique Swing Seating
Dine in a relaxed atmosphere with a unique seating option: enjoy your meal while gently swinging.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Clarify plate inclusions
To avoid over-ordering, ask exactly what each dish includes, as menu descriptions can be brief.
Try the swing seating
For a relaxed vibe, opt for the unique swing seating available at the restaurant.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid noise from traffic, consider visiting during less busy times.
Don't miss specialties
Be sure to try recommended specialties like asparagus soup, yuca frita, and Gallo Pinto.
Tips
from all over the internet
Clarify plate inclusions
To avoid over-ordering, ask exactly what each dish includes, as menu descriptions can be brief.
Try the swing seating
For a relaxed vibe, opt for the unique swing seating available at the restaurant.
Visit during off-peak hours
To avoid noise from traffic, consider visiting during less busy times.
Don't miss specialties
Be sure to try recommended specialties like asparagus soup, yuca frita, and Gallo Pinto.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
La Choza de Laurel is highly praised for its authentic and delicious Costa Rican cuisine, with many reviewers calling it the best they had in La Fortuna. The unique coffee preparation and friendly service are also highlighted as major draws. However, some diners have noted that service can be slow during busy periods.
"WOW! What a fantastic Costa Rican meal! We were looking for authentic Costa Rican food, and saw this place was our best option in the main town, and it surely did not disappoint!
We got the farmers lunch (for dinner yes) and the chicken stew / soup. Both were fantastic, had so much flavor, and was honestly the best place we went to eat in La Fortuna. The restaurant is huge, so it feels empty, but probably had the same amount of people as most of the other restaurants. There is parking right outside the restaurant which is always a plus here. The best part, it was probably the cheapest meal we had the entire trip!
If you have a chance, you NEED to try the food here! This was even recommended to us by local Costa Ricans."
Kevin Barker
"Super delicious and authentic taste, feels ans vibes. Really enjoyed their beef soup. One of my favourite restaurant that we ate in town on this trip.
Great stuff."
Law Mak
"This was our first stop after arriving to Costa Rica; recommended by some locals. The atmosphere was pleasant. The food was amazing. They brought us a small bowl to taste their Asparagus Soup which was really good. We ordered their Yuca Frita which were good, Gallo Pinto which was delicious (forgot to take a photo of this), fresh Green Salad, and some cocktails. Loved their “picante”. I would eat here again and would recommend to others.
Only thing to note is to ask exactly what your plate includes. We had ordered extra things on the side not knowing that it already was included in the plates and we were never informed by the Waiter nor written in the menu description."
K Frias
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Diners highly recommend the Farmers Lunch, chicken stew, yuca frita, and Gallo Pinto for an authentic taste of Costa Rica. Don't miss the asparagus soup!
Yes, La Choza de Laurel offers a unique experience where coffee is prepared at your table, from grinding the beans to brewing your cup.
The restaurant has a pleasant, traditional, and open-air vibe. Some diners enjoy the unique option of sitting on swings.
While not explicitly listed, traditional Costa Rican 'casados' often include rice, beans, and vegetables, which can be adapted. It's best to ask your server.
Yes, the restaurant is spacious and offers a welcoming atmosphere for families. The unique coffee preparation can be entertaining for all ages.
La Choza de Laurel is considered a budget-friendly option, offering reasonable prices compared to many other restaurants in the area.
Yes, there is parking available right outside the restaurant, which is a convenient plus.
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Restaurants in La Fortuna Costa Rica
If you want to enjoy a pizza or a good pasta, we mention Restaurante Mediterraneo, located 600 m south of the center of La Fortuna and about a 5-minute walk away. In the restaurant they offer wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta. Another well-known restaurant is Restaurante Italianísimo, located about 300 m north of La Fortuna Central Park, run by an Italian family, where you will enjoy wood-fired pizzas, pastas and traditional Italian food such as carpaccios, cheese antipasti and sausages, without leave aside a great variety of wines from Italy.
San Carlos, Costa Rica
To experience local cuisine in San Carlos, visit La Choza de Laurel in La Fortuna, which serves traditional Costa Rican dishes such as casado, gallo pinto, and ceviche. Another great spot is Soda Viquez, known for its authentic flavors and friendly service. DonRufino is a more upscale option, offering a modern twist on traditional dishes, perfect for tasting local ingredients in a refined setting.
[2025] Must-Know Info About La Fortuna Costa Rica From Longtime Residents
Dining opportunities in La Fortuna are less varied than accommodation options, but there are still plenty of restaurants to choose from. Several traditional Costa Rican restaurants (called soda restaurants) are scattered around town. They serve the most authentic Costa Rican food and offer the lowest meal prices.
Restaurants in La Fortuna & Arenal Area
La Choza de Laurel is considered to be one of the most famous typical food restaurants in Central America, thanks to the quality of its typical food and its great service. The restaurant is conveniently located only 250 meters west of La Fortuna Catholic Church.
La Fortuna – Travel guide at Wikivoyage
2 Arenal Butterfly Conservatory, El Castillo Village - Arenal Volcano (20 km (12 mi) west of La Fortuna, turn left at the Arenal Volcano National Park Road and follow the signs. The Butterfly Conservatory is 9 km (5.6 mi) from main highway.), ☏ +506 2479-1149.
Los Mejores Tilapia en La Fortuna de San Carlos
13 menús de restaurantes en Costa Rica, (la clasificación y la lista de restaurantes se basa en el número de recomendaciones recibidas por los usuarios en el último mes, actualmente actualizada a diciembre de 2024)
Restaurants in La Fortuna | La Fortuna Restaurants
Here are some of the best restaurants in La Fortuna - Restaurante Don Rufino, Restaurante Cafe Mediterraneo, Soda La Hormiga, Pollo Fortuneño, Nenes, Lava Lounge, and Chifa La Familia Feliz.
Epic Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica for Outdoor Adventure Lovers
There aren’t many restaurants I fell in love with and would visit again in La Fortuna, but some that may be worth trying are Soda la Hormiga, Pollo Fortuneño, and La Choza de Laurel.
Restaurantes en La Fortuna de San Carlos, Costa Rica
La Choza de Laurel es uno de los restaurantes más famosos de "comida típica" en América Central, tanto por la calidad en sus platos, como por el excelente servicio.
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