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What to order
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Passionfruit Tart
Recommended multiple times as a standout dessert, praised as fantastic and even 'like eating heaven,' with several reviewers saying it was a must-order.
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Caramelized Chicken Bánh Mì
Mentioned as fresh, flavorful, and satisfying, with tender chicken and plenty of vegetables packed into a large sourdough bun.
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Trout In A Bowl With Noodles
Highlighted as light, fresh, and one of the best meals a reviewer had there, with another reviewer also praising trout in a bowl as savory and excellent.
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4
Smoked Trout Vietnamese Bowl
Described as absolutely incredible and very fresh, making it one of the strongest dish recommendations in the reviews.
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5
Vietnamese Mushroom Bowl
Called seriously so good and especially appreciated by a vegetarian reviewer for being fresh, flavorful, and thoughtfully made.
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6
Chocolate Cake
Highly recommended as 'beyond compare,' with reviewers singling it out as an exceptional dessert.
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7
Carrot Cake
Praised alongside the passionfruit tart as heavenly and part of an especially memorable dessert experience.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 12 to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12 to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 12 to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 12 to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 12 to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
About Café Rojo
Café Rojo is a restaurant, brunch restaurant, cocktail bar, and coffee shop in San José, San José Province. It serves Vietnamese cuisine with Costa Rican flair, and reviewers often mention vegan options, casado, shiitake mushrooms, and dishes like trout spring rolls, banh mi, and smoked trout Vietnamese bowls. The space is described as casual, cozy, historic, quiet, romantic, and trendy, with outdoor and rooftop seating. Reviewers consistently praise the fresh food, strong vegetarian and vegan choices, friendly service, and fair prices.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Braille menu
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Organic dishes
- Private dining room
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Quiet
- Romantic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Café Rojo known for?
Café Rojo is especially known for Vietnamese food with Costa Rican flair, including trout spring rolls, meatball banh mi, and smoked trout Vietnamese bowls. Reviewers also repeatedly praise the vegan options and fresh, hearty plates, with many saying the prices are very reasonable for San José.
What dishes are most recommended at Café Rojo?
Reviewers most often highlight the Plato Casado base with trout, the casado with pork meatballs and edamame, the smoked trout Vietnamese bowl, and the meatball banh mi. For dessert, the chocolate cake, carrot cake, passion fruit tart, and banana bread all get strong praise, and several people mention the homemade sauces and fresh vegetables.
What is the atmosphere at Café Rojo like?
The vibe is described as cozy, bohemian, quiet, and trendy, with a relaxed feel that stands out from downtown San José. It seems to work well for groups, solo diners, tourists, and couples, especially because it has outdoor seating and rooftop seating.
Is Café Rojo good value, and what is the price range?
Yes, reviewers repeatedly say the prices are fair or very reasonable, and the listed price range is ₡5,000–10,000. That makes it a solid mid-range option for dishes like the casado, Vietnamese bowls, and desserts such as chocolate cake or carrot cake.
Is Café Rojo a good place for groups or larger tables?
Yes, reviewers say a group of 15 was served at the same time, which is not always common in Costa Rica and was specifically praised. The restaurant also accepts reservations, which can help if you are planning to visit with a larger group in San José.
Is parking available at Café Rojo?
Yes. Paid parking lot, Paid street parking is available.
Does Café Rojo have vegetarian options?
Yes, Café Rojo offers vegan options.
Is Café Rojo kid-friendly?
Yes, Café Rojo is good for kids.
