What should I order at SODA El Turnito?
SODA El Turnito
Casados
Mentioned multiple times as a traditional Costa Rican platter that perfectly balances protein, rice, beans, and sweet plantains. It is highlighted as a must-try local dish, affordable, and highly recommended by several reviewers.
Patacones
Frequently praised for being a real highlight of the meal, especially by vegetarians. Patacones are noted for their deliciousness and are recommended alongside other local specialties.
Ceviche
Described as the best one reviewer had so far, with others confirming it was wonderful, refreshing, and tasty, making it a standout seafood option at the restaurant.
Bean and Cheese Empanada
Specifically mentioned by a vegetarian reviewer as a favorite dinner item, indicating it is a well-prepared and satisfying choice.
Veggie Quesadilla
Recommended by vegetarian diners for being plentiful in options and delicious, showing the restaurant’s versatility in catering to different diets.
Arroz con Pollo
Highlighted for its delicious taste, with at least one reviewer specifically recommending the chicken and rice dish.
Cordon Bleu
Mentioned once as amazing, indicating that the restaurant also offers excellent Americanized options beyond traditional Costa Rican fare.
Chifrijo
Noted as refreshing and tasty, making it a recommended dish for those interested in traditional Costa Rican flavors.
Natural Fruit Smoothies (Mango and Pineapple)
Frequently praised for being incredibly refreshing and out of this world, with several reviewers recommending the mango and pineapple flavors.
Chicken Teriyaki
Mentioned positively by a diner who enjoyed the dish, showing the restaurant's range includes international flavors.
Location details
Frente a Hotel Villas Vilma, La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, 21007, CR
Open in Google MapsHours
| Monday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 8:30 PM |
About SODA El Turnito
SODA El Turnito is a Costa Rican restaurant in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night food. Reviewers consistently praise its authentic local food, especially casados, patacones, empanadas, tamales, and fresh fruit drinks like mango, pineapple, papaya, tamarindo, and passion fruit smoothies or juices. The setting is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and open-air, with outdoor seating and a family-run, home-cooked feel. It is popular with tourists, groups, and solo diners, and the price range is listed at ₡5,000–10,000.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is SODA El Turnito known for?
It is best known for authentic Costa Rican food, especially casados and patacones, along with fresh fruit smoothies and juices like mango, pineapple, papaya, tamarindo, and passion fruit. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the food tastes homemade and flavorful, with Lizano sauce often called out as part of the experience.
What dishes are most recommended at SODA El Turnito?
Reviewers most often recommend the patacones, cheesy empanadas, bean and cheese empanada, dinner casados, chicken quesadillas, and tamales. The standout drinks are the fruit smoothies and juices, especially papaya, pineapple, tamarindo, passion fruit, and mango.
What is the atmosphere like at SODA El Turnito?
The vibe is casual, cozy, quiet, and open-air, with several reviews comparing it to a local grandmother’s kitchen. It works well for groups, tourists, and solo diners who want a low-key meal rather than a polished tourist restaurant.
Is SODA El Turnito good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is ₡5,000–10,000, and many reviewers describe it as affordable or very reasonably priced for the portion size. A few note lunch can feel a bit pricier for the area, but most still say the meals are a better value than other places they ate in La Fortuna.
When is the best time to visit SODA El Turnito?
Breakfast is served until 11 a.m., and reviewers say it is also a strong lunch or dinner stop after hiking or during rainy weather. It can get bustling, so going earlier in the day may help if you want a quieter meal and easier parking.
Is parking available at SODA El Turnito?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does SODA El Turnito have vegetarian options?
Yes, SODA El Turnito offers vegan options.
Is SODA El Turnito kid-friendly?
Yes, SODA El Turnito is good for kids.
Restaurants like SODA El Turnito in La Fortuna
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