What should I order at The Open Kitchen?
The Open Kitchen
Gallo Pinto
Mentioned multiple times as amazing, particularly when paired with the red pepper-based salsa picante. Guests returned for it on consecutive days, highlighting it as a standout dish.
Shakshuka
Highly praised by multiple reviewers as some of the best they've had, with fresh, well-prepared flavors and excellent accompanying coffee.
Nutella Pancakes
Specifically mentioned as a delicious choice and enjoyed on a repeat visit, indicating its popularity and quality.
Avocado Salad Bagel Sandwich
Reviewed as a hit alongside other breakfast items, noted for freshness and delicious taste, contributing to one of the best breakfasts experienced by the reviewer.
Chicken Souvlaki
Described as homemade and absolutely delicious, recommended by the waiter and enjoyed alongside other well-made dishes like orange soup and cheesecake.
Falafel Plate
Praised for being really tasty with sumac onions and great hand-cut chips, showing the quality and flavor of Mediterranean-inspired options.
Caprese Sandwich
Chosen by multiple group members who found it excellent, indicating it is a reliable and flavorful sandwich choice.
Mango/Shrimp Salad
Noted as delicious by a reviewer, suggesting it is a fresh and flavorful salad option.
Hummus
Mentioned as the best by a reviewer, highlighting quality and taste in the appetizer or side category.
Vegetarian Soup
Described as wonderful and comforting, especially appreciated in cold weather, showcasing good vegetarian options.
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM to 10 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM to 9:30 PM |
About The Open Kitchen
The Open Kitchen is a restaurant, cafe, dessert restaurant, and espresso bar in Santa Elena, Puntarenas Province. Reviewers consistently praise its breakfast and brunch dishes, especially the vegan burger, falafel, shakshuka, gallo pinto, and egg salad bagel, along with friendly service and generous portions. The setting is described as casual, cozy, quiet, and trendy, with outdoor seating and garden or nature views. It is also noted for vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, plus coffee, cocktails, and desserts.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed inside
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is The Open Kitchen known for?
It is especially known for breakfast and brunch dishes like shakshuka, gallo pinto, and the egg salad bagel, plus plant-based favorites such as the vegan burger and falafel. Reviewers repeatedly mention generous portions, fresh food, and friendly service, with several calling out the garden or outdoor setting.
What dishes are most recommended at The Open Kitchen?
Reviewers most often recommend the vegan burger, falafel, shakshuka, gallo pinto, and the egg salad bagel. Other frequently praised items include chicken souvlaki, baba ghanoush with fresh pita, French toast, Popeye omelet, orange soup, and cheesecake.
What is the atmosphere like at The Open Kitchen?
The atmosphere is described as small, cozy, quiet, and trendy, with outdoor seating and a garden or nature view. It seems to work well for solo dining, couples, groups, and tourists who want a relaxed meal in Santa Elena.
Is The Open Kitchen good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is ₡5,000–10,000, and reviewers say it is decently priced for the portion sizes. Several comments mention generous servings and strong value, especially for breakfast, brunch, and happy hour drinks.
When is the best time to visit The Open Kitchen?
Breakfast and brunch are the most consistently praised times to go, with multiple reviews calling the morning food outstanding. Happy hour is also specifically mentioned as a strong time for drinks, and some guests note the patio and garden view are especially enjoyable outdoors.
Is parking available at The Open Kitchen?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does The Open Kitchen have vegetarian options?
Yes, The Open Kitchen offers vegan options.
Is The Open Kitchen kid-friendly?
Yes, The Open Kitchen is good for kids.
Restaurants like The Open Kitchen in Santa Elena
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city