EL AZAHAR - The most exceptional new restaurant in San Jose. The restaurant is beautiful and the ever highly creative menu is the work of a master chef, filled with wonderful surprises. The desserts include their uniquely original homemade ice creams. This is a place for a very special evening out. Excellent wine list.

LAS GUACAMAYAS - An exceptional open air family eatery that specializes in full meals served in “molcajetes” (the stone bowls used for grinding chiles.) They also have standard Mexican fare but the molcajetes are really special, filled with grilled meat, vegetables and cheese. Come with a big appetite or share one. They’re big.

AMARONE - This is a genuine white tablecloth Italian restaurant with a variety of Italian aperitifs and cocktails plus a delicious menu. Dine inside or out overlooking the Marina. The décor is modern and there’s a chic attitude to the whole thing. A very popular place with the resident gringos.