Restaurante Machu Picchu - featured photo
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Restaurants & Dining

Restaurante Machu Picchu

Restaurant in Pitahaya, San José, Costa Rica

San José, San JoséGlen Verified

About

I first came to Restaurante Machu Picchu in San José years ago, and over time it became part of my Costa Rica fishing trips without anyone planning it that way. It was often our first stop after a long flight, and just as often the last stop before heading to the airport. We’d sit down, order, and let the trip start or wind down around the table. What kept me going back was simple: the seafood was consistently excellent, the local dishes were full of flavor, and the portions were generous. The service was welcoming and attentive, even when the place was busy. One friend in our group got completely hooked on one of the spicy sauces here and even bought a whole bottle to take home — only to have airport security put an end to that plan the next day. I still think about that sauce when I’m in the San José area. If you want a meal that feels tied to the rhythm of arriving and leaving Costa Rica, I’d stop in.

Why Travelers Visit

  • Central San José location in Pitahaya
  • Direct phone contact available
  • Facebook page for current updates
  • Easy to fit into a city itinerary

Glen's Recommendation

June 2026

I highly recommend Restaurante Machu Picchu for anyone visiting the San José area. Whether you're looking for fresh seafood, local specialties, or simply a comfortable place to enjoy a great meal with family and friends, this restaurant consistently delivers. The staff has always been welcoming and accommodating, and the atmosphere works equally well for celebrations, business dinners, family gatherings, or simply enjoying a great meal before beginning or ending your Costa Rica adventure. If you're a seafood lover, you're in for a treat, but honestly, I've found very little on the menu that disappoints. This is one of those restaurants that has earned repeat visits over many years, and that's probably the strongest recommendation I can give.

I’ve been stopping at Restaurante Machu Picchu in San José for years, and for me it’s become part of the rhythm of a Costa Rica fishing trip. If you’re traveling through the capital and want a place that feels reliable, friendly, and genuinely satisfying, this is one I’d tell you not to miss.

What keeps me coming back is the seafood. It’s consistently excellent, fresh-tasting, and served in portions that are refreshingly generous. After a long day on the road or out on the water, that matters. I’ve had meals here that felt like the perfect reset: hearty plates, well-seasoned food, and the kind of service that makes you feel welcome right away instead of rushed through the door.

And then there’s the spicy sauce. I still remember it because it’s the kind of detail that sticks with you long after the meal is over. It adds a real kick without overpowering the seafood, and if you like a little heat, you’ll want to ask for it.

For fellow travelers, this is the kind of restaurant that earns its reputation the honest way: good food, good value, and a consistently warm experience.

Travel With Glen Pro Tip: Come hungry, and if you enjoy a little spice, ask for the signature sauce on the side so you can control the heat.

Travel With Glen Rating: Highly Recommended

Glen Recommended

The Dining Experience

The available listing points to a straightforward urban restaurant experience in San José’s Pitahaya area. Travelers can expect a city-based dining stop with practical contact options rather than a destination venue built around a scenic setting. Because the listing does not include details on seating, decor, or specialties, the most reliable expectation is a locally accessed restaurant that is easy to check in advance.

Popular Features

Pitahaya neighborhood location
San José city dining
Facebook page for updates
Phone contact for reservations or questions
Street-level address on C. 32

Traveler Tips

  • Call +506 2222 7384 to confirm opening hours before going.
  • Check the Facebook page for the current menu and any schedule changes.
  • Use the Pitahaya address if you are navigating by taxi or ride-hailing app.
  • Read recent if you want more detail on the current experience.
  • If you are looking for specific dishes, verify them directly, since the listing does not include a menu.
San José restaurant
Pitahaya
Costa Rica dining
city restaurant
Facebook contact
Peruvian-inspired
local dining
Glen Verified

Confirmed through direct contact with the business.

  • Personally visited by Glen
  • Recommended by Glen
  • Reviewed & listed by Travel With Glen

Trust signals come from Travel With Glen’s own verification — our first-hand curation, not third-party ratings.

Quick Facts

CuisineThe name suggests a Peruvian dining conc...
LocationSan José
TrustGlen Verified
CategoryRestaurants & Dining

Contact Information

C. 32, San José, Pitahaya, Costa Rica

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Glen's Story

The Restaurant That Became Part of Every Costa Rica Fishing Trip

Some restaurants are memorable because of the food. Others become memorable because of the people, the traditions, and the stories that happen around the table. For me, Restaurante Machu Picchu in San José became much more than a place to eat. It became a tradition that marked the beginning and end of some of my favorite adventures in Costa Rica. Whenever our group gathered for deep-sea fishing trips, there was one place that seemed to find its way into every itinerary. It didn't matter if we had just landed in Costa Rica or were preparing to fly home the next morning. Somehow, we always found ourselves back at the same tables, sharing stories, planning fishing adventures, celebrating successful trips, and enjoying some of the best meals of the journey. Over the years, the restaurant became connected to friendships, laughter, and memories that extended far beyond the menu. One particular incident involving a bottle of their famous spicy sauce even turned into a travel story that our group still laughs about today. Some places simply serve food. Others become part of your travel story. Restaurante Machu Picchu became part of mine.