Restaurante La Puerta del Sol
A historic restaurant serving traditional Tico specialties since 1957, known for its hearty soups and refreshing lemonade.
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Must-see attractions
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Restaurante La Puerta del Sol
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic restaurant serving traditional Tico specialties since 1957, known for its hearty soups and refreshing lemonade.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Dine during quieter times to avoid noise from the main road.
Ask Staff for Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to the best menu options.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Tico / Costa Rican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+506 2551 0615
Address
Provincia de Cartago, Cartago, Costa Rica
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Tico Specialties
Opened in 1957, this establishment serves traditional Costa Rican dishes with vintage charm.
Refreshing Spearmint Lemonade
A delightful lemonade infused with spearmint, praised for its unique and refreshing taste.
Traditional Soups and Appetizers
Savor hearty Sopa de Mondongo, flavorful Seafood Soup, and crispy Yuca Frita.
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Dine during quieter times to avoid noise from the main road.
Ask Staff for Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to the best menu options.
Check Recent Reviews for Cleanliness
Bathroom maintenance can vary; recent reviews offer the latest updates.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Dine during quieter times to avoid noise from the main road.
Ask Staff for Recommendations
Friendly staff can guide you to the best menu options.
Check Recent Reviews for Cleanliness
Bathroom maintenance can vary; recent reviews offer the latest updates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante La Puerta del Sol offers a mixed dining experience. While many praise its historical significance, traditional dishes like Sopa de Mondongo, and refreshing lemonade, some reviews point to small portions and inconsistent food quality, with recent feedback highlighting a decline in standards for an otherwise emblematic establishment. Service can be fast and friendly, but issues with home delivery and restroom cleanliness have been noted.
"As Faithful followers of the Virgin Mary, ever since we were kids, we came to Cartago to pay tribute at La Basílica de La Virgen de los Ángeles. And everytime we stopped at La Puerta del Sol to have a meal. No exception this year.
Great ambiance, excellent service and the best food in town. We enjoyed Sopa de Mondongo (Tripe Soup) a favorite of mine and Seafood Soup, a Yuca Frita appetizer, YUMMY!
If you visit, you must try it"
Raymond Leon
"Cool location right next to the church. The lemonade with spearmint was delicious. The basic casado plates was good, the burger was good, pasta was so-so. Service was fast and restaurant was clean."
Allison Brown-Elmont
"It was a great experience. I visited the place with my family and Rodolfo was the one who helped us with the service and he is an excellent person who treated us with respect.
The food was delivered to our tables really fast."
Fernando Figueroa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Dishes like Sopa de Mondongo, Seafood Soup, and Yuca Frita are highly recommended, along with the spearmint lemonade.
Yes, it's a family-friendly spot, though some reviews mention home delivery service issues.
The restaurant is open until 10 PM, making it a good option for a late-night meal.
It offers a pleasant, familiar, and traditional ambiance, though it can be noisy due to its location on the main road.
Some recent reviews mention concerns about bathroom maintenance, with dirty conditions and inoperable faucets.
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11 Things You Should Know When You Visit Cartago, Costa Rica
There are some restaurants that stay open a bit later for those who need to grab a late bite, such as La Puerta del Sol (closes at 10pm), Moe’s Pub Rock (closes at 1am) and Subway near the Plaza Mayor (closes at midnight). These are all within walking distance if you’re in downtown Cartago. There are others such as El Sitio (open ’til 2:30am) and Malanga Fusion Caribe (open ’til 10pm on Friday and Saturday).
Your Guide to the Best Dining Spots in Cartago
La Puerta del Sol is where Mediterranean flavors meet Costa Rican warmth. With numerous dishes—from deliciously rich paella to succulent lamb—it’s an excellent recommendation for those wishing to taste the Mediterranean. The inviting ambiance makes it one of the best places to eat in Cartago, especially for a night out with all the trimmings.
Los mejores restaurantes en Cartago con menús (actualizados a Enero 2025)
187 menús de restaurantes en Cartago, (la clasificación y la lista de restaurantes se basa en el número de recomendaciones recibidas por los usuarios en el último mes, actualmente actualizada a diciembre de 2024)
Cartago, Costa Rica - City Guide
There are few better ways to explore a city than its food, and La Puerta del Sol abides by this rule. Opened in 1957, this establishment has been serving up Tico specialties with vintage photographs of the past.
For the Tourist: What to see and do in and around Cartago, Costa Rica
Eating: La Puerta Del Sol is a soda located opposite the Basilica . This is a typical small eating place which serves Costa Rica dishes at very reasonable prices.
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