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San Jose By Night: Farm to Table Dinner & Cocktail Class

Recommended by 97% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
San Jose, Costa Rica
Popular pick
Booked 5+ times last week!
  • 4 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8
·
· Emily_H ·
Aug 2026
We had an amazing time with Angel! The trip through the market was fun and educational, we learned so much about Costa Rican fruits especially, which we then got to use to make cocktails. The empanadas were so fun to make, and the rest of dinner was delicious! Thank you Angel!
· Rosa_D ·
Sep 2026
Definitely a “must-do” experience. The food and cocktails were amazing but what really set this over the top was our tour guides, Marcelo & Angel. We really appreciated learning about the Costa Rican culture, as well as the cuisine.

Overview

Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.
  • A great way to end the day in San Jose
  • Two glasses of wine, sangria, or two beers are included
  • Enjoy a safe and convenient night tour
  • Discover dishes and drinks you might otherwise have missed

Sample Menu

Starter

Learn how to make cocktails based on local products

After walking through the markets and historical sites we will make a stop to taste traditional drinks of our ancestors little surprise for you.

Starter

Drinks

Sangria, craft beers thought of pre-Hispanic ingredients based on corn and honey, mixed with ginger or basil, blackberry, watermelon, cacao, vanella.

Main

This is a Farm to Table concept, including 4 tasting menus

Private home dining, with traditionsl Costa Rica cuisine, you will consume mostly fresh ingridients.

What's Included

  • The Authentic Local Vibe: an immersive visit to the bustling Central Market.
  • Chef's Table & "Bocas" Tasting: Take a seat right in front of our expert chef!
  • Hands-On Cocktail Class: Step up to the bar for a fun, stress-free mixology lesson.
  • Cocktails and Drinks: Mojito, Morenito, Michelada, Chiliguaro.
  • Transportation: if you need to quote transportation service, write to us.
  • Also not included are additional food and drink beyond what is specified.

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Los Presentes
    C. 4, San José, Paso De La Vaca, Costa Rica

    Between Avenue one and Central Avenue on street 4, we have the Central Bank of Costa Rica, in front of the main entrance we have a Monument with several small green people, this monument is known as the Monument de los Presentes, there is where the we will be waiting to start the tour.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Start time
.4:00 pm

Itinerary

1

Banco Central de Costa Rica

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

2

Central Market (Mercado Central)

35 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Templo de la Musica (Pass By)

3

Morazan Park

2 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Children under 17 years of age are not allowed on the tour
  • Dress code: casual
  • Safety Tips, San Jose is a big city like any other, it is a preventive measure to dont wear flashy jewelry
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Maryam_A
One of the best tours I have gone on while in Costa Rica. Andrea was such a friendly and informative guide. I enjoyed walking through the markets and listening to her teach us about Costa Rican herbal medicine and indigenous ingredients. The cooking class was fun as well, and the Caribbean inspired chicken dish we enjoyed was delicious. Can’t recommend this tour enough!

Reviews

4.8
based on 559 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sort by: Most insightful

Great Event!

David_S, Sep 2026
What a fun evening! From learning about the are to having an interactive cooking session making Costa Rican foods and drinks! Definitely a must for a visitor!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

Getting hands-on with authentic Costa Rican recipes, crafting local drinks, and learning about our rich culture is truly the heart of what we do. We love that you enjoyed the interactive cooking experience! Thank you for choosing San José Urban Tours and for recommending us as a must-do for visitors to San José. Safe travels and Pura vida!"

September Cooking Class

Marjorie_S, Sep 2026
This was such a fun way to get to learn more about Costa Rican culture! Our guide Angel was very friendly and engaging. I'd definitely recommend this tour for anyone who wants to expand their mind and stomach 🙂

Response from Host, Sep 2026

"Thank you so much for the excellent review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our guide's rich storytelling on Costa Rican history and culture. Making fresh empanadas, sampling local market specialties, and winding down at Mr. Sloth Coffee Shop is always a highlight of our route! It's wonderful to know that you found the tour suitable for travelers of all ages. Thank you for spending your day with San José Urban Tours and for recommending our experience. Safe travels on all your future adventures, and Pura vida!"

13/10 recommended!!

Nachiket_K, Sep 2026
Marcelo and Angel gave us a fabulous experience and evening! This is a great tour and must do in downtown San Jose, would recommend to absolutely everyone!

Response from Host, Sep 2026

**Thank you so much for the wonderful recommendation!** We’re so glad Marcelo and Angel made your evening in downtown San José so memorable. Knowing that you’d recommend the tour to absolutely everyone is the best compliment our team could ask for. *¡Muchas gracias y pura vida!*

Amazing experience.

Rosa_D, Sep 2026
Definitely a “must-do” experience. The food and cocktails were amazing but what really set this over the top was our tour guides, Marcelo & Angel. We really appreciated learning about the Costa Rican culture, as well as the cuisine.

Response from Host, Sep 2026

**Thank you for the fantastic review!** We’re delighted to hear that the food and cocktails hit the mark, and that Marcelo and Angel made the experience truly special for you. Connecting guests with Costa Rican cuisine and culture is what we love most, and knowing they took your visit over the top means everything to us. *¡Muchas gracias y pura vida!*

Angel was an amazing tour...

jisseld, Aug 2026
Angel was an amazing tour guide and teacher. From the moment he met the group he was very informative, funny, entertaining and helpful. I really enjoyed his conversations about food and traveling and was very patient when we asked questions about San Jose. The food was excellent as well. We started in the Central Market, ate delicious ice cream and walked around. Then we went to the café and started drinking and eating. We had about 4 cocktails - some we made with as much/little alcohol you prefer and some were premade. We ate about 3 tapas dishes. I won't say much so as to not ruin what was served but let me just say it was an enjoyable time.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that Angel made such a great impression with his patience, humor, and passion for Costa Rican culture. Combining the vibrant Central Market with our hands-on cocktail making and delicious tapas stops is what makes this evening route so special! Thank you for leaving a little mystery for future guests and for exploring with San José Urban Tours. Safe travels, and Pura vida!"

We literally had such a...

Melissa_G, Aug 2026
We literally had such a great tour guide, Angel. It was so much fun to see San Jose and appreciate its history and uniqueness. The cooking portion was so fun and interactive. We were all “a cachete”!!!!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

¡A cachete inflado! 🇨🇷 Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that Angel made the history and unique character of San José come alive for you, and that you loved getting hands-on during the cooking portion. Creating a fun, interactive space where travelers can connect over good food, drinks, and authentic local culture is what we love to do best. Thank you for exploring with San José Urban Tours, and safe travels on all your future adventures! Pura vida!"

Must Do!!

Sharon_S, Aug 2026
Great food and drinks. Love the guide, he really knew history and modern things as well!! Will tell others.

Response from Host, Aug 2026

"Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you loved the food, drinks, and your guide’s blend of historical insights and modern Costa Rican perspective. Giving travelers a complete, authentic picture of San José—past and present—is exactly what we aim for. Thank you for recommending San José Urban Tours to others! Safe travels and Pura vida!"

Fantastic night in Costa Rica!

Emily_H, Aug 2026
We had an amazing time with Angel! The trip through the market was fun and educational, we learned so much about Costa Rican fruits especially, which we then got to use to make cocktails. The empanadas were so fun to make, and the rest of dinner was delicious! Thank you Angel!

Response from Host, Aug 2026

"Thank you so much for the wonderful review! Angel will be thrilled to read your kind words—his passion for sharing Costa Rican culture always makes the tour so memorable. From learning about our vibrant local fruits in the market to using them in our hands-on cocktail making and empanada workshops, we’re so glad you loved every moment (and the delicious dinner!). Thank you for choosing San José Urban Tours, and safe travels! Pura vida!"

Such an amazing...

Tiara_J, Jul 2026
Such an amazing experience! Angel was a great guide and the food and drinks were delicious! Tour was very well thought out and enjoyable!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Such an amazing experience! Angel was a great guide and the food and drinks were delicious! Tour was very well thought out and enjoyable!

Farm to Table & Cocktail Class

Sherianne_G, Jul 2026
What a fantastic night!! Angel was friendly, warm, and so knowledgeable, he answered every question confidently and made the whole evening exciting and memorable. The food was delicious, the cocktails were absolutely divine, and the cocktail class was such a fun hands-on touch. The location itself was cozy and spotlessly clean, with gorgeous tropical decor that made it feel special from the moment we walked in. I loved every minute of this experience and would 100% recommend it to anyone visiting San José. Such a lovely way to spend an evening!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our cocktail class in San José and that Angel made your evening so memorable. Our team takes great pride in serving delicious local food and divine cocktails in a clean, welcoming environment with our signature tropical decor. It means the world to us that you highly recommend this as a top thing to do in San José. We hope to welcome you back for another hands-on mixology experience soon!"

Excellent experience!...

melissa_g, Jul 2026
Excellent experience! This was the highlight of our time in San Jose. Angel was an outstanding guide and the food and drinks were amazing. You will not leave hungry or thirsty!!! We parked a little too far away and had trouble finding the meeting place (our fault), and the one-way downtown streets were not easy to navigate. I would recommend getting dropped off for this to make it easy on yourself. Definitely a must-do in San Jose!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Thank you so much for this incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that our tour was the highlight of your time in San José and that Angel provided such an outstanding experience for you. Keeping our guests well-fed and perfectly hydrated is our absolute mission, so we love hearing that you didn't leave hungry or thirsty! We also want to thank you for that fantastic and highly practical piece of advice regarding transportation. Navigating downtown San José's one-way streets and finding parking can definitely be a challenge, so recommending future guests to get dropped off via taxi or rideshare is a game-changing tip to ensure a stress-free arrival. Thank you for choosing us as a must-do experience, safe travels on your next adventures, and Pura vida!"

The experience was...

Ronald_S, Jul 2026
The experience was fantastic! Angel and his team provided such a great experience for us all. No better way to celebrate my birthday in Costa Rica!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

Happy Birthday! 🎂🇨🇷 Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful review with the traveler community. We are absolutely honored and thrilled that you chose to spend your special day celebrating with us in San José! Angel and the entire team put their whole hearts into making every experience memorable, but knowing they made your birthday extra fantastic is the best reward we could ask for. We hope this kicks off an amazing year of adventures for you. Thank you for choosing San José Urban Tours, enjoy the rest of your beautiful vacation in Costa Rica, and Pura vida!"

Great introduction to Costa Rica

Jiajun_K, Jul 2026
This is a must do in San Jose Costa Rica! We did this in our first night to get accustomed to the country/city and Oscar, our guide, did an absolutely fantastic job. He was very knowledgeable in history, funny, and kind. The group was 6 people including myself, and we walked through the central market and the central avenue. Oscar did not pressure us to buy anything or get any souvenirs, he just simply told us about what's in the area and what to look for. He was honest about pick pocketers and the not-so-charming things about Costa Rica as well, giving us a realistic perspective of the country. The food and drinks served at dinner was super delicious. I am personally not a heavy drinker so it was nice to be able to have a mocktail or do a very light pour for myself. Overall this was an amazing tour to learn about the food, area, and culture. Thank you Oscar!

Response from Host, Jul 2026

"Thank you so much for this incredible and detailed review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your first night in Costa Rica was a fantastic success with Oscar. He is an exceptional guide, and we love that his blend of history, humor, and kindness made you feel right at home. We truly appreciate you highlighting his honest approach. At San José Urban Tours, we believe in giving our guests a realistic, authentic perspective of our city—including practical safety tips—so you can navigate the rest of your vacation with total confidence and zero pressure. We are also delighted that you loved the dinner and found our drink flexibility to your liking! Crafting delicious mocktails and accommodating non-heavy drinkers is something we intentionally do to ensure everyone feels included and pampered. Thank you for choosing us to kick off your vacation, safe travels, and Pura vida!"

Best Dinner Experience!!

Emily_H, Jun 2026
Angel is such a friendly and knowledgeable guide. He was very patient with us and explained to us each detail of what we were making/ how it related to Costa Rican culture. 10/10, thank you guys!

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you so much for the 10/10 review! We are incredibly proud to have Angel on our team. He truly has a passion for sharing the deep roots of Costa Rican culture, and we are thrilled to hear that his patience and knowledge made your experience so special. Connecting the dots between the flavors we create and our history is exactly what we aim for at San Jose Urban Tours. We will definitely pass your kind words along to Angel—he is going to be absolutely thrilled to hear them! Thank you for choosing us, and we wish you nothing but amazing adventures on your next travels. Pura vida! — Eric, Founder"

No complaints

Marsae_C, Jun 2026
Angel was a great host and guide. I traveled solo and ended up enjoying the night with the rest of the group. The walking was manageable and there was more food than I expected. The hosts at the private restaurant we ended up at for the rest of the evening were very kind and helpful. I would highly recommend this.

Response from Host, Jun 2026

Thank you so much for this wonderful review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that your experience was so memorable, especially as a solo traveler. ### 🌟 Solo Travel-Friendly with Angel **Angel** is going to be so happy to read your kind words! We take immense pride in creating an inclusive, warm atmosphere, and we love hearing that you instantly connected with Angel and **ended up enjoying the night with the rest of the group**. Our tours are a fantastic way for solo travelers to make new friends from all over the world! --- ### 🍛 Come Hungry! We are glad you found the walking manageable and that **there was even more food than you expected**! We always tell our guests to bring a big appetite because we definitely don't want anyone leaving hungry. ### 🏡 A Warm Welcome at Our Private Restaurant It is so wonderful to hear that the hosts at our private evening location took such great care of you. We love wrapping up the tour in a cozy, welcoming setting where everyone can relax, chat, and feel right at home while enjoying authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Thank you so much for highly recommending us! We wish you many more incredible adventures on your *Pura Vida* journey! **Pura Vida!**

A great way to learn some...

Gay_V, May 2026
A great way to learn some history and immerse yourself in local culture. The food was delicious. Angel did an awesome job.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are absolutely thrilled that you had such a wonderful time on the tour.

This is a Must Do!

Kathryn_J, May 2026
This is fun, engaging and entertaining. We learn a lot about downtown San José. We have done this often when guests visit.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We are absolutely delighted to hear that our tour continues to be a fun, engaging, and entertaining experience for you.

Very good! But please be...

vilaire_v, May 2026
Very good! But please be mindful when presenting on food so that it’s not too close to your mouth, at times your saliva was getting into the food.

Response from Host, May 2026

Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We are thrilled to hear that you had such a wonderful experience exploring the city. We pride ourselves on having knowledgeable, local, and multilingual guides who can bring the history of San José to life while keeping the journey fun and easy to understand for visitors from all over the world.

Culture through Food

Chris_L, May 2026
If you want to be immersed in the culture of San Jose, this is how. Incredibly worth the value! Angel, our guide, was super friendly and knowledgeable and made the experience very enjoyable.

Response from Host, May 2026

We work hard to pack our "Sights & Bites" experience with as much local flavor, history, and interactive fun as possible, so hearing that you found it incredibly worth the value means the world to us. There is truly no better way to get to know the heart of Costa Rica than by walking its streets and eating like a local! Thank you for choosing us for your adventure in the capital. Pura Vida!

Cultural journey

Don_R, May 2026
Oscar was great. He is a student of history who made the tour a wonderful experience. Mixing history culture food and drinks ...you can't ask for anything better. Glad we booked it.

Response from Host, May 2026

Oscar is an incredible asset to our team, and his background as a student of history truly brings the streets of San José to life! We love how he seamlessly weaves the deep historical context of Costa Rica with our vibrant culture, local food, and traditional drinks. It really is the ultimate recipe for an unforgettable city experience. We will be sure to pass your wonderful compliments along to Oscar—he will be thrilled to know his passion made your time in the capital so special. Thank you for exploring the "Sights & Bites" of San José with us! Pura Vida!

10/10 recommend

Idara_B, Apr 2026
Such a great time w Angel! Learned so much and at a lot of great food. Was definitely fulfilled by the end

Response from Host, May 2026

Angel is a true star on our team! He brings so much energy and passion to every tour, and we are so glad his deep knowledge made the history of San José come alive for you. We will be sure to pass your kind words along to him—he will be smiling from ear to ear!

Delicious food, amazing tour

Dayonna_L, Apr 2026
Angel was AMAZING! Very entertaining, the food was delicioussssss, very interactive. The drinks were amazing. You get to walk and see where the locals hang and explore culture then you go to a nice place and begin the cooking and cocktail class! I can’t believe the food was that good honestly. The whole thing was a 10/10. One of the most enjoyable things I did in Costa Rica

Angel was very nice. He...

Kairee_G, Apr 2026
Angel was very nice. He gave a wonderful tour of the city. The food and drinks we made delicious especially the sangria.

Response from Host, Apr 2026

It’s fantastic that you enjoyed the food and drinks you prepared! While many people associate sangria with Spain, we love putting our own Costa Rican spin on it using fresh, tropical fruits from the local markets. It’s the perfect way to toast to a great day of exploring. Thank you for choosing us for your San José adventure. Pura Vida!

A wonderful way to learn...

agibson12695, Mar 2026
A wonderful way to learn about Costa Rican culture and history. Oscar was very knowledgeable and friendly. Food and drinks were delicious!

We had such a wonderful...

Cathi_P, Mar 2026
We had such a wonderful experience learning about Costa Rica and its culture. The dinner experience was a blast. Marcelo was amazing!

Entertainment and information

Beth_F, Mar 2026
There is not much actual food prep but it was fun what there was. Oscar toured us around the market and the downtown, he uses a small speaker to project his voice, he's highly entertaining and full of information. The food part was wonderful. Overall great entertainment.

Suggest the name be...

KELLY_B, Feb 2026
Suggest the name be changed to better reflect the experience. We didn’t have dinner at a local’s home but rather at a cozy restaurant with individual attention from our tour guide/chef. Night in San Jose may concern some, perhaps rightfully so. The evening was spent in the restaurant not walking the street.

A wonderful evening in San Jose!

Helen_S, Feb 2026
Bring your appetite and a sweater. Plenty of amazing local food. Wonderful walk through the Central Market. Andrea showed us many vendors with a fascinating range of items to purchase. She included us in preparing the food and drinks which was a BLAST but not overwhelming. This tour was fun and a perfect example of Pura Vida! Our chef and bartender at the restaurant were excellent as well. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and will do it again.

Excellent way to spend Valentine's Day dinner with my spouse

Jamie_D, Feb 2026
Excellent food tour of San Jose. Oscar was an entertaining and knowledgeable guide. We've collected some new recipes!

Accommodating even though i was the problem running late.

JackS, Feb 2026
I was running late because of airport issues. Angel our guide answered when i called and had me meet the group at the restaurant and looped me in on everything they were doing. I didnt expect to be able ti join late at all but they were really gracious and so kind. And the food was awesome!!
Member Pricing
From

$46.55

per person
Was $49.00(-5%)

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 33 days in advance.

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