Families come to La Fortuna for its volcano views, waterfalls, and adventure tours, but mealtimes matter just as much when you are traveling with kids. Having a few reliable, kid-friendly restaurants in mind can turn eating out from a challenge into one of the highlights of your trip. Costa Rican dining is usually casual and open-air, with a naturally family-friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to bring children along. The question is, will the kids enjoy it? Below are some of our favorite spots in La Fortuna, from restaurants with play areas for restless little ones to menus families love and views that make every meal feel memorable.
If you are nervous about how your kids will adapt to new foods, check out my post on Costa Rican food for families.
Restaurante Café Mediterraneo
While I always encourage travelers to embrace local cuisine, Costa Rica does Italian surprisingly well and Restaurante Café Mediterraneo is proof. The food is great but the best part is the dedicated family room with a large play area, which meant our kids did not have to sit and fidget while waiting for food. As soon as the pizzas and pastas hit the table, though, they left the toys behind.
The staff is incredibly friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, and the food is consistently excellent. Sometimes you just need a break from Casado, and this is our go-to.
The Open Kitchen
The Open Kitchen‘s atmosphere is calm and modern, and the staff make families feel right at home. They even keep board games on hand, which has saved us more than once when we were waiting on food with tired little travelers.
We especially like this place for breakfast in La Fortuna. Parents can linger over good coffee while kids dive into Nutella pancakes, cinnamon rolls, acai bowls, and plenty of fresh fruit. They also serve hearty Middle Eastern inspired dishes at lunch and dinner, which is a fun change of pace.
Restaurante Fortuneño (Pollo Fortuneño)
Restaurante Fortuneño has long been one of most popular restaurants in town, so expect a wait in peak season. Fortunately (for families especially) they opened a second location down the street, complete with air-conditioned play area. Both locations feature a festive, beautifully decorated dining space and a menu full of fresh grilled meats, casados, and international favorites.
Poró Restaurante & Mirador
Poró Restaurante & Mirador can be a bit out of the way depending on where you are staying, but it is worth the detour for two reasons: amazing views of Arenal Volcano and a little playground for the kids. It feels more like a destination than just a restaurant, and it is a lovely place to go if you are looking for a slower-paced meal outside of town.
Travesía
Travesía is one of the top rated restaurants in La Fortuna, and with good reason. The specialty here is large grilled platters designed for sharing, but they balance that with a very accessible kids menu featuring pizza, chicken fingers, and other comfort foods.
While Travesía is more upscale than some of the others on this list, it still has that friendly, open Costa Rican feel. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, making it easy to accommodate dietary needs. Reservations are recommended in high season.
Soda La Hormiga
If you want an authentic Costa Rican soda, this is the one. Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Soda La Hormiga is no-frills, affordable, and delicious.
It opens early, making it perfect for breakfast before a tour. Lunch is also a hit, but note that they do not serve dinner. The kids menu includes chicken strips, fish fingers, hot dogs, and hamburgers. Do not miss their fresh fruit smoothies.
Jalapas
For one of the best volcano views in La Fortuna, head to Jalapas. Open from noon to 9 p.m., it is an excellent spot to watch the sunset while the kids tuck into chicken fingers or pasta.
It is a little outside of town, so plan to drive, but the scenery and atmosphere are well worth it. This one tends to get busy in high season, so an early dinner is a good strategy.
Restaurante El Perezoso
Restaurante El Perezoso is best known for its ribeye steak, which many visitors call one of the best they have ever had. The menu also features fresh seafood dishes and traditional Costa Rican plates, giving families plenty of variety. It is conveniently located close to popular activities in La Fortuna, which makes it an easy place to stop for a meal during the day. Parents will appreciate the straightforward kids menu and friendly environment, making it a reliable choice for families.
El Chante Verde
El Chante Verde is a cozy, inviting spot with both indoor and outdoor seating and a relaxed vibe that welcomes families. The menu is diverse (featuring vegetarian, vegan, and gluten‑free options) with standout dishes like table‑side guacamole, grilled vegetable kabobs, and unique fusion items such as pad Thai, vegan pizza, and mushroom bowls. It’s a good choice for families looking for healthy and varied options in a calm, stylish setting.
Red Frog Roasters
Red Frog Coffee Roasters & Restaurant is a charming café that makes an ideal stop for families looking for a slower start to the day. Known for its excellent coffee and fresh juices, it also offers a wide variety of breakfasts ranging from traditional gallo pinto to fluffy pancakes and smoothie bowls. The setting is relaxed and welcoming, with shaded outdoor seating that feels especially peaceful in the morning. It is also a good place to grab a light lunch or a bag of really good, locally roasted coffee to go.
Whether you are introducing your family to Costa Rican staples like casados and gallo pinto, or balancing it with Italian pizza, Middle Eastern wraps, or a good ribeye steak, there is no shortage of options around La Fortuna. The key is to stay flexible, embrace the casual vibe, and let the kids explore right along with you. Provecho!
If you’re looking for more things to do in the Arenal area, check out this guide to kid-friendly activities in La Fortuna.
