Vegetarian & Vegan
Fox Tale Fermentation Project
Discover San José's top-rated spot (4.9/5) for unique fermented foods and drinks. Experience innovative flavors perfect for groups. Visit today!
4.9$$Vegetarian & Vegan · Fusion
View RestaurantRestaurante El Patio Del Balmoral
Dine in San José at this restaurant with outdoor seating. Features cocktails & group-friendly options. Rated 3.9 stars. Discover a welcoming spot for your next meal.
Caribbean & Latin•$$•3.9(1,387)•San José
About Restaurante El Patio Del Balmoral
Nestled in San José's vibrant El Carmen district, this establishment offers a pleasant dining experience with its inviting outdoor seating. While the reviews are mixed, many patrons appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a meal in a relaxed setting, especially with the availability of cocktails. The restaurant is well-suited for groups and offers the convenience of reservations. With a solid 3.9-star rating from over 1300 reviews, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a place to gather and enjoy a meal in the heart of the city. The $$ price range makes it accessible for a variety of budgets.
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Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
Formula-Based Analysis
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
💰Price Range
Moderate
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
🕐Meal Time
dinner
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
✨Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
+5 more
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.
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Why Travelers Love Restaurante El
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
3.9 / 5.0(1,387 reviews)
👎🏼😬 Don't do it! Slowest service and the food was weird. Would not go back. After 1 hour, I was served the bottle of San Pellegrino I ordered. There's no menu of cocktails, they suggested a pina colada, which came 25 minutes later and had the consistency of a thick, bland smoothie. The carrots and celery with ranch that accompany the chicken wings were the puniest shavings of carrot and celery and the ranch was weird too. The celery and carrot sticks were short, limp, and razor thin. It's like I was served vegetable shavings dipped in weird ranch. A confounding and disappointing experience. Nice ambiance though. Our hotel recommended this place for dinner. It was good. I was a little surprised by what I had got for a caprese pizza but it was different but in a good way. I also got the passion fruit cheesecake which was really good. The service was relatively quick. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the local area. El Patio is a really good casual restaurant right downtown. The front of the restaurant opens too a pedestrian Street so there is great people watching here if you sit upfront. Food is great and they have a large selection of mostly Costa Rican dishes.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Av. Central, San José, El Carmen, 10101, Costa Rica
View on Google MapsOpening Hours
Open Now
Monday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Recent Reviews
Julia H.
November 8, 2025
👎🏼😬 Don't do it! Slowest service and the food was weird. Would not go back. After 1 hour, I was served the bottle of San Pellegrino I ordered. There's no menu of cocktails, they suggested a pina colada, which came 25 minutes later and had the consistency of a thick, bland smoothie. The carrots and celery with ranch that accompany the chicken wings were the puniest shavings of carrot and celery and the ranch was weird too. The celery and carrot sticks were short, limp, and razor thin. It's like I was served vegetable shavings dipped in weird ranch. A confounding and disappointing experience. Nice ambiance though.
Felicia
July 1, 2025
Our hotel recommended this place for dinner. It was good. I was a little surprised by what I had got for a caprese pizza but it was different but in a good way. I also got the passion fruit cheesecake which was really good. The service was relatively quick. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the local area.
Steve T.
July 7, 2025
El Patio is a really good casual restaurant right downtown. The front of the restaurant opens too a pedestrian Street so there is great people watching here if you sit upfront. Food is great and they have a large selection of mostly Costa Rican dishes.
I D.
July 6, 2025
The food was fresh and tasty but a bit differently prepared than what I was use to. Music was great, the beer was cold, and the service was nice and with a smile.
Twin T.
October 27, 2025
Perfect casual lunch spot close to shopping and nice hotels. Open to the street for a nice breeze but separated. Wide variety of food.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Restaurante El special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Credit Cards
Debit Cards
Parking
Paid Street Parking
Accessibility
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
Wheelchair Accessible Seating
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View RestaurantPlan Your San José Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in San José.
Transportation Tips
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