5 Best Sodas in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

After a family-run, local restaurant? Look no further than a Costa Rican soda. 

Eating at a soda is one of the best ways to reduce costs when eating out in Costa Rica. What’s more, you’re directly supporting a local Tico family. Win win. 

La Fortuna is a popular tourist destination in Costa Rica, and is home to many restaurants and sodas. Deciding where to eat can become a bit of a mission.

Fortunately, the team at Cecropia Travel have tried our fair share of sodas so you don’t have to. 

In this article, we showcase our 5 favourite sodas in La Fortuna. 

What is a Soda?

A simple wooden cabin overlooking beautiful forest makes for the perfect soda

In Costa Rica, sodas are small, family-run restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rica food. 

No, it’s not a fizzy drink. 

Some sodas are basic wooden structures added to the back of someone's house. Other sodas give off restaurant vibes. 

Aesthetics aside, sodas all have one thing in common: typical Costa Rican food at affordable prices. 

You’ll likely find popular dishes, such as casados, or fast food, such as empanadas. Many sodas also serve fresh juices, or bebidas naturales. We absolutely recommend you trying the drink “cas” when visiting a soda.

The great thing about sodas is that they are everywhere. And I mean EVERYWHERE. Along highways, down alleyways, at the top of a mountain, on a near-deserted beach. The list goes on. 

More more information about Costa Rican terms and phrases - such as “soda” and “casado”, check out our Guide to Tico Spanish. 

Best Sodas in La Fortuna

1. Turnito

Eating at Soda Turnito

​This list isn’t in any particular order, but if there was a top spot - it would have to go to Turnito. 

This is a true soda through and through. 

Despite being in a key location on the main strip of la Fortuna, the prices are very, very reasonable. As are the portion sizes.

Turnito is always busy - with both Ticos and tourists alike - creating a nice ambience. 

I typically judge a soda by its casado and, well, Turnito doesn’t disappoint. Simple, but delicious. The chifrijo - another traditional dish with rice, beans, and pork rinds - is exceptional. 

I also love that the mains are served with a bebida natural - tamarindo or cas is always a winner. 

2. Restaurante La Tipico

A typical casado at Restaurante la Tipico

​Ok, with the word "restaurant" in its name, I guess Restaurante La Tipico isn’t a soda. 

But we’re willing to excuse that - afterall, it’s family-run and serves authentic food. 

It’s one of our go-to places for food in La Fortuna, serving a pretty top notch casado. They include everything that makes a great casado: protein, rice, beans, plantain, picadillo, salad, and tortillas. 

There’s something about the smell of the wood-burning fire, as the food is cooked directly above, that makes the experience even better (and that’s coming from a vegetarian). 

Restaurante La Tipico is a very homey vibe with a wide variety of typical dishes. Certainly not a place to miss. 

3. Soda La Palma

​Soda La Palma is just outside the main strip of la Fortuna, en route to Tabacon Hot Springs. 

However, being outside of the town, means unobstructed views of Arenal Volcano. 

These exceptional views, coupled with the reasonable prices, is why Soda La Palma features on our list.

If you’re expecting first-class service, we’d advise you to look elsewhere. Don’t get me wrong, the staff are nice. But the service can be slow. 

I don’t have a problem with this - I’m used to, and enjoy, the pura vida lifestyle. Besides, it’s nice to take a minute and just soak up the surroundings without having to rush through a meal. 

As with any soda, I’d always recommend the casado. Oftentimes, it’ll be served with a type of typical cheese.

4. Soda Viquez

​Soda Viquez is always busy - a testament in itself. 

Whether it’s the cheap prices, the generous portions, or the actual food itself, that’s for you to decide. 

This is Costa Rican cuisine at its very best - simple, fresh, and local. 

For me, I don’t have a problem with simplicity. In fact, I’d quite happily eat rice and beans three times a day (I often do). Somehow, Soda Viquez elevates simple cooking to rival, and surpass, restaurants in the area. 

In the U.K, we have an expression that perfectly sums up Soda Viquez: “cheap and cheerful”.

5. Soda La Hormiga

An unusual, but totally normal combination of food at Soda la Hormiga

​Hmm, ant (hormiga) soda… doesn’t have the best ring to it.

But don’t judge a book by its cover - or name. 

Soda Hormiga, just a short walk from La Fortuna’s Central Park, is another quintessential soda serving typical Costa Rican food at low prices. 

Their take on a casado is very classic, served with pasta on the side. Sounds strange, but it’s a well-loved staple. Normally, it’s a small scoop of spaghetti tossed in a simple tomato sauce.

The location of Soda La Hormiga is also great. Just off the main street, yet walkable, and overlooking vegetation. On my last visit, I spotted a sloth in these trees! A meal with a view. 

Final Thoughts 

​Sodas are a great way to experience typical Costa Rican food without breaking the bank. 

From casados to chifrijos, the food served in a soda is fresh and made to order. 

There are plenty of sodas in La Fortuna. However, choosing the right one for you can seem like an impossible task. 

For me, a soda needs certain criteria: to be reasonably priced, a decent location, and good food. 

The sodas on this list certainly meet these expectations. 

What soda will you be trying? Let us know in the comments below.