“Al Mercat is a farm-to-table Costa Rican restaurant. We only use produce bought at farmers’ markets or grown on our own farm. Fish is bought directly from local fishermen, to ensure sustainable species are available all year round. We embrace a zero-waste policy, and uneaten food in good condition is given to welfare institutions, like Olla Mágica (magic pot), that provides food to homeless people.”

Gallos de cerdo (freshly made tortillas filled with pork); chalupa de atún y chicharrón (toasted tortilla with tuna and pork rinds); and yoltamal de maíz tierno (special tamale made of sweet corn).

Al Mercat is about Costa Rican cooking distilled to its essence, showcasing fresh produce and well-thought-out, balanced recipes. It is not traditional cooking like in Granny’s kitchen of yesteryear, but cuisine d’auteur with local ingredients, firmly rooted in the country’s culinary heritage.

Portions are small, in tune with the healthy eating the restaurant is all about. “Vamos a la Feria“ is one of the restaurant’s most powerful initiatives. It urges Costa Ricans to buy at local farmers’ markets, a major step towards better health habits. Additionally, through the County Mayor’s office, every month Al Mercat conducts agriculture and balanced eating workshops in local schools.