La Mancha coffee shop — Restaurant in Carmen

First I want to qualify this review by telling you that I’ve had coffee all around the world. It is one of the main reasons why I travel. This coffee place is legitimately at the top of the list! If you want a true Costa Rican coffee experience then you have to come here. The owner, Alberto, gets his beans directly from the farmers and roast them himself! The freshness of the coffee and the quality of the bean from the Tarrazú region is second to none. Also, it is perfectly roasted to bring out all of the best flavors. Most of Costa Rica’s coffee is exported, so it is hard to find a true local coffee shop. Like a true specialty coffee shop, there are multiple brew methods and you can even take a bag of coffee home with you.

If you’re looking for environment, La Mancha is centrally located yet tucked away off the busy street with plenty of seating, good music, and kind, attentive staff. Honestly I could go on but you will have to just come for yourself. You will not be disappointed.

By the way this post was unsolicited and I am not affiliated with La Mancha. I live in the USA. I just came here on vacation and fell in love...

If you're into specialty coffee, Café La Mancha is a fantastic choice. I had the pleasure of trying their affogato yesterday, paired with an extra shot of espresso — and wow, the flavor explosion was surreal! The bitterness of the coffee combined with the ice cream created a perfect balance that was simply delightful.

The café’s location adds even more charm to the experience. It's nestled inside the historic Steinvorth building, right in the heart of San José — a place full of character and history.

To top it all off, the customer service was outstanding. The barista took the time to explain the different types of coffee they offer and the various brewing methods they use. You could really feel the passion behind every cup.

In short, visiting Café La Mancha is a must for any true coffee lover....

La Mancha is an absolute gem in San José. I stopped by for an afternoon treat, and everything exceeded my expectations. The flat white was the highlight—smooth, rich, and perfectly balanced. I’ve had great coffee in Costa Rica, but this was next level. I also love that they don’t add sugar to everything, letting the quality of the coffee speak for itself.

Their cheesecake is another must-try. Creamy, fresh, and paired with a thick graham cracker crust that adds the perfect texture and flavor. It’s beautifully crafted and not overly sweet—just right.

The space itself has a relaxed, airy vibe with plenty of seating. They also offer a full lunch menu, which looked fresh and delicious.

If you’re in San José and love great coffee and desserts, La Mancha is a place you won’t...