Restaurante Columbus coreano y japones 한국식당 — Restaurant in Mata Redonda

Cannot recommend it enough. The chef and owner are both extremely and authentically nice without being clingy or weird, and the food is superb. It is a little towards the expensive side of things, but portion size and quality more than make up for it; it is definitely worth the price. We attended as a party of 5, shared appetizers (onipankos and veggie tempura; really good), and each had a main dish. Every dish served on that table was met with praise from everyone that tasted it, which is rare considering we all cook (not chefs or anything professional) and frequently critique among ourselves the food we eat at restaurants. The main dishes (we all picked Korean options) came each with an assortment of little side dishes with different pickled and/or fermented vegetables, and a bowl of sticky white rice. No one could finish their main dish (perhaps without appetizers we could've), so we took the leftovers home. One person had the dynamite roll, it was really good, came with a side of tasty soy sauce and a sweet and sour sauce; the size for this dish was adequate.

We were too full to try desserts, but it's ok, because we are definitely going back to try other dishes. I'm really looking forward to when they reopen the Teppanyaki.

There are plenty of veggie and vegan options,...

It's a small restaurant build out of an old house, with the main dining room with windows facing the Sabana park. It isn't a extraordinary view, but that's what they can offer. The place is a bit small, and some tables were position in a bit awkward position. The food is good, spicy as it is expected and very well done. The bimbim bab are good, server in a ceramic hot pot 😋. Regarding the service, there's most of the time only 1 waiter, hence it is a bit slow. So if you are not in a rush and have plenty of time, this is a good place. Parking is not so great, since they have limited space on the side of the building, and since this is located across the park, it gets a bit difficult to find a parking space even in the street. The only thing that ruins your meal is that there are beggars entering the restaurants...

If you are always on the hunt for delicious Asian food in Costa Rica, especially Korean food, then you should check out Restaurante Columbus in San Jose. A fellow student in one of my Spanish classes, who is from Korea, said that the best Korean food, in her opinion, was in Hotel Columbus in the Sabana area, very near the National Stadium. My husband and I finally went and it did not disappoint. It was delicious with several types of banchan, the small plates served before the main course. It did turn out to be the best Korean food we have eaten in Costa Rica and we can't...