The Market — Restaurant in San Rafael

Breakfast buffet at The Market

Multiplaza mall doesn't open until 10:00 so we decided to hunt for somewhere close to eat breakfast. The Intercontinental Hotel has been aggressively promoting their breakfasts with billboards and signage so we decided to give it a try.

The hotel is beautiful and appears to cater to the business traveler. It is an urban retreat in the heart of Escazu. It's proximity to the mall, right across the street, makes it a convenient location if you are looking for a place to dine or stay.

We arrived at the restaurant and there was a 'please wait to be seated' sign so we waited. Eventually someone greeted us, poured coffee and things got better. The restaurant has a full breakfast buffet which was 2 for 1 on this particular Monday so we took advantage of the special. It included omelets and waffles made to order plus a large assortment of hot items, meat and cheeses, salmon lox and cream cheese, cereals, yogurt, fruits and pastries. My husband ordered a waffle and it to be remade. It was then delivered promptly to our table, cappuccinos were delivered without asking, and our waiter stopped by frequently to check on us. I regret not getting his name because his service was top notch. We paid $27.00 total for two buffet breakfasts so I'm not sure we would do it again if we had to pay full price unless it was a special occasion however there is a full breakfast menu if one chooses not to go...

I visited The Market for the second time with my friend, around 9:30 pm, hoping to grab a quick snack and drink. Just like the last time I visited for lunch, the place was packed, but this time it felt more chaotic. The server came to take our order, but only asked my friend what he wanted and then walked away without even acknowledging me or asking if I wanted anything. Ten minutes later, the same server returned and asked my friend again what he wanted to order. My friend repeated his order, and the server only then remembered that he had already taken it. Even though I had no intention of ordering anything, the server never once acknowledged my presence or checked if I wanted to order. We waited for over half an hour for a crepe, and we saw another server carrying it to our table, but he stopped to chat with another table, while the first server took the crepe from him to deliver to us. This is supposed to be a high-end restaurant inside a 5-star hotel, but the service was terrible. We did not even get a spoon for the ice cream that came with the crepe. Although the food was good, it did not justify the poor service. We asked for the check, and the server brought it over and left. After 15 minutes, the supervisor realized that we were waiting for someone to take...

Nestled within the luxurious Intercontinental Hotel, directly across from Multiplaza Escazú, The Market restaurant is nothing short of exceptional. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance captivates with its sophisticated yet welcoming vibe. The space has been recently remodeled, boasting a modern and elegant design that elevates the dining experience to another level. Whether you’re there for a casual lunch or a special occasion, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance of comfort and refinement. The highlight, without a doubt, is the salad bar—hands-down the best I’ve ever experienced. It offers an astonishing variety of fresh, vibrant ingredients, from crisp greens to an impressive array of toppings. The selection of proteins is particularly noteworthy, catering to every taste with high-quality options that add substance and flavor. Every dish feels thoughtfully curated, ensuring there’s something for everyone. The attention to detail and the sheer abundance of choices make it a standout feature. The Market is a culinary gem that delivers on every front—ambiance, quality, and variety. It’s 100% worth a visit, and I guarantee you won’t be disappointed. For anyone seeking a memorable dining experience in Escazú, this place is a must. Highly...