Road Less Traveled Cuisine — Restaurant in Tempate

What a fantastic tasting meal we had at the food lab - as other reviewers have commented, this truly rivals a Michelin star experience. The creativity and freshness of the ingredients was second to none. We would not hesitate to return to the food lab, but better yet, will use them for an in-home meal the next time we return to CR.

Our only minor quibble would be the wine situation. It’s presented at the beginning of the meal as being “recommended.” Since this was a seafood heavy tasting menu, our chef already had a white wine out as her recommendation. We are not white drinkers so we said we would pass. So then she give us two choices of red. We tried to politely decline, as we typically don’t drink a bottle during a meal (a glass per person would be our norm). But it’s the type of situation where she’s pushing the recommendation so much that you’re questioning if maybe it’s actually included? So we finally accept one of the two red wine choices that we’re given, without price being mentioned/offered. (Our bad for not asking, but again, it became an awkward situation). Luckily, our bottle was “only” $60 - but the other person dining during our seating (who was solo) bought herself a $100 bottle of white wine, despite having one glass during the whole meal! They did give her the bottle afterwards to take home, but we just didn’t feel it was appropriate to push the wine so strongly without presenting a complete wine list, with prices. To the Food Lab - please take this feedback as constructive feedback and not a knock on your service. But you should be proactively presenting the prices of the bottles that you recommend and not relying on the guest to ask the...

I contacted RLT while I was in town and was able to get a last minute booking for 2 people. Communication via Whatsapp was quick and easy. A deposit for the meal was required to secure the booking. From Bahia del Sol, we got an Uber, and it was about a 5-6 minute ride. Unfortunately the roads and lack of sidewalks meant a walk or bike wasn't an option. The kitchen is in the center of a small shopping area, and our host saw us and invited us in immediately. The meal of 9 courses was amazing, featuring local ingredients and especially seafood. I requested a wine that would work well with the entire meal and a very nice Rose was recommended. It was lovely: 2022 Xaneta Rosado. All the dishes were carefully prepared and explained to us. It was lovely being able to talk with the chefs while experiencing the food. My husband is a big foodie and cook, and delighted in the whole experience. The highlights for me included dry-aged sea bass carpaccio, guava-glazed pork belly, and a mango and passionfruit gelato.

At the end of our meal, I was having difficulty being able to access Uber to get my ride back to Bahia del Sol. After myself and husband struggled with it for a few minutes, I asked if they could just call a taxi. Instead, the chef offered to drive us in their catering van! I was a bit embarrassed by bothering my chef drive me home, but eternally grateful. We were able to have some nice relaxed conversation for the quick 5-minute ride.

I recommend this experience to anyone, but especially those who love fine dining and the minutia of cooking. No matter what, you will have a lovely time with an...

A Culinary Experience Like No Other – Chef Gilberto’s 8-Course Tasting Dinner in Potrero

My wife and I had the absolute pleasure of experiencing an 8-course tasting dinner at a small, intimate kitchen in Potrero, Costa Rica, hosted by the incredibly talented Chef Gilberto. This wasn’t just a meal—it was a journey through the rich flavors, traditions, and stories of Costa Rican cuisine.

Each dish was a masterpiece, beautifully plated and bursting with vibrant colors and bold, fresh flavors. What truly set this experience apart was the storytelling woven into every course. Chef Gilberto shared the origins of each dish, how it ties into local traditions, and the significance of its ingredients, all of which were sourced fresh from the surrounding region—never frozen, always at their peak.

The menu changes daily based on what’s available, ensuring that every visit offers something new and exciting. The presentation was impeccable, the flavors perfectly balanced, and the atmosphere intimate, making us feel like honored guests rather than just diners.

If you find yourself in Potrero, this is an experience you must have. It’s a perfect blend of culinary artistry, cultural immersion, and pure indulgence. Thank you, Chef Gilberto, for an unforgettable evening—we’ll be talking about this meal for...