Mariscos Costa Alegre — Restaurant in San Jose

I came here on a Sunday afternoon. Here are my thoughts: (warning!)

Food: honestly was pretty mid. I got the shrimp + octopus ceviche plate on top of tortiall chips, and it was a weird plate overall. The shrimp came both lime-marinated and boiled, so the textures clashed. The octopus was hard. It kind of just felt like very sparse ingredients thrown on top of chips. The chips got soggy because they decided to put all these wet ingredients on top, and of course they didn't stand a chance. I think the plate cost about 27 USD, which was absurd for how underwhelming it was. I was pretty disappointed. I grew up in Salinas CA and am Mexican, so paying almost 30 bucks for unpleasant ceviche with soggy chips is not it for me.

I also got a cucumber "Agua fresca" which I was really excited for, but when I got it it -Came in a plastic cup (my friends got glass cups for their lemonade/waters) -Was a toxic-lookikg green color that clearly came from a mix. This was ultra sad. It was so sugary too, I felt like I was going to get diabetes from it.

The rest of the menu was honestly super expensive and kind of too try-hard. Lots of focus on presentation. The dishes they offer (ceviche, coctel de camarones) don't need a lot to make them special. I'd recommend not trying so hard to be "unique and creative" with the visuals, but rather focusing on how to make high-quality dishes where the flavors stand out, the textures go well together, and the prices make sense. Almost all their dishes were 20 USD +.

Environment: loved the outdoor seating area, it gave Mexico vibes quite well. 8/10, only because they had a banda playing smack in the middle of the eatery and it made it so annoying to talk to people sitting right across from you.

Service: great service. The waiter was super on top of it, and very patient when our party took a while to figure out our orders (we were balking at the prices and trying to estimate if dishes were 1 person or 2 person plates). He brought us our drinks quickly and followed up a few times.

Overall: I would not come here again, but have hopes that the food will improve and...

Mariscos Costa Alegre isn't just a restaurant, it's a trip to the vibrant coast of Mexico! Prepare for a fiesta for your senses, filled with the freshest seafood and a lively atmosphere.

Their star attraction is undoubtedly the abundance of fresh fish and shrimp. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or a curious newcomer, their menu offers something for everyone. Imagine perfectly grilled fish, its flavors singing with every bite, or a platter of succulent shrimp bathed in a symphony of zesty spices. Every dish is a celebration of the ocean's bounty.

But the deliciousness doesn't stop there. Mariscos Costa Alegre boasts an atmosphere that's as vibrant as its food. The festive spirit is contagious, and live music adds an extra layer of excitement. It's the perfect place to gather with friends and family for a lively celebration.

Don't forget to save room for dessert! Their famous flan is a must-try. This smooth, creamy custard is the perfect way to end your meal on a sweet note.

Overall, Mariscos Costa Alegre is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and unforgettable Mexican seafood experience. Fresh fish, succulent shrimp, amazing flan, a vibrant atmosphere, and maybe even a little dancing in your seat – that's the magic you'll find at Mariscos...

Tented outdoor seating with paper picado strung about, mariachi band, vendors selling trinkets - a very festive place! Indeed, there were many people celebrating their birthdays there as about every 20 minutes, it seemed that a crew of workers came out bursting into song.

It was very busy but the servers were on top of things. We got small samples of the seafood soup and some crispy rounds after we ordered. Of all the things we ordered, I was the most pleasantly surprised by the caldo de res. I recently had the Filipino version of it and wanted to compare. It was light, flavorful, and easily my favorite soup here.

Chicharrones and Guac is a good starter. The chicarrones are pretty thin cut and freshly fried. It is as unoily as can be, perfect for the zesty, acidic dip.

They have TVs with the game, all the seafood offerings you could want, sushi, molcajete, fried fish, and ginormous goblets of alcohol with more seafood. Very Mexico by the sea. The one thing I wasn't too impressed by was the regular...