www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I haven’t seen a review on Balcón de Europa recently, so here goes. I have dined there at least once on just about all of my 14 trips to Costa Rica, and I have enjoyed my meal there every time. Seňora the owner, who speaks no English, claims that it is the oldest restaurant in Costa Rica, and the sepia-like photos of old San José on the walls back her up. Her daughter (who happens to be gorgeous and vivacious) and Bennett (the head waiter who has been there for years) handle English very well. One of the reasons I like being at this restaurant is that the people are genuinely friendly. They are proud of their restaurant and want you to enjoy.

The menu features French and pasta-type Italian dishes as well as steaks and corvina. I usually go for the French servings that are so expensive back in the States and in Europe. This past weekend I had the blanquettes of veal, served in a white mushroom sauce around rice. Delicious. I also had some sautéed veggies – it is remarkable how difficult it can be to get well-cooked vegetables in a country that should export vegetables because of the favorable climate. With a half-liter of Chilean wine, the bill was under 14,000 Colones after the CRT discount – a great price for authentically French cooking. On other trips I have enjoyed the rabbit Provençale, the French-style corvina, creamed-asperagus soup, the Caprese salad, the hearts of palm salad, and crème brulee. I can’t personally report on all the non-French items on the menu because I stick to what I like. The menu has changed very little over the past six years, and that’s fine with me. A great advantage of the place is that it is right in the gulch, a quick respite from the atrocious service at the HDR. It’s not a place to be loud or drunk – we have so many other options for that within two blocks of this little oasis of civilization where no one is going to ask you if you want “cumpny.”

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Same river, new water

Yeah......Every time I plan a trip to CR, I always plan on trying this restaurant, but for some reason, I just never have. It sure looks nice inside, but it never seems too busy. I was told by someone that they have a very good and reasonably priced lunch special. I've got it on my 'to do' list for my next trip.

"......No one is going to ask you if you want cumpny."

Thanks for the information. If they can conquer French, Italian should be easy. I will definitely be hitting this up to get some quality food in the gulch. Is it right next to the former NY Bar?

Yes.

great review!

and a CRT sponsor too.

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Do they still advertise "super chef Franco"? I remember him from over 10 years ago but he died and they kept the advertising forever. The quality dipped quite a bit after his demise. It was better again later, but I haven't been there recently. When I first came to SJ and stayed in the gulch, I ate there often and Franco would come out and talk to everybody and give them cheese and afterwards a creamy fruity shot that was tasty. I'm not sure what it was, but it went down well at the end of the meal.

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VITTORIO DE SICA

Had a great meal Sunday evening . Chose the mixed plate and everything came out fine. Thanks for reminding me of the place. I am going to keep it on the regular list.

By far my favorite place in CR for the last 7 plus years. I far prefer the French offerings to other dishes on the menu.

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I haven't recently heard restaurant staff mention the old French chef, but I did see him mentioned in an on-line review by a travel guide company. I met him when I first went to Costa Rica (he actually wore the big white hat and striped pants that only a Frenchman could wear properly), and I appreciated the shot and cheese. I heard he started a different restaurant, out of the Gulch. My guess is that he taught the staff how to make a few dishes, and they have tried to make them exactly the same ever since.

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Same river, new water