Tel: (506) 289-4404 / 228-8515
Specialty: International Cuisine.
Chef: William Pearson.
Recommended Dish: Deer Tenderloin Grand Veneur.
Prices: Dinner entrées range from U.S. $7.50 to $29, before sales and service taxes (23%).
Location: In the foothills of the Escazú Mountains.
Directions for Taxi Driver: En San Rafaél de Escazú: del Multicentro Paco en Escazú, doblar a la izquierda y seguir los rotulos de cruces verdes.

Situated on a hillside overlooking Escazú, Restaurant Le Monastère represents a combination of quiet reflection and full-blown festivity expertly mixed to please all facets of the dining and nightlife spectrum.

The restaurant boasts an eclectic history. Originally the home and chapel of an elite family in the early 1900’s, the buildings were later converted into a monastery for religious novitiates (of an unknown denomination). Today, the site hosts one of San Jose’s better known restaurants.

Diners can enjoy a 270-degree view stretching from the Central Valley to the Gulf of Nicoya. The interior is decorated in European tradition with artistic marble statues, exquisite antiques and photographs that record the restaurant’s history. Music is played on a magnificent grand piano. The notes float through the romantic bar into the various dining rooms where customers can dine while enjoying the sparkling lights of the city below.

French and international cuisine is served by hosts attired in 19th century French monk frocks, and customers are often invited to enjoy Gregorian and classical music performed live in the renovated chapel.

Among the selection of appetizers, diners will find classics such as Frog’s Legs Provencale and Bourgogne snails in garlic butter, and international favorites ranging from Sashimi of Mahi Mahi with lemon dressing to Italian Beef Carpaccio

Chef’s recommendations, like the Deer tenderloin in Grand Veneur sauce, Seabass filet in puff pastry and Noilly sauce, or Wild Boar’s chop in Robert sauce, are featured among the many entrées, along with a variety of daily specials.

Diners will be pleased with the fresh local fruits and vegetables that are incorporated into the menu of primarily imported ingredients, adding a touch of the tropics to the traditional cuisine.

A tempting list of desserts will challenge even the most calorie-conscious patron. Choose from an assortment of fresh strawberry dishes, French classics like Crème Brulée, Crepe Suzette, and Tarta Tatin, fresh baked cakes, chocolate mousse and much more.

Le Monastère also offers a splendid variety of fine wines, with whites such as the Gavi di Gavi, and Sichel Pouilly Fuiseé, or reds that include Don Melchor and Marquéz de Cáceres. The variety of French wines from which to chose from is impressive and abundant and Maitre D’ Jorge Rodríguez Rojas will be pleased to recommend the perfect accompaniment to any meal.

Inside La Cava, a medieval-style rustic tavern below the main dining room, visitors will discover the more devilish side of Le Monastère. Live music is played nightly from Tuesday through Saturday and the small but lively space has been known to entice customers into dancing on the tables and chairs. A minimum $9 per person consumption is required on Friday and Saturday nights, in order to ensure the place is packed with those who are serious about having a good time.

Patrons can enjoy Las Bocas de Claudio, a variety of daring appetizers named in honor of the alleged ghost Claudio said to inhabit the restaurant’s grounds, or choose from the lengthy and confident list of cocktails. The Forbidden Fruit, one of La Cava’s signature drinks, works true to its name. Served in a hollowed-out apple, this tart and mysterious concoction just might change your opinion of the original sin.

Le Monastère is open from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday the hours are 7 p.m. to midnight in the restaurant and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the bar. Reservations are recommended and proper attire required.

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