217 reviews
#4 of 288 Restaurants in La Fortuna de San CarlosRR - RRR, International, Costa Rican, Vegan options+506 6063 0081+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:30 - 21:30
Mon
11:30 - 21:30
Tue
11:30 - 21:30
Wed
11:30 - 21:00
Thu
11:30 - 21:30
Fri
11:30 - 21:30
Sat
11:30 - 21:30
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Is this restaurant good for special occasions?
Details
CUISINES
International, Costa Rican
Special Diets
Vegan options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
217 reviews
Excellent
207
Very good
9
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
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Ricardo R
Chicago12 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We had a wonderful experience at Herbario this week. After eating at La Ventana (Springs Resort and Spa), Don Rufino Steakhouse, and Herbario, our #1 pick is Herbario. Here is the standout of the experience....
Service:
Our host for the evening was Tony who greeted us like family. He was happy to walk us through different drinks and recommendations. He helped select the 'fresco' & cocktails for us and nailed it. The menu has many great options per section and frankly took us forever to select our dishes. Many attractive choices. Tony must have come back to the table no less than 5 times to answer questions and patiently wait till we decided. We went with Tony's recommendations and he blew us away. He was patient and welcoming the whole time. Lastly, Tony treated us with dessert for Costa Rica's Mother's Day and literally made us feel loved and at home. What a great host.
Decor, Ambiance, and Kitchen:
The decor for Herbario was on point, you can feel the care invested. From lighting, furniture, and ambiance, you are transported to finer living at Costa Rica. They had wonderful live music/singing which we thoroughly enjoyed... the loudness was perfect for both enjoyment and conversation. Lastly, the food that comes out of the kitchen is both artistic and savory. Every dish we ordered was delicious as we shared with each other. The chefs are all visible from the dining area and you can tell they are meticulous and professional. It was like watching 'The Bear'. We were blown away.
We were skeptical prior to arriving, but can share confidently Herbario is the real deal. The dishes were better than the competition and the prices were less than half. I recommend visiting Herbario before it's impossible to reserve.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re very happy to hear that we share the same passion for food and that you had a great experience with us! Our staff will be especially happy to read this review. well. See you soon! Herbario Team.
Written 19 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lucy S
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • couples
Great food and service!
We had the avocado shrimp to start which was delish!!!! We then had meat and seafood platter, so flavourful and plenty of food for two people! Our service Jenny was so attentive and made our dinner experience great!
Although a 10 mins walk from the main square in La fortuna it was well worth it!!!
Written 27 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled you enjoyed the food and Jenny's service. We hope to see you again in La Fortuna!
Written 28 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deeabo
11 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We had a lovely dinner here. The staff was friendly and attentive. Good for families, they offered some kids meal options for my son. Delicious wine and generous pour. Our meals were good, I found the seafood soup was a little small for the price. My husband’s steak was a little under cooked for his liking, but they happily fired it back up. We’d dine here again!
Written 4 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you for your feedback! We’re glad you enjoyed your dinner and our service. We apologize for the small seafood soup portion and the undercooked steak but are happy we could fix it. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Written 4 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
michele b
Vancouver34 contributions
Aug 2024 • family
We ate an outstanding meal at Herbario in August 2024. It was one of the best meals we had in Costa Rica. The service was excellent, and they were particularly attentive and generous as we were celebrating our anniversary. The food was beautifully plated, and exceptionally delicious - tasted like it was made with love and attention. We ordered the shrimp with avocado (delicious), my son had chicken cordon blue (yum), husband had rib eye (incredible) and I had chicken in blackberry sauce (creative and yummy). The ambiance was great, up scale but comfortable and stylish. Tony was a very kind and generous server! Highly recommend this restaurant in La Fortuna!
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. The staff makes us happy and motivates us to continue working with a lot of love and gastronomic passion. Greetings
Written 26 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Valeria M
3 contributions
May 2024 • friends
I am from the La Fortuna area and saw the opportunity to come with my friend. I personally didn't know about the place but she did and it was an excellent decision to come here.
I loved the natural aesthetic of the restaurant, it's quite relaxing and pleasant.
Josué attended to us and was very friendly, and he also gave us very good information about the options on the menu, describing the dishes.
It definitely seems like a perfect place for all types of occasions, whether with family, as a couple or with friends.
The food is delicious, fresh and excellent presentation.
Herbarium will most likely be part of the frequent restaurants on my list đź’š
Written 10 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
¡Estamos encantados de tenerte como parte de la familia Herbario Restaurant! Gracias por compartir sus amables palabras. ¡Significa mucho para nosotros y para todo nuestro equipo! ¡Esperamos poder servirle de nuevo pronto! Equipo Herbario
Written 15 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ema J
1 contribution
May 2024 • couples
Herbarium is a hidden gem. The food is delicious and fresh, and the atmosphere with all those trees and plants is simply magical. Arlen took great care of us, always attentive to every detail. A perfect place to unwind and enjoy a great meal!
Written 17 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
¡Estamos encantados de tenerte como parte de la familia Herbario Restaurant! Gracias por compartir sus amables palabras. ¡Significa mucho para nosotros y para todo nuestro equipo! ¡Esperamos poder servirle de nuevo pronto! Equipo Herbario
Written 15 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennifer S
Pensacola63 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
Loved this! We came in for dinner and were the only diners so service was extremely attentive and friendly. We started with the Peruvian ceviche which was fantastic! We had the tuna and the surf n turf for our entrees. The surf n turf was enough for two but the tuna was so delicious I’m glad we ordered both. Prices were reasonable and everything was very fresh.
Written 9 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you for your wonderful review of Herbario! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your experience and truly appreciate your feedback. It’s great to know we’re meeting your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written 16 September 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea C
2 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Finding this culinary gem was very satisfying. The fresh, well-soured and well-seasoned coconut ceviche was the perfect starter and then a spectacular Seafood Risotto, creamy and delicious that I didn’t want to end. Accompanied by the extremely refreshing Herbarium Margarita. In addition to impeccable attention, we were given a complimentary "drink" with whiskey, vodka, coconut milk and other things that was a delicious appetizer and to close a flan with a blackberry jam to fall in love.
In conclusion 100 percent recommended.
Automatically translated
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Gracias por tu reseña y por compartir tu experiencia en Herbario. Nos encanta saber que disfrutaste de tu visita, y nos llena de satisfacción haber cumplido con tus expectativas. ¡Será un placer recibirte nuevamente pronto!
Written 21 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adi G
1 contribution
Dec 2024 • family
Herbario is the perfect mix of amazing food and great service. My family and I came here twice and each time the food/experience was SUPERB. The food is plated so beautifully and was so unique and fun. At the beginning, we got a complimentary creamy tequila shot (delicious!) as well as chips and salsa. This restaurant was a highlight of our trip!! We were shocked that this restaurant was not the busiest one in La Fortuna.
Herbario is extremely accommodating. We love spicy food and when asked for a spicy/hot sauce, we were given a specially made sauce that blew our expectations.
The atmosphere for Herbario was perfect. It is decorated with beautiful plants and lights. When we were there, it was Christmastime and the place was decked out. Finally, our server, Kimberly, was amazing! She always checked in on us and accommodated any requests we had. She was sweet and let me practice my broken Spanish on her :)
Overall, everyone agreed that Herbario felt like a first class experience and was definitely worth 5 stars.
Written 29 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you and your family enjoyed the food, atmosphere, and service at Herbario. We're glad the spicy sauce exceeded your expectations and that Kimberly made your experience even more special. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you back for another top-notch experience. See you soon!
Written 8 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nutkinonholiday
9 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Dinner with a large group of pals was excellent. Amazing cocktails and delicious food served by lovely staff. Resturant is beautiful and with an open kitchen you can see everything is freshly prepared for you.
Written 18 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience at Herbario. We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit, and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we met your expectations. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
Written 21 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luis
7 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
Our visit to Herbarium was incredible, the place is too beautiful with a super calm atmosphere
Both of the dishes we ordered were super delicious and the cocktails 🍸 10/10
The gentleman in the salon was super friendly but I feel that all his staff manage to give a very welcoming welcome to their visitors.
Written 8 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
¡Estamos encantados de tenerte como parte de la familia Herbario Restaurant! Gracias por compartir sus amables palabras. ¡Significa mucho para nosotros y para todo nuestro equipo! ¡Esperamos poder servirle de nuevo pronto! Equipo Herbario
Written 15 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
topigo
Berlin7 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We were curious to check it out after the great reviews. The location is a bit off the center, like 600m where few people wonder to. We arrived at 7pm on a Sunday in August and the place was totally empty. Undeterred we sat down and had the most delicious meal while in Arenal. Yummy cocktails, but not much of a wine selection. Food - seafood in particular - was divine. The shrimp meal had 6 almost lobster tail size shrimps, the tuna was fresh and cooked to perfection. We are back tomorrow for lobster. Celina was a very kind hostess, thank you.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HERBARIO BY CHARLIES CR
Thanks. We are glad that you enjoyed your visit to Herbarium restaurant. We hope to see you again soon!
Written 19 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Leigh R
Tilghman14 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
We came across Herbario by accident while looking for a different restaurant. This was an excellent find with fresh food, local dishes and excellent service. My husband and I had the avocado salad with shrimp—fresh and delicious! We also tried a local dish that I thought was soup but ended up being a meal in itself. We highly recommend Herbario!
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valeria Villegas
Thank you! We are pleased to know that you enjoyed your time at Herbario. We hope to see you again very soon!
Written 11 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Miranda F
4 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Love this spot! We had delicious fresh tropical ceviche, cocktails and dessert. The decor has a modern country chic vibe, the music is upbeat but not overwhelming and the servers are very pleasant. We read reviews of this relatively new restaurant before coming and we’re not disappointed!
Written 26 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valeria Villegas
We are happy to have exceeded your expectations. Thank you for choosing Herbario Restaurant and for sharing your experience with us!
Written 11 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie O
San Diego2 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
This is true a hidden gem. We were hesitant as the restaurant was not crowded and it was pouring rain, but the menu sounded delicious. They have sea food, steak, and pasta. Everything we ate was outstanding from the ceviche, the sea bass, and the risotto with ribeye. The chefs preparation was artistic as well as delicious. Kelvin our waiter could not have been nicer! This place is a must!
Written 1 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valeria Villegas
We appreciate your words. Thank you for choosing Herbario Restaurant and for sharing your experience with us!
Written 11 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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