Kalú occupies a converted house in Barrio Escalante and serves some of the most interesting food in San José — contemporary Costa Rican cooking that takes local ingredients seriously. The menu changes with the season. Expect things like hearts of palm prepared in ways you wouldn't have thought of, or fish from the Pacific coast with tropical fruit salsas.
The cocktail menu draws on local spirits and fresh produce and is worth attention in its own right. The terrace is pleasant in the evenings, and the interior is relaxed without feeling like a place that's trying too hard. A good option for a special dinner that won't break the budget by European standards.