La Casona de Laly • Alameda
Rating
Family of 4
USD 20-35
Duration
45-60 minutes
Best Ages
3-17
About
La Casona de Laly at the Alameda location is the kind of straightforward, dependable family restaurant that Costa Rican families return to week after week. With a 4.4 Google rating and a budget-friendly price level, it delivers honest Costa Rican cooking — rice, beans, meats, plantains, and fresh fruit drinks — without pretense or excessive cost.
The restaurant is open from 11am to 10:30pm daily (with a slightly earlier close at 9:30pm on Sundays), providing a long and flexible dining window that suits families who can't always stick to a strict meal schedule. The casado at lunch is the value centerpiece — a complete, filling plate that represents everything good about Costa Rican everyday cuisine at a price that won't dent the travel budget.
For families visiting San José on a budget, La Casona de Laly offers a genuine alternative to tourist-priced restaurants while maintaining quality that locals have verified with thousands of visits. The warm atmosphere and generous portions make it a reliable standby regardless of where you are in your San José itinerary.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Kid Meals
true
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Lunch or dinner; open daily 11am-10:30pm (9:30pm Sunday)
Wait Times
10-15 min on busy weekend evenings
Nearby Food
Located in the Alameda area of San José with additional local restaurants and sodas nearby.
Why Kids Love It
Kids love the hearty, no-surprises Costa Rican food and the warm, lived-in atmosphere of a family restaurant that genuinely feels like someone's grandmother runs the kitchen.
Pro Tips from Parents
- La Casona de Laly is budget-friendly — one of the better value family dining options in San José.
- The Alameda location is well-regarded among locals for consistent quality.
- Open for long hours daily — very flexible for families with unpredictable schedules.
What to Bring
- Cash preferred
- Good appetite for generous Costa Rican portions
- Nothing else required
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 20-35
Tips to Save
- Price level is budget-friendly (level 1).
- Sharing traditional Costa Rican platters is a great value move for families.
- The lunch casado is typically the best value item on the menu.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Monday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM