Lubnan
Rating
Family of 4
USD 50-80
Duration
1-1.5 hours
Best Ages
8-17
About
Lubnan is San José's premier Lebanese restaurant — and one of the most distinctive dining experiences available in Costa Rica's capital. In a city where international dining can feel generic, Lubnan stands out with authentic Middle Eastern cooking that earns its 4.5 Google rating through genuine quality rather than novelty.
For families with older children and teens who are open to new culinary experiences, Lubnan is a memorable meal. The mezze format — a spread of small plates including hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, kibbeh, falafel, and more — is perfect for families who like to taste everything. The communal sharing style creates natural conversation and exploration at the table, and the flavors are approachable enough that even mildly adventurous kids tend to find their favorites.
The restaurant is closed on Mondays and operates on a split schedule for other days (lunch and dinner with a break between services), so check the hours before you go. Dinner service runs Thursday through Saturday from 6pm to 9pm or 10pm. Reservations are recommended for weekend service.
For families seeking to make their San José dining experience more than just Costa Rican food, Lubnan offers something genuinely different and genuinely excellent.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Setting
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Lunch Tuesday through Sunday; dinner Thursday through Saturday
Wait Times
15-20 min on weekends without reservation
Nearby Food
Central San José location with additional restaurants and cafes within walking distance.
Why Kids Love It
Food-adventurous tweens and teens love discovering Lebanese mezze — hummus, falafel, pita, and grilled meats that are approachable and exciting at the same time.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Lubnan is one of San José's best ethnic restaurants and a great way to introduce older kids to Middle Eastern cuisine.
- Order a spread of mezze (hummus, baba ganoush, kibbeh, falafel) to share — ideal for families who want to sample everything.
- Closed Mondays — plan your visit for Tuesday through Sunday.
- The 4.5 rating reflects consistently excellent quality — it's worth seeking out.
What to Bring
- Reservation for dinner service
- Adventurous palates ready for new flavors
- Nothing else required
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
USD 50-80
Tips to Save
- Lebanese cuisine is designed for sharing — order mezze (small plates) family-style to maximize variety and control costs.
- Lunch service offers slightly better value than dinner.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 10:00 PM
- Monday
- Closed
- Sunday
- 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
- Saturday
- 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
- Thursday
- 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, 6:00 – 9:00 PM