The Old Spaghetti Factory

The Old Spaghetti Factory brings its beloved family-friendly Italian-American formula to San José, Costa Rica — and it works just as well here as at locations across North America. The signature Victorian-era antique decor, the warm lighting, the complimentary minestrone soup and bread with every meal, and the sprawling pasta menu make this a reliable crowd-pleaser for families who want a relaxed, comfortable dinner experience.

For traveling families with kids, The Old Spaghetti Factory hits the sweet spot between familiar and interesting. Kids who've visited US locations will feel right at home; those visiting for the first time will be charmed by the eccentric antique-filled dining room which includes trolley cars converted into private dining sections. The kids' menu covers pasta basics that picky eaters will accept without negotiation.

Open daily from 11:30am, the restaurant tends to fill up on weekend evenings so early arrival or weekday visits are recommended. The lunch window offers similar food at generally better value and shorter waits. With a 4.2 rating and over 1,000 reviews, it's consistently one of the better-reviewed family dining options in the San José area.