We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

“My Great stay at Cocina Eclectica”
Review of Cocina Eclectica

Cocina Eclectica
Ranked #14 of 150 Restaurants in Escazu
Description: Eclectic Cuisine Accommodates All Dietary Restrictions And Concerns Reservations Required Limited Seating Due To Capacity Restrictions.
Restaurant details
Description: Eclectic Cuisine Accommodates All Dietary Restrictions And Concerns Reservations Required Limited Seating Due To Capacity Restrictions.
Reviewed 16 February 2017

to start with the establishment is on par with art salons' and art museum. Simply stunning, the garden porch is my favorite dinning room of which there are four.

The food is an epicureans delight. A lot of guest spend a few minutes just staring at the presentation of the dish. Joanna ( your hostess) is a delight and the salt of the earth. The dishes are served in a taps style and Joanna will take back any thing the is not to the guest liking.

A patron can not ask for more.

One final fact Joanna caters to dentinal visitors and will blend, puree any dish as needed,

Date of visit: February 2017
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
1  Thank AJCannata
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.
Reviews (89)
Traveller rating
Traveller type
Time of year
Language

53 - 57 of 89 reviews

Reviewed 26 January 2017 via mobile

Set in a home, unmarked, unsignposted, in suburbia..its very important to call and get exact directions before you set off. Even with direction, my hotel driver took ten minutes and two phonecalls to locate...2 minutes to cross motorway to get back to hotel afterwards.
Dark, high walled - razor wire atop, metal door alongside metal garage door...uninspiring but when door opened..WoW..into unexpected ecletic courtyard, to front of an extensive residence with integral garage. Open air courtyard was one quarter taken up by two large vehicles, having accessed via the garage door entrance of the austere outer 15' wall, the remaining inside wall space covered in creepers, vines and the courtyard itself furnished, if that is the correct terminology, with couches, tables, gazebo, parasol...comfortable for outside pre-dinner drink, and cigarette, if one was so inclined...as I was. Entrance to house proper through huge covered portal with open double solid doors, wooden wind chimes, breeze blocks arranged most artistically within entrance, which also featured seating, to house candles, books brick a brack but, all "in keeping" with the general ambiance of this most unusual and interesting of venues. I followed the local lady who came to kerbside to kindly meet me, into the house. A huge room of several large tables set for dinner, large couches all with oriental-type throws, individually arranges, side tables sporting antique ornaments, Asian influence, large American-type display cases, a positively huge antique rocking horse dominated the entrance halls tiled floor, and walls were hung with an eclectic selection of art, fabric hangings and curiously, 6 legged chairs!! I had hoped to enquire as to the reason for the latter but alas, interaction with the proprietor was limited. This emporium, does not feature a menu, persay... rather a series of "surprises", quite exciting, as a culinary experience. My host enquired if I was allergic to anything, or was there anything I particularly disliked...I replied in the negative but advised, due to recent mouth surgery, anything too chewy was out if the question. She asked what I would like to drink and I replied Savigon Blanc, which was duly served and I retired back to the outer courtyard to enjoy, with my Kindle, and a cigarette, and the company of a very docile friendly dog who placed his/her head on my lap in the demanding nature of one canine, very used to being petted...fine, I'm a dog person and I enjoyed its momentary company. Eventually I was summoned inside in time to catch sight of a cat leap from a set table, not mine I thankfully add, but I found this off-putting, not being particularly a "cat person" and certainly NOT an "animal of any type near food" person!! First course, home smoked some kind if diced fish, dressing, and an explosion of herb flavours. Forgot to explain, herbs in Courtyard in pots, in a wheelbarrow, in back "garden", in house, grown everywhere and picked fresh for each individual dish, as dreamed up by the chef. This fish dish appears to be a house special as I note it referred to in the comments of others. It was, for me, too large a portion but "interesting". I partook of as much of the fusion of flavours as my palette could tolerate and advised I had sufficient..proprietor enquired if I should like to take remainder away, I declined. Off I went exploring whilst awaiting second course, very interesting artifacts combined and exhibited with tremendous flair and artistry... second course appeared, three cats now running about and the former table-walker, an Egyptian-spynx-like creature has now, levitated, literally...to settle on a 6 legged chair, attached to the wall, some 8 feet off the ground...I hope I can attach a photo. In this surreal setting I enjoyed a broth of noodles and herbs, don't know what it was but, most enjoyable. Asked if I should like dessert and a suggestion made, which I accepted. Off I went for another "gander", an open door off main hallway gave an insight to a bedroom which I felt rather uncomfortable about glancing into somebody's private space, but cats appeared to be quite pleased with the access. Dessert arrived, served by a heretofore unseen, gracious gentleman...nothing as discussed, but a chocolate cup of mousse and fruit and liquor, absolutely wonderful. I asked for a white coffee and my bill, both arrived in equally leisurely fashion...at this stage a large party of young people had arrived and broken the quiet ambience if the evening. My bill, Oh, which included 3 large glasses if wine, was 1300 in local currency or converted, $24. I gave the gentleman $30 and whilst awaiting my change, (which never came!) I left a tip of $5 plus a local currency 2000 note, and decamped once more to the front courtyard with my 2nd cup of coffee, my kindle and my cigarettes and enjoyed all three whilst awaiting my driver. There was no "au revoire" no "did you enjoy the food" no "thanks for stopping by" so, at the prescribed minute, I let myself quietly out the metal gate, without my "change" and smiled to myself at "the experience" and the "alternative lifestyles" of others and was, glad I had had the experience!!

Date of visit: January 2017
1  Thank VivG100
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.
Reviewed 1 October 2016 via mobile

We were told about Joanne by the BnB we stayed at and were taken over. Yes, it is not the easiest place to find as there is no sign, but that is a part of the charm and Joanne is fantastic. The place is different from any you may have dined in before. You wring a button and get buzzed in. You walk in through the open front door as if you are old friends and someone will meet you and tell you to find a place where ever you like. There may be other dining already. Just find a place and settle in. Joanne will ask you a few questions as she did us and then surprise you. Be clear if you are hungry or not. We had an appetizer I cannot describe both times we ate there. Absolutely wonderful. If you are still hungry she will surprise you again and if you have room for desert she will surprise you once more. We had a chocolate wrapped in chocolate desert that I could eat every day. There is never a menu and you have no idea what dinner will cost but don't fret. It is reasonable. Our dinner was $25 for my wife and I and our lunch was $15. We had one less course for lunch and it was enough for us.
Joanne makes from what is in the garden or is fresh. If you want to know what you may be having or feel inclined for something special then this is not your place. If you are adventurous and love surprises, you will be delighted. Go with an open mind.

Date of visit: September 2016
1  Thank NealPetersen
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.
Reviewed 9 September 2016

Cociana Eclectica, Joanna's

A culinary experience fueled by passion hidden in a charming neighborhood of Escazu. Her home a wonderful celebration of art, sculpture and joy that gives you a glimpse into a soul whose only mission is to awaken your palette. The many corners of twists and turns of space in her home truly creates an ambiance for every mood. People very often seem to start sharing conversations beyond where they are sitting as they share the excitement of every dish made with love, care , and attention. There is no menu. There is only Joanna's inquisitive questions that aim at what will satisfy your dietary needs and food fantasies. She has an herbal garden and you can watch her pick fresh herbs and bring them to the kitchen as she sprinkles the food with her own garden of Eden. There are no boundaries to her magical food creations and when you walk through her front door you enter a world unlike anything you could have imagined.
Thank you Joanna
Michael Bielski

Date of visit: September 2016
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
5  Thank Michael b
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.
Reviewed 7 September 2016 via mobile

As a young woman traveling alone, I am very careful about where I go. This was my first time to Costa Rica, I know minimal Spanish, and had had a long day of travel. My Airbnb host told me to go to Joanna's, and I'm so glad she did. Joanna has opened her home to travelers and locals alike, and the entire experience was amazing. If you go into it knowing this is someone's house, not a chain restaurant, you will have an incredible meal. The food is beautifully prepared and - get this - TASTES fantastic. The portions are larger than other "gourmet" meals, and she keeps the courses coming. I told her I didn't like anything super spicy, and aside from that I would take whatever and she ran with it. I had to have dessert... And when I went to pay, full and happy, she told me my bill was $7. I refused to pay that little and forced her to take at least $15... Long story short, GO TO JOANNA'S. I ate with three fellow travelers and got so much insight on Costa Rica, what to see, where to go, and the atmosphere was so comfortable after a hectic day at the airport. Go get a meal, hug the chef, and I apologize in advance that you eventually have to leave. Ciao!

Date of visit: September 2016
1  Thank Devon B
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.

Travellers who viewed Cocina Eclectica also viewed

Escazu, San Jose Metro
San Rafael de Escazu, San Jose Metro
 
Escazu, San Jose Metro
 

Been to Cocina Eclectica? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos & Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.

Claim Your Listing