Several times a year, it's seafood season in Costa Rica. Mostly, it's from the Caribbean sea, which is rife with lobster, sea bass, red snapper and a bevy of crustaceans, as appear on the plates at La Fuente de los Mariscos in San Jose. Not a place to let obstacles like traffic and city-life get in the way of enjoying one of nature's greatest gifts, La Fuente de los Mariscos celebrates the real-time bounty brought in by Costa Rica's best fishermen with daily specials, happy hour deals and the best ceviche for miles.

Ceviche happy hour at La Fuente — Photo courtesy of solamo

Not only does the kitchen turn out each of its menu's promised plates with a flourish, the staff is courteous, informed and happy to suggest a bottle of wine to accompany your meal or a souvenir bottle of Centenario Rum to commemorate the evening with Cuba Libres. To get to the restaurant, ask the taxi to take you to La Uruca. A close landmark is Hotel Best Western Irazu; from the entrance, walk down the embankment through the parking lot, look for the La Fuente de las Mariscos on the right, go up the stairs and choose an inside or outside table - both are cozy options.