Delicious Peruvian food in a shopping mall: Restaurant Pikeos (20. April 2017)
After a rather bumpy ride from Tamarindo to San José via the natural habitat Monteverde where they are not really fond of proper streets but rather of very bumpy roads and a total of 250km, we were back in San José. And kind of the same happened as when we had arrived after a 10 hours trip getting up at 3am – we were too tired to go anywhere so we ended up in the shopping mall right next to the hotel. And this time, we tried the ‘Pikeos’ which is apparently Peruvian for some shared platter of seafood.
Well, before you actually get to start with the dishes and can place your order, there are some “banana chips with dip” served and they were quite good – especially in combination so we emptied them before the starter arrived at our table.
As a starter we went for the “Pikeo Ronda Caliente (jalea de mariscos, wantán relleno de pollo, chicharrón de pulpo en reducción de vinagre balsamico)” (9’990 CRC) which didn’t look like much at first but is actually quite a portion and frankly this is almost enough for two people and you could easily skip the main course. Everything is kind of fried besides the fresh onions on top of some things – but it is not just fried but you can still taste the seafood and it is very delicious. And in combination with the sauces, especially the tartare sauce, it is a perfect starter.
Our waiter, Luis, did a great job in attending – he was not only very swift and friendly but also jovial but in a pleasant way so you wouldn’t be bothered by his presence (as some waiters tend to overdo it). As a main, I went for the “Lomito al Cusco (250g de jugoso medallón de lomito, bañado en una exquisita salsa de base de pimienta verde)” (11’990 CRC) and picked the two side dishes “Papas Pikeos (salteadas, aceite de oliva y romero)” and “vegetales”. While the dish didn’t look too appealing really, I must admit, it was quite delicious as the meat was cooked perfectly ‘medium’ as requested and the potatoes and vegetables were quite good too.
Overall, I must admit, I was positively surprised by the place – especially because it is located in a shopping mall and I do admit that I most often do not associate anything positive with restaurants in shopping malls. And the dishes are actually quite good too – but they have their price. I mean, almost CHF 75.00 for everything is still way cheaper than in Switzerland but it is definitely at the upper edge of prices in Costa Rica. Still, when you’re hungry, I can highly recommend you to dine in the Pikeos when you’re close to it.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant Pikeos
Centro Commercial Terrazas Lindora
Radial Sta. Ana
San Rafael, Belén, Provincia de San José
Pozos (CR)
Tel.: +506 22 71 57 97
Homepage: http://www.johnnyrockets.co.cr
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
