While the city of San Jos� gives in to rush days, the streets' bustle and the tumultuous sea of people -vehicles traveling its womb; in a corner of the historical neighborhood Am�n, stands an Islamic style building , -as coming out of the pages of an ancient book- it will attract the attention of anyone crossing it.
On the inner side, as you climb the stairs, is a charming restaurant, different if you may, to what Costa Ricans are used to. The place is divided into two main spaces: the inner salon and an open air terrace, on the building's entrance, that lets you admire the architectural details: pointed arches, high walls, gargoyles on the building's salients and a valuable collection of hand-painted mosaics relating passages of don Quixote of la Mancha.
And there is also a fountain, yes that fountain that no open air space can miss. Visiting Caf� del Moro is like traveling to the south of Spain, where Muslims left their traces in time. You may appreciate the shared religious influence in the details; such is the case of the image of the Virgin of El Carmen on the external wall's arcade.
The building was constructed by a Spanish merchant at the beginnings of the twentieth century. Recently, and after a long legal struggle it passed to the legal heir's hands, Jorge Guier Acosta; he decided to restore it and with his wife transformed it into a restaurant. At least one portion of the building, because a large part of it is closed to the public.
The inner salon is not very ample, though comfortable. On the high part of the walls an original Muslim legend is conserved, saying "God over everything." The tables are really close one to the other, a detail that suits the environment well. And even if the design is not as important as what you eat, its owners went through every trouble to guarantee the place has a contemporary ambiance.
The decoration is simple and modern, but adjusting to the original concept. The terrace is full of colorful tables brought from Marrakesh. Caf� del Moro's cuisine is so exotic and far away as delicious; the Mediterranean flavors and from the Far East command the menu.
Art and Culture 
