Best Restaurants in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica!
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is famous for its lush rainforest, incredible wildlife and beautiful beaches. Many travellers visit to explore the famous Manuel Antonio National Park, relax on the Pacific coastline or include the area as part of a wider trip backpacking through Costa Rica.
While Manuel Antonio is often known for its nature and wildlife, it also has a surprisingly great food scene. After a long day spotting monkeys in the jungle, relaxing on the beach or exploring nearby surf towns in Costa Rica, finding a great restaurant for dinner quickly becomes one of the highlights of the day.
During our time travelling through Manuel Antonio and nearby Quepos, we tried a range of different restaurants – from casual spots serving traditional Costa Rican dishes to fine dining restaurants with incredible ocean views. Many places also offer fantastic happy hour deals and some of the best sunset views along the coast.
In this guide, we’re sharing some of the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio, including great places for fresh seafood, relaxed cafés for coffee and breakfast, and some incredible sunset restaurants in Manuel Antonio that offer unforgettable dining experiences overlooking the ocean.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
Manuel Antonio Restaurant Map
Before diving into the list, it’s helpful to understand where most restaurants are located. Many of the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio sit along the hill between Quepos and the entrance to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Best Restaurants in Manuel Antonio
Falafel Bar
Falafel Bar is one of the most popular casual restaurants in Manuel Antonio and a great option if you’re looking for something quick, fresh and affordable.
The menu focuses on Middle Eastern-inspired dishes such as falafel wraps, hummus plates and fresh salads. Everything we tried tasted incredibly fresh, and it was a nice change from heavier meals during our travels.
The portions are generous and the relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place to grab lunch after visiting the national park.
Best for: Casual lunches and quick meals
Price: Budget – Mid range
El Avion
One of the most iconic restaurants in Manuel Antonio is El Avión, which is built around a real aeroplane perched on the hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The restaurant is famous for its incredible ocean views, making it one of the best places for sunset drinks in the area. Many travellers stop here for happy hour before staying for dinner.
The menu includes burgers, grilled meats, seafood dishes, and traditional Costa Rican food. While the food is good, the real highlight is the atmosphere and the stunning sunset views.
Best for: Sunset drinks and ocean views
Price: Mid range
El Patio de Cafe Milagro
El Patio de Café Milagro is easily one of the best spots for breakfast in Manuel Antonio. Open daily from 6:30am to 9:30pm, it’s a great option whether you’re starting the day with coffee and breakfast or stopping by later for lunch or dinner.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, often with live music, which adds to the relaxed Manuel Antonio vibe. The restaurant focuses on using fresh local ingredients, and their menu showcases a mix of traditional Costa Rican cuisine and international favourites. They also offer plenty of gluten-free options, which is always a bonus for those with dietary requirements.
Whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee before visiting Manuel Antonio National Park or enjoying a relaxed meal in the evening, El Patio de Café Milagro is a great place to experience the local food scene.
Emilio’s Café
If you’re searching for Manuel Antonio restaurants with a view, Emilio’s Café is definitely one of the best.
Perched high above the coastline, this restaurant offers stunning ocean views that stretch across the Pacific. It’s particularly popular in the evening when visitors gather to enjoy dinner while watching the sunset.
The menu includes pasta dishes, grilled seafood and fresh salads using local ingredients.
The combination of great food and beautiful sunset views makes this one of the most memorable dining experiences in Manuel Antonio.
Best for: Sunset dinners and views
Price: Mid – High range
Café Agua Azul
Another excellent sunset restaurant in Manuel Antonio is Café Agua Azul.
Located along the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio, the restaurant has a large open terrace with incredible ocean views. Many people visit specifically for the happy hour, which is one of the best in the area.
The menu includes tacos, burgers, pasta and fresh seafood, making it a great place to relax with a drink while enjoying the sunset.
Best for: Happy hour and sunset views
Price: Mid range
La Luna Restaurant
If you’re looking for a slightly more upscale dining experience, La Luna Restaurant is a great choice.
This restaurant focuses on high-quality local ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. The menu features a mix of international cuisine and traditional Costa Rican dishes, including delicious seafood options.
The elegant setting makes it a great place for a special dinner while travelling through Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
Best for: Fine dining and special occasions
Price: High range
El Wagon
El Wagon is one of the more unique restaurants in Manuel Antonio. The restaurant is built around a large wooden wagon, creating a fun and quirky atmosphere.
The menu focuses on comfort food such as burgers, pizzas and sandwiches. While it’s not traditional Costa Rican cuisine, it’s a great option if you’re craving something familiar during your travels.
The casual atmosphere makes it a great spot for a relaxed dinner.
Best for: Casual dinners and comfort food
Price: Mid range
Le Papillion Restaurante
Le Papillon Restaurante in Manuel Antonio, located within the La Mariposa Hotel, is an absolute gem. The setting alone is worth a visit, it’s beautifully situated, offering stunning ocean views that make your dining experience truly exceptional.
The restaurant offers a sophisticated menu with beautifully prepared dishes that focus on fresh ingredients and creative flavours.
The setting is quiet and intimate, making it a popular choice for romantic dinners or special occasions.
Best for: Fine dining
Price: High range
La Cantina BBQ
Restaurante La Cantina is a great place to enjoy authentic Costa Rican food in a relaxed setting.
The menu features traditional Costa Rican dishes along with grilled meats, seafood and local favourites.
It’s a great place to try some classic local flavours while exploring Manuel Antonio Costa Rica.
Best for: Local Costa Rican food
Price: Mid range
“En Todas” Food Truck
En Todas Food Truck Restaurant quickly became one of our favourite places to eat in Manuel Antonio, and we found ourselves going back more than once during our stay.
The first thing that caught our eye was the quirky setup. The restaurant is run out of an old American-style school bus, with picnic tables outside where you can sit and enjoy your meal. With the beach on one side and lush jungle on the other, the setting couldn’t feel more Costa Rican.
One of the best parts about eating here is the atmosphere. While you’re enjoying your food, you’ll likely spot iguanas wandering past and hear the waves crashing nearby, which makes the whole experience feel pretty special.
The food itself is also fantastic. It’s very affordable, the portions are generous, and the menu includes some really tasty traditional Costa Rican dishes. It’s relaxed, authentic and easily one of our favourite soda style restaurants in Manuel Antonio.
Best for: Casual beachside dining and local Costa Rican food
Price: Budget
Baldi’s Fresh
Baldi’s Fresh Restaurant lives up to its name by serving a menu filled with healthy and fresh dishes.
The restaurant focuses on simple meals made with local ingredients, including fresh salads, smoothies and light lunch options.
It’s a great place for a refreshing meal after a morning exploring Manuel Antonio National Park.
Best for: Healthy and fresh food
Price: Budget – Mid range
Restaurante Buru Seaside
For a true beachfront dining experience, Restaurante Buru Seaside is a fantastic option.
Located right by the ocean, the restaurant specialises in fresh seafood and local dishes. The relaxed setting makes it the perfect place to enjoy a long lunch or sunset dinner while listening to the waves.
If you’re looking for a classic Costa Rica travel experience with great food and beautiful views, this restaurant is well worth visiting.
Best for: Seafood and beachfront dining
Price: Mid – High range
Traditional Costa Rican Dishes to Try
While visiting restaurants in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica, there are a few classic Costa Rican dishes worth trying.
Some popular options you may see on a restaurant menu include:
• Casado – rice, beans, salad, plantains and meat or fish
• Ceviche – fresh seafood marinated in lime juice
• Gallo Pinto – rice and beans often served for breakfast
• Patacones – fried green plantains
Trying these dishes is a great way to experience authentic Costa Rican food during your travels.
Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio may be best known for its wildlife, and the incredible Manuel Antonio National Park, but the restaurant scene is definitely worth exploring.
From casual cafés and relaxed lunch spots to fine dining restaurants with sunset views, there are plenty of great places to enjoy a memorable meal. Many restaurants offer incredible ocean views, which makes dinner one of the highlights of visiting this part of Costa Rica.
If you’re travelling through Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, hopefully this guide helps you discover some of the best restaurants Manuel Antonio has to offer.
And if you find a great restaurant we didn’t mention, feel free to share it in the comments – we’re always looking for new places to try on our next trip.
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
