Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

Deciding where to eat in Manuel Antonio can be overwhelming. With over 75 restaurants tucked away in town and dozens more in nearby Quepos, knowing where to get a good meal isn’t always easy. We have been fortunate to live near Manuel Antonio for several years now and eat there often. If you’re visiting, you will be happy to know that the food and overall dining experience is one of the best in Costa Rica. This guide covers some of our favorite restaurants in Manuel Antonio. 

Note: All directions are given as if you are coming from Quepos.

Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Best Restaurants in Manuel Antonio

La Luna Restaurant at Gaia Hotel and Reserve

For fine dining and first-class service, head to La Luna Restaurant at the luxury Gaia Hotel. You will be whisked away by friendly hotel staff on a golf cart to the plush open-air restaurant on top of the hill.

Enjoy a gourmet dinner or get the experience for less with a happy hour cocktail and tapas in the lounge (4-6 p.m.). Our favorite is the pineapple-jalapeno margarita. Located 2 km (1.2 miles) from downtown Quepos, left side of road after Hotel Plaza Yara.

Emilio’s Cafe

Emilio’s is an eclectic cafe with gorgeous ocean and jungle views. While it is open for all three meals, we recommend it for breakfast or lunch so that you can take in the scenery.

For breakfast, the eggs benedict and brioche French toast are popular, and for lunch, we love the simple sandwiches made with quality ingredients. Homemade baked goods and desserts go great alongside their rich coffee. Often has jazz or Latin music. Located right before Hotel Mariposa on the road leading to Punta Quepos.

Emilio's - an eclectic cafe in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica
Tuna Burger at Emilio’s Cafe

Falafel Bar

You wouldn’t expect to find authentic Middle Eastern cuisine in Central America, but Falafel Bar has it. Their falafel is crispy and light, and made even better when combined with amazing hummus and tahini. Be sure to load up on the fresh pickled veggies from the salad bar.

We’ve never strayed from the falafel, but they also have shawarma and kabobs that are supposed to be equally as good. Located at the top of the hill across the street from Tulemar Resort.

Restaurante Buena Vista Plus

Restaurante Buena Vista Plus is true to its name and located right on Playa Espadilla, the main beach in Manuel Antonio. From your table on the sand, you can take in the ocean breeze while sipping a fruity cocktail.

We love the location, but the service is wonderful too. The restaurant is run by friendly locals who will make sure you have a good time and get a great meal. They’re open for all 3 meals a day or you can just grab a drink at the outdoor rancho. Located at Buena Vista Plus Hotel.

Manuel Antonio Restaurants - Buena Vista Beach Villas Restaurant
Tables right on the sand at Restaurante Buena Vista Plus

El Wagon

If you have hit your limit on rice and beans, check out El Wagon for excellent wood-fired pizza. Costa Rica isn’t known for its pizza, but this is a go-to spot for many pizza enthusiasts we know, us included.

The Caprichosa with proscuitto, salami, artichokes, and mushrooms is one of our favorites, or try the El Wagon with mushrooms, onions, peppers, ham, and pineapple. After El Avion Restaurant on the right, on the way down the hill towards the beach.

El Patio de Cafe Milagro

Cafe Milagro is a longtime favorite in Manuel Antonio. Milagro specializes in gourmet coffee and roasts its own beans, but it’s also a wonderful spot for a meal.

For breakfast, head to their lush outdoor dining area for an omelet or banana pancakes. For dinner, savor one of their meat or fish dishes and enjoy live music while sipping a local craft beer. Open all three meals. Vegetarian and gluten-free friendly. At the top of the hill across from Los Altos Resort and the road to Hotel Mariposa.

Cafe Milagro - a longtime favorite in Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica
The comfortable garden patio at Cafe Milagro

Ronny’s Place, Restaurante y Mirador Mi Lugar

This open-air restaurant situated on a peninsula overlooking the ocean has one of the best views of sunset around. You have to work a little to get there, but the vista, fun atmosphere, and good food at Ronny’s Place are worth it. Be sure to make a reservation if you’re going to catch sunset. As you’re driving up the hill, look for Amigos del Rio rafting and kayaking company on the left. Take a right and follow the bumpy dirt road for 800 meters.

Restaurante Mi Lugar Manuel Antonio
Sunset at Ronny’s Place

Rafael’s Terrazas

Rafael’s Terrazas is a friendly, locally owned restaurant that serves upscale Costa Rican cuisine. The lunch menu has sandwiches, salads (the fresh tuna salad is recommended), seafood dishes, ceviche, and pasta. The dinner menu has more refined dishes that incorporate sauces like Mahi-Mahi in lemon and tuna in ginger-wasabi.

The ocean view at Rafael’s is outstanding and we’ve even seen whales breaching while dining. This casual spot is kid and dog friendly. Set back from the road after La Cantina Restaurant on the right.

Rafael's Terrazas - good food and a great view | Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica
Seafood Pasta at Rafael’s Terrazas

El Avion

If you’re wondering why a US military plane sits as if it crashed into the hillside of Manuel Antonio, you’re not alone. The story behind El Avion can be found on the back of their menu and reading it is a good excuse to sit down for some good food and drink. Before you leave, make sure to take some selfies in the plane’s cockpit, which is also the bar. This is the perfect place for the whole family, with a large menu and kid-friendly options. On the right after Hotel Villa Roca.

El Avion Manuel Antonio Airplane
The old military plane at El Avion is hard to miss on the main road in Manuel Antonio.

Restaurants at Marina Pez Vela

The marina in Quepos opens up even more opportunities for fabulous food.

The Runaway Grill is a casual spot where you will find fishermen tipping back a beer after a day out on the water. From their balcony overlooking the ocean, you can enjoy great burgers, sandwiches, apps, and mains. 

We enjoy Gabriella’s for a fine dining experience. The steaks, seafood, and pasta dishes are high quality, and the service is top notch.

And of course, don’t forget to end your meal with a sweet treat from Gelateria Amorosi – we can never resist!

The marina is in Quepos on the southern end of town.

The new marina in Quepos | Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica
View from Marina Pez Vela

Marlin

Manuel Antonio doesn’t have a lot of options for dining near the beach, but Marlin is a good one. This open-air restaurant serves traditional Costa Rican dishes like casados and fried snapper, but also has American classics like sandwiches, burritos, and fish tacos.

Marlin is a popular spot during the day with people relaxing with a cool beverage after soaking up the sun or walking in the national park. Places come and go, but this restaurant has been around for a long time. Directly across from the main beach in Manuel Antonio.

Soda Sanchez

Quepos has many casual sodas (local restaurants) to choose from that will give you a taste of the culture. But for the best typical Costa Rican cuisine, we recommend Soda Sanchez. This simple restaurant has delicious food at a very affordable price. Soda Sanchez is one block up the road from the bus station, across from BCR bank and the Gollo store.

Best Local Restaurants near Manuel Antonio | Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide | Two Weeks in Costa Rica
A typical Costa Rican casado

Conclusion

As you can see, Manuel Antonio has more great restaurants to choose from than you could possibly try on one vacation alone. With everything from laid back cafes and pizza shops, to elegant fine dining with rainforest views, Manuel Antonio’s dining scene has something for everyone.

Last Updated: April 19, 2023

What is your favorite restaurant in Manuel Antonio? Let us know in the comments below. 

Check out these posts for more information to help plan your visit to Costa Rica:

Manuel Antonio Trip Planning: Now you know where to eat, but what about hotels and activities? Check out this detailed guide for all the info.

A Taste of Costa Rica: 7 Traditional Foods to TryCeviche, pargo, casados, and more. Learn the lingo for what to order at a local soda.

6 Great Eats Around Lake Arenal – If you’re driving from La Fortuna to Monteverde, there are some great restaurants along the way. Here are six of our favorites.

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