Locals’ Pick Best Restaurants Manuel Antonio

The plane has landed, you’ve collected your luggage and hopped in a taxi for a winding and scenic ride down Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Your stomach starts to rumble and you haven’t even settled in your hotel room yet! The next question on your mind… “Where’s the best place to eat?” You can stop to ask a local or just keep reading as we’ve done the leg work for you with our ten local’s best restaurants Manuel Antonio.

#1 Falafel Bar

Falafel Bar offers mediterranean & middle eastern style cuisine in their open-air dining patio. It is located in the center of Manuel Antonio where you can sit and enjoy your meal during sunset with a comfortable & outdoorsy feel.

Favorite Menu Item: Pineapple mint smoothie! It’s a unique and refreshing combination that is particularly satisfying after a day in the heat of the tropics.
Location: On the main road across from Cafe Milagro
Hours: 10:30am-9pm
Phone: 2777-4135

#2 MarLuna
MarLuna restaurant is known for their seafood dishes. Grilled snapper, giant shrimp and fresh tuna are some of their offerings. You can also bring in your catch from a day out on the water and the chef will prepare it to your liking!

Favorite Menu Item: One of our favorites is the Shrimp Juvenile Sautee with Garlic Butter
Location: On Manuel Antonio Main Road across from Villas Lirio
Hours: 2pm-12am
Phone: 2777-5107

#3 Ronny’s Place
Ronny’s place was voted by Lonely Planet as having the best sangria. It is a rancho in the middle of a farm overlooking the bay and horizon. Ronny’s Place has beautiful views of the sunsets year-round.

Favorite Menu Item: We love their Whole Red Snapper
Location: On the road across from Amigos del Rio Rafting
Hours: 12pm-10am
Phone: 2777-7550

#4 Z’s
Z’s was an early evening lounge for those seeking a classic evening dining feel in Manuel Antonio. Due to their incredible success they moved to a larger location in Manuel Antonio’s neighboring town of Quepos, within the world-class Marina Pez Vela.

Favorite Menu Item: Chicken Cordon Bleu with a cream mushroom sauce
Location: Marina Pez Vela in Quepos
Hours: 7am-10pm
Phone: 2777-6948

#5 Barba Roja
Barba Roja is a favorite family friendly locals spot with long standing roots. They’ve been around since 1975 feeding the town of Manuel Antonio with delicious steaks. Tropical and traditional plates are served to please all palettes and the sushi bar is to die for Argh!

Favorite Menu Item: We love the tuna sashimi!
Location: Manuel Antonio Main Road in front of Hotel Divisimar
Hours: 12:30pm-8:30pm
Phone: 2777-5159

#6 El Lagarto
El Lagarto is a famous barbecue spot in Manuel Antonio offering many different meat & seafood dishes. Everything is cooked on the grill… Steaks, Salmon, Grouper and Squid are just a few of the menu items.

Favorite Menu Item: Pork tenderloin wrapped with bacon & Maasdam Cheese
Location: 200 meters north of the sports plaza in Manuel Antonio
Hours: Dinner & late night reservations
Phone: 2777-6932

#7 Ngo
Ngo is a popular Chinese, Asian and Vietnamese food restaurant. Spicy orange chicken, egg rolls, thai green curry & vietnamese sandwiches for dine-in or delivery? Yes please!

Favorite Menu Items: We especially love the fresh spring rolls and Singapore Noodles!
Location: next to Hotel Flor Blanca
Phone: 2777 6821

#8 Cafe Agua Azul
Agua Azul’s menu is a versatile one: burgers, sandwiches, tacos, spring rolls, and calamari are just a few of the mouthwatering dishes offered. Agua Azul is located above Villas del Parque with an incredible ocean view.

Favorite Menu Item: We love the Costa Rica Snapper. Served with green papaya, sweet plantains tossed in tamarindo sauce.
Location: across from Latitude 9 above Villas del Parque
Hours: 11am-10pm except Wednesdays
Phone: 2777 5280

#9 Emilio’s Cafe
Emilio’s is great for breakfast, dinner & dessert. It is one of the most popular daytime spots due to their famous view over Manuel Antonio National Park. The food complements the stunning slice of paradise the restaurant overlooks. They often host live jazz musicians and flamenco dancers for evening dine-in entertainment.

Favorite Menu Item(s): We love the falafel salad for lunch and their trio chocolate cake for dessert!
Location: 40 meters before hotel Mariposa
Hours: 7am-9pm
Phone: 2777-6807

#10 White Eagle
White Eagle Restaurant is located in the Hotel Tres Banderas surrounded by lush jungles of Manuel Antonio. It is tucked away, quiet, and feels like home- a very comfortable dining experience. White Eagle is truly unique to the area, specializing in International & Polish Cuisines that will leave your belly satisfied and your mouth watering for more.

Favorite Menu Item(s): Polish Dumplings with Lamb and the famous AK47 chiliguaro shots!
Location: Inside Hotel Tres Banderas
Hours: 2:00pm-10:00pm
Phone: 2777-1871