Best restaurants in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: where to eat?

Manuel Antonio is best known for its lush national park and stunning beaches, but it also has a dining scene that travelers can’t stop talking about. From cliffside restaurants with sweeping ocean views to cozy cafés hidden in the jungle, the town is full of unique spots that celebrate fresh ingredients and local creativity. Whether you’re looking for fine dining, a casual sunset dinner, or a budget-friendly “soda” where you can eat like a local, Manuel Antonio has something to satisfy every craving.

Fine Dining Restaurants

Ronny's Place Restaurante

• General Location: Road in front of "Amigos del Río", Provincia de Puntarena

• Type of Food: International / Costa Rican fusion, with seafood, grilled meats

• Price Range: $10 - $35 per person

• Phone Number:+506 2777-5120

• Website www.ronnysplace.com

• Do I Need a Reservation? Recommended for sunset seating/evening meals & in high season.

• Do They Deliver? Yes

Ronny’s Place offers more than just food — it’s an experience. Set on a high point in a large farm above Manuel Antonio, the restaurant gives sweeping views (including sunsets, private beach horizon) and a relaxed yet elevated vibe. The menu has a broad array of seafood, grilled meats, and balanced international-Costa Rican dishes, with excellent appetizers and desserts that many guests praise (like the flambéed banana dessert). The atmosphere tends to be lively but also romantic, perfect for a special dinner or gathering, and the service is generally considered warm and attentive.

Writer's Tips:

• Go for sunset, it's one of the best spots in Manuel Antonio. It's best to make a reservation to have a nice table with an ocean view.

• Try their homemade Sangria.

Morpho Beach Bar

• General location: Playa Espadilla, Manuel Antonio beachfront.

• Type of food: Beach bar, international & Costa Rican specialties.

• Price range: approx. $10–$30 per person.

• Phone number: +506 8963 7240

• Website: https://www.espadilla.com/site/Restaurant.html

• Do I need a reservation? Recommended for prime sunset seating.

• Do they deliver? Yes

With one of the best outdoor dining areas, lit by incredible lighting and featuring elegant tables and chairs, Moropho Beach Bar is a top restaurant near Manuel Antonio National Park.  This outdoor dining option offers guests excellent service, delicious food, and an exceptional atmosphere.

Writer's Tips:

• Try their bar menu's fish tacos that are incredibly well-priced, delicious, and filling.

• This is a great place for clams in white wine sauce

• Call ahead to see if they have live music

Mangata

• General location: Mercadito Gastronómico, Manuel Antonio.

• Type of food: Peruvian fusion, seafood-forward, creative cuisine.

• Price range: approx. $15–$35 per person.

• Phone number: +506 8520-7510

• Website: https://www.menusqrcostarica.com/restaurante-mangata/

• Do I need a reservation? Recommended for dinner

• Do they deliver? Yes

Mangata is a Peruvian-fusion restaurant that feels both elevated and inviting — from its décor (colourful walls, good lighting, indoor/outdoor seating) to its menu of vibrant, bold flavours. Previously located in the center of Quepos, the restaurant has moved to the Mercadito de Manuel Antonio and now benefits from more space and a terrace, ideal for the incredible sunset that Manuel Antonio offers. What stands out is how fresh everything feels: ceviches, tuna tostadas, octopus dishes... The chef and owner, Daniel (a former chef from San José), brings creativity and local ingredients together in unexpected ways, with great balance in sauces and texture. The service is noted as warm and attentive, and patrons appreciate that it offers a high-quality meal without pretension — perfect for celebrating something special or just treating yourself.

Writer's Tips:

• Try their Lomo Saltado, any of their Chafas or the Shrimp Tacos.

• Start by sharing their authentic and delicious Peruvian ceviche.

• Don't pass up the opportunity to try an incredible Pisco Sour. It's hands down one of the best Pisco Sours we have ever had.

Casual Dining Restaurants

El Patio de Café Milagro

• General location: Main Road of Manuel Antonio / central area

• Type of food: Café + international / Costa Rican breakfast, lunch, dinner

• Price range: approx. $10–$25 per person.

• Phone number: +506 2777-2272.

• Website: https://elpatiodecafemilagro.com / https://www.cafemilagro.com.

• Do I need a reservation? Recommended for dinner / large groups

• Do they deliver? Yes

Serving incredible Latin American-inspired cuisine in a colorful and peaceful environment, El Patio de Café Milagro is one of the area's tastiest treats. This lively restaurant delivers delicious coffee and mouth-watering breakfast in the morning and shifts to savory cocktails and scrumptious entrees in the afternoon and evening. Café Milagro has been around for a long time and has solidified a consistent food and service quality that coincides with their delicious house-roasted coffees. Café Milagro can easily be considered one of the best restaurants in Manuel Antonio.



Writer's Tips:

• Try their house-roasted coffee beverages. They have some of Costa Rica's best coffee.

• Try one of their seafood dishes that comes with incredible coconut rice.

• Visit in October when they feature a dinner special where all entrees are half off.

Emilios Café

• General Location: Manuel Antonio, near the Hotel Mariposa area.

• Type of Food: Café / Mediterranean-influenced— excellent breakfasts and scenic views.

• Price Range: $7–$20 per person

• Phone Number: +506 8655 5965

• Website: Facebook

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Not usually — walk-in friendly (call ahead for big groups).

• Do They Deliver?: Yes

  
  

Emilio’s Café is our top pick for breakfast and brunch in Manuel Antonio. Perched with views of the forest and ocean, it offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere perfect for starting the day. The menu features fresh, flavorful dishes like fluffy French toast, Eggs Benedict, and a classic Tico breakfast with gallo pinto and plantains. Generous portions, excellent coffee, and attentive service make it a favorite for both locals and visitors. Whether you’re fueling up for a hike or enjoying a slow morning, Emilio’s never disappoints.

Writer's Tips:

• Call ahead to get a reservation and ask for a table on the glass wall.

• Visit Emilios for Brunch. They have one of the best brunches in the area.

• Try the flourless espresso chocolate cake or the almond cookies.

• Check their Facebook Page to know their live music schedule.

La Lambretta Pizzeria

• General location: Plaza Vista, Manuel Antonio, next to Emilio's Café

• Type of food: Italian / pizza.

• Price range: $8–$20 per person

• Phone number: +506 2771-9103

• Website: Facebook

• Do I need a reservation? No, but recommended during busy dinner times.

• Do they deliver? Yes

Hosting one of Manuel Antonio's premier coastal views and some of the best-tasting Italian wood-fired pizza, La Lambretta Pizzeria stands to be one of our favorite restaurants in Manuel Antonio. This quaint and colorful restaurant, situated at the edge of the jungle, is elevated above the tree line and specializes in delicious pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts.

Writer's Tips:

• Go during sunset hours

• Enjoy the live music from the restaurant Emilio's Café next door.

• Order the Mama Mia pizza that has prosciutto and arugula.

Agua Azul Café

• General Location: Top of Villas del Parque / near Playa Espadilla (great elevated ocean views).

• Type of Food: Seafood-forward international menu, casual café & dinner options.

• Price Range: approx. $10–$30 per person.

• Phone Number: +506 2777 5280.

• Website: https://www.cafeaguaazul.com 

• Do I Need a Reservation?: Not but recommended for dinner

• Do They Deliver?: Yes

  
  

Agua Azul is perched above the rainforest, offering open-air dining with sweeping ocean and sunset views that feel like you're dining on the edge of paradise. The restaurant mixes international and seafood cuisine — you’ll find everything from tacos, wraps, and burgers to seared tuna, red snapper, and creative pastas—often with fresh local ingredients and interesting twists. What really makes it special is the combination of great food, friendly service, and ambiance: the vibe is relaxed yet elevated, perfect for a casual lunch or a romantic dinner. Locals and visitors alike praise its view, portion sizes, and value — you get a memorable setting without tourist prices to match.

Writer's Tips:

• Go for sunset and make a reservation to have a table with an ocean view.

• Try their fish and shrimp special with the Caribbean sauce: amazing!

• Try their Tuna Tostada that comes with Patacones.

El Lagarto

• General location: Manuel Antonio, near Mercadito, north of it alongthe main road.

• Type of food: BBQ / grilled meats & seafood, casual dining with sunset views.

• Price range: $12–$30 per person

• Phone number: +506 2777 6932.

• Website: www.ellagartobbq.com/ 

• Do I need a reservation? No, but recommended for sunset / busy nights.

• Do they deliver? Yes

If you're a red meat eater on the hunt for a good Steak in a country where good red meat is hard to find, look no further. With an incredible restaurant view and a huge grill, El Lagarto stands to be one of the best Steakhouses in our area and proves to have some really good meats, delicious fresh grilled seafood, and grilled vegetables. El Lagarto has a one-of-a-kind wood-burning grill and features high-quality meats from animals raised with specialized care in the foothills of Volcan Arénal. Their animals are raised naturally and are free of hormones, chemicals, and antibiotics.

Writer's Tips:

• Try one of their sample plates that gives you a little taste of a variety of different meats.

• The quality of the meat in Costa Rica is different. Steaks tend to be smaller, but you get a more natural product.

Budget dining restaurants

Falafel Bar

• General location: In front of Tulemar Resort / Via 618, Manuel Antonio.

• Type of food: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern (falafel, wraps, plates).

• Price range: $6 to $20 per person

• Phone number: +506 2777 4135

• Website: Facebook

• Do I need a reservation? No

• Do they deliver? Yes — delivery & takeout options

Centrally located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, visitors will discover authentic Mediterranean cuisine like nothing else in our area.  Falafel bar is a family-owned and operated restaurant run by our friends, a beautiful Israeli family, who are very hands-on with their business, ensuring consistent quality, great customer service, and high-quality food. Their menu features Mediterranean classics like shawarma, falafel, kabab, and schnitzel. Their outdoor patio is a nice and comfortable place to dine and hang out. The vibe is always chill, and the food is always served for a fair price.



Writer's Tips:

• Try their natural juice smoothies or their homemade popsicles.

• Order some Hummus and Pita: great flavor.

Monarca Coffee Shop

• General location: Inside Sukia Park

• Type of food: Coffee Shop & Breakfast

• Price range: $6 to $20 per person

• Phone number: +506 8517 8558

• Website: Instagram

• Do I need a reservation? No

• Do they deliver? Yes

Monarca Coffee Shop in Manuel Antonio is a cafe located inside one of the area's best butterfly gardens. They easily have the best cafe environment in Manuel Antonio, with both air-conditioned indoor seating and outdoor seating inside the butterfly garden. Their coffee, cakes, and food are all high quality, and their butterfly garden location makes visiting their cafe a truly incredible experience.

Writer's Tips:

• Bring a laptop and work in this beautiful environment.

  
  

Delivery Food in Manuel Antonio

Zac's Food

• General Location: Delivery only

• Type of Food: Sushi & Full Costa Rican fusion menu

• Price Range: $10 to $30 per person

• Phone Number: +506 7231-7925 (order via WhatsApp)

• Website: Facebook

• Do I Need a Reservation? No

• Do They Deliver? Yes

Zac’s Food is a favorite among locals and visitors for its versatility and value. If you’re craving good sushi delivered, Zac’s does the best in Manuel Antonio — fresh rolls, good seafood, and hot dishes when you want something warm. The WhatsApp ordering is easy; they post daily specials. Although delivery may take a little time, the price and quality make it worthwhile. For those nights you don’t want to leave your hotel but still want something tasty, Zac’s is one of the best go-tos. Delivery is inexpensive but usually takes about an hour.

Writer's Tips:

• Order the rainbow roll that has salmon and tuna

• If you order sushi, order the spicy edamame as an appetizer

• Look for daily specials posted to their WhatsApp story

Conclusion

Dining in Manuel Antonio is about more than just food — it’s about the atmosphere, the views, and the genuine 'pura vida' spirit that makes every meal memorable. Whether you splurge on fresh seafood with a view or grab a quick casado after a day in the park, you’ll find that every restaurant here offers its own little slice of Costa Rican hospitality. And if you’d like to explore even more options just a short drive away, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Quepos — the neighboring town with its own exciting food scene.