Eat and Drink

We have some recommendations for great spots to eat and drink in Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Not all restaurants are equal. We think this selection offers you the best in town. All these selections are findable on Google maps.

#1, #2, #3

Many of our guests only stay for a couple of nights, so here are my favorite restaurants for food, ambiance and price

Cafe Milagro

A local coffee roaster and a legacy restaurant in town (with the best coffee in town and I think their coffee is one of the best souvenirs for discerning friends and family), offers surprisingly delicious meals, live music at the dinner, terrific staff and a charming bistro ambiance that draws locals and visitors over and over.

Mangata

Just plain great, great tasting food. Peruvian cuisine will become one of your favorite foods after seating here. The staff is lovely, and if you get a table on the veranda, the view of the ocean is breathtaking.

Agua Azul

Also in the center of Manuel Antonio, the sinset views are wonderful, the food is good and the atmosphere is lively, friendly, excellent.

Culinary Experiences

Cava

We have a new restaurant in Manuel Antonio started by a Costa Rican chef trained in Michelin restaurants in Europe. His food is a fusion of Greek and Costa Rica cuisines. If you ask, he'll provide a tasting menu. The restaurant has an old-world charm with gracious service and verandas front and back.

Bon Bonnette

Killer sandwiches. They'd make an appearance in the NY Times best sandwiches list if the N Y Times knew about them. It's a bakery with a European tradition. The bread is amazing. So are the pastries. Absolutely top quality.

Playitas Beachfront Restaurant

Uniquely positioned on the beach and part of the luxury resort Arenas Del Mar,

this restaurant offers a luxury food experience. While the food doesn't quite match the quality of Cava, the service and location is unlike any other place here. Taking lunch here might be the slightly better choice as you can sit and gaze out to the vast pacific ocean.

Le Papillion

One of the many charms of life here are the many open air eateries. Le Papillion is one of the best. This acclained restaurant at Hotel La Mariposa combines spectacular Views with delicious food, beautiful sunsets and the delicious dishes from an internationally renown chef.

Around the Corner from Casa Windsong

Chillax Bistro

Turn right at the very first crossroad, literally around the corner (a 4 minute walk) and located poolside at Riverside Bungalows, is the Chillax Bistro. They serve decent food for breakfast and dinner.

Ronny's Restaurant

Turn left to the main road, turn right and take the first street on left and walk 10 minutes to the famous Ronny's Restaurant, another legacy business founded in 2003. Good food, decent cocktails, amazing sunset views and fun celebratory deserts. The banana flambé comes with a terrific ritual.

Traditional Costa Rican Food

Koky's La Cazuela

Our famous chicherronera is an experience not to be missed. Pork and yucca and beer. Classic.

"Chicharrones are a popular dish, typically consisting of fried pork belly or pork rinds (skin),

originating from Spain and widely consumed in Latin America. They are known for being

crispy, savory, and are often eaten as a snack or in dishes like tacos. They can be made from

fried pork skin or pork belly with meat.

Located 15 minutes out of town in the rural town of Naranjito where locals ride horses as much as their pick up truck.

Read a review here: https://www.vidapacificacr.com/post/koky-s-la-cazuela

Cerdo Feliz and El Angel

Classic Costa Rican food in two restaurants in Manuel Antonio that are usually full. We can definitely recommend both these places for good food at good prices.

Soda Sanchez

In downtown Quepos, this place has everything. Fantastic traditional food like Gallo pinto at breakfast and Casados for lunch and favorite fast foods like burgers, burritos and wraps.

International Food

Enso Sushi

First class sushi and sashimi, playful cocktails and international beers, open air and wonderful. Across the street from Samui, a regular Asian food corner. Daniel, the owner and chef is creative and a basket of joy. Enjoy.

Samui Thai

It's not a common choice to select a traditional Thai restaurant, but if you love Thai food you will love this beautiful, Thai owned place that is well appointed, open air and lush with proper Thai food. https://www.vidapacificacr.com/post/review-samui-thai-bistro

Falafel Bar Manuel Antonio

Authentic Israeli food - falafel in pita - shawarma - hummus and kebabs - all are plentiful, fresh, and tasty. Read more here: https://www.vidapacificacr.com/post/manuel-antonio-falafel-bar

Comfort Food

El Wagon or Librettas

For pizza

Santa Plancha or Quepoa Sports Bar

For burgers

Burû Sea Side Bar-Restaurant- Cafe, Chili Bus in Quepos, Cafe Milagro

For tacos