Nestled along the stunning shores of Costa Rica's Pacific coast, the towns of Quepos and Manuel Antonio beckon travelers with their lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. While the natural beauty of this region is undeniable, so too is its culinary scene. From beachfront eateries to hidden gems tucked away in the jungle, here's a guide to the best restaurants in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, promising unforgettable flavors and dining experiences.
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What's Your Favorite Restaurant Manuel Antonio & Quepos?
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Casual Dining Restaurants in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
CAFÉ MILAGRO
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.
Writers 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.
Try El Sapo Boracho cocktail for a taste of a local treat only found in Costa Rica.
Visit in October when they feature a dinner special where all entrees are half off.
Restaurant Info:
Location: 4 km from Quepos on Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road)
Phone number: (506) 2777-2272
Hours: 7am-10pm
Website: https://elpatiodecafemilagro.com/
DE LA FINCA
De la Finca is one of our favorite local restaurants. This small and colorful restaurant is jam-packed with tasty food options that range from delicious steak to wraps and sandwiches. Ingredients are sourced from local farms giving this restaurant its name: De la Finca (from the farm). They also do express delivery and their menu can be found on their Facebook page.
Writers Tips:
Try their Churrasco that's served with their delicious chimichurri.
They also do a great hamburger
Restaurant info:
Dine-in or delivery
Location: Calle dos in Quepos across from Banco Popular
Phone Number: (506) 8848-6467
Hours: Monday-Friday 10:30am-10pm Saturday- 3:30pm-10pm Sunday-closed
MANGATA
Mangata is new to the neighborhood but took no time to acquire a great reputation in a town that has been missing a delicious option for Peruvian food. This quaint outdoor restaurant has a casual dining area with nice lighting and colorful walls but don't be confused, it's the delicious and authentic Peruvian street food that has people raving. Their owner and chef (Daniel) gave up his chef position in a predominant San Jose restaurant to pursue his dream of owning his restaurant here in Quepos. They are a family owned and run business with great attention to detail.
Writers Tips:
Try their Lomo Saltado or any of their Chafas.
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 i have ever had.
Restaurant info:
Dine-in or delivery
Location: Right on the main road into Quepos (Highway 235) on the right-hand side before Puente Lolo
Phone Number: (506) 2777-2725
WhatsApp: (506) 8520-7510
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-10pm Friday & Saturday- 12pm-11pm Sunday-12pm-9pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063057947779
LA LAMBRETTA PIZZERIA
Hosting one of Manuel Antonio's premier coastal views and some of the best-tasting Italian wood-fire pizza, La Lambretta Pizzeria stands to be one of our favorite restaurants in Manuel Antonio. This quaint and colorful restaurant that sits at the edge of the jungle, elevated above the tree line, specializes in delicious pizza, pasta, salads, and desserts.
Writers Tips:
Order the Mama Mia pizza that has prosciutto and arugula.
Located right off the main Manuel Antonio road, you can take a bus from Quepos or anywhere in Manuel Antonio to get here.
Restaurant Info:
Location: Plaza Vista off Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road)
Phone number: (506) 2777-9103
Hours: 9am-5pm
EL LAGARTO
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.
Writers 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.
Restaurant Info:
Location: On Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road) next to Vista Serena Hostel
Phone number: (506) 2777-6932
Hours: 3pm-9pm
Website: ellagartobbq.com
EMILIOS CAFE
Hosting a spectacular coastal view and a gorgeous open-air dining area, Emilio's Cafe is easily one of the best Manuel Antonio restaurants. Delicious food, amazing coffee, breathtaking views, and great service all make Emilios a highly recommended dining option.
Writers 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
Restaurant Info:
Location: On Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road) next to Plaza Vista
Phone number: (506) 2777-6807
Hours: 7am-9pm
MOROPHO BEACH BAR
Hosting one of the best outdoor dining areas lit with incredible lighting and elegant tables and chairs, Moropho Beach Bar is one of the best restaurants near Manuel Antonio National Park. This outdoor dining option provides guests great service, delicious food, and an outstanding atmosphere.
Writers 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
Restaurant Info:
Location: Manuel Antonio,Parque Nacional, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60601
Phone number: (506) 2100-6621
Hours: 11am-10pm
Website: https://www.espadilla.com/
L'ANGOLO
Located in the center of town near the central bus station is one of the best restaurants/deli's in the region for quality Italian food. L'Angolo is probably the best place to get a good sandwich or Italian-style pasta and they have a quint air-conditioned indoor dining space that is a nice escape from the noisy streets of Quepos central. Be aware, that this Italian dining experience is authentic, in that you should plan to be there for a while. Service is laid back and can be very slow if the restaurant is busy. Our advice is to enjoy the present moment and relax, you have nowhere else to be and the food is so worth the wait.
Writers Tips:
Try one of their seafood pasta with cream sauce.
A great place to order an Italian-style sub.
Restaurant info:
Location: In central Quepos 25m west of the central bus station
Phone Number: (506) 2777-4129
Hours: 11am-10pm closed Sundays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Langolo/330777947429803
MARINA PEZ VELA
Marina Paz Vela a good choice for dining in Quepos because it is not limited to one restaurant or cuisine and here you will find an incredibly beautiful and safe oceanfront environment that is great for any type of group. Pez Vela Marina offers guests a variety of restaurant and cafe options with multiple types of food to choose from.
Sodas and Budget Friendly Restaurants in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Falafel Bar
Centrally located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, visitors will discover authentic Mediterranean cuisine like nothing else in our area. The Falafel bar is a family-owned and operated restaurant run by a beautiful Israeli family who is 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.
Writers Tips:
Try their natural juice smoothies.
Order some Hummus! It's quality with great flavor.
Take the bus from Quepos or anywhere in Manuel Antonio to get here.
Restaurant Info:
Location: On Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road) across from Casa Linda and Tulemar Resort
Phone number: (506) 2777-4135
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 12pm-8pm Closed on Mondays
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Falafel-Bar-Manuel-Antonio-610796545605084
KOKY'S BBQ
Just 25 minutes driving from Manuel Antonio, adventure deep into the Costa Rican jungle for one of the most authentic meals you find in Costa Rica. Koky's is a small, family-owned, BBQ joint hidden in the jungle of Naranjito. This incredible family-run restaurant was started by Koky, an old Costa Rican farmer who started the business with nothing but a hot grill and mouth-watering pork. This authentic barbecue pork sold by the kilo started in Koky's backyard and eventually turned into the restaurant it is today because the BBQ pork is truly incredible.
Writers Tips:
Call ahead and let them know that you're coming. Giving them notice allows them to have meat ready when you arrive.
Be prepared for pork ribs, yucca, and fried plantains as this is the only food they serve.
Restaurant Info:
Phone number: (506) 6179 4530
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 12pm-9pm Closed Tuesdays
SODA SANCHEZ
With only a tiny kitchen and hard working staff Soda Sanchez is one of Quepos's favorite sodas serving typical Costa Rican cuisine. When visiting a soda in Costa Rica, it is this bloggers opinion that it is almost always best to. order a casado. A Casado is a traditional Costa Rican plate that comes with rice, beans, salad, vegetables, and your choice of main course (fish, beef, pork, chicken, or vegetarian). While soda's typically serve other items like hamburgers and burritos, these items can sometimes be unusual or unpredictable depending on the Soda you're visiting. Soda Sanchez makes a great casado and charges a very fair price.
Writers Tips:
Our favorite casado is served with a fish filet as the main course.
Try the "jugos naturales" juice smoothies made from fresh fruit and always delicious.
Restaurant Info:
Dine in or delivery
Location: 50 metros oeste del BCR, Quepos. 60601 Quepos, Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
Phone Number: Whats App- (506) 2777-7273
Hours: 6:30am-10:00pm daily
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063767280943
Cafes in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Monarca Coffee Shop
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 make a visit to their cafe a truly incredible experience.
Restaurant Info:
Dine-in
Location: Right on the main road to Manuel Antonio, Inside Sukia Park
Phone Number: (506) 8517-8558
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5:30pm Sunday 8am-2pm Monday - Closed
Website: https://www.instagram.com/monarca_coffee_shop/?igsh=Z2pmdnZ3em1jYXox
LA PANERA
Featuring some of the best cakes and sweets in the area, La Panera bakery is easily one of the best bakeries in Quepos and a great place for lunch, snacks, and pre-made sandwiches. They are open for lunch and serve great typical Costa Rican dishes and casados but their mainly know for their selection of delicious bread, cakes, and coffee drinks.
Writers Tips:
The cream or caramel-filled donuts are incredible.
The pre-made sandwiches are great for a quick lunch on the go.
This is the best place to order or buy a birthday cake.
Restaurant Info:
Dine-in or take-out
Location: Av.5 Quepos Centro, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, 60601
Phone Number: (506) 2777-0232
Hours: Monday-Saturday 6am-5pm Sunday 8am-5pm
CAFETTO
Featuring some of the best and freshest coffee in Quepos, Cafetto is a newer coffee shop and restaurant located in central Quepos. While their focus is on their locally grown and roasted coffee, their food and entire drinks menu is delicious and has something for everyone. They are open for breakfast and lunch with affordable local cuisine done with extreme thought and intention.
Writers Tips:
They have a great lunch special that includes a large plate of food and a delicious drink for around $10
This is a great place for a coffee or cappuccino
Bring a laptop and work on their strong wifi internet connection
Restaurant info:
Dine-in or take-out
Location: In front of La Garza Shopping Center, Quepos, Costa Rica
Phone Number: (506) 8387-3879
Hours: Monday-Saturday 8am-9pm Closed Sundays
Delivery Food in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
ZAC'S FOOD
Zac's Food is our favorite delivery-only option for food from your hotel in Quepos. Zac's Food menu can be found on Facebook and ordering is done easily through Whats App. Zac's sushi is some of the best sushi offered in the area and is very well-priced. They also have a full menu of hot items that are delicious. Delivery is inexpensive but usually takes about an hour.
Writers 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 Whats App story
Order easily through WhatsApp
Restaurant info:
Location: Delivery only
Phone Number:
Whats App- (best way to order) (506) 7231-7925
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm
Website: https://www.facebook.com/zacsfood
Bars in Manuel Antonio and Quepos
APE TAPAS BAR
Serving some of the best and most well-priced cocktails and tapas in Manuel Antonio, Ape Tapas Bar is the best spot for craft cocktails, dancing, and small bites. Their menu is simple and features delicious bites that are easy to share. They also have one of the coolest dance floors in the area and regularly host DJ dance parties.
Writers Tips:
Try their egg white whiskey sour (best in town)
Sit outside on their elevated patio and watch the town go by.
Restaurant Info:
Location: On Via 618 (Manuel Antonio's main road) above Super Pura Vida
Phone number: (506) 2777-6807
Hours: 7am-9pm
QUEPOA SPORTS BAR
For sports enthusiasts and those looking for a lively atmosphere, Quepos Sports Bar is a must-visit destination. With multiple screens broadcasting live sports events, this bar creates the perfect setting to cheer for your favorite teams. Enjoy a cold beer or your choice of cocktails while engaging in friendly banter with fellow sports fans. The bar also offers corn whole, a foosball table, and a menu of delicious pub grub to complete the experience.
Live Music Schedule: Fridays 6 pm - close
Website: Quepoa Instagram page
EL AVIÓN
Imagine sipping your favorite cocktail while enjoying panoramic ocean views and a stunning sunset. El Avión offers exactly that and more. This unique bar is housed inside an old Fairchild C-123 cargo plane, adding a touch of history to your evening. The bar's rustic ambiance and open-air seating create a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying their signature drinks, such as the Avión Margarita. Don't forget to explore the aircraft's interior, which also houses a restaurant and a fascinating history museum.
Phone: (506) 2777-3378
Website: https://www.elavion.net/
LA COLINA (MANUEL ANTONIO)
Located halfway up Manuel Antonio’s hilly main road, La Colina hosts live music multiple times per week and is one of the most happening spots in the area. This Steak House restaurant is all outdoors and serves delicious steak, pizza, and seafood cooked on a wood-fired grill. They make their own beer and have a delicious sangria for only 1000 colones a glass.
Live music Schedule:
Wednesday and Sunday 6 - 9 pm
Phone: +506 6101-6007
Website: https://www.lacolina.com/