Manuel Antonio National Park is Costa Rica’s smallest protected area, yet its ecological diversity is surprisingly plentiful. The same goes for restaurants—the tiny town of Quepa, gateway to the national park, has more quality eateries than you might expect. Learn where to eat in the Manuel Antonio area in our list below, where beachfront seafood spots, Mediterranean falafel shops, and more await.
## A Culinary Journey Through Manuel Antonio and Quepos: Savoring the Flavors of Costa Rica
The areas of Quepos and Manuel Antonio, nestled along the stunning Pacific coast of Costa Rica, offer not only breathtaking natural beauty but also a diverse and delectable culinary landscape. From casual beachfront eateries to upscale dining experiences with panoramic views, there’s something to tantalize every taste bud. Embark on a gastronomic adventure as we explore some of the must-visit restaurants in this vibrant region.
### Café Agua Azul: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
When your travels lead you to Quepos, the bustling hub serving Manuel Antonio, make sure to carve out time for a memorable meal at **Café Agua Azul**. There are not one, but two compelling reasons to visit this popular establishment: the incredibly fresh and flavorful seafood, and the breathtaking views of the expansive Pacific Ocean visible from both the inviting dining room and the spacious terrace. Regarding the seafood, prepare to be overwhelmed, in the best way possible, by the sheer variety and quality on offer. The menu is extensive, a testament to the abundance of the ocean’s bounty, and choosing a main course can feel like a delightful challenge. Every dish seems more tempting than the last!
Imagine indulging in a towering masterpiece of succulent shrimp paired with crispy fried plantains, or savoring the delicate flavor of seared tuna served atop a refreshing cucumber salad. Perhaps the exotic oriental shrimp salad will pique your interest, or the crispy panko-crusted tuna will call your name. And for those who crave a hearty, comforting meal, the seafood stew is a guaranteed winner. Traditional Costa Rican red snapper, prepared with local spices and flair, is always a reliable choice, as is the tantalizing coconut-crusted fish. And these are just a mere glimpse into the culinary treasures that await you at **Café Agua Azul**.
Even those who don’t particularly crave seafood will find something to love on the menu. There’s a surprisingly diverse selection of pub-grub favorites, including juicy burgers and flavorful buffalo wings. So, if you’re traveling with a group with varied tastes, rest assured that everyone will find something to satisfy their cravings. And if, after thoroughly enjoying the restaurant’s dinner menu, you find a sliver of room for dessert, be sure to set your sights on the decadent bananas foster or the irresistibly rich house-made brownie, generously topped with two heaping scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream. To complete your dining experience, consider washing it all down with their famous blended blue margarita, a truly unforgettable concoction.
### Emilio’s Cafe: A Feast for the Senses
While ostensibly a café specializing in tempting desserts and expertly brewed coffees, **Emilio’s Cafe** in Manuel Antonio becomes a surprisingly popular destination during mealtimes. While a perfectly grilled New York strip steak certainly has its appeal, it’s the fresh, locally sourced seafood that truly steals the show at Emilio’s. Whether you opt for the delicate yellowfin tuna, the classic red snapper, the zesty ceviche, the trendy tuna poke, or the tender octopus, you can be certain that every dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients and utmost care.
The open-air ambiance of the dining room contributes to the laid-back and cheerful atmosphere. Most, if not all, seats in the house boast incredible views of the shimmering sea, adding to the overall dining pleasure. Consider starting your day with a visit for breakfast. Indulge in the flavorful huevos rancheros paired with a cup of expertly brewed gourmet coffee. Alternatively, if you manage to secure a table for dinner, aim for a weekend evening where you might be lucky enough to enjoy live jazz music to perfectly complement your meal. After your meal, don’t forget to enjoy a complimentary shot of limoncello.
### Congo Restaurant: A Poolside Paradise within Hotel San Bada
The inviting **Congo Restaurant**, a key part of the multi-story, colonial-style **Hotel San Bada**, stands as a beacon of family-friendly dining in Manuel Antonio. As a significant bonus, this remarkable hotel is conveniently located right next to the entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park. Consider this place a somewhat hidden gem, where you can consistently expect friendly and attentive service accompanied by a welcoming smile.
The menu bills itself as international, featuring flavors from around the globe. However, it’s truly hard to go wrong with the restaurant’s indulgent classic dishes, such as a perfectly cooked steak paired with succulent lobster. Alternatively, dive into the local flavors with the fresh red snapper or the flavorful *arroz con camarones* (rice with shrimp). Another must-try item is the homemade tortillas, made fresh daily. Be sure to relish your meal on the inviting patio adjacent to the enticing swimming pool. You might even find yourself tempted to check into a room at the hotel, especially considering that the Congo’s decadent buffet breakfast is offered complimentary to all hotel guests. Vegetarians need not worry, either, as the restaurant features an entirely separate menu exclusively for herbivorous palates.
### Falafel Bar: A Middle Eastern Gem
**Falafel Bar** in Manuel Antonio can be accurately described as a “hole in the wall,” but in the most complimentary sense of the term. This unassuming eatery is the perfect place for a quick and satisfying lunch. However, don’t let the name fool you – the menu extends well beyond just Middle Eastern cuisine. While you’ll certainly find familiar favorites like hummus, shawarma, kebabs, pita sandwiches, and the titular falafel, you can also discover the surprising addition of German schnitzel.
An added bonus is the restaurant’s commitment to catering to diverse dietary needs. Not only do they offer a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, but they also provide vegan and gluten-free options. And for those seeking a bit of indulgence with a healthy twist, be sure to try one of their creatively crafted “alcoholic smoothies.”
### La Luna Restaurant: Gourmet Dining with Unforgettable Views
For an unforgettable night out featuring a gourmet meal complemented by a breathtaking view, ascend to the top of the luxurious **Gaia Hotel & Reserve** and discover **La Luna Restaurant**. This five-star restaurant has rightfully earned its accolades through a combination of expertly prepared classic dishes presented with artistic flair, impeccable first-class service, and awe-inspiring panoramic views of the lush green jungle canopy stretching out to the edge of the deep blue Pacific Ocean. It’s undeniably one of the most spectacular panoramas in the entire Manuel Antonio National Park.
The menu at La Luna is both solid and reliable, featuring familiar dishes prepared with a tropical twist. Examples include perfectly grilled steak tenderloin and flavorful plantain-and-coconut-crusted mahi-mahi. Vegetarian guests can choose from a range of delightful pasta dishes, such as creamy mushroom risotto. Take advantage of the happy hour from 4-6 pm, which features specials on drinks and tapas, providing the perfect excuse to settle onto a barstool and enjoy a relaxing sundowner. However, even if you don’t make it for happy hour, there’s no need to worry – dining at La Luna won’t break the bank. For aspiring chefs, the restaurant also offers cooking classes. However, it’s important to remember that you cannot bring those classic Pacific views back home.
### Marlin: Beachfront Bliss
Restaurants are generally prohibited from operating within the boundaries of Manuel Antonio National Park or directly on the beaches. However, there is one noteworthy exception to this rule: **Marlin**. Situated directly in front of the main public beach, this open-air eatery provides the unparalleled experience of dining as close to the Pacific Ocean as is possible without actually ending up in the water. The restaurant offers a range of reliable standard dishes, such as *casados* – traditional Costa Rican combo plates featuring rice, beans, meat, plantains, and salad – as well as expertly prepared fried fish.
If you arrive with a robust appetite or simply possess a love for extreme eating, be sure to order the whole fried snapper, which is piled high with fried shrimp and other golden, crispy, and battered delights. Marlin also offers satisfying bar fare, including juicy burgers, flavorful burritos, and shareable nachos. For breakfast, consider the delicious strawberry pancakes. No matter the time of day, don’t hesitate to indulge in a tropical specialty cocktail adorned with a charming little umbrella.
### Z Gastro Bar: Fine Dining with a Tropical Twist
Located in the vibrant marina in the town of Quepos, **Z Gastro Bar** provides a fine dining experience infused with a tropical spirit and a modern edge. Similarly to La Luna, this open-air restaurant offers (partial) sea views. However, the distinguishing feature here is the presence of a convertible 1959 Porsche 718, parked right in the dining room. The menu heavily features seafood, with popular dishes like ceviche, mahi-mahi, fried calamari, and seared tuna steak.
In addition to these seafood staples, you can also discover more innovative plates, such as octopus and shrimp pesto risotto, along with standard options like burgers, steaks, and pasta. Vegetarian guests can enjoy refreshing choices like cucumber and yogurt soup or a flavorful butternut squash burger. And for those who associate “fine dining” with “tiny servings,” rest assured that the portions at Z Gastro Bar are surprisingly generous. In fact, the restaurant offers truly monstrous multi-tiered seafood platters designed to be shared.
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