Manuel Antonio Restaurants: Best Dining Near Casa Playitas 2026

Manuel Antonio has two food scenes: International and local cuisine, and the places locals actually eat. When you stay at Casa Playitas, you’re walking distance from both. Manuel Antonio has many style of cuisines that may not be listed here including Sushi, Peruvian, Mexican style, and more. Ask your Casa Playitas Concierge for recommendations.

Here’s your dining guide broken down by vibe, budget, and how far you want to walk from Casa Playitas after a day at the beach (In no particular order).

1. Sunset Dining in Manuel Antonio

Emilio’s Cafe
Up the hill in the jungle. Ocean views, white tablecloths, Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion. Sunsets  and cuisine are worth the 10-min walk from Casa Playitas, or 3 min drive.  Reserve for 5:30pm. | Best for: Date night, views, wine, seafood.

Mercadito
A 10 min drive from Casa Playitas and located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, the Mercadito Gastronómico, a hub for local entrepreneurs offering a variety of good local food including fast food, seafood, meats, sushi, hamburgers, chicken, boneless wings, ice cream, flowers, souvenirs, free Wi-Fi, coworking space, a giant screen for all sports, dance classes and games for the kids.  Best for:  Fast bites, family atmosphere, views, Dinner, Lunch

Pasion at Mercadito
Located within the Mercadito Gastronómico, in Manuel Antonio, great skirt steak, views and family fun. Best for: Family atmosphere, views, Dinner, Lunch.

La Terraza Café Bar Restaurante
Local cuisine restaurant in Manuel Antonio with the best ocean view. Variety of seafood, breakfasts, lunches, traditional food, cocktails, and happy hour. Best for: Sunsets, seafood, Authentic local cuisine.

Le Papillon Restaurante
One of the oldest places in Manuel Antonio Area. Well known by having the best ocean views & sunsets, and local cuisine. Best for: Breakfast, views, authentic local cuisine

2. Best Local Sodas & Restaurants In Manuel Antonio — Where Ticos Eat

A “soda” is a family-run Costa Rican diner. Cheap, fast, huge portions. This is where you get the real casado.

La Terraza Café Bar Restaurante
Local cuisine restaurant in Manuel Antonio with the best ocean view. Variety of seafood, breakfasts, lunches, traditional food, cocktails, and happy hour. Best for: Sunsets, seafood, Authentic local cuisine.

Soda Sanchez
In Quepos, 15-min drive from Casa Playitas. Opens 6am. Best for: Breakfast, authentic local cuisine

Le Papillon Restaurante
One of the oldest places in Manuel Antonio Area. Well known by having the best ocean views & sunsets, and local cuisine. Best for: Breakfast, views, authentic local cuisine

Runaway Grill
Local cuisine restaurant in the Marian Pez Vela with great ocean and marina view. Variety of seafood, breakfasts, lunches, traditional food, cocktails, and happy hour. Best for: Sunsets, seafood, Authentic local cuisine.

3. Fine Dining & Date Night in Manuel Antonio— Worth the Taxi

Emilio’s Cafe
Up the hill in the jungle. Ocean views, white tablecloths, Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion. Sunsets  and cuisine are worth the 10-min walk rom Casa Playitas. Reserve for 5:30pm. | Best for: Date night, views, wine, seafood.

Cava
New restaurant, no views but lovely, warm, family or date night vibe. Excellent chef-driven restaurant in Manuel Antonio where Mediterranean and Greek flavors meet seasonal Costa Rican ingredients. Service is great. | Best for: Date night, family, food.

4. Best Coffee & Breakfast in Manuel Antonio— Start Your Day Right

Cafe Milagro
Quepos roaster + cafe. Single-origin Costa Rican beans, real espresso, avocado toast and a variety of local and USA style breakfasts.  15-min walk from Casa Playitas. Best for: Coffee snobs, wifi, breakfast, brunch

Emilio’s Cafe
Up the hill in the jungle. Ocean views, Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion. Great morning breakfast and views, worth the 10-min walk from Casa Playitas. | Best for: Coffee, views, breakfasts

5. Best Lunch and Dinners In Manuel Antonio

Cafe Milagro
Quepos gluten-free and vegetarian options. Good variety of local cuisine. 15-min walk from Casa Playitas. $$ | Best for: Coffee snobs, wifi, brunch, lunch

Emilio’s Cafe
Up the hill in the jungle. Ocean views, Mediterranean-Costa Rican fusion. Lunch and views, worth the 10-min walk from Casa Playitas. Best for: Lunch, views, wine, Seafood.

Falafel Bar
Sounds random for Costa Rica, but this Israeli-run spot does incredible shakshuka, Shawarma platters and strong coffee. Right on the main road, 15-min walk.  Best for: Vegetarian, healthy, fast, Israeli food. 

Butcher Block
Texas barbecue, Brisket, USDA-imported meats, and smoky flavors on the menu. The bar offers expertly handcrafted cocktails that perfectly pair with the cuisine, fine wines, whiskeys, bourbons, and martinis. Located at the Marina Pez Vela with nice views of the Marina. Best for: Lunch, Marina views, meats, brisket, USA food. 

El Lagarto
The Lagarto Restaurant features high quality wood fired grilled meats, vegetables, Jalepeño poppers.  Best for: Dinner, steak, views.

Agua Azul
Popular with locals and tourists for the local cuisine including seafood, burgers and more. Great views. Best for: Lunch, ocean views, local cuisine, seafood. 

6. Best Dinner with live music in Manuel Antonio

Cafe Milagro
Live entertainment nightly. Quepos gluten-free and vegetarian options. Good variety of local cuisine. 15-min walk from Casa Playitas. $$ | Best for: Coffee snobs, wifi, dinner, local cuisine, jerk chicken. 

Mercadito
Located in the heart of Manuel Antonio, the Mercadito Gastronómico, a hub for local entrepreneurs offering a variety of good local food including fast food, seafood, meats, sushi, hamburgers, chicken, boneless wings, ice cream, flowers, souvenirs, free Wi-Fi, co-working space, a giant screen for all sports, dance classes, live entertainment, and games for the kids.  Best for:  Fast bites, family atmosphere, views, Dinner, Lunch

7. Quick Bites & Late Night in Manuel Antonio

Provisions
Fast food including smash burgers, fries, chicken wings, pizza and more. Best for:  Fast bites, fun outside atmosphere at night. Close at 10pm

8. Pizza in Manuel Antonio

Lambretta
Good wood-fired Italian-style pizza, 10 min walk from Casa Playitas. 

USA Style
Pizza Hut and Papa John’s in Quepos

Tips From Casa Playitas Guests

• Cash is king: Sodas and small spots often don’t take cards. Bring colones or USD.
• Reservations: Emilio’s and Butcher Block need them for dinners. Book 24hrs ahead in high season Dec-Apr
• Tipping: 10% service is included by law. Add 5-10% more if you desire and enjoyed the service.
• Sunset time: 5:30pm Dec, 6:00pm April. Plan dinner reservations around it

Why Stay at Casa Playitas for Foodies

You’re walking distance from sodas, find dining, beach bars, and quick eats. You’re a 7-minute taxi from fine dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does food cost in Manuel Antonio?
Soda meal: $5-8. Mid-range restaurant: $15-25 per entree. Fine dining: $30-50 per entree. Beer $2-4, cocktails $6-10.

Is it safe to eat at sodas?
Yes. Sodas serve locals all day with fast food turnover. Look for busy ones like Soda Sanchez as a quality indicator.

Do I need reservations in Manuel Antonio?
Only for fine dining like Emilio’s and Cava in high season Dec-Apr. Sodas and beach bars are walk-in.

Closest restaurant to Casa Playitas?
Emilio’s, Lambretta, Cafe Milago, Agua Azul.