Casa Bellamar
Local Dining
Dining Options
Everyone who visits Casa Bellamar is surprised by the variety and quality of dining options in the area. Things do come and go in Manuel Antonio/Quepos but most of these have been around a while. This list will give you an idea what is available. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all restaurants and bars in the area. These are the ones we tend to frequent and that we know to be welcoming. Due to COVID some may be temporarily closed so call or check online before you go.
Our #1 favorite place for lunch is Agua Azul. If you don’t try any other recommendation on this list, you must eat here once during daylight hours. The place doesn't look like much, but the view is priceless. Parking is limited so, if you’re driving yourself, go early or late for lunch to take in the incredible view in the daylight then again for happy hour/early dinner (5pm) to enjoy the sunset. By 6:30pm the sunset will have faded, and the view disappears. Everything on their menu is good but we have our favorites. Their guacamole is house made, fresh and delicious but not too spicy. Costa Rican food in general is flavorful but not spicy. At lunch, the fish tacos and the big-ass burger (their name, not mine, but accurate) top our list of favorites with the tuna wrap coming in a close third place. All their salads are good too. At dinner, you can't go wrong with the catch of the day, but they always have tuna on the menu and every preparation I have tried there has been very good. They sometimes have a pork chop item on the dinner specials and no matter how they prepare it, it is delicious.
54 recommandé par les habitants
Agua Azul
Our #1 favorite place for lunch is Agua Azul. If you don’t try any other recommendation on this list, you must eat here once during daylight hours. The place doesn't look like much, but the view is priceless. Parking is limited so, if you’re driving yourself, go early or late for lunch to take in the incredible view in the daylight then again for happy hour/early dinner (5pm) to enjoy the sunset. By 6:30pm the sunset will have faded, and the view disappears. Everything on their menu is good but we have our favorites. Their guacamole is house made, fresh and delicious but not too spicy. Costa Rican food in general is flavorful but not spicy. At lunch, the fish tacos and the big-ass burger (their name, not mine, but accurate) top our list of favorites with the tuna wrap coming in a close third place. All their salads are good too. At dinner, you can't go wrong with the catch of the day, but they always have tuna on the menu and every preparation I have tried there has been very good. They sometimes have a pork chop item on the dinner specials and no matter how they prepare it, it is delicious.
Restaurante Cuba Libre is in the Marina Pez Vela complex. They recently moved from their original location in Manuel Antonio to this space in the marina and made a huge improvement in their service and quality of food in the process. Cuban influenced local fare, all prepared perfectly and delicious. You’ll never go wrong with the catch of the day. The local fish market is just around the corner so it’s all good and fresh. On our most recent trip I tried the seared tuna with sesame seeds on the regular menu, which was amazing and the side dish, Zucchini Spaghetti with Pesto on Roasted Tomatoes, was spectacular. The Cuban Style Roasted Pork is also good. No one I know has tried the beef items here so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad.
6 recommandé par les habitants
Cuba Libre
Restaurante Cuba Libre is in the Marina Pez Vela complex. They recently moved from their original location in Manuel Antonio to this space in the marina and made a huge improvement in their service and quality of food in the process. Cuban influenced local fare, all prepared perfectly and delicious. You’ll never go wrong with the catch of the day. The local fish market is just around the corner so it’s all good and fresh. On our most recent trip I tried the seared tuna with sesame seeds on the regular menu, which was amazing and the side dish, Zucchini Spaghetti with Pesto on Roasted Tomatoes, was spectacular. The Cuban Style Roasted Pork is also good. No one I know has tried the beef items here so I can’t say whether it’s good or bad.
Runaway Grill is also in the Marina Pez Vela complex and a great place for lunch or dinner but a little pricey for what you get. Stick with the seafood options and you can't go wrong. They overlook the marina and face west so get there for happy hour at sunset and stay for dinner.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Runaway Grill
Runaway Grill is also in the Marina Pez Vela complex and a great place for lunch or dinner but a little pricey for what you get. Stick with the seafood options and you can't go wrong. They overlook the marina and face west so get there for happy hour at sunset and stay for dinner.
For Breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can count on Café Milagro. They are in Manuel Antonio across the street from the Promerica Bank building. They use a lot of the local ingredients in traditional Costa Rican dishes and in familiar preparations as well. This is a great place to try things you have never had before. It's all good here. They also have the best coffee in town. They started as a coffee roaster and later opened the restaurant. Their coffee makes great gifts for anyone back home and they ship. They frequently have live music during the dinner hours and the ‘stage’ is usually near the front entrance. It’s usually pretty good music but very loud if you’re stuck at one of the tables near the stage. The back patio is beautifully landscaped, and it is covered so ask to be seated out there if the band is set up near the door when you get there. The patio tends to be a little cooler than sitting inside and you’ll still hear the music.
56 recommandé par les habitants
El Patio de Café Milagro
For Breakfast, lunch, or dinner you can count on Café Milagro. They are in Manuel Antonio across the street from the Promerica Bank building. They use a lot of the local ingredients in traditional Costa Rican dishes and in familiar preparations as well. This is a great place to try things you have never had before. It's all good here. They also have the best coffee in town. They started as a coffee roaster and later opened the restaurant. Their coffee makes great gifts for anyone back home and they ship. They frequently have live music during the dinner hours and the ‘stage’ is usually near the front entrance. It’s usually pretty good music but very loud if you’re stuck at one of the tables near the stage. The back patio is beautifully landscaped, and it is covered so ask to be seated out there if the band is set up near the door when you get there. The patio tends to be a little cooler than sitting inside and you’ll still hear the music.
For a real local experience, go to breakfast at Soda Coma Bien (loosely translated: good eats cafe) in downtown Quepos. They are in the building across Calle Central from Banco de Costa Rica facing the paved park on the back corner. When you see it, you'll think I've lost my mind and want to drive away without stopping but you'll miss a real treat if you do. They have all the traditional gringo things like scrambled eggs and ham which are all good, but you can get that at any Denny’s. Try the "huevos rancheros con pinto" the soft fried eggs are smothered in a sauce that has lots of ham, chicken and mild spices in it and it's served with a side of traditional 'gallo pinto' (pronounced guy-yo peen-toe) which is black beans and rice mixed with herbs and spices. HEAVEN. They also have a seasonal fresh fruit plate that will curl your toes it's so good. The staff only speaks Spanish, but they handle us stupid Gringos very well.
Soda Come Bien
Avenida 3For a real local experience, go to breakfast at Soda Coma Bien (loosely translated: good eats cafe) in downtown Quepos. They are in the building across Calle Central from Banco de Costa Rica facing the paved park on the back corner. When you see it, you'll think I've lost my mind and want to drive away without stopping but you'll miss a real treat if you do. They have all the traditional gringo things like scrambled eggs and ham which are all good, but you can get that at any Denny’s. Try the "huevos rancheros con pinto" the soft fried eggs are smothered in a sauce that has lots of ham, chicken and mild spices in it and it's served with a side of traditional 'gallo pinto' (pronounced guy-yo peen-toe) which is black beans and rice mixed with herbs and spices. HEAVEN. They also have a seasonal fresh fruit plate that will curl your toes it's so good. The staff only speaks Spanish, but they handle us stupid Gringos very well.
This is a new favorite of ours that had only recently opened before our trip in February 2018 and survived through the pandemic. Much like Soda Come Bien above, drive up appeal at De La Finca is not good but what it lacks in style it more than makes up for in the quality of the food and service. The literal translation of the name is “of the farm” and their focus is on fresh, seasonal food expertly prepared and presented. Quepos is a fishing port, and the seafood was all fresh and delicious as you’d expect. The chicken and beef (from Argentina) were also exceptional in quality and preparation.
6 recommandé par les habitants
De La Finca
Calle 1This is a new favorite of ours that had only recently opened before our trip in February 2018 and survived through the pandemic. Much like Soda Come Bien above, drive up appeal at De La Finca is not good but what it lacks in style it more than makes up for in the quality of the food and service. The literal translation of the name is “of the farm” and their focus is on fresh, seasonal food expertly prepared and presented. Quepos is a fishing port, and the seafood was all fresh and delicious as you’d expect. The chicken and beef (from Argentina) were also exceptional in quality and preparation.
When you're in the mood for pizza go to La Lambretta Pizzaria. They cook the pizza in a wood fired oven and it is AMAZING. The setting is nice as well. They are on the side of the Plaza Vista building next door to Emilio’s Café. They don’t quite have sunset views, but they do have a beautiful ocean view. There are other places that advertise wood fired pizza, but La Lambretta is the best.
6 recommandé par les habitants
La Lambretta Pizzería
When you're in the mood for pizza go to La Lambretta Pizzaria. They cook the pizza in a wood fired oven and it is AMAZING. The setting is nice as well. They are on the side of the Plaza Vista building next door to Emilio’s Café. They don’t quite have sunset views, but they do have a beautiful ocean view. There are other places that advertise wood fired pizza, but La Lambretta is the best.
You’ll find Emilio's Café on the left just behind the Promerica Bank and Plaza Vista buildings in Manuel Antonio. It has a distinct menu and great desserts and pastries. They work magic with the local seafood, and they usually have one or two curry dishes on the menu that are divine. Service is very congenial as well. They have a new building being constructed in front of them that blocks their view for now, but the food is really good, and their desserts are heavenly. Eventually they will move into the new building and reclaim their view. While construction is under way, they have opened another location in Marina Pez Vela. I hear that location operates reduced hours and smaller menu but all the same great desserts. The carrot cake and any of their chocolate items are excellent choices.
84 recommandé par les habitants
Emilio's Cafe
You’ll find Emilio's Café on the left just behind the Promerica Bank and Plaza Vista buildings in Manuel Antonio. It has a distinct menu and great desserts and pastries. They work magic with the local seafood, and they usually have one or two curry dishes on the menu that are divine. Service is very congenial as well. They have a new building being constructed in front of them that blocks their view for now, but the food is really good, and their desserts are heavenly. Eventually they will move into the new building and reclaim their view. While construction is under way, they have opened another location in Marina Pez Vela. I hear that location operates reduced hours and smaller menu but all the same great desserts. The carrot cake and any of their chocolate items are excellent choices.
Raphael's Terrazas is another owned and operated by a local family. On nice days you can sit outside in the shade of the Guanacaste trees on one of the terraces. If it's raining, they have ample indoor or covered seating as well. Raphael's is another of our favorites because the quality of food and service is particularly good, and the price is still reasonable. It's another place you can safely try unfamiliar things knowing they will be well prepared and delicious.
15 recommandé par les habitants
Rafaeles Las Terrazas (Raphael's Terrazas)
Raphael's Terrazas is another owned and operated by a local family. On nice days you can sit outside in the shade of the Guanacaste trees on one of the terraces. If it's raining, they have ample indoor or covered seating as well. Raphael's is another of our favorites because the quality of food and service is particularly good, and the price is still reasonable. It's another place you can safely try unfamiliar things knowing they will be well prepared and delicious.
You'll find El Lagarto next to Vista Serena Hostel (they share the same driveway off the main road and the Vista Serena sign is more prominent.) They have great views so try to get there before sunset. I don’t know the source for their beef, but this is one place you can count on getting beef that is tender and delicious. Grilling is their specialty, even the vegetables are grilled, and the grill is like nothing you've seen before. If it's a warm evening, ask to be seated as far from the grill as possible. You'll understand when you see it. Our first time we went with a large group and ordered a little of everything to share. The tenderloin, ribs and the pork chops were highlights but it was all good.
24 recommandé par les habitants
El Lagarto
You'll find El Lagarto next to Vista Serena Hostel (they share the same driveway off the main road and the Vista Serena sign is more prominent.) They have great views so try to get there before sunset. I don’t know the source for their beef, but this is one place you can count on getting beef that is tender and delicious. Grilling is their specialty, even the vegetables are grilled, and the grill is like nothing you've seen before. If it's a warm evening, ask to be seated as far from the grill as possible. You'll understand when you see it. Our first time we went with a large group and ordered a little of everything to share. The tenderloin, ribs and the pork chops were highlights but it was all good.
Your best choice for lunch when you’re at the beach is Marlin Restaurant across the street from the main public beach in Manuel Antonio. It is convenient and they don't mind if you walk in barefoot and dripping wet in nothing but your swimsuit. My favorite is the tuna sandwich... it's a slab of grilled tuna perfectly prepared and served on a bun... but everything I've tried there is good.
11 recommandé par les habitants
Marlins Restaurant
Your best choice for lunch when you’re at the beach is Marlin Restaurant across the street from the main public beach in Manuel Antonio. It is convenient and they don't mind if you walk in barefoot and dripping wet in nothing but your swimsuit. My favorite is the tuna sandwich... it's a slab of grilled tuna perfectly prepared and served on a bun... but everything I've tried there is good.
Across the main road from the entrance to Tulimar, Falafel Bar Manuel Antonio is an excellent choice for falafel, chicken shawarma and a variety of vegetarian selections as well. Choose your seating wisely. It can be a challenge to get out of those low chairs and tables.
29 recommandé par les habitants
Manuel Antonio Falafel bar
Across the main road from the entrance to Tulimar, Falafel Bar Manuel Antonio is an excellent choice for falafel, chicken shawarma and a variety of vegetarian selections as well. Choose your seating wisely. It can be a challenge to get out of those low chairs and tables.
La Luna is our number one choice for fine dining as the food, service and view is the best in town. It is at the top of a hill with magnificent views. You park down at street level and they drive you up in electric golf carts so you also get a little thrill ride. They have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and sunsets from there are breathtaking... but it is pricey ...see "Happy Hour" below for a more economical way to enjoy La Luna. Their menu is seasonal and always delicious. Theirs ceviche is among the best and for dessert, if they have the pineapple ravioli, try it.
La Luna Restaurant
La Luna is our number one choice for fine dining as the food, service and view is the best in town. It is at the top of a hill with magnificent views. You park down at street level and they drive you up in electric golf carts so you also get a little thrill ride. They have spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and sunsets from there are breathtaking... but it is pricey ...see "Happy Hour" below for a more economical way to enjoy La Luna. Their menu is seasonal and always delicious. Theirs ceviche is among the best and for dessert, if they have the pineapple ravioli, try it.
The epitome of the Costa Rican roadside Soda, Restaurant Langosta Feliz is just 30 minutes south of Quepos on the east side of the main road immediately after you pass the first Matapalo exit which is on the west side of the road. They don’t come up on Waze but Matapalo does. The food is delicious, and the seafood dishes are the best. The ceviche, and shrimp with rice (as opposed to the rice with shrimp) are my favorites but everyone walks away happy. The menu is heavy with seafood options but otherwise it is a very typical Soda experience; good, fresh food, well prepared and delicious. When you’re finished with lunch drive on down to Matapalo beach for a walk along the sand. It is a lovely setting.
34 recommandé par les habitants
La Langosta Feliz
The epitome of the Costa Rican roadside Soda, Restaurant Langosta Feliz is just 30 minutes south of Quepos on the east side of the main road immediately after you pass the first Matapalo exit which is on the west side of the road. They don’t come up on Waze but Matapalo does. The food is delicious, and the seafood dishes are the best. The ceviche, and shrimp with rice (as opposed to the rice with shrimp) are my favorites but everyone walks away happy. The menu is heavy with seafood options but otherwise it is a very typical Soda experience; good, fresh food, well prepared and delicious. When you’re finished with lunch drive on down to Matapalo beach for a walk along the sand. It is a lovely setting.
La Parcela is located on a narrow peninsula with water views out two sides. It’s a scenic 30-mile drive south of Manuel Antonio. You take the main road south till you come to the turn off for the restaurant which is a dirt road that narrows down to single lane hugging the cliff about 50 feet above the beach… just keep going. It’s worth it. It is a lovely setting, and the food is all quite good. I'm fond of their seafood soup, to the extent that it has become the only thing I order there but everyone we take has thoroughly loved their selections as well. They usually have a few daily specials in addition to the regular menu. You can't go wrong with those. Their ceviche is also quite good. If you’re driving yourself, use WAZE. Otherwise, you’re likely to miss the turn off the main road. I know where it is, and I missed it the last time we went there.
46 recommandé par les habitants
Cabinas La Parcela
La Parcela is located on a narrow peninsula with water views out two sides. It’s a scenic 30-mile drive south of Manuel Antonio. You take the main road south till you come to the turn off for the restaurant which is a dirt road that narrows down to single lane hugging the cliff about 50 feet above the beach… just keep going. It’s worth it. It is a lovely setting, and the food is all quite good. I'm fond of their seafood soup, to the extent that it has become the only thing I order there but everyone we take has thoroughly loved their selections as well. They usually have a few daily specials in addition to the regular menu. You can't go wrong with those. Their ceviche is also quite good. If you’re driving yourself, use WAZE. Otherwise, you’re likely to miss the turn off the main road. I know where it is, and I missed it the last time we went there.
Costa Rica with European/French flare in a little cottage in the jungle. At Citrus Ojochal everything we tried was fantastic. They were only open for dinner when we were there last which means driving home in the dark so drink responsibly. They recently suffered a fire and have relocated. It’s still the same general location as before but call to confirm their open and to get directions.
70 recommandé par les habitants
Restaurante Citrus
Avenida Principal de OjochalCosta Rica with European/French flare in a little cottage in the jungle. At Citrus Ojochal everything we tried was fantastic. They were only open for dinner when we were there last which means driving home in the dark so drink responsibly. They recently suffered a fire and have relocated. It’s still the same general location as before but call to confirm their open and to get directions.
Exotica Ojochal is a real surprise. Asian fusion meets European/French with everything exquisitely prepared and the presentations are works of art. We visited for the first time in Feb 2018 and were amazed.
58 recommandé par les habitants
Exotica
Avenida Principal de OjochalExotica Ojochal is a real surprise. Asian fusion meets European/French with everything exquisitely prepared and the presentations are works of art. We visited for the first time in Feb 2018 and were amazed.
The menu at Ronny's Place is more like your typical Costa Rican soda, and very well prepared. It’s the view that will keep you coming back.
24 recommandé par les habitants
Ronny's Place
The menu at Ronny's Place is more like your typical Costa Rican soda, and very well prepared. It’s the view that will keep you coming back.