Manuel Antonio and the Central Pacific Coast Restaurants

You'll find the liveliest dining mix in the country outside San José here, especially in Manuel Antonio. The crowd of international visitors has brought about a crowd of international cuisines ranging from Japanese to Italian, but, as you'd expect in a coastal region, seafood still reigns here. For traditional Costa Rican cuisine, your best bet is a roadside soda where locals gather for their daily casado (rice, beans, plantains, and an entrée of chicken, beef, or fish).

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  • 1. Amancio's Pizza Pasta and Drinks

    $$

    Taste the passion that the chef and owner has for the simple things in life: fresh ingredients, made-from-scratch bread and pasta, and sauces that simmer all day. Grab some calzones to take to the beach, or dine in on the Italian plate, an overflowing platter of house-cured salami and other meats, along with olives and cheeses straight from Italy.

    Centro Comercial El Jardín, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    2643–2373

    Known For

    • Pizza
    • Chicken parmigiana
    • Lobster fettuccine

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Wed.
  • 2. Emilio’s Café

    $$

    Just inside the doors of this popular café you'll find sweeping views, organic cuisine, and a chic vibe that sets the stage for all kinds of good eats (and drinks). Breakfast offerings include eggs Benedict, waffles, or delectable French toast, while sesame-crusted tuna, falafel pita, or one of the vegetable sandwiches served with homemade pesto or salsa picante are available for lunch or dinner. If you're looking for a sweet treat, try the passion fruit pie or peanut butter cake with fresh fruit juice, frozen mint lemonade, or a frothy cappuccino. Vegetarians and gluten-free eaters have plenty to choose from, as does anyone obsessed with chocolate. Polished concrete floors, corrugated tin walls, and glass balconies give this place a more refined feel than their original building just next door. They often host live-music events on weekends during high season.

    Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, 60601, Costa Rica
    8655–5965

    Known For

    • A wide range of delectable homemade desserts
    • A Mediterranean spin on classics like ceviche and poke
    • Excellent coffee

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Tues.
  • 3. Graffiti Restro Cafe and Wine Bar

    $$

    The gritty-gourmet concept of this upscale Jacó hot spot plays with the senses with a menu that features fresh, locally grown ingredients. Check the blackboard for specials—whatever has inspired the chef that day—and wash it down with a signature lemongrass martini. Save room for extraordinary desserts like chocolate cheesecake or peanut-butter-and-banana flambé.

    Jacó Walk Open Air Shopping Plaza, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    2643–1708

    Known For

    • Cacao-and-coffee-rubbed beef tenderloin
    • Tuna tower
    • Happy hour 4–5 with $4 drinks and tapas

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 4. Green Room

    $$

    Bordered by a white picket fence, this charming art café serves meals prepared with organic ingredients delivered daily by local farmers. The ever-changing chalkboard menu usually features home-ground burgers with fresh-baked buns or seared ahi on buckwheat noodles with roasted vegetables. Breakfasts are hearty, ranging from banana pancakes to eggs Florentine. Salads are topped with fresh strawberries, and cocktails are made with natural fruit juice—try the lemon basil margarita.

    Corner of Avda. Pastor Díaz and C. Cocal, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    2643–4425

    Known For

    • Barbecue ribs
    • Live entertainment every night
    • Chipotle basil margarita
  • 5. Ohana Sushi Tapas Bar

    $$

    Don't worry about getting dressed up for this unfussy sushi fusion restaurant, built from a colorful shipping container, found driftwood, and recycled pallets. The food is made with as much innovation, creativity, and care, blending flavors perfectly in popular sushi, salads, and Asian-fusion meat dishes.

    Calle El Hicaco, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    2643–2226

    Known For

    • Consistently fresh, delicious sushi
    • Yaki sticks (grilled skewers with tenderloin, fish, seafood, or chicken)
    • Vegan and gluten-free options

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Thurs.
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  • 6. PuddleFish Brewery

    $$

    This brewery tasting room serves tasty American-style pub grub. Sit in the modern outdoor area under the shade, or belly up to the bar inside and try a beer flight to go along with your burger or sandwich.

    South end of Playa Jacó at the entrance of Calle Madrigal, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    4703–6301

    Known For

    • Flavorful craft beers
    • Tuna steak sandwich
    • Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas
  • 7. Steven Lisa's

    $$

    A convenient location, free Wi-Fi, and good food make this roadside restaurant, just south of the entrance to Tárcoles, a popular pit stop for those traveling between San José and the Central Pacific beaches. The menu includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner with entrées that range from hamburgers and pasta to fried shrimp and a pricey surf and turf. The seafood soup and fried chicken are popular with locals. This restaurant is on the main road to Jacó, so plan to hear the sound of semis while you dig into your rice and beans.

    On Costanera Sur, north of gas station near Río La Pita, Tárcoles, Puntarenas, 61102, Costa Rica
    2637–0665

    Known For

    • Great breakfast
    • Shrimp with fries
    • Local casado
  • 8. The Backyard Bar

    $$

    Playa Hermosa's original nightlife spot has a wooden deck in back overlooking the beach that is great for lunch and sunset, mostly because of the pleasant sea breezes and view of the surfers. The usual bar food—Tex-Mex standards and burgers—is complemented by fresh seafood, including ceviche, grilled tuna, lobster, and jumbo shrimp.

    Costanera, southern end of town, next to the Backyard Hotel, Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, 61101, Costa Rica
    2643–7011

    Known For

    • Surfing contest every Friday and Saturday
    • Buffalo wings
    • Breakfast

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