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).

Sort by: 6 Recommendations {{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }} 0 Recommendations
CLEAR ALL Area Search CLEAR ALL
Loading...
  • 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. El Hicaco

    $$$

    It’s the setting that will lure you, but the food that will keep you on repeat at this seafood restaurant just steps from the sand. Bamboo, wood, and rattan decor will make you want to throw on a Tommy Bahama shirt and order a mai tai. Stars of the menu include grilled lobster, seafood curry, and jumbo shrimp in a creamy garlic sauce. The sound of crashing waves blends with chill-out music, setting the scene as one of the more upscale, and oldest, restaurants in Jacó.

    Calle Hicaco, Jacó, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    2643–3226

    Known For

    • Lobster dishes
    • Tuna with crunchy plantain
    • Sunset views
  • 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.
  • Recommended Fodor’s Video

  • 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

No Restaurants Results

Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:

There are no results for {{ strDestName}} Restaurants in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:

Recommended Fodor’s Video