Best Places to Eat in Quepos: 10 Restaurants You Don’t Want to Miss

Your Foodie Guide to Manuel Antonio’s Underrated Neighbor

Quepos doesn’t get nearly the love it deserves – most travelers rush straight to Manuel Antonio’s beaches and resorts.

Quepos has some of the best (and most affordable!) food in the entire region.

From local sodas to seafood with ocean views, to smoothie bars and late-night bites – this is your go-to guide for where to eat, drink, and snack your way through Quepos.

Whether you’re staying near the marina, up in the hills of Manuel Antonio, or somewhere in between, this area is loaded with great food – from fresh seafood to casual cafes to the most scenic bar seats you’ll find in Costa Rica.

Here are my top 10 restaurants in Quepos & Manuel Antonio, based on actual meals we loved (and a few we still talk about).

Best Places to Eat in Quepos & Manuel Antonio

1. El Avión (The Iconic Plane Restaurant)

Yes – it’s a real airplane. Yes – it has a wild Iran-Contra backstory. And YES – the food is genuinely good. We sat by the railing with ocean views… and then monkeys showed up. If you want a fun, only-in-Manuel-Antonio dining experience, this is it. Don’t skip climbing inside the cockpit – it’s surprisingly cool.

Best for: Travelers who want great views + a unique story
What to order: Cocktails, seafood dishes, and anything grilled

2. Agua Azul Café (Best Views + Fresh Food)

This spot sits high on the hill with gorgeous ocean views, and the open-air bar upstairs is chef’s-kiss perfect. We watched the kitchen team grill, sauté, chop, and plate nonstop – the kind of place where you can tell every dish is fresh. Excellent cocktails, amazing service, and a super friendly vibe.

Best for: Sunset drinks, couples, anyone who loves a view
What to order: Tuna tartare, plantain tower, margaritas

3. Runaway Grill (Marina Views + Laid-Back Vibes)

Located right at Marina Pez Vela, this restaurant is the perfect mix of good food and even better views. You can watch the boats, the boardwalk, and the sunset all at once. Nothing fancy – just easy, delicious, coastal food that hits the spot after a long excursion day.

Best for: Seafood lovers, marina explorers, families
What to order: Fish tacos, burgers, poke bowls

4. El Wagon (The Best Casual Pizza)

Listen – I know ordering pizza in Costa Rica sounds like a questionable choice. But we grabbed El Wagon to-go while exhausted from our national park day and had zero regrets. The crust is great, the toppings are fresh, and it hits so perfectly when you’re sun-tired and want something easy to eat by the pool.

Best for: Families, takeout nights, post-beach hunger
What to order: Pepperoni pizza, veggie pizza, garlic bread

5. Soda Sánchez (Local + Budget-Friendly)

If you want authentic, affordable Costa Rican food, this is the spot. Huge portions, home-style plates, and incredibly friendly staff. It’s also one of the best places for breakfast or a quick lunch before heading out on excursions.

Best for: Budget travelers, families, casual meals
What to order: Casados, gallo pinto, fresh juices

6. Emilio’s Café (Coffee + Desserts + Ocean Views)

Part café, part restaurant, part dessert heaven – Emilio’s is a favorite for a reason. The ocean view is stunning, the seafood is great, and the coffee… well, Costa Rica takes pride in its coffee for a reason.

Best for: Brunch, desserts, coffee lovers
What to order: Fish tacos, cakes, iced coffee

7. Casa Lamia (Romantic + Scenic Dining)

This is one of the most beautiful dining experiences in Manuel Antonio – Mediterranean-inspired dishes, glowing sunset light, and a super peaceful atmosphere. It leans pricier than most places on this list, but worth it if you’re celebrating something.

Best for: Date nights, honeymoons, special occasions
What to order: Seafood pasta, mezze plates, grilled fish

8. Raphael’s Terrazas (Sunset Spot + Longtime Favorite)

A Manuel Antonio classic. Open-air, breezy, delicious seafood, and that perfect west-facing sunset angle. Their sangria is excellent and the tuna is consistently recommended.

Best for: Sunset dinners, couples, relaxed evenings
What to order: Tuna steak, coconut fish, sangria

9. El Patio de Café Milagro (Cozy, Tropical, Fun)

A great all-day spot – breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Live music some nights, excellent coffee, fresh bowls, and a fun atmosphere. Outdoor seating under the trees is the move.

Best for: Brunch lovers, casual meals, live music
What to order: Coffee cocktails, rice bowls, smoothies

10. Marisquería Velamar (Hidden Gem Seafood)

If you want something away from the main tourist strip that still serves amazing, fresh seafood for a great price – this is your place. A local favorite with generous portions and friendly service.

Best for: Seafood fans, budget travelers
What to order: Ceviche, whole fried fish, shrimp dishes

What to Try in Quepos (Must-Order Dishes)

• Casado
• Ceviche
• Plantains
• Gallo pinto
• Batidos (fruit smoothies)
• Fresh seafood of any kind

Things to Do in Manuel Antonio

There are so many amazing things to do in the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area. Read more about the best excursions in Manuel Antonio or book them below!

Final Thoughts

Quepos is one of the most underrated foodie cities in Costa Rica. If you’re traveling on a budget, staying in Quepos gives you access to better food, lower prices, and a mix of local and international options – without sacrificing flavor or experience.

That’s a win in my book.