Eat where the locals eat

A hidden gem tucked 300 meters off the main road — and one of the most beloved local spots in Manuel Antonio. The Happy Pig delivers authentic Costa Rican cuisine at honest prices in a relaxed, welcoming setting with partial views of the sea and jungle. Scarlet macaws sometimes fly by while you dine. The owner is usually present and the food is made fresh to order, so it's worth the wait. A short walk from Sarahtonin and Casa Peregrino.

Alejandro's Street Food stall is part of the Mercadito Gastronómico Manuel Antonio — a vibrant multi-vendor gastronomic market that brings together the best local food concepts under one roof. The Mercadito is a destination in itself, with options ranging from local Costa Rican food, Peruvian cuisine, sushi, burgers, pizza, ice cream, and more. Street Food is your first stop for quick, authentic, delicious bites with true local flavor.

🏳️‍🌈 Pride Eve · Friday July 17

The American Angus Burger

Angus beef cooked to order, American cheese, dill pickle chips, crispy red onion, fresh tomato, leafy lettuce, and just enough mustard to make it real. All-inclusive with fries & a 500ml drink — ₡8,000.

See the Pride Eve Event →

Colina's is Manuel Antonio's wood-fired pizza destination, part of Hotel La Colina. Sourdough-based pizzas fired in a wood oven, fresh pasta, salads, seafood, and a full Italian menu — plus a beloved breakfast menu from 7am. Live music every Wednesday and Sunday makes Colina's one of the most social dining spots on the strip. On Pride Day 2026 (July 18), Hotel La Colina opens its doors at 3pm for a pool party with DJ Nacho — free admission, food and drink specials, and the perfect spot to land after the Pride March.

Sunset Restaurant is exactly what its name promises — a destination built around the moment the Pacific light turns golden and the sky ignites. Authentic Costa Rican cuisine and fresh seafood in a setting that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. On Pride Day 2026 (July 18), Sunset opens its doors at 5pm for a sunset-watching event with free admission, live music, a fire show, and food and drink discounts. After the Pride March and the pool party at La Colina, this is where the evening gets beautiful.

Vista Verde sits right in front of the Manuel Antonio plaza on the road to the national park — a perfect lunch or dinner stop before or after your time in the park. A true neighborhood gem with real Costa Rican hospitality. Ask for Gabriel — locals and visitors alike call him the epitome of pura vida. The back porch has beautiful sunset views and the portions are famously generous. Menu prices include taxes with no surprises at the end. The ceviche, shredded chicken tacos, mahi mahi casado, coconut milk seafood soup, and fresh batidos all come highly recommended.

Manuel Antonio's most beloved LGBTQ+ nightlife destination. Drunken Monkey sits in the same storied location as the former gay bars Cockatoo and Karma — and carries on their legacy as the heart of the community after dark. Different DJs every night keep the dance floor alive, drag shows bring the spectacle, and the air conditioning makes the tropical nights that much more bearable. Weekends are electric — a mix of locals and travelers who all end up on the dance floor sooner or later. On Pride Day 2026, Drunken Monkey hosts the official closing party starting at 9pm — DJs, a show, and surprises. The perfect way to end the biggest day of the year.