Where to Eat in Manuel Antonio: A Local Experience for Lunch

Sam Lantagne • Jun 02, 2022

Where to Eat in Manuel Antonio: A Local Experience for Lunch

Manuel Antonio Beach a great place to eat in lunch in Manuel Antonio

If you are staying around Manuel Antonio, you are likely going to want to squeeze in as many beach days as possible. The white-sand beaches on this coast are absolutely breathtaking. However, when that midday hunger strikes, not even the most epic of beaches can distract from a rumbling stomach. 


For your lunch-time hunger fix, we have just the solution. There are many great lunch spots around Manuel Antonio, and you’ll definitely want to check out a few. Check out our blog on
where to eat in Manuel Antonio. However, we suggest doing your beach day like a local, and trying something a little different than your typical restaurant lunch. 


As long as you have some cash on you, you can enjoy the abundant “street foods” that Manuel Antonio beaches have to offer. If you are spending a day somewhere along Playa Espadilla or Playitas, you can enjoy delicious local treats throughout the day, without ever having to leave the beach. 


where to eat manuel antonio beach cheviche

Vendors will stroll the beach with snacks and will likely make their way over to you at some point. If you see anyone making their way along the beach with a cart, you can also make your way over to them and see what they have to offer. Some of the most popular foods for sale on the beach include fresh ceviche, empanadas and grilled meat or fish on a stick. These make for a great lunch when followed up with a cold treat. For dessert, you can try choco bananas, snow cones, and even fresh fruit that has been peeled and cut. For that electrolyte fix, a fresh coconut around mid-day will really boost your energy.


The great thing about opting for lunch on one of Manuel Antonio’s beaches (besides the ability to never have to move your booty from the beach) is that you know you are getting the local experience and flavor, all the while supporting a Costa Rican by making a purchase. While we love to support our restaurants and tourism industry, buying straight from a local is a wonderful alternative as well. Also, if you think you may be being overcharged, buying from a vendor gives you the opportunity to bargain a fair price for your lunch. 


Give this local experience a try and let us know what you think! Lunch on a Manuel Antonio beach is something we think everyone should
go for during their time here. Enjoying a refreshing ceviche to the sound of the crashing waves, and never having to leave the beach - we can’t think of anything better.


where to eat manuel antonio beach

Top 5 Beach Snacks

  • Peruvian Ceviche
  • Costa Rican Ceviche
  • Grilled fish on a stick (limited offering)
  • Empanadas
  • Fresh Fruit


Writers Tip:

Do not pass up an opportunity to try one of the two types of ceviche served on the beach. There is nothing better than eating fresh seafood on the beach with your feet in the sand. There's just something magical about it! Out of the two ceviches my favorite is the Peruvian style ceviche. It's incredible! If you prefer a sweet ceviche, you may prefer the Costa Rican style ceviche. Either way you won't be disappointed. 

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