Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [305]
Claro Que Sí (2777-0777; Hotel Sí Como No; meals ₡4000-8000) A casual, family-friendly restaurant that passes on pretension without sacrificing on quality, Claro Que Sí proudly serves organic and locally sourced food items that are in line with the philosophy of its parent hotel, Sí Como No. Guilt-free meats and fish are expertly complemented with fresh produce, resulting in flavorful dishes typical of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Restaurante Gato Negro (2777-0408; Hotel Casitas Eclipse; dishes ₡4500-8000) An elegant yet subdued dinner spot that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, the ‘Black Cat’ serves up traditional standards, such as homemade pastas and assorted antipasto spreads, alongside more inventive Costa Rican–influenced tapas-style dishes. The bar also bustles during the busy dry season, drawing in lovers of crafted cocktails and chilled wines.
Le Papillon (2777-0355; Hotel La Mariposa; lunch ₡5000-10,000, dinner ₡10,000-20,000) The featured restaurant at Manuel Antonio’s landmark luxury hotel is perfectly perched to take in the daily sunset over the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. As you’d imagine, you’re paying for the view at this world-class institution, though when the sun dips below the horizon and lights up the sky, you’ll stop caring about the price. The food is largely continental cuisine that takes advantage of Costa Rica’s rich bounty of fresh seafood and tropical produce – if you’re trying to keep to your budget, the lunch menu is a good deal.
Sunspot Bar & Grill (2777-0442; Makanda by the Sea; dishes ₡6000-15,000) OK, so your budget won’t allow you to stay at Makanda by the Sea, but trust us – it’s worth checking out the exclusive little poolside restaurant here for its breathtaking rainforest and ocean views. The kitchen whips up delicious seafood, sandwiches and salads, though the real reason you’re stopping by is to soak up the atmosphere of one of the most beautiful hotels on the Pacific coast. After all, just because you can’t afford to lie down in the lap of luxury doesn’t mean you can’t sit on it from time to time.
Kapi Kapi Restaurant (2777-5049; dishes ₡7500-20,000) While there is some stiff competition for the title of best restaurant in the Manuel Antonio area, this Californian creation certainly raises the bar on both quality and class. Kapi Kapi, which is a traditional greeting of the indigenous Maleku people, welcomes diners with soft lights, flush earthy tones and soothing natural decor, which perfectly frame the dense forest lying just beyond the perimeter. The menu is no less ambitious, spanning the globe from America to Asia, and making several pivotal stops along the way. Pan-Asian–style seafood is featured prominently on the menu, and brought to life with rich Continental-inspired sauces, while South American wines and Costa Rican coffees complete this globetrotting culinary extravaganza.
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Getting There & Away
A good number of visitors who stay in this area arrive by private or rented car. For buses and taxis between Manuel Antonio and Quepos, Click here.
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MANUEL ANTONIO VILLAGE
The hordes descend on this tiny oceanside village with good reason – it marks the entrance to Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, one of the country’s most celebrated tourist destinations. Of course, before arriving all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, it’s worth dissecting a few kernels of truth out from all the hype. If you’re coming here expecting deserted beaches frequented by hundreds of monkeys, then you’re in for a bit of a surprise. Higher primates tend to be the most frequently sighted species, especially during the congested dry season when tour groups arrive en masse.
While it can be difficult at times to have a quiet moment to collect your thoughts, the environs here really do look as glossy