Costa Rican cuisine is a delightful blend of vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that reflects the country’s rich cultural heritage. This Central American nation is known for its simple yet delicious dishes that showcase the abundance of tropical fruits, vegetables, and seafood available in the region. One iconic dish is “Gallo Pinto,” a hearty combination of rice and black beans, seasoned with onions, peppers, and spices, often served with eggs and tortillas. Another popular delicacy is “Casado,” a plate consisting of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish. Costa Rican cuisine also features mouthwatering tropical fruits such as mangoes, papayas, and pineapples, which are incorporated into refreshing beverages, salads, and desserts. With its emphasis on wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking techniques, Costa Rican food is a true celebration of the country’s natural bounty.
Budgeting in Costa Rica might seem daunting. Costa Rica has so much to offer visitors and if you are interested in enjoying everything it has to offer, you need to make some smart financial decisions. Food is usually one of the biggest expenses when traveling abroad and equally it’s one of the easiest way to save money and concentrate your efforts on the experiences. Here is a guide to help visitors to Manuel Antonio eat well and save money, so that you can focus on making memories and having experiences in this beautiful country. Costa Rica is a country with great produce and can be a fantastic place to improve your diet, but equally there can be some delicious not so healthy options for those of us with some problems staying away from the greasy and fatty options. Manuel Antonio has something for everyone.
Soda Sanchez
I only wished I had discovered this place earlier; it would have changed my life. Soda Sanchez is a great restaurant, near the water and perfect if you’re feeling like some typical Costa Rican food. They have great rice dishes, usually with chicken or shrimp or fresh ceviche accompanied by a salad. The staff at the restaurant are usually able to speak English and service was excellent. This is a great place to go with some friends or have a few cocktails with a meal.
Soda El Angel
Soda Angel is a simple restaurant with quick service and decent portions. They were recommended to me by my Spanish teacher one day after my morning classes. This is a place that is perfect for a quick bite to eat and the prices are fantastic. They offer a range of options like, rice dishes, salads and grilled whole fish. Not only is this a good spot for visitors, but it is also a favorite with the locals because of their great prices and generous portions.
Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar
Manuel Antonio Falafel bar, is self explanatory, if you’re looking for a middle eastern food, like falafel or shawarma. The food is delicious and a little different from the traditional Costa Rican food. The falafel bar is one of the most popular spots for visitors in Manuel Antonio, and it’s a great place to meet other visitors because of the high amounts of tourists that come here for their daily meals. Their hummus and pita bread is a healthy, delicious and cost friendly snack and the shwarma was my personal favorite.
Café Agua Azul
Sometimes you feel like having a proper dinner, treating yourself, but that can be hard when you’re on a strict budget. Agua Azul is a bit more pricey than the other options on the list, but still won’t break the bank. They offer a variety of dishes, but I’d recommend having seafood and trying the plantains, they were new to me and quickly became a favorite. This is a great dining restaurant with a great view of the water. This restaurant is a great Costa Rican experience, the food, friendliness, views and hospitality. The lobster, seared tuna and whole grilled fish were highlights on my visit and makes Agua Azul impossible to miss.
Santa Plancha
Who doesn’t love a good burger? Santa Plancha is a burger place, they do offer other options, but their burgers are the most popular. The fruit shakes and juices are fantastic, the fruit is fresh and it’s a great way to cool down on a hot day. The “ultra burger” was so big, I couldn’t believe my eyes, it could have fed a small family and the yucca fries were a pleasant surprise, I would never have tried them without the recommendation from the staff. The prices here are fanatic and the attention of the staff is just as good. Grabbing a to-go order on your way home and enjoying your burger with a side of fries in the comfort of your home while watching some Netflix makes for a cheap enjoyable night.
Azulëo Latin-Moroccan Fusion
Azulëo Latin-Moroccan Fusion is an interesting place, as the name suggests, they serve Latin/Moroccan fusion. Delicious lamb dishes, tagines, a delicious coconut curry and many other interesting and unique foods. This is a great place to go for a romantic date or to celebrate an occasion while still operating within your budget. Personally the lamb options made this my favorite restaurant in the area, it’s not something that is easy to come by on Latin America, but something that my stomach has been calling for throughout my travels in Central America. I went here with my girlfriend and we had a great meal, the ambiance was fantastic and the service was excellent. Most importantly the meal did not bankrupt me, it was very affordable and value for money.
Dining out without breaking the bank in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica is not only possible but also enjoyable. The local cuisine offers a range of delicious options that cater to different tastes and budgets. From traditional Costa Rican dishes like Gallo Pinto and Casado to international flavors like falafel and burgers, there is something for everyone. Restaurants like Soda Sanchez and Soda Angel provide affordable and tasty meals with generous portions, while Manuel Antonio Falafel Bar offers a unique Middle Eastern twist. For a special treat, Agua Azul offers a more upscale dining experience with stunning views and seafood delights. Santa Plancha satisfies burger cravings with fantastic shakes and budget-friendly prices. And for a fusion experience, Azulëo Latin-Moroccan Fusion delights with its unique menu and affordable options. With these dining choices, visitors to Manuel Antonio can savor the flavors of Costa Rica without straining their wallets.