Eating and Drinking
Eating in Manuel Antonio is notoriously expensive and the area's few good-value restaurants, like El Mono Azul and Mar y Sombra , are understandably popular. The more upmarket hotels all have restaurants attached; some are very good, though most are expensive, or simply overpriced. Some restaurants in Manuel Antonio, including several of the best, close or have restricted hours in the rainy season - ask at La Buena Nota for information. For the more popular places - Plinios, Karola's and Vela Bar among them - you should call or stop by to make a reservation, especially at weekends and during high season. Barba Roja , next to the Divisimar Hotel , on the road to Manuel Antonio, about 2.5km from the park entrance. Friendly and perennially popular place for high-quality American cuisine, including burgers and desserts. Cafe Milagro , One of the best local places for breakfast (from 6.30am), with excellent locally roasted coffee and superlative cappuccino, pastries and cooked food served up in a pleasant environment. El Mono Azul , in El Mono Azul hotel. Generous and reasonably priced plates of well-cooked chicken, fish, hamburgers and sandwiches. Check out the shop next to the restaurant - all proceeds go to a local project run by children to preserve the rainforest and the habitat of the squirrel monkey. Karola's , near Barba Roja . Mexican cuisine, with burritos, seafood, vegetarian dishes and a macadamia nut pie that has entered local food legend. Closed Wed and in the low season. Mar y Sombra , Manuel Antonio village, 500m from the park entrance, on the beach. In a shady palm grove, this sprawling, cheap place is the most popular in the village. You can have a drink on the beach, and eat tipico food including good casados , and there's a disco at weekends. Try the fried fillet of fish of the day, simply done in garlic and butter, with fried plantains and salad. Plinio's , opposite Pedro Miguel (tel 777-0055, fax 777-0558). Quite simply one of the best restaurants in the country, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It's famous locally for its eggplant parmesan, though it's also worth trying the pot roast in red wine, the tiramisu, and the selection of reasonable Chilean wine. There's a nice relaxed bar, too, with good music. Rico Tico Grill , at the Si Como No . Poolside dining with a view over the ocean and superbly cooked food - try the succulent fish brochettes - only slightly marred by excessively obsequious service. Try an exceptional cocktail or chilled fruit drink. Breakfast is also good, with the added entertainment - if you're lucky and up early - of watching the squirrel monkeys and coatimundi that live in the trees in front of the restaurant. Vela Bar , Manuel Antonio village. The swankiest food in the village, with dishes (starting from around US$7) featuring good grilled fish, plus some vegetarian choices and paella.
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