In Manuel Antonio, some of Costa Rica’s freshest ingredients are right at your fingertips: tropical fruit, seafood straight off the boat, and local specialties from the coast and the surrounding rainforest. Here’s a tropical dinner-party menu, from ceviche to coconut flan, built around what’s seasonal and local.
In Manuel Antonio, you've got access to fresh, local ingredients from both the coast and the nearby tropical environment. You can take advantage of tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local specialties. Here's a breakdown of what's seasonal and fresh in the area, followed by menu ideas to suit the tropical vibe.
Fresh Ingredients in Costa Rica
- Tropical fruits: mangoes, pineapples, papayas, passionfruit, bananas, guavas, coconuts.
- Seafood: fresh fish like snapper, tuna, and mahi-mahi, as well as shrimp, lobster, and calamari.
- Vegetables: local varieties of squash, bell peppers, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, yucca, eggplant, and avocados.
- Herbs: cilantro, basil, mint, oregano, and lemongrass.
- Beans & grains: black beans, rice, and corn.
- Spices: garlic, ginger, and chili peppers are staples of local dishes.
Appetizers
Ceviche
A classic Costa Rican appetizer. Fresh fish like snapper or mahi-mahi marinated in lime juice, mixed with onion, cilantro, and red pepper. Serve with tortilla chips or plantain chips.
Patacones
Twice-fried plantain slices served with refried beans, pico de gallo, and/or guacamole. Crispy, savory, and a great finger-food starter.
Main Course
Grilled Mahi-Mahi with Mango Salsa
Grilled fish with a zesty mango salsa made from fresh mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. The sweetness of the mango balances the savory flavors of the fish.
Arroz con Mariscos (Rice with Seafood)
A traditional Costa Rican dish: a delicious rice cooked with shrimp, squid, and other seafood, seasoned with garlic, onion, and bell pepper. It works beautifully as a one-pot centerpiece.
Costillas de Cerdo (Pork Ribs)
Slow-cooked pork ribs glazed with a tamarind- or guava-based barbecue sauce, served with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a sweet-and-tangy contrast.
Vegetarian Casado Plate
A typical Costa Rican plate with rice, beans, sautéed vegetables, fried plantains, and a salad. A great vegetarian option, or a hearty side served alongside the meat and fish dishes.
Side Dishes
Yuca Fries with Mojo Sauce
Yuca is a starchy root vegetable popular in Costa Rican cuisine. Fry it into crispy fries and serve with a garlic-citrus mojo sauce for dipping.
Tropical Slaw
A refreshing slaw of shredded cabbage, pineapple, and cilantro in a light vinaigrette. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs well with the savory dishes.
Gallo Pinto (Black Beans and Rice)
Costa Rica's beloved rice-and-black-beans dish, cooked with onion, cilantro, and bell pepper. Simple, comforting, and perfect alongside any main.
Desserts
Coconut Flan
A tropical twist on the traditional flan, made with coconut milk for a rich, creamy finish. Top it with a little shredded coconut for texture.
Mango & Pineapple Panna Cotta
A creamy, delicate dessert carrying the tropical flavors of mango and pineapple, finished with a touch of coconut or lime zest for an extra burst of flavor.
Drinks
Piña Colada
A tropical classic made with fresh pineapple, coconut cream, and rum — the perfect refreshing cocktail for the tropical heat.
Guaro Sour
A Costa Rican cocktail made with guaro (a sugar-cane spirit), lime, and simple syrup. Think of it as the local take on a whiskey sour.
Fresh Fruit Juices
Mango, pineapple, or papaya juice, served on its own or topped with soda water for a sparkling touch. Add a splash of rum to turn any of them into a tropical cocktail.
With these dishes, you can put together a flavorful, vibrant menu that highlights the best of Costa Rican ingredients — and celebrates cooking and gathering in Manuel Antonio.
Host It All in Your Own Villa Kitchen
The best dinner parties need a place to bring everyone together. Casa Anjali pairs a fully equipped kitchen with generous indoor-outdoor living space — room to cook, plate, and gather over a long tropical dinner as the evening cools. It's the kind of setting where a menu like this comes to life.
Cook, host, and gather at Casa Anjali in Manuel Antonio.
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