Bring a taste of Costa Rica
into the place you are staying.
A Costa Rican private dinner is a chance to explore local flavors around your own table. Start with plantains, coastal seafood or a menu inspired by the dishes in our chef partner’s repertoire, then build the evening around your group.
Manuel Antonio Table coordinates the service with an independent local chef. Private Table brings preparation, serving and kitchen cleanup to the villa. Menu selections, availability and dietary suitability are confirmed while planning.
Begin with plantains or ceviche
Patacones are a useful shared starter to discuss: green plantains with toppings such as beans, avocado, cheese and pico de gallo. Ceviche options can feature fish or shrimp with citrus, tropical fruit or coconut, depending on the selected preparation.
If guests do not eat seafood, discuss a different starter rather than assuming one appetizer will suit everyone. Allergy requirements should be shared before ingredients are purchased.
Choose a coastal or comforting main
Menu ideas include fish with coconut and ginger, grilled seafood, chicken with Caribbean-style accompaniments, or beef dishes with sides selected for the table. Local flavors can be part of a relaxed family-style meal or a more formal plated service.
You do not need to make every course unfamiliar. A mix of recognizable dishes and Costa Rican-inspired choices can work well for families and groups with different preferences.
A sweet finish
Tres leches, tropical fruit sorbet, or mango and banana with caramel are dessert ideas to discuss. Dairy-free or other dietary alternatives require confirmation: dessert names alone do not establish what ingredients or preparation methods will be used.
What does the meal cost?
The chef service fee is separate from groceries. Seafood selections, proteins, portion sizes and the number of courses affect ingredient costs. Use the chef pricing guide to understand the service fee, then request a quote for your menu and group.
Want to begin with breakfast instead?
A Costa Rican breakfast can include gallo pinto with eggs, local cheese, sweet plantains and tortillas. It is served family style with fresh fruit and breakfast drinks under the confirmed arrangement. Explore private breakfast if a shared morning fits your plans better than dinner.
Tell us what your group likes
Share your interest in Costa Rican food, your guest count, allergies and any ingredients people prefer to avoid. The menu should feel welcoming to the whole table, while giving you a connection to the place you are visiting.