Few restaurants come with a backstory like this one. El Avion in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, is an airplane restaurant built inside a converted Fairchild C-123 military cargo plane, one with real ties to the Reagan administration and the Iran-Contra affair. Today it is one of the most recognisable spots on the Pacific coast, with an open-air deck, a lively bar in the fuselage, and big ocean views at sunset.
We have eaten at El Avion many times over the years, and we know the owner, Alan Templeton, well. We have watched the sunset from the deck more times than we can count, and friends of ours even held their wedding reception here. So this guide comes from genuine, repeat experience rather than a single visit. Here is the full story behind the plane, what to order, and how to make the most of a visit.
The Story Behind El Avion
El Avion’s history goes back to the 1980s. The aircraft, a Fairchild C-123 Provider, was bought by the US government during the Reagan administration as part of the covert Iran-Contra operation, in which funds from secret arms sales to Iran were funnelled to anti-communist Contra rebels in Nicaragua.
Before this particular plane ever flew a mission, the scandal broke in 1986, and the aircraft was left to sit, abandoned, at the international airport in San Jose. (Its sister C-123 met a more infamous fate: it was shot down over Nicaragua in the incident that helped expose the whole affair.)
Years later, local hotelier Alan Templeton, owner of the Costa Verde Hotel, bought the forgotten plane for a few thousand dollars and had it disassembled, trucked across the country, and reassembled on a hilltop in Manuel Antonio. What started as a quirky idea became one of the region’s most famous landmarks, and the plane that was meant for a secret war now serves cocktails at sunset.
The Dining Experience at El Avion
Walking up to El Avion, the plane hits you first: the fuselage forms part of the bar, the cockpit is still intact, and you can sit in the fuselage with a drink. The interior leans into the aviation theme with rustic wood, vintage details, and historical photos, but the real draw is the setting.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Pacific, it is one of the best sunset spots in Manuel Antonio. Our routine is simple: arrive an hour or so before sunset, grab a drink at the bar in the plane, then move to a table on the open-air deck as the sky turns. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively at once, and it works just as well for families, couples, or a big group.
A tip from many visits: the upstairs deck and bar (above the main restaurant) is the spot for the best views, and it is also where larger events are held. The vibe shifts from a mellow early dinner to a buzzier bar scene later in the evening.
El Avion Menu: What to Order
The history and the views steal the show, but the food holds its own. The menu mixes Costa Rican staples with international dishes, leaning on fresh seafood and local ingredients. A few things we order again and again:
- Ceviche de la Casa – fresh local fish cured in citrus with herbs, the classic way to start.
- Whole Red Snapper – a house favourite, served fried or grilled with sides.
- Casado – the traditional Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein.
- Cocktails at the bar – a mojito or piña colada on the deck at sunset is hard to beat.
There are vegetarian and gluten-free options too. Prices sit a little above the average local restaurant, which is fair for the setting, and the menu changes from time to time, so check the official El Avion site for the current lineup. If you want a more casual, budget-friendly bite, El Wagon, Alan’s wood-fired pizza spot, sits right at the same location, so you can choose between the two depending on the mood.
How to Visit El Avion
El Avion sits right on the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park, so it is easy to find however you are travelling.
- By car: about a 10-minute drive from Quepos, with parking on-site.
- By taxi or shuttle: many Manuel Antonio hotels run shuttles, and taxis are easy along this stretch.
- Best time to visit: aim to arrive around 5:00 to 5:30pm to settle in before sunset, which is the main event.
Reservations are not usually required, but it gets busy in peak season (December to April) and around sunset, so arriving early is the easiest way to land a good table with an ocean view.
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El Avion for Events and Weddings
Beyond dinner, El Avion is a popular events venue, and the upstairs deck makes a memorable setting for celebrations. Friends of ours held their wedding reception here, with the ceremony at sunset and the party carrying on under the plane and the stars. If you are planning a special occasion in Manuel Antonio, it is well worth asking about private events through the Costa Verde group.
Is El Avion Worth It?
Yes. It is touristy, and that is part of the deal, but the combination of genuine history, an unbeatable sunset, and solid food makes it more than a novelty. Here is the honest breakdown.
What we love
- A genuinely unique setting inside a historic airplane
- One of the best sunset views in Manuel Antonio
- A lively bar with good cocktails
- Solid, varied food with seafood and Costa Rican classics
Worth knowing
- Prices run a bit higher than local restaurants (fair for the location)
- Service can slow down at peak sunset hours
- It is popular and touristy, so come early for the best table
El Avion FAQ
Where is El Avion?
El Avion is on the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, about 10 minutes from Quepos.
What is the story behind the El Avion plane?
It is a Fairchild C-123 cargo plane bought during the Reagan administration for the Iran-Contra operation. After the scandal broke it was abandoned at San Jose airport, then bought by hotelier Alan Templeton and rebuilt as a restaurant in Manuel Antonio.
What is on the El Avion menu?
The menu features fresh seafood and Costa Rican and international dishes, including ceviche, whole red snapper, and casado, plus a full bar. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available, and the menu changes periodically.
Do you need a reservation for El Avion?
Reservations are not usually required, but it gets busy around sunset and in peak season, so arrive early (around 5pm) for a good table with a view.
What time is sunset at El Avion?
Sunset in Manuel Antonio is typically around 5:30 to 6:00pm year-round. Arriving an hour beforehand lets you settle in with a drink before the show.
Final Thoughts
Whether you come for the plane, the history, or the sunset, El Avion remains one of the most memorable places to eat in Costa Rica. After many visits over the years, it is still a spot we send every Manuel Antonio first-timer to, ideally with a cocktail in hand as the sun drops into the Pacific.
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