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Serves meat, vegan options available. This restaurant has a cute theme where it's taken the body of a 1954 Fairchild cargo plane which was originally purchased by the US government in the 80s for the Nicaraguan contras, but it never made out of its hangar in San José because of the ensuing Iran-Contra scandal. In 2000 the owners purchased it for cheap and proceeded to cart it piece by piece to Manuel Antonio. It now sits on the side of the main road, where it looks as if it had crash-landed into the side of the hill. It's a spot for drinks, dinner, and a Pacific sunset. The oriental salad and oriental fried rice are both vegan suitable. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-9:00pm. Call for hours - tell us.
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Calle Manuel Antonio, Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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- Outdoor seating
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Last update on 24 Mar 2019 by GermanDiManzo
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Added by Soul2Soul Educare on 26 Aug 2014
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34 Reviews
First Review by Soul2Soul Educare
Soniaaprisco
Points +2993
Original! Comida ok - Edit
Algumas opções vegan.Espaço original. Serviço simpático.. comida ok
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2026-04-11
Guest
HarshanFrancis
Points +178
Nachos a must - Edit
Nachos were incredible! They come without cheese for vegans but the guacamole, salsa and beans were super tasty. We had the poke bowl and fried rice as well - both really tasty and large portions. The view here is absolutely stunning, a must visit just for this. They do have a separate vegan section in the menu but it doesn't include every vegan option in there (the fried rice and linguine are in the main sections).
Read moreGuest
Punabob
Points +105
Confirm things! Worth it for the view - Edit
Got the veggie fajitas under a section labeled plant-based and vegan and the sour cream wasn’t and on another dish just regular mayonnaise. So they’re a bit unclear in the concept. They subbed a 2nd guac instead of sour cream. The space is very cool and the views are spectacular. Just during dinner we finally saw toucans, saw a mother and baby way, capuchins, and howler monkeys. There’s also an old plain. We ordered, went to check that out for a few minutes and they were brining our food already. So overall definitely recommend it for the view and animals alone.
Read moreGuest
JuliaSantos7
Points +1794
Clearly labeled, Great view - Edit
Amazing view! Clearly labeled options, good portion size.
Read moreGuest
Kyfred
Points +921
Good food, *great* view - Edit
While the vegan food here was yummy and refreshing, but the star of the experience definitely comes from the atmosphere and view, too! There were 5 options on the menu when we were here (Feb. 2025), including vegan nachos, vegan poke bowl, and easily made vegan fajitas, falafel burger, and pasta! 3 stars only due to limited fully vegan options without modifications, and in the area there are some tastier options! That said, this is the place to go for the dinner view and the food is still very good!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2025-02-26
Pros: The view!!, Fresh and tasty food
Cons: More fully vegan options would be nice!
Guest
Kwilson
Points +153
Lots of options! - Edit
This place has an amazing view and has so many vegan options. The food was really good.
Read morePros: The view, Many options
Guest
alex.dollberg
Points +515
Einzgartig eingerichtetes Restaurant mit großartigem Ausblick. - Edit
Es gab einige veggie und vegane Optionen. Das Personal ist sehr freundlich. Das Restaurant ist um ein Flugzeug herum gebaut.
Read moreGuest
DreaV
Points +1027
Mega Location - Edit
Wie sind nach einer Wanderung hier eingekehrt um uns zu stärken. Wir waren total begeistert. Ein Lokal, um ein Flugzeug gebaut, total schräg. Es gibt einige vegane Gerichte, was wir nicht vermutet hatten. Wir haben die veganen Nachos gegessen. Wirklich lecker, mit Mangos, Zucchini und was man so kennt. Der Ausblick war der Wahnsinn, wir haben noch einige Tiere gesehen. Ein Besuch lohnt sich auf jeden Fall. Sehr nettes Personal.
Read morePros: Vegane Optionen , Tolle Location , Wahnsinns Ausblick
Guest
samaste
Points +423
Interesting Restaurant, OK food - Edit
El Avion is a quirky restaurant with an old aeroplane as a big feature, the waiter was also super friendly. Although there were several options on the menu, in a dedicated plant based section, they were just OK.
Read moreWe had the Plant Based Stir-Fried Rice, which was decent, but can't really go wrong with that type of dish. We also had the Plant Based Burger & Fries, which was supposed to come with Cauli-Wings but were unavailable which was really disappointing. So I had these replaced with stir-fried vegetables. The veg & fries were decent enough, however, the burger was quite dry and not very flavoursome, and the bun was quite a stodgy burger bun.
Perhaps the Linguine, Nachos or Poke Bowl might have been a better option than the Burger!
Pros: Interesting restaurant with aeroplane feature, Clearly labelled vegan options, Friendly, attentive waiter
Cons: Plant-based burger was dry and lacked flavour, Cauli Wings were not available
Guest
albergonx
Points +1091
Buen sitio para tomar algo - Edit
Terraza con vistas muy buenas. Recomendable ir con mucho tiempo o reservar para poder ver el atardecer. El avión por dentro está chulo. Las alitas de coliflor ya no las tienen, nos dijeron que no les salía rentable...
Read moreGuest
GabiBlue
Points +912
bland but nice view - Edit
okay for the view and atmosphere but the food wasn’t very good or flavoursome. portion of nachos was small and the beans were just stuck to the plate below the nachos so very dry. expensive for what it is too but the staff were nice.
Read moreGuest
MaylaNebeská
Points +2242
Sunset, drinks and vegan food - Edit
Went to Avion mostly for sunset (and it was lovely!) but we received a lot more. Yummy piña colada and tasty vegan food. The nachos plus cauliflower wings were too much for one person and so good! We met few mokeys as well, could not be a lot better😄
Read more(The wings in their sister restaurant El wagon are not so good as here in El Avion do not dissapoint yourself like I did)
Updated from previous review on 2024-02-07
Guest
Coseverde
Points +1630
Worth the visit - Edit
Having a whole airplane with an interesting history is a draw, but the food and the view make it clear that this is a good choice.
Read moreThere are several vegan options clearly indicated on the menu, and the prices aren't as ridiculous as some restaurants in the touristy areas.
Definitely worth a visit. I expect the sunsets would be awesome from here too.
Guest
JessMikeWinnemuller
Points +548
Come for the sunset, stay for the food! - Edit
Come for an early dinner and take in the breathtaking views and stunning sunset. There is a plant-based menu and the food portions are huge and each bite is mouthwatering. The staff are friendly and are extremely attentive. We ordered drinks and the plant-based nachos to start with which was way better than expected. We then each ordered the vegan burger with fries and cauliflower wings, which was way too much food, but so worth it. I had half packed up to go and will have it for lunch the next day. I highly recommend checking this place out for a fun, romantic night out. 
Read morePros: Delicious, mouthwatering food, Good selection, large portions , Stunning views, excellent service
Guest
soph161
Points +589
Attentive staff in beautiful venue - Edit
A whole page of plant based options, stunning view over the sea and super attentive staff!
Read moreGuest
heyjemma
Points +36
Good food and views - Edit
Dedicated vegan section of the menu consisting of about 5 options. I had the burger which was a handmade mushroom and bean patty and served with chips and cauliflower wings - all tasty but the wings were sooo good! Setting is also very cool, and stunning views from the top floor
Read morePros: Variety of vegan options , Cool setting, Beautiful views
Guest
Karin1975
Points +246
Love this place - Edit
A plantbased menu on the best spot of Manuel Antonio, friendly service. We love this place #Veganuary
Read morePros: Plant based part on the menu, Price is okay, Amazing location and amazing setting in a plane
Cons: Nothing
Guest
nataliac@me.com
Points +118
Quick service - Edit
There is a separate section for vegan dishes . I had the tacos and they were really good. The service was very good. #Veganuary
Read morePros: Food, Service, Options
Cons: A bit noisy with the waiters using Wally talkies
Seatown_vegan
Great options in Manuel Antonio.
Read moreGuest
beetsrock
Points +881
Sunsets and monkeys - Edit
Went here for the sunset views and enjoyed a delicious meal with excellent friendly service. We ordered pasta with tomatoes, the vegan nachos and the vegan garbanzo poke bowl. Everyone was happy and the poke bowl was absolutely delicious. Great deck with ocean view for sunset watching and the airplanes make a fun theme. Monkeys were entertaining us from the ceiling.
Read morePros: Gorgeous views, Friendly staff, Many vegan options
Guest
LeonV
Points +1359
Great overall experience - Edit
Many vegan options. Cauliflower wings and nachos were good. Even better than the food, however, was the restaurant itself. A huge plane inside of the restaurant serves as a cocktail bar. The restaurant itself has two levels and the view is spectacular, especially around sunset. I went several times and always saw amazing animals in the trees nearby: monkeys, Tulane, macaws and even a sloth. This, it is definitely worth it to come here even if it’s only for a cocktail!
Read morePros: Plant-based options, Impressive view, Wildlife close by
Guest
calliebyrd
Points +112
More vegan options - Edit
They added several more veg options including a burger, cauliflower wings, and a mushroom fettuccine. The service was amazing. It was one of the cheaper upscale restaurants we ate at. The portions were huge!
Read morePros: Good food, Reasonably priced, Amazing view + atmosphere
Guest
24kgould
Points +299
Perfect for sunset! - Edit
Vegan options were clearly marked with 5 different options that all sounded great. I ordered the poke bowl which was delicious and very filling. A little pricey compared to other places we have eaten, but the view was 100% worth it. There were toucans flying around and monkeys climbing in the trees right in front of us. I highly recommend this spot!
Read morePros: Several vegan options, clearly marked, Beautiful atmosphere , Friendly staff
Guest
GregKamprath
Points +32
Good for for vegan options like - Edit
Great views and decent food. It has a vegan section on the menu which is great
Read moreGuest
Kiriemare
Points +39
Typical casado, amazing view - Edit
As a vegan or vegetarian, you're gonna get a casado here, and it'll be fresh and tasty. What makes it special is the decor and the view. Great service, accomodated a large group.
Read morePros: Decent vegan/veg options , Excellent service , Amazing views/ambiance
Guest
DcVeganFoodie
Points +179
We were served cheese - Edit
We ordered cocktails and the vegan nachos with beans. When they came we were surprised they had added cheese and sour cream- thinking it was vegan, we tried some and then asked if it was vegan or regular cheese, which of course it was not vegan. Do not advertise vegan menu items and then add cheese without asking! Cocktails were good and the view is great.
Read morePros: Delicious cocktails and nice views
Cons: Served cheese & sour cream with vegan nachos
Guest
ollie33
Points +968
Cool History, Light on Vegan Options - Edit
Family- friendly spot with a cool theme (real Iran-Contra-funded airplane with a bar) great for the kids to explore. Food nothing special at all and vegans have minimal options. The plant- based nachos were adequate. Good place for a drink and appetizers with a group of non- vegans but not the spot for a full meal.
Read morePros: Vegan nachos , Cool theme beautiful view
Cons: Not many vegan options, Slow service
Guest
Abuckhouse
Points +187
Flavorless - Edit
They have vegan nachos, they will ask if you want sour cream and cheese. They are not good. They also have veggie fried rice which was completely flavorless and very oily. We give them one star for the awesome view and nice bathrooms. Otherwise, skip it.
Read morePros: Great view, Decently priced for the area
Cons: Flavorless food
Guest
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