El Avion Restaurant

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The CIA *never* engages in nefarious activities like drug and gun trafficking, election rigging, coup planning or assassinations. Because of that, you absolutely cannot enjoy a meal and then a party in a CIA owned C-123 cargo plane purchased to covertly traffic cash and guns to Nicaragua in support of the right-wing CONTRA rebels. This restaurant is not called El Avion and it is not located on a hilltop overlooking the stunning ocean and mountain vistas surrounding Manuel Antonio National Park. It does not exist and you never read this article!

Plane restaurant. — El Avion front entrance.

Man at table. — Ben enjoying a view while helping a buyer find a property of their dreams. The restaurants overlooks the surroundings of the world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park.

restaurant interior. — Seating and bar area inside the aircraft.

Table of Contents

THE IRAN CONTRA SCANDAL

So what triggered the Iran-Contra Scandal after a sister C-123 cargo plane crashed in Nicaragua? Hezbollah in Lebanon captured seven Americans and held them hostage. U.S. officials claimed that selling weapons to Iran—despite the arms embargo—might persuade Iran to help free the hostages. That version became the official story, but it masked a deeper operation.

In reality, officials inflated weapon prices and funneled the profits to the CONTRAS, a rebel group fighting the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. After the revolution ousted President Anastasio Somoza Debayle, the Marxist FSLN took control. U.S. leaders viewed the new regime as a threat. The CONTRAS pushed back against the Marxist rise and needed steady funding and arms. C-123 cargo planes carried the bulk of those supplies.

Group of fighters. — A group of CONTRAS photographed in 1987. Source: Wikipedia.

Tables under airplane. — Fancy a meal or drink under an engine of an infamous C-123?

Soldiers celebrating. — A group of CONTRAS photographed in 1987. Source: Wikipedia.

LOCATION

EL Avion Restaurant is located near the town of Manuel Antonio, on the road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park and about 2km from the main park entrance. Parking is available right in front of the restaurant and is plentiful. This is one of the most scenic areas of Costa Rica and the multitude of nearby restaurants, shops, hotels and tourist businesses attest to this fact.

Map — Location of El Avion restaurant. between the town of Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park.

Parking lot. — Plentiful parking in front of the restaurant.

INTERIOR AND DÉCOR

The restaurant wraps around a C-123 aircraft that the CIA once used to smuggle weapons and cash into Nicaragua. The structure encloses nearly the entire plane, leaving only its nose exposed to open air. This aircraft anchors the business—and rightly earns its place as the centerpiece. You can climb into the cockpit and explore the interior, which features a bar and seating area. Depending on the hour, the space transforms into a surreal café or nightclub.

Outside the plane but still beneath the restaurant’s high roof, seating fills the space. You can sit beside the fuselage or beneath the wings and engines. Options range from intimate two-chair tables to large setups for groups and gatherings. El Avion offers a spacious, open layout with mountain and ocean views from most seats. For the best experience, sit at the edge—you’ll feel like you’re floating above the rainforest.

Cockpit of aircraft. — You can climb into the cockpit for a surreal experience.

Tables in restaurant. — Many tables are large and can accommodate huge groups. Here, you can sit under the wing.

Inside an aircraft. — Seats and bar inside the aircraft.

Aircraft loading ramp. — Rear loading ramp of the aircraft.

THE FOOD

We grabbed a hearty lunch—burger and chips served hot with barely a wait. The flavors hit the spot and the portions satisfied. We sipped cold drinks, wrapped up quickly, and headed out to tackle a busy day. The menu offered something for everyone: fried calamari, poke bowls, pasta, salads, wings, nachos, fish, steak, and vegetarian dishes.

Coffee selections and drink choices—beer, wine, liquor, and cocktails—matched the food in range.

Burger and fries. — A quick lunch. But there are SO MANY food choices available here! Same for coffee, beers, wines and spirits, and cocktails – some named and themed after types of aircraft.

WILL WE COME BACK?

We rarely go as far as Quepos but this is definitely a regular venue for when there is business to be done in the area. This restaurant is also a MUST DO stop for friends or clients who are visiting Costa Rica – a truly surreal and spectacular memory (and photos) for everyone to take home.

Our local area has been declared a culinary center of Costa Rica, right here in our little jungle communities! The variety of foods, amazing ambience and decors and great service from the dozens of local eateries add a touch of modernity and class that visitors often don’t expect to find in our area – yet here it is! Imagine living here and experiencing both the wilderness, pristine beaches, lush jungles and tropical animals AND modern luxuries and amenities that provide a sharp contrast that keeps your life here interesting, engaging and full of variety – it all starts with an email or phone call to RE/MAX We Sell Paradise – and in the meanwhile, why not brows our hundreds of hot listings in the local area?