Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The restaurant sits atop a hill with one of the most breathtaking views in Manuel Anto-
nio. “My first impression when I got here, looking out at this gorgeous view, was that I was
just amazed at the beauty. That's exactly what my customers experience,” he says. Ronny's
Place sits amidst 200 acres of farmland owned by Don Carlos Lopez, who bought it more
than 50 years ago and he isn't interested in selling or developing it beyond what it is. “He
just wants it to stay like this,” Ronny explains. “That's why there are cows and horses —
because that's his way of living — that's the way he enjoys life.” When Ronny first visited
the site he was moved by its natural beauty. The existing bar at the time wasn't much, but
he could see the potential. He brought his family back and their reaction matched his. “I
asked them if they liked the place and they fell in love with it too,” Ronny recalls. “They
said, 'Wow, this is so nice!' It couldn't be more pure than that, your kids encouraging you,
saying 'Go ahead. Do it! Do it!' So, that's how it happened.”
What Ronny did was create a thriving restaurant and bar that embraced the lush beauty
of the surrounding rainforest. At any hour there are tourists and locals alike who come
to the hilltop to enjoy the menu and atmosphere, but as sunset approaches it begins to
get busier. During peak seasons the staff serves over 200 people a day, many of those in
the early evening. “Around sunset, between five and six, I would say we see around 120
people. It's crazy,” he admits. The staff have worked together for a while though, and are
well trained to deal with the rush. “Everybody's prepared for the crowds now.”
In addition to the stunning sunsets, Ronny's Place has a reputation for excellent food
and drink. Ronny is committed to using only the freshest ingredients, including the fruit
juices he uses in some of their signature sauces. He negotiates the purchase and preparation
of many of them himself, preferring to have them juiced to order. “Most of the juices are
pure,” he explains. “I pay a person every day to do it.” That commitment to quality is what
he thinks makes the difference - and people notice. “When they leave, they tell others, 'I
don't know what it is, but there's something about it that's special.'” Ronny doesn't think
they do anything particularly adventurous with the menu, but is proud of their homemade
sauces. “We use a lot of fruit for example. It's a fusion of different things,” he says. “We
use mango, papaya, and banana. We can make it a little bit sour with a passion fruit sauce;
brown sugar, a little orange juice. Fresh fruit makes it special.”
Ann Duff-Ealy Lyons says, “I love Ronny's Place because it's off the beaten path,
has awesome ocean views and sunsets, delicious food, THE BEST Sangria, and a super
friendly staff!”
Clark McMillan co-owner of Jungle Creek vacation rentals agrees, “Ronny's Place is
a must-see when visiting Manuel Antonio. There are great ocean and sunset views from
either the main restaurant or from the tables across the road that line the edge of the hill.
Try the seafood, sangrias and don't forget to try the Banana Flambé...they do it like nobody
