Top things to do

The big drawcard of Mantai is its pretty outdoor setting, featuring paper lanterns, fairy lights and potted plants. This restaurant also offers good-looking wait staff, electronic music and enjoyable bistro meals.

The fully modernized city museum reopened in its new location in 2009, and showcases valuable artifacts from pre-Columbian Manta culture, a selection of Ecuadorian paintings and quirky fishing paraphernalia.

This casual but nicely set café serves delectable seafood plates. It’s a popular place with a subdued marine theme and reliable plates of ceviche, grilled fish and several types of shrimp dish.

On a pleasant pedestrian lane set back just a short distance from the malecón, this place offers frothy cappuccinos, sandwiches and inexpensive lunch plates. There’s outdoor seating.

Near the heart of the nightlife, the popular Beachcomber is a favorite for its grilled meats. Dine in the lush backyard garden or on the open-sided front porch.

This amenable glass-walled grill in the center of Manta’s nightlife area is a great place for a filling steak and a glass of good Argentinian red wine.

This popular surfer-run snack spot serves juicy burgers grilled to order amid rock and reef sounds. Friendly English-speaking owner.

This former museum is now an art-house cinema and performance hall with daily film screenings (at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm).

Slip into a bamboo chair near the plaza for juices, breakfasts, filling lunches and ice-cream sundaes.

A popular but very casual spot, with patrons sitting at sidewalk tables next to a sizzling grill.