643 reviews
#13 of 91 Restaurants in Playas del Coco$$ - $$$, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options+506 8397 8690+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Mon
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Tue
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Wed
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thu
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Fri
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sat
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
“We had ceviche, a crispy sandwich and a salad and everything was tasty and fl...”
“Avocado fries and a couple of oysters for appetizers to start very good.”
“The fish ceviche was good and the portion was generous but it was a bit too s...”
“We had the shrimp nachos, raw oysters and as suggested by our waiter the gril...”
Does this restaurant allow dogs or considered pet friendly?
Details
About
THE LOOKOUT IS BACK...CLEAN&SAFE TO VISIT...CERTIFICATED..The Lookout is a seafood restaurant and oyster bar located in Playas Del Coco, Guanacaste. We are the first and only restaurant in town to stock live oysters, to be eaten raw on the half shell or prepared in a number of other ways. We are also the first and only place in town to serve Costa Rican craft beers on tap. The view from our establishment is truly priceless and the menu showcases the freshest seafood that the Pacific has to offer. We hope to see you soon!
CUISINES
Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Drive Thru, BYOB, Dog Friendly, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants
Contribute
4.5
643 reviews
Excellent
455
Very good
107
Average
43
Poor
22
Terrible
16
Ron M
Mississauga328 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
This restaurant was recommended to us by friends who have made several trips to the area and, although it's view was similar to our PH Condo in Coco Bay Estates...it did not disappoint! Food, service, atmosphere and views was all very good and our group of six enjoyed an excellent sunset and early evening there. Bowls, Taco's, Nocho's & fish are the main offerings and all was good. Special treat is the Fried Avocados which everyone love but not too sure of the usual nutritional value that avocados are known for? :-) Restaurant is a short drive just outside the village and up a foothill so a must stop for a bit of a different perspective and view of the area...
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
thank you so much to write us a review!! So happy that your friend suggestion was appreciated and so happy that you all enjoyed time with us...hope to see you soon!!
Written February 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kinkajouzaboo
Playa Hermosa154 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
Great view and even greater food!!! We have been going to the lookout for over 5 years, so we met the former owners, the new ones and the new ones with the new menu and decor. It went from good to extremely good! The views always been great and it won’t change but food and the decor always improved! On our last trip, we went with 2 friends who never been there and they were so impressed that they insisted on telling the cook personally how much they enjoyed their meal. I have to say my veggie burger is without a doubt the best I ever had! The beer and drinks selection is also great and service was perfect.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
182elisap
Thank you so much for this detailed review!! We hope that you will continue to come!! It's our pleasure to have you here!!
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monroe N
Newark6 contributions
May 2021 • none
First I made my reservation thru Open table. Then I had my girlfriend’s birthday cake made somewhere else. So I called Elisa and I asked her if I could bring the cake earlier so it could be served after and she said yes. I went and dropped off the cake and Stephanie received the cake. We had a table by the railing and they had a nice Happy Birthday Banner along the railing by our table for my girlfriend. Elisa and Stephanie were amazing, courteous, polite, professional and provided us with best customer service we’ve ever received from all the other countries we’ve been to. The view was brilliant and breathtaking. The food was nicely cooked and zesty. I do recommend the fried Avocado for appetizer and the Shrimp Bowl. The drinks were by far better than what we were getting at the hotel we stayed so we had to go back there for the second time before leaving Costa Rica. All of the drinks were made flawlessly. My personal favorite was the Spicy Ginger Mojito. Lastly, the prices for the food and drinks with such great quality were unbelievably affordable and cheaper than most places we have been. Thanks Elisa and Stephanie for the great time we had at The Lookout.
Written May 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you guys to choose us for this important occasion!! It was a pleasure to have you here!! Hope to see you soon guys...all the best!!
Written May 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jimsham
Costa Rica35 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I wouldn’t come back.
The rooms are tiny. The restaurant food is just OK except for the oysters I’ve never seen any so small in my life. They were about two dollars apiece and all six of them wouldn’t make one oyster in New Orleans.
The service was good until it got crowded then we couldn’t get a waiter or waitress to even stop by our table so we can pay our bill.
Nachos, six tiny terrible oysters, and two drinks were close to $60 US.
The air conditioner in the room worked very poorly there’s no table and chairs or even a luggage rack to put your suitcase on.
The rooms are so close together that when you sit on the balcony you can hear what is being said in the next room.
It does have a swimming pool about the size of a hot tub. Which was very cool but once you were in was very comfortable. But I don’t think you could fit six people in it.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
182elisap
Hi Jimsham!! Thank you to write us a review...JFYI The Lookout Restaurant is a different business from the hotel, so we will consider your comments concerning the restaurants...Actually we are sorry that you have to wait to pay your bill, we always try to do our best to take care of our guests ...In relation to oysters, the GIGA style oysters is the only ones that can grow in the hot water of our Ocean and they are expensive because you can find a lot of oysters in Costa Rica...Staying at your disposal for any other details, we thank you for your visit...
Written February 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jshallow01
Aitkin585 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
we went here because of the Netflix show and it was relatively close to our condo. the view was what we get from our condo, so we already knew it was beautiful. the food was good and we all got fish tacos, but pretty overpriced for 2 tacos. food in Costa Rica is much more costly compared to the US, but this was a lot more than fish tacos in town and tasted just as good for twice as much $. the waiter was attentive, but there was no one else there. the location is out of town and the road is quite steep to get to it. there is minimal parking for both the restaurant and hotel and the entrance is around back up a steep paved road hill you need to walk up, so wear appropriate footwear for that.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
182elisap
Thank you to take the time and write us a review!! We know that is pretty difficult to get up here, but to see our view is the only way...Hope to see you soon!!
Written March 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gio
1 contribution
Apr 2022 • couples
Don’t expect what you saw on Netflix. Service was poor, our server didn’t really know the menu and it was confusing, when asked about the difference between two dishes he just said “they’re the same”, I speak perfect Spanish so we can’t say there was a language barrier. There was no music and the place was dark/somber, we were told they had electricity issues, lights went on right after we asked. The view is beautiful but once the sun sets the view is pitch black so without the little lights there’s no ambiance. Food was ok, we ordered mahi-mahi that was over cooked and salty, steak fajitas that were good, and nachos that were cold, cocktails were ok. Prices are high but service was below average. I suggest you go before the sun sets, have a drink or two, and go have dinner somewhere else. Overall a beautiful view, quite out of the way, overpriced food and poor service or lack thereof. Maybe we just were there on a bad day and everything that could go wrong did. Once again, the view is beautiful!
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you so much to take the time and write us this helpful review...in relation with the service, your waiter has just started to work with us and probably he didn't take care of you as he should have, we are sorry that this had a bad impact on your experience with us. Concerning the electricity, up to the hill we have problems sometimes, it's for the location and this is unfortunately not depending on us...
Written April 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Regina Y
Maryland12 contributions
Jul 2021 • family
had not heard of the Lookout but a month before coming to Costa Rica I was watching a cable show, Restaurant with a View and they were featured. The show helps restaurants with a great view with renovations and relaunch with a great business plan.
Starting with the spectacular view driving to the restaurant up the side of a mountain is the start of the adventure. As soon as you walk in the restaurant you are greeted with Hola and the sky opening up right in front of your eyes! Brilliant!! Yes, the view and drinks are worth the effort. Not far from Playas del Coco.
Pack your patience it does take time to receive your food,
To be fair I ‘m not a seafood person but they had hamburger and fries, chicken wings. for my niece who was 12 years old. I ordered something not exactly how it was on the menu, grilled fish fillet and salad which was flavorful and delicious. I could tell it was fresh and cooked with love.
One suggestion they need salsa and chips when the drinks come out, because they cook fresh food and it takes time.
I would definitely put this restaurant on the must see list. Get a 5:00pm reservation sit back, relax and let the sunset and the world pass you by it’s Pura Vida Time! Cheers!
Say hi to the owners Andrea, in the picture and her husband the Chef and say Regina sent you.😃
Regina Y.
Philadelphia,
Pa
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you Regina to take the time and write this detailed review...it was a pleasure to meet you and yes I recognized it took time to serve you your fish filet, but remember that it was because you change your mind on your order and we did our best to change your plate, unfortunately this change took more time because there were other orders before yours...Anyway we are happy that you enjoyed your time with us and we are waiting to see you again up here!!
Written July 24, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
HK
11 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
We ordered the "bowls". Very tasty, well prepared and server gave us the sauce to taste when we weren't sure if we'd like it. There was live music and when we got up to dance, staff videoed and emailed to us. They went well beyond. But mostly, the view makes it well worth the trip. Great setting, especially at sunset.
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!! Hope to see you soon up here!!
Written February 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wayne R
Kitchener44 contributions
Mar 2022 • none
4 of us went to see the sunset overlooking Coco Beach and enjoy dinner.
I had a banquet burger (Cheese and bacon). A club house sandwich, a steak, and an order of all in nachos completed the meals. 4 local beers a smoothie, and a giant mojito were for all of us total. A great birthday cake and balloons were also provided for my wife's birthday (pre-arranged)
Total cost was $120. The burger was the best burger I've had since I was 9 years old. (I'm no spring chicken). I can't wait to return.
Written April 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you so much Wayne, can't wait to see you up here again!!
Written April 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pdxyz1
Portland29 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
I wanted to love this place. The view is spectacular, the cooks have access to some of the best food in the world, the staff are friendly and helpful. What else could you want?
Well ... great food. The guacamole was a tiny portion of watery, overly acidic mashed avocado dotted with a few pale tomato bits and served with burnt chips. Deep fried avocados, also burned. Beef strips in the fajitas that were too rubbery to chew. If the other customers' meals were as bad as ours, that would explain the depressing energy in the place; To be fair, the beer was fine and the staff was quick to replace our chewy fajitas with good burgers and fries. But a restaurant on a hilltop with a sweeping view of Playas del Coco should be more than a burger joint.
The Lookout got millions of dollars worth of publicity from the Netflix episode that featured it. Very sad to see the owners squandering all that, and likely sliding back into the same situation the Netflix crew tried to rescue them from.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you so much to take the time and write us a review...it is always helpful to have review that make us grow...Netflix was an incredible experience and gave us the opportunity to introduce new plates, it can happen, even if we try to do our best, that the ingredients we find not always are not as good as we need (for example avocados that sometimes are not at the perfect point) and unfortunately we can't control it...
Written January 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
1Buffalo
Marble Falls53 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
A must stop while in Playas del Coco. Full bar, very tasty food (recommend poke bowl with shrimp), all with a panoramic view of the Oceano Pacifico. Happy hour (2/1) until 4.00.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
182elisap
Thank you to take the time and write us a review!! Hope to see you soon!!
Written February 19, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kim K
4 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
FRESH. Food is fresh, amazing - Staff is wonderful - so kind and inviting! Views... it was dark for us bc they opened late for us to enjoy a dinner as a large group of 15ppl - but you could tell... amazing :). Overall, the warm inviting atmosphere and staff serving the freshest and most amazing drinks and food made this a destination MUST. Wonderful time and staff makes you feel like you are a long lost friend coming to dinner. LOVE.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Thank you so much!! It was a pleasure to have you up here!!
Written January 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kcs03
Costa Rica20 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
Great view, terrible time waiting and food was Ok nothing yo be amar or astonish
I came here before Covid and was great and amazing but now prices are expensive and food were good nothing more
The view is the best in town
We ordered fried avocado and the sauce was commercial no homemade . The special octopus was really nice, soft well prepared but the sides were really simple. I can do better the salad and vegetables at home
My boyfriend ordered shrimp nachos and they were different but ok.
Written February 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
Hola hola and thank you to take the time and write us a review!! We didn't change the prices after COVID (before taxes were not included in the menu prices and now they are) and our Avocado sauce is the same as always and we prepare it here...we feel sorry that you didn't enjoy the experience as much as the last time you came...
Written February 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
suziegMunich_Germany
20 contributions
Mar 2023 • none
Our family came to the Lookout because of all the great reviews. Honestly, I can't see how anyone could give them a good review.
We were a party of six. There were two waiters for the whole restaurant. It took 45 minutes to get our first round of drinks. It took 1 1/2 hours to get food. The food was inedible. No one could eat the burgers or steak dish. Burgers were frozen patties that were served almost raw. The steak dish had a bad odor to it. The chicken sandwich also bad. The chicken wings tasted freezer burned. The manager did take some entrees off our bill when she saw that no one ate.
The view is nice but just not worth the trip. Such a shame that our experience was awful.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisa P
We were expecting this negative review cause as you mentioned we took away from your bill plates that were not eaten, to show you that we care about the satisfaction of our guests, but even with our apologies you were really offensive with us and didn't respect our work...We understand you didn't enjoy the experience and you didn't like our menu, we apologies for the delay of serving, we tried to explain that when the restaurant is really busy, our little open kitchen and bar take time to serve orders, your answer was that this can't happen ...everyone at the table was very upset and we were sorry for that, but you're wrong when you said that our products are frozen cause we took the time everyday to prepare everything fresh, and this is why most of the people wrote good reviews...
Written March 12, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sylte
Playas del Coco3 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
Drive up and up and up to the most amazing restaurant/ bar/ lookout you have ever seen. We know that Coco is a lovely place to live, but Coco is so much more beautiful when espied from above! Come at sunset for a transcendent experience. Then order drinks and dinners you will never be able to order anywhere else! Spicy ginger margaritas, Basil/sugar Vodka concoction, oysters any way, fried avocados, and Bowls of camarones bangbang! What an amazing way to see the sunset!
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
182elisap
Hi Sylte!! Thank you for this amazing review!! Hope to see you soon up here!!
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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