What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
El Lagarto
Review
About
Travellers' Choice
2024
The Lagarto Restaurant features high quality meats from animals raised with specialized care in the foothills of Volcan Arenal in Costa Rica. Our cows are given individual attention assuring healthy lifestyles and clean pastures for grazing. They are raised naturally and are free of hormones, chemicals, and antibiotics. We also offer a variety of delightful fish and seafood from the Pacific Ocean, delivered fresh to El Lagarto Restaurant by local fishermen in playa Samara. If you would like to bring your own fresh cauth fish, please ask your server for details. All of our vegetables are fresh and organic. They are grown in the central valley of Costa Rica and delivered to El Lagarto Restaurant every other day. We invite you to enjoy all that our restaurant has to offer - from our original recipes and unique BBQ to our natural fruit drinks, fine wines, and specialty cocktails and of course our relaxing beachfront atmosphere.
Features
CUISINES
Steakhouse, Latin, Costa Rican
Meal types
Lunch, Dinner, After-hours
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Free Wifi
Full Bar
Highchairs Available
Outdoor Seating
Parking Available
Reservations
Seating
Serves Alcohol
Table Service
Wheelchair Accessible
Location
Is this a juice / smoothie bar?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 3:00 PM
Sunday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Tuesday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Thursday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Friday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday
3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Contribute
4.5
(749)
Excellent
516
Good
144
Average
53
Poor
18
Terrible
18
Joe Padilla
Charlotte80 contributions
Jun 2024 • family
Our family loved this fabulous steakhouse in Manuel Antonio, which boasts amazing sunset views, succulent cuts of meat and delicious seafood, all served up in a fun, laid-back setting that felt like a Texas BBQ joint in the middle of the Costa Rican jungle. The dishes here are huge and perfect for sharing, particularly the surf & turf platters. My daughter and I split a flavorful Porterhouse steak along with a delicious order of Grilled Scallops, while my wife and son dove into an order of Beef Tenderloin and Jumbo Shrimp.
El Lagarto also has an impressive wine list and cocktail selection, and service was outstanding throughout our visit. Our only regret was not booking an earlier table that allowed us to take better advantage of the ocean view. Highly recommended if you're visiting Manuel Antonio!
Written December 10, 2024
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.
Kendal F
39 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
We stayed at the lodge next to this and opted to try out the restaurant (20% off for lodge guests).
We were a little hesitant because of the prices, but the food was so insanely good that it was 100% worth it. Everything is cooked in a wood fired oven / on a grill over hot charcoals and it’s open to the restaurant so you can watch them cook.
Our drinks were good (I had the watermelon ‘juice’ and it was my favorite drink so far), and all of the food was delicious. Shrimp cocktail, meat plate, and jumbo shrimp.
However, the true standout was dessert, specifically the brownie. I took a bite and was blown away. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I think it was the best dessert I’ve ever had - my boyfriend agreed as well. Just randomly the most delicious dessert ever.
The views are beautiful as well - we came after sunset but had a chance to see what it looked like when we had checked into the lodge.
If you’re willing to spend the money then it’s 100% worth it.
Written August 23, 2024
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.
Jennifer F
21 contributions
May 2023 • family
Excellent! The food was delicious, everyone ordered tenderloin and it was perfectly cooked. The ambiance is great, the vibe is chill and I’m sure during the day/sunset the view is spectacular given the location. We went for dinner at 7pm as a party of 8, they sat us right away and the service was great. I highly recommend dinner here, you won’t be disappointed!
Written May 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.
Paradise321
World2 contributions
Aug 2023 • friends
We had an amazing dinner with our friends and was absolutely amazing, the food is awesome.
Massiel was the one that helped us to choose our dishes, she gave us excellent recommendations and was understanding with all our questions and needs! There are no words that can describe the terrific service we had from her.
I highly recommend El Lagarto restaurant if you want to enjoy a beautiful time with your loved ones and also see the amazing view they have!
Written October 9, 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.
Ted H
Stafford6 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Had dinner at sunset and the view was amazing. Called ahead to reserve a table for two and got an amazing view. The food was great but was expensive, we spent almost $200 on dinner for two, including 3 drinks. We will go here again but just want you to know it is expensive.
Written July 27, 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.
John V
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • friends
1 star for food
1 star for service
Awful. Came with a friend for dinner. Dried out and tasteless steaks. We both agreed the steaks had an awful aftertaste and the meal was bad. We ordered the $38 seafood appetizer. 30 minutes later a waiter says they made a mistake and our entrees would come out first, appetizer later. We said no problem. Two minutes after the entrees came out they came over with the hot seafood appetizer, we let them know we were told it would be out later and didn’t want it now, and the lady who wasn’t even our waiter (he never came back after taking our order) said “I was told to leave it”, dropped it on the table and walked away. Waiter never checked on us so we were unable the express our concern in person.
Written December 13, 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.
Elect_nginear
Irvine508 contributions
Mar 2023 • family
I really enjoyed eating here during sunset. The environment was vibrant and nice to watch the cook grill our steaks. The steaks were very thick compared to normal and the other restaurants in the area but still full of flavor. The shrimp and lobster were seasoned well with their special garlic butter seasoning
Written March 10, 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.
Paul and Sharon
52 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
We ate here on Nov 9. We arrived at 4:45 pm. Asked for ice water. We noticed that the ice scoop was in with the ice bucket and that every waiter/bartender was reaching in the ice bucket to grab the scoop, all with unwashed hands. Totally unsanitary.
Got our menus and we were told. No lobster, no guacamole, no scallops.
I asked what came with the tenderloin steak, i was told nothing but could put A5 on it. So the tenderloin is a hunk of meat with nothing on it.
I ordered as an appetizer the roasted garlic in olive oil. Waited 45 minutes for that to arrive. (There were approx. 10 people in the restaurant at the time). The garlic arrived and stunk of burning. It was charred black hard like a rock. I returned it and didn't reorder (45 minutes wait again i suppose.)
We waited another 30 minutes for the main course to arrive. (Still only 10 people in the restaurant)
I had the house specialty stuffed chicken and my wife the fish of the day and a specialty drink. The food was average at best, again with some overcooked charring on the chicken and fish.
What should have taken about 1 hour total ended up taking just under 2 hours.
The meal cost us $54 Canadian, for no appetizer 1 drink and 2 main courses.
The sunset view is spectacular but that's about all I can say about this restaurant. We've eaten at 7 different places in Manuel Antonio area and this was the worse.
If it wasn't for the view, the review would be 1 star. Do yourself a favor and consider other more reasonably priced, better food and much better service restaurants in the area.
Written November 9, 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.
Kirsten B
2 contributions
Feb 2023 • family
We celebrated our wedding at El Lagarto, and we couldn’t have asked for better. Right from the start, working with Maribel to plan the details and figure out logistics was as easy as we could have hoped for. The restaurant is gorgeous and laid back, and the food was undoubtedly the best we had in Costa Rica (our guests agreed). The staff truly went above and beyond, from making sure each drink had enough ice, to ensuring the food was perfectly cooked and plentiful, and making everyone feel more than welcome. The meal received rave reviews, their beef tenderloin is the best I’ve had and we had almost everyone go back for seconds or thirds. Will recommend to everyone going to visit, and we will be back!
Maribel, thank you. You and your team made our wedding better than we could have dreamed.
Written February 12, 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.
jeanboz
Old Lyme36 contributions
Feb 2023 • couples
We had a great meal and great time at this restaurant. The positive reviews got us in the door, and we were immediately hit by the sounds and smells of grilled steak. The grills are massive and heated by the embers of wood being burned in an overhead furnace. Need this set up for my yard! We all had steaks tho I had a surf and turf with Mahi which was excellent. All but one of the steaks were cooked to perfection - and they took care of the one very quickly. Each meal came with a grilled tomato, slice of zucchini and potato which were very tasty. Absolutely recommend the mixed seafood appetizer with garlic and wine. The flavor was outstanding - and make sure you have bread to dip in the sauce!
Written February 4, 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.
Betsy J
Southport29 contributions
May 2023 • family
Wow! My sister and brother-in-law, who live in Costa Rica, told us this was their favorite restaurant. So, we went to celebrate her birthday while there. What a wonderful experience it was! The whole package was just ideal - from the breathtaking sunset views, the delicious cocktails, the mouth watering grilled specialties, open air atmosphere, and great service!!! Definitely want to go back on my next visit!!!
Written May 19, 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.
Wood77
Los Angeles3673 contributions
Feb 2025 • couples
The sun setting and ocean view from the dining room was amazing. Their BBQ firebox cooking technique was unique. Logs were thrown in which turned into coals. Then the hot coals were pulled down onto two runways, one to cook the proteins and another to cook the vegetables. Potatoes wrapped in foil were cooked underneath the firebox. The distinct flavor from searing hot coals made everything taste scrumptious. An extraordinary experience.
Written February 23, 2025
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.
Voyager22954759518
Province of Guanacaste5 contributions
Dec 2022 • none
Had dinner. Very nice atmosphere. Foolishly expensive, Calamari was so soaked in butter that I got sick to my stomach when I got home and was up all night. Pork was way under cooked. My wife ate it, I would not have. A tourist trap. Only go if you are a stupid American tourist. Evidently this applied to me. Live and learn.
Written December 23, 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.
Journey26015224455
Thank you for your comment.
Just to make one thing clear we do not use butter on the squids only chimichurri sauce, and the bake potato has margerine on top.
And very sorry that you got sick.
Of course there is no intention in making you upset.
Written December 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
goingpuravida
Playa Flamingo39 contributions
Nov 2022 • none
Absolutely amazing. We arrived early when they opened at 3pm and were able to have an early dinner. We got lucky because reservations are usually required but they accommodated us anyway as they prepared for all the people headed their way. The view was fantastic and a great place to watch the sunset. The food was super tasty and the method, even more fascinating, as coals from a raised wood fired oven are moved down a ramp to one of two adjustable grills. The baby back ribs were the best that I have ever eaten. The fresh whole red snapper was also amazing. Will definitely be back soon.
Written November 18, 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.
Mrpilot
10 contributions
Nov 2021 • couples
Tonight is the last night of our weeklong vacation. Single worse dining experience in Costa Rica this week. We came for dinner around 7pm, so it was already dark and we couldn't see the view that gets the big raves (but we saw it all week everywhere else, so no big deal. We ordered two juices, the jalapenos stuffed with shrimp and cheese, and two churassco steaks aka New York strip (med rare as God intended).... Drinks were smaller than any other place we dined at. The app was just three Jalapenos that were not cleaned out, full of seeds and the membrane, and each had one tiny shrimp in it. The steaks were very under done, no sear, cold red center, had to saw through them with the serrated knives. Steaks had zero seasoning. Wood fire grill is cool to look at, but imparted no flavor. Baked potato was tasty. Grilled tomato was unseasoned as well. Service was good enough, staff was polite and apologized for bad food. Waitress offered up a free dessert, but we turned it down because everything else was bad, no need to punish ourselves further. $72 with tax and tip. Left hungry and disappointed. Maybe lunchtime to see the view and grab a drink? Many MANY other options in town. Spare yourself. Try Agua Azul, great food staff and view.
Written November 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.
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