Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
Renowned steakhouse offering perfectly grilled meats with stunning volcano views and exceptional, friendly service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Renowned steakhouse offering perfectly grilled meats with stunning volcano views and exceptional, friendly service.
Must-Try Skirt Steak
Don't miss the skirt steak, described as a culinary delight and cooked to perfection with flavorful sides.
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table at this highly popular steakhouse.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Steakhouse, Costa Rican
Price
$$$
Phone
+506 6209 7241
Address
21007, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Perfectly Cooked Skirt Steak
Savor an exquisitely tender and flavorful skirt steak, elevated by a special jalapeño sauce and delicious sides.
Breathtaking Volcano Views
Dine with a stunning backdrop of the Arenal Volcano, offering a romantic and memorable atmosphere, especially at sunset.
Exceptional & Friendly Service
Experience attentive and personalized service, with staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Must-Try Skirt Steak
Don't miss the skirt steak, described as a culinary delight and cooked to perfection with flavorful sides.
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table at this highly popular steakhouse.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Ask for Angela!
Diners rave about Angela's exceptional service, making the experience even more special.
Tips
from all over the internet
Must-Try Skirt Steak
Don't miss the skirt steak, described as a culinary delight and cooked to perfection with flavorful sides.
Book Ahead
Reservations are recommended to guarantee a table at this highly popular steakhouse.
Consider Off-Peak Hours
Visit during less busy times for a more relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Ask for Angela!
Diners rave about Angela's exceptional service, making the experience even more special.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Novillo del Arenal garners high praise for its exceptionally cooked steaks and friendly service, often highlighted by stunning volcano views. While most diners rave about the quality of the meat and the overall experience, a few have noted issues with specific dishes not meeting expectations, and one reviewer found the prices high for the portion sizes and meat quality.
"Review: El Novillo del Arenal – One of the Best Steakhouses in the World
In all seriousness, this might be one of my favorite restaurants in the world. The steak here is simply perfect, and the jalapeño sauce takes it to another level. Every single bite is a delight, right up until the last one. If you love steak, this is the place to be.
What to Order
I tried the lomito, churrasco, and skirt steak, and while all were excellent, my absolute favorite was the skirt steak—tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Pair it with the salad and mashed potatoes, and I promise, you might just cry from how good it is.
Service & Atmosphere
We loved this place so much that we came here three days in a row and ended up befriending the entire staff. They run the restaurant like a well-oiled machine—each server wears headphones and communicates constantly, ensuring every guest gets top-notch service.
Shoutout to Amazing Staff
A special thanks to Michael and Angela, who truly made our dining experience unforgettable. You guys are awesome!
Final Verdict
El Novillo del Arenal isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Incredible steak, amazing service, and an atmosphere that keeps you coming back for more. If you’re in the Arenal area, do not miss this place."
Akaramah Khawaja
"Gorgeous view, delicious pizza and lots of options. On our way to Mistico we decided to stop here for lunch. It was easy to park and pull into. The menu had a lot of sandwich, pizzas and full entree. They also had some great photo spots set up along with swings right in front of volcano arenal. A small kids area and lots of seating does make it kid friendly too."
Karrie Krell
"This place is amazing! The atmosphere is excellent, service top notch, and the food makes me want to come back for more! We highly recommend. We were looking for steaks specifically, their menu has a variety."
Elizabeth Pederson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is celebrated for its perfectly cooked steaks, particularly the skirt steak, alongside its stunning views of the Arenal Volcano and excellent service.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make reservations in advance, as the restaurant is very popular and can get crowded.
The menu also features pizza, pasta dishes like spaghetti and carbonara, and seafood options such as sea bass with shrimp sauce.
Absolutely! The restaurant boasts a gorgeous open-air setting with spectacular views of the Arenal Volcano, especially during sunset.
Yes, the restaurant is noted as being kid-friendly, with a small kids' area and ample seating.
They offer a selection of beverages including juices, smoothies, cocktails like martinis and piña coladas, and private-label craft beer.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit