El Lagarto
El Lagarto boasts stunning Pacific sunset views and a unique wood-fired grill, offering high-quality, naturally raised meats and fresh seafood.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
El Lagarto
Highlights
Must-see attractions
El Lagarto boasts stunning Pacific sunset views and a unique wood-fired grill, offering high-quality, naturally raised meats and fresh seafood.
Reserve for Sunset Views
Make a reservation in advance for tables with the best sunset views.
Indulge in Specialty Cocktails
Enjoy reasonably priced specialty cocktails that complement your meal.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Argentinian Steakhouse
Price
$$$
Phone
+506 2777 6932
Address
200 mtrs Norte de la Plaza de Deportes de, Provincia de Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Website
ellagartobbq.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Sunset Views
Dine with breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, especially magical during sunset.
Wood-Fired Grilled Meats & Seafood
Savor succulent meats and fresh seafood cooked to perfection on a unique wood-burning grill.
Unique Ambiance & Open Grill
Experience the lively atmosphere with an open kitchen where chefs grill food right before your eyes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve for Sunset Views
Make a reservation in advance for tables with the best sunset views.
Indulge in Specialty Cocktails
Enjoy reasonably priced specialty cocktails that complement your meal.
Weekday Visits for a Relaxed Pace
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more leisurely dining experience.
Consider Local Currency for Cards
If paying by credit card, ask to pay in Colones for potentially better exchange rates.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve for Sunset Views
Make a reservation in advance for tables with the best sunset views.
Indulge in Specialty Cocktails
Enjoy reasonably priced specialty cocktails that complement your meal.
Weekday Visits for a Relaxed Pace
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a more leisurely dining experience.
Consider Local Currency for Cards
If paying by credit card, ask to pay in Colones for potentially better exchange rates.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
El Lagarto offers a memorable dining experience with its spectacular sunset views and expertly grilled meats and seafood, cooked over a unique wood-burning grill. While the food quality is highly praised, some diners find the prices, particularly for cocktails, to be on the higher side.
"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."
Kendal Faucett
"The sunset view at this restaurant is gorgeous, but be sure to make a reservation in advance—when we arrived as walk-ins, all the tables with the best views were already reserved.
Since we hadn’t had lunch earlier that day, we decided to go all in for dinner, and it was definitely worth it. The steaks are what truly make this place stand out. We ordered the tenderloin and the ribeye, and both were juicy, tender, and perfectly cooked. One surprise was how delicious the vegetables were. The zucchinis and tomatoes were perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection. The baked potatoes, however, didn’t quite hit the mark—they were unevenly cooked, with some potatoes flavorful and others a bit bland.
Watching the chefs grill the food right in front of you added a fun and engaging element to the experience. Overall, it was an excellent meal that lived up to our expectations for a memorable feast."
Annie Vo
"Excellent place to have a really nice and good dinner. If you can try to be there or make a reservation for the sunset. We missed the sunset but the food experience was amazing. I had the seafood special, which was stuffed squib ( not a piece of squib, the WHOLE squib), shrimps, and other seafood on it. It comes with fresh grill tomato, baked potato, and zucchini. You can see on the picture that it was no joke. My wife got the Beef tenderloin, which also comes with Bake potatoes, tomato and zucchini. All plates are made right there in front of you and with wood. The smell is so amazing. Strongly recommended if you come to this area in Manuel Antonio. I even recommend that skip your hotel restaurant and come here. We spend a little more in our resort and the food at this restaurant is by far better. They food for everyone taste. Sorry that my pictures of the menu came out blurry. Also, if you pay with credit card, ask for pay in Colones which is the Costa Rica money. Most of the time the change with your card is better."
Hector Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Lagarto is renowned for its spectacular sunset views over the Pacific and its unique wood-fired grill, serving high-quality meats and fresh seafood.
Yes, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially if you want a table with the best views for sunset.
They serve high-quality, natural grass-fed beef sourced from animals raised without hormones or chemicals.
While known for grilled meats and seafood, grilled vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes are often served as sides.
The restaurant suggests dressing up a bit for an upscale dining experience.
If paying by credit card, it's advisable to ask to pay in Colones (Costa Rican currency) for potentially better exchange rates.
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Meat lovers can get their fix at this local grill, where sizzling cuts are seared on a wood-fired grill and served on chopping blocks. The bar serves powerful margaritas and daiquiris, but it’s the grass-fed beef from neighboring La Fortuna that you’ll want to try. Other specialties include whole red snapper, pork ribs, or lamb (with 24-hour notice).
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Si vous êtes un mangeur de viande rouge à la recherche d'un bon steak dans un pays où il est difficile de trouver de la bonne viande rouge, ne cherchez pas plus loin. Avec une vue incroyable sur le restaurant et un immense grill, El Lagarto est l'un des meilleurs steakhouses de notre région et propose de très bonnes viandes, de délicieux fruits de mer frais grillés et des légumes grillés. El Lagarto possède un grill à bois unique en son genre et propose des viandes de haute qualité provenant d'animaux élevés avec des soins spécialisés au pied du volcan Arénal.
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El Lagarto is an Argentinian steakhouse in Manuel Antonio with stunning views of the skyline that make for a truly memorable experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The food is delicious, with steaks cooked to perfection and flavorful sides.
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