EL LAGARTO, Playa Samara - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

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About

A big restaurant right in front of the beach in Samara, Guanacaste, we work with steak and seafood, wood and fire, good drinks. Perfect combination with the view and the breeze.

CUISINES

Seafood, Barbecue, Central American

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Waterfront

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4.5

968 reviews

Excellent

606

Very good

229

Average

81

Poor

27

Terrible

24

grey haired wanderers

24 contributions

Splurge dinner

Feb 2020 • couples

Decided to try El Lagarto on one of our last nights in town. Well worth the stop. The grilled jumbo shrimp were well seasoned and nicely grilled. The plate held 8 large shrimp and sides of grilled tomato and baked potatoe. The baby back ribs had a nice dry rub and smokey flavor from the grill. Sides were the same as with the shrimp. Food was very good overall. One disappointment with the evening, especially at a higher priced place, was interruptions from street vendors.

Written February 10, 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.

LMackMA

Boston80 contributions

The best meal we had in Costa Rca

Jan 2020 • none

We chose this restaurants for my husbands birthday dinner based on TA reviews and our hotel's recommendation. I am so glad that we did. The atmosphere was so fun and it was a treat to see the food being cooked on an open grill. Our hotel told them that it was my husbands birthday when they made the reservation for us. We were seated at a table which had a small chalkboard on it that said "happy birthday" The bartender (who was friends with a woman form our hotel) came over to introduce herself. They also send out an very decadent "birthday dessert". I truly believe that this restaurant served the BEST food that we have ever eaten in Costa Rica (we have taken several trips). Our only regret is that we didn't get a chance to go back for another meal. I wish I could give it 10 stars!!

Written February 6, 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.

Terry R

Gig Harbor66 contributions

Love garlic!!

Jan 2020 • none

My wife and I ate here twice it was so good. They use a huge custom made BBQ grill to cook on. I had the pork tenderloin which was delicious and my wife had the mixed seafood plate with shrimp, mussels and fish. The meals come with a baked potato, cooked tomato and zucchini strip. Everything is BBQ'd and seasoned with garlic...fantastic!

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.

MissKahn

Nicoya29 contributions

Horrible

Mar 2021 • none

Ordered the St. Louis ribs. Very very tough. The sides were a well over cooked whole tomato and a thin strip of zucchini that appeared to have been dipped in a vat of oil and left to soak for a bit. Horribly overpriced. No parking to speak of, had to park on the dirt road in front by the Y intersection that leads to two busy bars on the beach. El Lagarto is not on the beach nor does it have a view of any kind. Service was very good however what was served was no where close to being worth the price charged. Plenty other choices in the area so my recommendation would be to avoid this restaurant.

Written March 21, 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.

Wubby

10 contributions

Just OK

Jan 2022 • family

Just OK. We made reservations for NYE, having been here in years past. The new location is lovely on the beach. I found this to be overpriced for what it was - the salad was limp and the only dressing option was oil and vinegar. The sides served were a whole roasted tomato, zucchini, and potato. The NY strip was tough, but the tenderloin was good. The wait staff was having a hard time with the number of tables, and towards the end of our meal we were being stared down by a group waiting for a table, although there were plenty of available tables.

Written January 1, 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.

Sophia L

2 contributions

Great grill place and excellent service!

Jan 2020 • none

One or our best meals in Costa Rica, and definately the best and fastest service. We had octopus and shrimps for starters followed by excellent grilled fish and a tenderloin steak (200 g is all you need). Most meals seems to be served with the same side orders. Don't miss to go and have a look at the home constructed grill - fantastic.

Written January 6, 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.

Sierra S

10 contributions

Extraordinary

Jul 2021 • family

My family and I visited El Lagarto in July 2021 and we were all blown away. The atmosphere was amazing with the super high ceilings with beautiful light fixtures and the open kitchen with the amazing flames roaring in view. Oh yes and let’s not forget the BEAUTIFUL view of the rainforest and ocean. Amazing place to watch the sunset!! Mauricio our waiter was extremely helpful and was very attentive. Derek was another very nice man who is working there who would answer questions and make us feel welcome. Now to the part of the review that everyone is looking for… The food… OUTSTANDING!! The garlic bread—>amazing. The beef tenderloin —> amazing. The shrimp—> amazing. The baked potato—> amazing. The grilled veggies—> amazing. The salad—> amazing. Everything was so fresh and seasoned to perfection. The hot grill brought so much delicious flavor to the meal and all of the meats were cooked perfectly. Thank you El Lagarto for providing wonderful service and my family and I’s favorite meal of our 10 day vacation. If we ever come back to beautiful Costa Rica you will be our first stop hands down!!

Written July 27, 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.

Geoff

3 contributions

Simply amazing

Dec 2020 • none

First of all, I don't write reviews all that often. Hardly ever. However, I just had the best grilled fish in my entire life so I feel compelled to say a word or two. I ended up at El Lagarto because I just happen to be staying next door in a bnb and was tired from driving and needed a quick meal. I wasn't expecting much... maybe a beer or two and a decent dinner. The waitress greeted me immediately and was very kind and accommodating to my lackluster Spanish. The menu was simple yet intriguing. She recommended the fresh catch which happened to be the Red Snapper and I ordered that a margarita. The margarita came quick and I was very pleased with the flavors! It appeared that the waitress was also in charge of making drinks and she did a spectacular job. Always kind and very attentive. Then the fish came.... I've honestly never had a fish so perfectly seasoned and grilled before. You can tell that the cook/owner (I think) is very passionate about his craft and takes extreme care to detail. Even the potato and gilled vegetables were to die for. I took a look at the bbq setup afterward and thanked him for such a great meal and he was very kind and showed me his setup! I am one very happy customer and will likely return tomorrow to try the steak :)

Written December 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.

Jose Z

San Jose278 contributions

Excellent to say the least

Jan 2020 • family

This was a out second visit to this place, however this time with a party of 12 hungry guests. Lagarto hold on to it’s promise of extraordinary and tasty food, served in a exquisite fashion. All of my partners were very pleased with their food and joyful combination of flavors and taste. From my stand point Largarto is by far the best dinner option in Samara. Five forks up🍴!!!

Written January 20, 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.

Kel_London1

London245 contributions

Mouthwatering meat and garlic garlic garlic!

Feb 2020 • none

Tucked away slightly from the beach, this place is a real gem. Flame grilled meats and fish - the jumbo prawns were especially well seasoned. Perfectly cooked potatoes are a simple yet great side dish with oozes of garlic butter. Prices are on the high side but the meal will be overall enjoyable.

Written February 12, 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.

1Cisco

Toronto19 contributions

Not as Advertised

Feb 2020 • none

We heard and read great things about this restaurant. The ribs were highly recommended. The first visit to El Legarto we were very disappointed with the quality of the food, the ribs were mediocre at best. We tried a second visit and were disappointed again. We found the food mediocre and overpriced. The service was friendly. We will not return.

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.

Laura B

Shrewsbury17 contributions

Overpriced

Feb 2020 • couples

Authentic restaurant, pleasant staff. The most expensive meal we have had on our 2 week holiday. My partner and I both had ribs and were a little disappointed to find that they mainly consisted of fat and bone. Maybe just a bad night as the restaurant was highly recommended.

Written February 27, 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.

Francois L

Saint-Nom-la-Breteche1350 contributions

Very good BBQed food on the beach

Mar 2022 • solo

One of the very best restaurants on Samara playa. Right on the beach you can see your food being grilled wether it is beef fish or camarones. Food is served with grilled vegetables all of this is based on simple and fresh products. Do not expect any comfort as you may find in a traditional restaurant but it is fun and service is cool !

Written March 9, 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.

jeanfrombos2n

337 contributions

Great place with wood grill, one of the best meals we had in Costa Rica

Dec 2022 • none

Good meal, if one of the more expensive ones we had. We had the grilled squid stuffed with peppers and a filet done medium rare, both very good. Everything comes with a baked potato, a grilled zucchini slice, and a grilled tomato. Good service and friendly waiter. Better wine selection than most places. Take a look at the interesting grill.

Written January 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.

A L

Baltimore53 contributions

5 stars are not enough!

Aug 2021 • family

Very kind, attentive, and friendly service from all staff. My kids enjoyed seeing the food expertly grilled on the open fire. Food was truly spectacular, there are not adequate words to describe it!!!! Our party of 6 agreed that it was one of the beat meals we've had anywhere, ever. We were the only table there and felt like our business was truly appreciated by staff. Go show this absolute gem of a restaurant some love, especially during the low/slow tourist season. We will definitely return.

Written August 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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EL LAGARTO, Playa Samara - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor