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El Lagarto

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El Lagarto

What a wonderful surprise it was to find the El Lagarto Restaurant in the town of Manuel Antonio.  Driving by on the windy roads, it can easily be missed.  However, a friend that was traveling with us knew a person that told us it was a must stop for dinner and that the food was amazing.

El Lagarto view of the Pacific from the dining room.Perfect Sunset Location

....and they were spot on.  The food was fantastic and the dining area is one of best places to eat while watching one of Costa Rica's beautiful sunsets.

The El Lagarto dining area is large, open air and comfortable.Open Air Dining Room

The dining area and bar is all open air with tables can accommodate anywhere form a few to up to 20 or more people.

Important ! - you must have reservations unless you get there right when they open at 3pm, as we did.  They were sold out starting at around 5pm to 10pm  Reservations can be made by calling 506-2777-6932.

El Lagarto grillWood Fired Oven/Grill System

Everything is cooked with a very unique wood fired oven/grill set up.  A wood fireplace is located high above the cooking area on an elevated platform.  As hot coals fall down to the bottom, the coals are pushed down a pair of ramps to one of two grills.  Each grill can be raised and lowered.  The end result is some of the best seafood and meat that you will ever taste in your life.  they also cook things such as baked potatoes right in the upper oven.

El Lagarto ribs, baked potato and grilled tomato and zucchini.Baby Back Ribs

The ribs were the best that I have ever tasted.  The grilled baked potato and grilled tomato and zucchini were amazing.

El Lagarto whole red snapper with grilled tomato and baked potato.Whole Grilled Red Snapper

A friend had the whole red snapper and it was delicious also.

El Lagarto salad.Large Fresh Salad

Three of us also split a nice sized and tasty fresh salad.

El Lagarto sangriaThe Perfect Sangria

Paired with a nice Sangria, made this dinner really special.

If you are in the area visiting Manual Antonio National Park or Quepos, I highly recommend El Lagarto for dinner.  Remember to make reservations in advance.

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