Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
Dine at a top-rated La Fortuna (Arenal) restaurant with a 4.6-star rating. Enjoy delicious food and great service. Discover this local favorite.
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About Restaurante El Novillo del Arenal
Nestled in La Fortuna, this popular establishment offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying a hearty meal. With an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 700 reviews, it's clear this spot is a favorite among visitors and locals alike. Diners frequently praise the excellent service and the potential for scenic volcano views, especially on clear days. While the menu features a variety of dishes, including well-prepared meats and flavorful desserts, the consistent quality and inviting ambiance make it a standout choice for a satisfying dining experience in the Arenal region. The $$ price range offers good value for the quality and experience provided.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Family Friendly, Dog Friendly, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love Restaurante El
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
We had an early dinner at El Novillo, we wanted to eat meat. I ordered smoked pork ribs and my wife ordered steak. Our meals were well prepared, but both the pork and the steak were very chewy. Good flavor, but tough. We did have pineapple flambe for dessert that was really good. We really liked this restaurant, the service was excellent and with decent weather there would be a nice view of the volcano. Although we wished our meat was a little better, we'd eat here again. We were in our way to our next destination when we saw this restaurant. Absolutely beautiful open air restaurant with high quality food. They pay attention to the little details, like they branded the logo into the bun! The IPA has their own private label. I know we shouldn't have cheeseburgers in another country but I had to scratch that hitch and it was good! Funny The waitress tried to serve the burger to my son.... The responsible kids had a traditional Costa Rican dishes that I tried and the beef was so tender. The portions were a large and generous and the prices were fair. I highly recommend going out of your way to dine here! Very nice and clean restaurant. It was fun seeing the grill area. The waitress was kind, the food was delicious.
Find the Restaurant
Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
Mark G.
November 8, 2025
We had an early dinner at El Novillo, we wanted to eat meat. I ordered smoked pork ribs and my wife ordered steak. Our meals were well prepared, but both the pork and the steak were very chewy. Good flavor, but tough. We did have pineapple flambe for dessert that was really good. We really liked this restaurant, the service was excellent and with decent weather there would be a nice view of the volcano. Although we wished our meat was a little better, we'd eat here again.
Thomas R.
July 18, 2025
We were in our way to our next destination when we saw this restaurant. Absolutely beautiful open air restaurant with high quality food. They pay attention to the little details, like they branded the logo into the bun! The IPA has their own private label. I know we shouldn't have cheeseburgers in another country but I had to scratch that hitch and it was good! Funny The waitress tried to serve the burger to my son.... The responsible kids had a traditional Costa Rican dishes that I tried and the beef was so tender. The portions were a large and generous and the prices were fair. I highly recommend going out of your way to dine here!
Heather J.
November 14, 2025
Very nice and clean restaurant. It was fun seeing the grill area. The waitress was kind, the food was delicious.
Kristin B.
July 19, 2025
Ceviche was amazing! I'm drooling just thinking about it now. Best hamburger! If you're craving one in Costa Rica... Go here! It melted in your mouth. We got the virgin Piña colada and the mango smoothie too, both were so delicious! Another huge hit was the fish platter and Carmen's chicken! The ambiance there was so beautiful. Scenery is stunning, cute hanging swings in the front, wide open dining area with the smell of smoked wood in the back from the meat chef. it was delicious and just perfect. We were all satisfied. Our friends last night in Costa Rica was this night and they said this was the best food they had their whole time here.
Thomas R.
October 18, 2025
Tommy like steak!!! Man what a great meal I just had. Staying at Tabacon and found this restaurant just a stones throw away. The beef was fantastic as were the sides. Angela was super sweet and such a good server. A++++
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make Restaurante El special
Outdoor Seating
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Family Friendly
Dog Friendly
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
Accessibility
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Plan Your La Fortuna Trip
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Transportation Tips
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