El Pampa Asador — Local services in Cahuita

The worst place I’ve been to in Puerto Viejo.

The first time we went there, we had pizza. We didn’t enjoy it at all — there was just way too much cheese, a huge thick layer that made it really heavy and unpleasant.

Despite that, we decided to give it another try because the place is right by the beach and has a beautiful view.

Big mistake.

The waiter was incredibly rude from the beginning. He brought the wrong drink and got visibly annoyed when we pointed it out.

Then we ordered food. I had pork with mashed potatoes. What I got were two thick chunks of pork, served half cold, and a big portion of mashed potatoes — that’s it. Nothing else.

To make things worse, the moment the food arrived, we were suddenly swarmed by an unbelievable number of flies. I later saw that they were all coming straight from the kitchen area. I couldn’t even eat — the flies were everywhere, landing on the food within seconds.

It was honestly disgusting.

The place is boring, the service is rude, the food is low quality, and the hygiene is...

Wow!!! Have been wanting to try this place out for awhile. Finally, last night stopped in. Was VERY impressed! Fast, friendly service and delicious food!!! Ordered cheese sticks (good), mozzarella pizza (and added fresh basil to make it a margarita pizza)...was also good - really liked the crust and the flavor from the wood-fired oven. Also ordered the grilled chicken with mashed potatoes, and another grilled chicken with salad. (AMAZING!!!) It was grilled, thin chicken- breast. Huge portions! Had to try the passion fruit cheesecake....and that was absolutely HEAVENLY!!! Cannot wait to return and try other items. I am still blown away by the phenomenol service...as in most places in PV, service usually disappoints. Excellent location...right in front of the water, very clean (including the bathroom), smiling server that was very attentive, AMAZING food!!! Will 1000% recommend to everyone...and...

We had a really disappointing experience here. We waited almost two hours for our food, and I had to get up and ask just to place our order 30 mins into us just sitting there. Another 30 mins went by still no drinks had to ask again. When the food finally arrived, it was cold, so it’s not like it was freshly made, and the restaurant had basically cleared out by that point, so it clearly wasn’t because they were too busy.

We didn’t receive any napkins, asked for more cheese and never got it - so my husband had to go get it himself. Literally no service the whole time. Even at the end of our meal we waited for the check and then just gave up and got up to get it. At no point did we feel taken care of. I understand things can get hectic on a busy night, but this wasn’t that, we were completely forgotten. Worst service. Steak was good apps lacked luster. Great price...