Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant (La Patagonia) — Restaurant in Tamarindo

We really wanted to like this place, but unfortunately, it fell short of expectations. We arrived 9 minutes early for our reservation, only to have our table given away to a group without a reservation. The staff scrambled to pull chairs to a small two-person table and try to make it work for four of us. We made it clear that we wouldn’t be comfortable sitting that cramped, and were then escorted to the bar while they tried to find us another table.

Eventually, they seated us outside in a dimly lit corner right next to the bathroom, which didn’t help set a pleasant mood. When our server finally arrived, we had to use our phone flashlights just to read the menu. She proceeded to try to take our order without giving us a drink menu, and when we asked for one, she had to take one from another table who also hadn’t ordered yet. We also requested an extra candle to help us see, but that was ignored.

When it came to ordering, the server wasn’t helpful at all. She didn’t explain the specials, nor did she provide information on what came with each dish when we asked. We inquired about substituting sides for those included with the meal, but were told it wasn’t possible—yet we saw other tables making substitutions without issue. She seemed generally annoyed and disengaged throughout our meal. At one point, she came over asking if we had bread yet, when it was clear we hadn't received any.

As for the food, the proteins were delicious. Three of us ordered steaks and one had the chicken schnitzel. The meats were well-cooked and flavorful, but unfortunately, that’s where the positives ended. The sides—garden salad and fries (or a type of potato chip)—were underwhelming, especially considering the hefty price of the meals.

To top it all off, one of our meals was missing the salad that should’ve come with it, and there was no compensation offered for the multiple issues we encountered. Overall, it was a frustrating and disappointing experience. We truly wanted to enjoy this place, but it’s safe to say we won’t be back...

We have been in Tamarindo for 3 weeks and have tried a variety of restaurants. When we walk by Patagonia in the evenings it’s always busy. And some people we’ve meet have told us how much they enjoyed their experience there, so we made a reservation for 2 for dinner.

They have three seatings per night. You cannot book a specific time other than the 3 settings that are offered; 6:00pm, 6:30pm, or 8:00pm. What’s confusing is that people line up at 7:00, per 7:15 and are ushered in. Could they be super late or early for their reservation? Not sure, but I found it weird given we were offered only 3 time options.

Overall walking by the restaurant looks very appealing. Lots of good conversation, a small narrow covered dining room of two rows, and a courtyard setup. Unfortunately we were directed to a corner table in a back room, that our waitress apologetically advised us was newly opened ‘ new section.” It was noisy, too brightly lit and had the ambience of a food court. Our table ( 2-seater) was beside a large open doorway to the street and seemed like an afterthought. We repositioned our table to give us a view of the other part of the restaurant, rather than looking at a brightly lighted wall.

The food was good. All grille entrees come with salad and Patagonia potatoes I wished we would have asked what ‘Patagonia potatoes’ were. We assumed a seasoned mashed potato, or grilled fingerlings ( with a $45.00 steak that would make sense, right?) No, they were undercooked potato chips, the kind you’d get for lunch with a cheap burger.

Service was attentive, the wine menu ( never saw one) is...

My Family and I ate here the first week in December ( I think the 2nd). The restaurant came highly recommended from the taxi driver and the rental company of the house we were staying. Four of us ordered the filet mignon with black pepper and wine sauce. My boyfriend and I ordered our steaks medium rare. When the were delivered to the table, my friend cut into his first and said, "your not going to be able to eat it, it very rare." I cut my steak and it had a cool center and was rare. Maybe a couple minutes of cook time on each side. I'm not usually one to complain and I tried to eat it but could not. We summonsed the waitress/host (not sure her position). When I advised her it was rare. She responded, "no, that's how you ordered it." This young lady wore her hair in big oversized bun. she can also be identified as a smoker with tattoos on her legs. Then she took the steak back in a huff. When the steak came back it was beyond well done. Not something you should do to a fillet mignon. Needless to say, I couldn't eat it. I've eaten out plenty of times in my life and always order my steak medium rare. I know what it should look like. Not one asked how the recook was...but it was obvious because I didn't eat it. On a positive night, the other young lady helping with the table was super nice. The margaritas we good and 2 for 1. I would not recommend this restaurant to anyone. It was my worst dining experience in Costa Rica. The bun lady needs some retraining on customer service. She was just...