The First Timer’s Guide To Eating In Tamarindo
You’re in Tamarindo for the first time ever. You’ve got 72 hours and an appetite for everything. Where do you start?
That’s a question that I get asked a lot, and it’s a hard one to answer. But I'm gonna try so that you don’t return home having only sampled our finest grilled kabobs on the Tamarindo strip.
This isn’t meant to be a definitive list of Tamarindo's best restaurants – it’s just what we’d do if we were in your shoes. Speaking of shoes – hopefully you brought something comfortable. You’ve got a lot of ground to cover.
Pico Bistro
$$$$
Cafe, Healthy, Costa Rican, Fusion, South American
Pico offers a special combination of beachside people watching, quality food and chill vibes. Visitors often find themselves here first thing in the morning to grab a bite and then coming back in the evening to watch the sunset. If you’re the kind of diner who loves a good coffee and raves about locally sourced food, then you’ll love Pico Bistro. From the Nordic Breakfast to the Breakfast Bowl you can’t go wrong here.
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50689268452
Price range | US $6-18
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Options
Pangas Beach Club
$$$$
Fusion, Seafood, Central American
Pangas is a favorite among locals and tourists. Perched on the sand along the estuary, the view creates the perfect backdrop to enjoy a beautiful meal. Pangas is an ideal place for celebrating a special occasion with a couple or group.
The fresh cuisine is both divine and diverse. Whether you are a vegetarian, seafood lover or other, there is something for everyone. Don’t forget to check out their full menu of great drinks! Enjoy a meal here from the rustic driftwood lounge chairs while watching the pumping surf break.
Meals
Brunch, Dinner, Lunch, Dessert
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50626530024
Price range | US $15-28
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Options
Seasons by Shlomy
$$$$
Mediterranean, Seafood, Boutique Hotel Restaurant, Contemporary, Outdoors
The Seasons restaurant is understated yet elegant. From here, chef Shlomy transforms fresh local ingredients into perfectly prepared Mediterranean-fusion style dishes. Depending on the availability of ingredients, you may find a variety of dishes from lobster and leek terrine, to pan-seared snapper served over artichoke and spinach, to vegan dishes like green risotto with basil, leeks, and mushrooms.
This is a spot that could easily be overlooked because of its tucked away location off of the beach, but you should certainly not leave town without eating here.
Meals
Dinner, Late Night
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50683686983
Price range | US $10-28
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Gluten Free Options
El Mercadito
$$$$
American, Fast Food, Sushi, Asian, Pizza
When you’re looking to grab a quick bite and stay within your budget, you won’t go wrong at El Mercadito. A wide range of food options are available, so people with different tastes will be able to find something they are happy with.
At this open-air food court styled spot you can find everything from Asian to Poke, Argentinian and Western food. There are even many vegan, vegetarian and carnivore meal options available. The open atmosphere here is brought to life by the lush greenery that is illuminated by warm fairy lighting. In all, this is a great spot for a nice intimate meal to a large group gatherings
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50683010297
Price range | US $3-15
Special Diets
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Friendly
Gluten-Free Options
Nordico Coffee House
$$$$
Cafe, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Fusion, South American
This superb cafe is a top pick for breakfast, smoothies, and healthy breakfast options. Nordico brews everything from Americanos and cold-brew lattes, to pour-over local brews and ice cream-infused affogatos. It’s very laptop-friendly, with plenty of rechargeable power plugs and air conditioning to keep you cool. Towering above Tamarindo Plaza, the balcony is a great place for people watching and enjoying a nice cup of jo!
Meals
Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Drinks, Coffee
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50647009521
Price range | US $5-15
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Options
Dragonfly Bar & Grill
$$$$
Seafood, International, Grill, Asian, Fusion
Dragonfly Bar and Grill is a short stroll from the beach and is one of the top picks for dinner in Tamarindo. Designed like a posh wooden hut, it lights up in the evening to create an intimate tiki-bar atmosphere. The creative culinary cuisine is served with such beautiful presentations that you won't know whether to eat them or hang them on the wall. Their refined menu leans Asian but fuses international elements to offer a creative blend of flavorful fresh ingredients.
Meals
Dinner
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50626531506
Price range | US $7-22
Special Diets
Vegan Options
Gluten-Free Options
Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant
$$$$
Steakhouse, Latin, Healthy, Argentinean
If you’re in search of a quality steak, look no further. Patagonia’s Argentinean roots shine through its selection of meat, seafood, homemade pasta, and vegetarian dishes. These pair quite nicely with their selection of sangria, wines, and cocktails. This is a great place to enjoy good company in a relaxing atmosphere.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50626530612
Price range | US $12-25
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Gluten Free Options
Bamboo Sushi Club
$$$$
Japanese, Seafood, Sushi
This intimate and tastefully decorated restaurant is home to the best sushi in town and locally sourced fish. Their menu offers a wide variety asian-inspired dishes including unique specialty rolls, salads, sashimi, noodle and rice bowls, dumplings, and more. Their attention to detail and insistence on fine service make this a great place to share a quiet evening with friends and build a very unique and memorable culinary experience.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +50626534519
Price range | US $6-22
Special Diets
Gluten-free
Vegetarian
Vegan Options
La Baula
$$$$
Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly
La Baula is a go to restaurant among locals and tourists. The excellent pizza here leaves visitors talking about it long after they have left town. The casual open air restaurant is highlighted by warm enriching lighting and a woodsy feel.
This location is very family-friendly, with an onsite playground to keep the kids entertained. Just don’t forget the bug spray!
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Late Night
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +506 2653 1450
Price range | US $12-16
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly
Vegan Options
Agua Salada
$$$$
Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly
South American, Central American, Costa Rican
This beachfront bar offers a warm environment for dining with friends and family. You can dine outside or in. The second-level covered dining is the best of both worlds, especially during a nice evening shower.
agua | salada is a beach club by day and a relaxed restaurant and bar by night. Whether you’re grabbing a casual afternoon cocktail or enjoying a special dinner celebration, they have something for everyone.
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
Details
Directions | Google Maps
Website | Link
Phone # | +506 8849 1111
Price range | US $14-25
Special Diets
Gluten free options
Vegetarian options