The beach town of Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, drawing travelers with its stunning coastline, vibrant nightlife, and excellent surf. As the largest developed beach town in the Guanacaste province, it welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and offers a diverse selection of restaurants that cater to all tastes and budgets.
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During the high season, Tamarindo transforms into a lively party town with packed beachfront bars and bustling restaurants. In the low season, it slows down, offering a more relaxed atmosphere where visitors can unwind and soak up the laid-back beach vibes.
Regardless of when you visit, one thing is certain—Tamarindo has an amazing food scene. With over 150 restaurants in town and the surrounding area, choosing where to eat can feel overwhelming. But we’ve got you covered!
Having spent years traveling through Costa Rica, Tamarindo has become one of our favorite spots for great food. We’ve dined at many of the town’s top restaurants and put together this comprehensive list of 15 must-try places to eat in Tamarindo.
Let’s dive in!
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Best Restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
1. La Bodega
Price Range: $ | Cuisine: Café, Costa Rican, International
La Bodega is a small, locally owned café serving fresh, organic, and sustainably sourced dishes. The menu features homemade coffee, sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, making it a perfect breakfast or brunch spot. The restaurant prioritizes sustainability by using local ingredients and reducing plastic waste—they have even replaced plastic straws with reusable metal ones.
Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty breakfast burrito or a light, fresh smoothie bowl, La Bodega is a must-visit for a relaxed morning meal. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options at reasonable prices.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Locally sourced ingredients, minimal plastic waste
Dietary Options: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
2. Falafel Bar Mediterranean Cuisine
Price Range: $ | Cuisine: Mediterranean, Healthy
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo serving healthy Mediterranean cuisine, Falafel Bar is the place to go. This small restaurant is well-known for its fresh ingredients, generous portions, and budget-friendly prices.
Their extensive menu includes fresh salads, hummus, shawarma, and falafel wraps made from scratch daily. The restaurant caters well to those with dietary restrictions, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, you can expect good food served quickly, making it an ideal place for a casual meal.
Beyond the food, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly staff add to the overall experience. It’s a great spot for a relaxed meal after a long day at the beach.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Dietary Options: Vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free
3. El Mercadito de Tamarindo
Price Range: $ – $$$ | Cuisine: American, Costa Rican, Asian, Pizza
El Mercadito de Tamarindo isn’t a single restaurant but rather a vibrant outdoor food court featuring a diverse selection of food stalls. This is one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo for those looking for variety, as it offers everything from fresh seafood and sushi to tacos, burgers, and wood-fired pizza.
Located near Tamarindo Beach, El Mercadito is a great place for a large group or anyone who wants to try different types of food in one sitting. Many stalls focus on local ingredients and sustainable cooking, making it a solid choice for eco-conscious travelers. The main bar in the center serves craft cocktails and ice-cold beer, creating a lively social atmosphere.
This perfect spot also hosts live music on select nights, enhancing its laid-back atmosphere. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or settling in for dinner, you’ll find an excellent selection of Tamarindo restaurants here.
Location: Near Tamarindo Beach
Sustainability Perks: Supports local businesses, eco-conscious vendors
Dietary Options: Varies by stall—gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available
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4. Green Papaya Taco Bar
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Mexican, Fusion, Central American
Green Papaya Taco Bar is one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo for those craving fresh seafood tacos, burritos, and Latin-inspired fusion dishes. This small restaurant has a laid-back, tropical vibe, featuring outdoor seating with hammocks for a truly relaxed atmosphere.
The menu offers a variety of gluten-free and vegetarian options, with some of the highlights being their fish tacos, shrimp tacos, and burrito bowls. The portions are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the flavors are bold.
Green Papaya is cash only, so come prepared. It’s a perfect spot for lunch or dinner after a day of exploring Tamarindo Beach.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan options available
5. Dragonfly Bar & Grill
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: International, Grill, Fusion
Dragonfly Bar & Grill is a must-visit in Tamarindo for those looking for a laid-back atmosphere with a touch of elegance. This open-air restaurant specializes in fresh seafood, grilled meats, and international fusion cuisine, all prepared with locally sourced ingredients.
The menu offers seasonal dishes that change based on what’s available, ensuring fresh fish and top-quality produce. Popular choices include the grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp tacos, and homemade pasta.
The ambiance here is unbeatable, with live music on certain nights, creating a warm and inviting dining experience. Whether you’re stopping by for dinner with family or a romantic evening under the stars, Dragonfly Bar & Grill is one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo for a memorable meal.
Location: Just outside the main strip in Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Locally sourced seafood and produce
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian options available
6. Pangas Beach Club
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Seafood, International, Costa Rican
Pangas Beach Club offers a unique dining experience right on the sands of Tamarindo Beach. Known for its fresh seafood and Costa Rican specialties, the restaurant provides stunning ocean views, making it an ideal spot for enjoying Tamarindo’s famous sunsets.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including fresh fish, shrimp tacos, and ceviche, all prepared with local ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere, combined with attentive service, makes Pangas a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Location: Tamarindo Beach
Sustainability Perks: Emphasis on fresh, local seafood
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian options available
7. La Oveja Tamarindo Mexican Restaurant
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Costa Rican, Mexican, Bar
La Oveja Tamarindo is one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo for those craving authentic Mexican flavors in a fun and lively setting. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, this restaurant offers a mix of Costa Rican and Mexican cuisine, with some of the best fish tacos and shrimp tacos in town.
The menu offers a variety of classic Mexican dishes, including burritos, enchiladas, and fajitas, all prepared with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurant is also known for its happy hour deals, with two-for-one cocktails available throughout the day.
With live music almost every night and a welcoming crowd, La Oveja Tamarindo is the perfect spot for a laid-back dinner with friends or family.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Locally sourced ingredients, eco-conscious practices
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, gluten-free options available
8. Bamboo Sushi Club
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Japanese, Seafood, Sushi
Bamboo Sushi Club is widely regarded as one of the best sushi spots in Tamarindo. Nestled in a lush garden setting just off the main strip, this small restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautifully arranged outdoor seating.
The menu offers a variety of sushi rolls, fresh seafood dishes, poke bowls, and homemade pasta. One of their most popular rolls is the Tico Roll, made with fresh fish and tropical flavors that reflect the essence of Costa Rica.
Beyond the food, Bamboo Sushi Club is a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a casual night out with friends. The combination of high-quality ingredients, artistic presentation, and reasonable prices makes it a must-visit.
Location: Just off Central Avenue, Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Uses local and sustainable seafood
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available
9. Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Steakhouse, Latin, Argentinean
For steak lovers, Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Tamarindo for an unforgettable dining experience. This small restaurant is known for serving high-quality grilled meats, fresh seafood, and homemade pasta, all prepared with an authentic Argentinean touch.
The menu offers a variety of steaks, including filet mignon, ribeye, and skirt steak, all grilled to perfection. If you’re not in the mood for beef, they also serve delicious fresh fish and seafood dishes.
The cozy yet elegant setting makes Patagonia a perfect spot for a special occasion or a relaxed dinner after a long day of exploring Tamarindo Beach.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Locally sourced meats and seafood
Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
10. Nogui’s
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: American, Seafood, Central American
Nogui’s is a long-standing favorite in Tamarindo, known for its fresh seafood, beachfront location, and famous dessert menu. As one of the oldest Tamarindo restaurants, it offers a mix of Costa Rican and Central American dishes with a focus on showcasing the best of local seafood.
The menu offers fresh fish tacos, ceviche, shrimp dishes, and a variety of grilled seafood platters. However, the real star here is their dessert menu, featuring their legendary coconut cream pie, a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Located right on Tamarindo Beach, Nogui’s is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with stunning sunsets and a refreshing cocktail.
Location: Beachfront, Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Locally sourced seafood, supports local farmers
Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
11. Langosta Beach Club
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: International, Seafood, Healthy
Langosta Beach Club offers a sophisticated dining experience with a focus on fresh seafood and international cuisine. Located near Playa Langosta, this restaurant provides a serene beachfront setting, making it an ideal place to enjoy a meal while taking in the ocean views.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled seafood, salads, and small plates, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The relaxed atmosphere and attentive service make it a great place for both lunch and dinner.
Location: Playa Langosta, Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Emphasis on fresh, local ingredients
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian options available
12. Antichi Sapori Sicilian Cuisine
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Italian, Sicilian, Mediterranean
Antichi Sapori brings authentic Sicilian flavors to Tamarindo restaurants, offering some of the best homemade pasta and Italian dishes in town. This small restaurant is known for its traditional Sicilian recipes, fresh ingredients, and an extensive menu featuring handcrafted pastas, seafood, and flavorful sauces.
Some highlights from the menu include the homemade gnocchi, fresh fish carpaccio, and their signature seafood pasta. Pair your meal with a glass of Italian wine for the full experience.
With its relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service, Antichi Sapori is a perfect spot for a cozy dinner after a long day at the beach.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Uses fresh, local ingredients
Dietary Options: Gluten-free pasta and vegetarian options available
13. Red Door
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: International, Seafood, Steakhouse
Red Door is a standout among Tamarindo’s dining establishments, offering a diverse menu that caters to various palates. Guests can indulge in dishes like lobster, filet mignon, and other seafood specialties, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant’s ambiance is both inviting and elegant, making it a perfect spot for a memorable dinner.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Emphasis on fresh, local ingredients
Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
14. Fish and Cheeses
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Seafood, Italian, European
Fish and Cheeses is a small restaurant that specializes in fresh seafood and homemade pasta, bringing a touch of Europe to Tamarindo’s food scene. This laid-back spot is known for its high-quality fish dishes, fresh cheeses, and carefully curated wine list.
The menu offers daily specials based on the fresh catch of the day, with highlights like grilled octopus, seafood risotto, and homemade gnocchi. The relaxed atmosphere and welcoming service make it a great place for a long dinner with family or friends.
If you’re a fan of fresh seafood and authentic Italian flavors, Fish and Cheeses is a perfect spot to indulge in delicious, locally sourced cuisine.
Location: Central Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Fresh, locally sourced seafood and handmade cheeses
Dietary Options: Gluten-free and vegetarian options available
15. Cala Luna Origen
Price Range: $$ – $$$ | Cuisine: Seafood, International, Fusion, Healthy
Cala Luna Origen offers a delightful fusion of international and Costa Rican flavors, focusing on fresh, locally sourced seafood and organic produce. The restaurant provides a serene dining experience, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a relaxed meal with friends.
The menu features a variety of dishes, including grilled seafood, creative salads, and gourmet entrees that cater to diverse palates. Their commitment to sustainability and healthy dining is evident in every plate, ensuring a meal that’s both delicious and mindful.
Location: Playa Langosta, Tamarindo
Sustainability Perks: Emphasis on organic, locally sourced ingredients
Dietary Options: Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of dining experience you’re looking for, Tamarindo’s restaurant scene has something for everyone—from fresh seafood and authentic Costa Rican cuisine to international flavors and laid-back beachfront dining. Whether you’re indulging in homemade pasta, savoring fish tacos, or enjoying a meal with stunning sunsets, these 15 best restaurants in Tamarindo offer some of the most memorable flavors in Costa Rica.
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