25 Best Restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

 

There are cafes, restaurants, food trucks, and street food vendors dotted all around the beach town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

I understand that with the limited time that you’ve booked your stay in Tamarindo, you’d want to eat at only the best restaurants in Tamarindo, which is why I’ve compiled the list of best places to eat in Tamarindo in this post!

This is probably the first beach town I’ve lived in for the longest time ever in 2020 – 1 month. I didn’t intend to stay that long but because of my unprecedented situation being sent back from the US, and so 3 weeks turned into a month.

(I later went on to live in the beach town of Puerto Escondido, Mexico for 2 months and honestly would stay longer if we could! You see the pattern?)

Long story short, I met a boy (yes, in this very town!), swept him off my feet, and went traveling for a whole year in 2021 after that. I later returned in 2022 (to return the boy where we belong) and had another round to check out the updated food scene in Tamarindo (and reconnect with my favorite food establishments).

Needless to say, I’ve had many opportunities to try out the food in Tamarindo, both recommended by locals and travelers who’ve been here.

I’ve walked the streets back and forth about a hundred times or so in the past 6 or 7 weeks I’ve stayed here. 9 out of 10 times I walk on the streets, I’ll end up striking up a conversation with someone I know. My favorite cafe bistro, Pico, probably knows what I’ll order when I show up (hint: mocha!).

And so, I’ve found it obligatory to at least share a guide to visiting Tamarindo, along with some of my favorite dining areas in Tamarindo, a small beach town in Costa Rica I’ve learned to live and love.

After all, this is also the one place I’ve surfed for longer than any other time I did in other parts of the world (Bali and Hawaii).

There’s a lack of fast-food chains in Tamarindo (yay!) except for Subway, which I don’t mind since it’s one of the healthier fast-food chains around. Heck, the only time I saw Starbucks was when I was in their capital city, San Jose!

In doing so, I hope to share not only the highly recommended eats in Tamarindo but also show support to smaller, local businesses around this lovely beach town.

Together with a Hungarian friend Rita who shares the same love for this town, these recommendations are based on our personal preferences and experiences from having tasted the array of cafes and restaurants in Tamarindo; I’ve not been compensated or bribed to highlight them.

Without further ado, pack your bags, and let’s begin the list of the best places to eat in Tamarindo!

JUMP TO: 
Best Beaches In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (For Surfing & The Views)

25 Best Restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica To Spoil Yourself 

1. Pico 

Source

Starting with my favorite, Pico is hands down my favorite cafe of all time, and I believe I’m not the only one given the steady stream of crowd it gets all day.

From the iced mocha to the Breakfast Bowl,  I would somehow always end up here either first thing in the morning to people-watch, or at sunset to quench my thirst.

I can’t help that they’ve got the best view of the ocean and sunset, being that it’s right on the beachfront! The vibe is chill, and I can sit here all day watching people surf.

Location

2. Nordico 

Nordico is the first cafe I really enjoyed as a digital nomad. It’s very laptop-friendly, it has A/C (not a norm here), decent mocha, and serves my favorite – acai bowl!

This was one of the first cafes I started liking and frequenting thanks to the choices in food, drinks, stable WiFi, and cool temperatures, until we found a better cafe for the views and the mocha (Pico!).

They have a dedicated table for laptop users, with plenty of rechargeable power plugs. The only caveat is, they close at 3 pm and I always would have to vacate by then. Then again, that gave me plenty of time for afternoon surfs!

Location 

3. Santa Rita Cafe

Santa Rita Cafe is one of those hidden gems in Tamarindo, and definitely one of our favorites. They have a wide variety of items on their menu: vegetarian and vegan options, a KETO menu, sandwiches and salads, smoothies, bowls, and of course some typical Costa Rican dishes.

Try their fried and crispy gallo pinto, as it’s known as one of the best in town (confirmed by locals). Or if you prefer sweets you can’t go wrong with their banana bread french toast.

Their service is also great, the staff is very friendly and welcoming.

It’s open from 8 am to 3:30 pm and is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. Located right next to the Sunrise Condos.

Location

4. Tamarindo Coffee Culture

If you’re looking for a great cup of coffee, Tamarindo Coffee Culture is the place to go. They serve up some of the best specialty coffees and cold brews around.

The owner, Esteban, is a barista with lots of expertise. He grows and roasts his own coffee (Derecho Sagrado), so you know it’s going to be good quality. He will also tell you everything about coffee making if you’re keen to learn!

Google Maps shows it being permanently closed as of August 2022, so visit with caution.

Location

5. El Mercadito

Source

If I could come here to eat every day, I totally would!

Similar to Singapore’s food court style where multiple food vendors sell their respective foods, this is an open air, sheltered food court selling everything from Asian to Poke, Argentinian and Western food.

Newly opened in 20218 I love coming here in the evenings when the fairy lights light up at night, creating a warm atmosphere and very open spaces. This is perfect for intimate or large group gatherings.

I’ve tried and love the following stalls: Ohana Poke and Pikatas Ceviches. I’m not particularly fond of the cakes in Friends Cafe Crepes, even though they see a steady stream of customers mostly for their crepes.

Location

6. La Kitchen

This is a hidden little house in a back alley that I’d have never stopped to eat if not for a local taking me here. It’s adjacent to a soccer field, where local boys would come and battle it out on the field. It’s a humble establishment – yet a favourite for many locals – that offers an array of local empanadas and other small bites.

I’ve visited this so many times I’ve tried all of their empanadas. My favourite is the cheese and onion flavour!

The other reason why La Kitchen is high on my list is also that they have table soccer for patrons to play freely – and you know I’m a sucker for table soccer matches! (Did I mention how good I am with it?) 

[UPDATE 2022] They’ve since renovated and shifted location. Now, you can find them on one of the main streets down towards the beach beside El Chiringuito, and possibly one of the brightest restaurants of the night.

It’s crazy how the owners recognized me when I visited their new location! They even brought up this blog post. 😛

Now that they’re serving a bigger audience and with a wider selection on their menu, I was honestly a little disappointed by their empanadas. You can tell they’re not as freshly baked or crispy as I last remember them. 

The table soccer still exists though!

Location

7. Dragonfly Bar & Grill 

Source

Dragonfly has been highly recommended across many sources, and with good reason! Don’t believe me? Ask any visitor to Tamarindo.

Designed like a posh wooden hut, it lights up at night in the evening in warm orange glow, giving it a nice, intimate atmosphere.

Its price points justify the food served. Portions are reasonable yet it surprisingly fills up fast! Food is of quality, and most of all, they serve the best seafood risotto!

Location 

8. Soda El Guanacaste

Looking for the cheapest local eats in Tamarindo?

Also recommended by true locals, this is not in Tamarindo town per se, but in Villareal, a town you’ll pass by coming into and out of Tamarindo.

For CRC 3000/ USD 5, you get a huge plate of Casado, a local dish made of rice, bean (pinto), salad, plantain (fried banana) and your choice of meat or fish, plus fresh juice! You’ll never find such a price anywhere around Tamarindo – most would cost around CRC 4000 or more.

If you’re one that enjoys eating at local hangouts, this is one to visit. 

Location 

9. El Jardín de Tamarindo 

Source

A cluster of food trucks, I got really excited when I found out about El Jardin. The upbeat music, fairy lights and colourful food trucks that set up shop on what seemed like an abandoned gravel corner at the edge of the beach town make every visitor want to stay a little longer. From the Caribbean to Uruguay, you’ll find a limited but interesting selection of food here. On some days, there are pop-up stores selling their own handmade intricates and artwork.

Location

10. Sol Bakery

Another establishment that has sprung up in the last year post-pandemic, Sol Bakery is a European-style bakery in Tamarindo that offers delicious pastries, egg-dishes and sandwiches for breakfast, brunch, or lunch. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something unique and tasty to eat while in Tamarindo.

Some of my favourite items include fresh sourdough bread, croissants, chocolate chip cookies, banana bread, pecan tart, carrot cake… But really, everything is delicious!

Open every day from 7 am to 8 pm. Located between el de Tamarindo and Plaza Conchal.

Location

11. Mandarina Tropical Juice Bar

This place is perfect for a quick and healthy breakfast or lunch. Their menu offers a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, acai bowls, and Mexican fast food, like quesadillas or tacos. I also found out that they serve up the tastiest fish tacos around. You won’t regret giving them a try!

Location

12. Little Lucha Taqueria

Little Lucha is a tiny Mexican restaurant with the best Taco Tuesday (USD 2.50 per taco) deals in Tamarindo. The menu has all of your classic Mexican favourites like guacamole with chips, enchiladas, tacos, and quesadillas. The portions are large and the prices are reasonable.

Some of the must-tries: Birria and Shrimp tacos; Pastor taco on Thursdays; homemade horchata and churros for some sweetness. The atmosphere is casual and laid-back, making it the perfect place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.

Location

13. Masa Madre

Masa Madre was once a bakery, but now it has transitioned into a Roman-style pizza restaurant. Francesco and his team offer good vibes and great food for dinner with friends, or takeout/ delivery. Their selection of pizzas is impressive and their dough is made fresh daily. If you’re in the mood for some good pizza, Masa Madre is a great choice. If you want something different try their supplis (risotto balls) with some hand-crafted beer.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday in the afternoons, or you can find them every Thursday on the Tamarindo Night Market too.

Location

14. Bamboo Sushi Club

This is the most popular place to go for sushi in Tamarindo, and it definitely lives up to the hype. The fish is always fresh and the sushi rolls are inventive and delicious. Be sure to try their tuna tartar and pink combo sushi plate. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other places on this list, but it’s worth it for a special night out. The service is always attentive and friendly too.

Open every day from 11am to 10 pm.

Location

15. The Burger Joint

The Burger Joint is a local favourite for burgers, fries (classic, sweet or yuca!!), and cocktails. The menu features classic American burgers like the cheeseburger, bacon cheddar burger, mushroom Swiss burger, and my personal favourite: the fish burger.

Mark, the owner, is always making sure his customers are happy, and the service is top-notch. Maybe that’s why all of the burgers at The Burger Joint are also available in a vegetarian version, making it a great option for everyone.

They feature live music every night, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with your friends and family while listening to some great tunes. Located right next to the beach, above Iguana Surf Tamarindo.

Location

16. Surf Club Bar & Grill 

Source

After Selassie (my local friend) found out what a fan I am of table soccer games, he vowed to take me to Surf Club Bar & Grill in Playa Langosta, and I now know why.

They offer so many games that extend beyond table soccer, including darts, table tennis, pool and ladder toss. While it doesn’t have a view of the ocean, you’ll be kept plenty occupied with the wide array of games and affordable drinks.

Location

17. El Chiringuito

Source

I’ve only been here for drinks and so can’t say much about the food, although the steady flow of patrons speaks for itself. What I love is its location, which offers front-row seats to the beach and sunset! 

Location

18. Utopia

Source

Totally hidden from the main street, you’d never have guessed that this wooden hut serves French food until you step in. As we were living on the same street for a good 10 days (down the street at Hotel Nahua), we chanced upon this bakery by accident. They serve decent coffee and decadent pastries, enough for you to want to turn a blind eye to the calories!

Location

19. Longboard BBQ

Source

Longboard is one of the few restaurants that allow you to bring your own caught fish for them to cook. My companions had spearfished some fresh fish from the sea earlier and were excited to finally taste their own hunt!

The atmosphere here is much like an American bar and diner, with TV playing the latest sports action and music booming from the bar.

Jeff, the owner of this restaurant, makes every effort to get to know each patron personally. He’s proud of the fact that he gets the most returning number of loyal patrons of all of Tamarindo.

He is an American himself, who, like many others, fell in love with this place and keeps returning until eventually, he opened his very own place and calls Costa Rica home.

Location

20. Enea’s La Vera Cucina Italiana

As for Enea’s, I bought their Italian pizza once. At my request to make the crust crispier, they did exactly just the way I like it. Coming from someone that usually isn’t a fan of pizza, this speaks volumes! 

Location

21. La Baula

Source

This giant Italian restaurant is perfect for big and small groups with its outdoor tables and a little playground for kids. Well known in Tamarindo for its pizzas and great service, it’s a family favourite.

Location

22. Café Tico 

I had my first taste of Huevos Rancheros, a breakfast dish originating from Mexico that’s made of eggs and salsa/ spicy tomato sauce on top of tortillas.

If you love eggs, they serve a wide variety of egg-based dishes in funky names. The portions of coffee served here are also generous.

Location

23. Rumors Tamarindo

Source

Okay, I’m first to admit that I’m no party girl. However, passing by Rumors every night, there would be a crowd of foreigners hanging around in and outside this restaurant bar without fail.

If you want to meet people and have fun, this is the place to be.

Location

24. Volcano Brewing Company

 

Source

Uphill of Tamarindo, the best local microbrewery, with lots of types of artisanal beers to choose from, perfect for all the beer lovers that want to have a fun beer!

Location

25. The Roof

Source

While I haven’t eaten at The Roof, it does boast of some of the best sunset spots in Tamarindo, with its elevated location. I can attest to that as I lived in the hostel just 2 floors down for a good 9 days.

Location

Summary of the Best Food in Tamarindo, Costa Rica 

• Best breakfast spots – Breakfast Grinds (they open the earliest at 6 am), Breaking Bread, Pico (of course), Utopia, Santa Rita Coffee Shop
• Best French bakery – Utopia
• Best beach bistro – Pico
• Best local casados – Soda El Guanacaste
• Best empanadas – La Kitchen
• Best Italian food – La Baula, Enea’s La Vera Cucina Italiana
• Most laptop-friendly cafe – Nordico
• Best American diner – Longboards
• Best fine dining restaurant – Dragonfly
• Best sunset restaurant – El Chiringuito
• Best sports bar – Surf Club Bar & Grill
• Best sunset bar – The Roof
• Best for nightlife – Rumors, Jonny Tamarindo

If all else fails, for local, affordable food fare, you can always stop by the food court on the main street, which offers limited options of food.

Lastly, you may also want to note that some food establishments also offer delivery. If you’ve found a place you love that offers delivery, you can always Whatsapp your delivery so it delivers to your hotel room door!

---

I’m midway through completing my complete travel guide to Tamarindo, which includes places to stay, best beaches in Tamarindo, where to surf, etc.

[UPDATE] You can find the completed Tamarindo guides below!

• 12 Hotels in Tamarindo, Costa Rica I Personally Recommend (And Don’t)!
• Best Beaches In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (For Surfing & The Views)
• The Costa Rica Packing List Every Traveller Needs!

I’m really come to live and love this beach town, that prior to November 2020, I hadn’t heard about Costa Rica nor had it on my radar at all.

Let me know what you think about this food guide to Tamarindo. I can’t wait to bring you the rest of my Tamarindo travel guides!