The 10 Best Restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
No vacation to Costa Rica — or anywhere else in the world — is complete without a long list of restaurants to try. Sure, you may not get to all of them … but what if you did? Either way, you’re going to need a list of the best places to eat in Tamarindo if you want to get the most out of your stay in this gorgeous oceanside town.
Happily, Tamarindo restaurants are among some of the best in the country, and we dare say in all of Central America. With multicultural influences and a huge variety of fresh, home-grown foods, you’re sure to find something you love among these Costa Rica eateries. Read on!
Antichi Sapori Tamarindo
Plaza Tamarindo local n 10, Av Central, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 51101, Costa Rica
Who says you can’t enjoy Mediterranean food while enjoying the best of life along the Pacific Ocean? Antichi Sapori clearly isn’t hearing it, because their Sicilian restaurant has consistently earned awards as one of the best places to eat in Tamarindo, among them a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winner for 2023.
A quick glance at their offerings makes you realize why. Fresh seafood such as shrimp and mussels tossed with traditional Italian pasta and cream-based sauces, paired with wines, beers, and cocktails, and you’ve got yourself an awesome night out.
L' Estanco El Jardin Escondido
100 meters west of Banco Nacional Costa Rica Tamarindo 50309, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa RicaHow could an establishment that bills itself as “The Hidden Garden of Tamarindo” possibly disappoint? We dare to say it couldn’t, and that’s before you add in its unique Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion cuisine or its beautiful hangout areas. (There is Jenga!)
Open from 5:30 pm to 12 pm every day except Sunday, this is the perfect place to put on something nice, get a drink, and enjoy the best of what Tamarindo restaurants have to offer. With fancy cocktails, gorgeous salads, noodles, meat, and dips, you’ll never run out of flavors to try.
Tropic Tamarindo
50 mts de bus Alfaro, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
If you love a libation, then chances are you’ll consider Tropic Tamarindo one of the best places to eat in Tamarindo … and drink, of course. Their mixologists are some of the best in the country, and their cocktail menu reflects that extreme creativity. With fresh fruits and herbs that reflect Costa Rica’s natural abundance, every drink promises a story, or so the restaurant promises.
Add in delicious ingredients like octopus, peppers, and citrus, and mix them with traditional foodways, and you have an unforgettable experience.
The Roof
Calle del Parque 4to y 5to piso sobre el Supercompro frente parque Oneida, skate park Guanacaste Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
As the name suggests, one of the finest Tamarindo restaurants sits above ground level, with a glorious view of the ocean stretching into the distance.
The Roof offers pizza and cocktails as well as a range of meat, seafood, and vegetarian dishes. Their signature offering, though? Dinner and drinks at sunset, where you can watch the Western sky come to life in a blaze of glory as the sun sinks below the horizon.
Green Papaya Taco Bar
Corona St 40 50309, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Green Papaya is another of those Costa Rica eateries that pairs traditional tropical dishes with rustic décor for a most relaxing effect. As their Facebook page says, you can enjoy great food, good vibes, and awesome people with a Mexican fusion twist.
Although they offer all sorts of grub, they’re known for their tacos. With greens and beans, avocado and cabbage, grilled shrimp and other types of seafood, their elevated street fare is sure to please the whole family.
Falafel Bar
Central Ave 250, Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
If you like falafel, or Mediterranean food in general, then chances are the name of this restaurant has you convinced already. If not, well, it’s still one of the best Costa Rica eateries you’ll find in town.
Traditional offerings such as hummus, pita, fries, and kebabs make for the perfect pre-beach lunch or post-swim dinner. Add fresh salads, sparkling beverages, and genuine shawarma (IYKYK), and it’s an experience unto itself.
Pangas Beach Club
Main road to Tamarindo, 500m SW from Auto Mercado, in front of El Tesoro, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
Pangas Beach Club is exactly what it says it is: a club along the beach, with wooden tables and chairs clustered under beautiful palms, all within view of the gently rolling Pacific Ocean. Whether you spend an hour or four, you’ll find R&R in spades.
Although the food is pricier, you get what you pay for: It’s absolutely gorgeous. Upscale offerings such as ceviche, carpaccio, bisque, and lobster tail complement crusty bread and fresh drinks. The menu is extensive, so everyone will get something they love.
Dragonfly Bar & Grill
Corona Street 150 meters behind Hotel Pasatiempo Guanacaste Tamarindo, 50309, Costa Rica
If you close your eyes and imagine what “Tamarindo restaurants” look like in your head, you’ll probably produce a picture that’s pretty similar to the Dragonfly Bar & Grill. With woven basket lamps hanging from the ceiling and an open pavilion with wooden furniture, surrounded by twinkle lights and palms, it’s everything you could want from your Central American adventure.
Plus, that menu. Empanadas. Yucca croquettes. Grilled shrimp. Blackened Mahi Mahi … and sushi to boot? No one’s leaving hungry, that’s all we’re saying.
Bamboo Sushi Club
C. Central 152, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
“Okay,” you’re thinking, “but I really care about that sushi. Where do I go?” Never fear, friend, there’s a place for you, and it’s called the Bamboo Sushi Club. When it comes to Costa Rica eateries, this one keeps its eye on the prize. With a menu full of Asian and Nikkei food, you’ll enjoy Japanese fusion at its best.
Like many of the best places to eat in Tamarindo, Bamboo focuses on the freshest local ingredients. Squid, tuna, cassava, peppers, microgreens, and sesame seeds complement more signature ingredients such as Nikkei sauce, yellow chili oil, and squid ink. It’s a dining experience you won’t forget.
La Oveja Surf House
100 meters west of Banco Nacional, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica
If live music, beautiful floral centerpieces of wild ginger and bird of paradise, and sparkling patio lights sound like your idea of Heaven on Earth, then welcome to La Oveja Surf House, last on our list of the best places to eat in Tamarindo.
Their menu runs the gamut from gorgeous coffee drinks, boozy cocktails, melting burgers, and creamy dessert confections. Eclectic décor and cozy seating round out the experience., giving you a place to eat, work, or spend time with those you love.
Eat Tamarindo, Stay in Tamarindo
Have more questions about the best places to eat in Tamarindo? We have more answers. Stay in Tamarindo is an area expert that can not only advise you on the top Costa Rica eateries, but also on what to see and where to go. Indeed, our knowledge of the area and the information we provide with your booking are basically like getting a travel guide … for free!
Whether you want to learn more about our rentals or about this beautiful part of the world, we’re here to help. All you have to do is get in touch with a team member today.
