Tamarindo, Costa Rica, a coastal paradise nestled along the Pacific Ocean, not only boasts stunning beaches and vibrant wildlife but also a culinary scene that will delight any food lover. In this tropical haven, where the sun meets the surf, you’ll find a diverse array of restaurants offering flavors from around the world.
For our guests staying in our Tamarindo vacation rentals or our Hacienda Pinilla vacation rentals, these are great options as well. You’ll want to spend at least one night in Tamarindo having a nice dinner and perhaps then head down to the beach for a cocktail.
Whether you’re craving the elegance of French cuisine, the boldness of Middle Eastern flavors, or the comforting familiarity of American classics, Tamarindo has it all. Join us on a culinary journey as we explore the 10 of The Best Restaurants in Tamarindo, where each bite is a celebration of this beautiful corner of Costa Rica.
1. Pangas Beach Club:
Pangas Tamarindo is an exquisite open-air full-service bar and restaurant set in the sand where the sleepy Las Baulas estuary meets the ocean. Giant laurel de la India trees, tamarindos, almendras, and palms shade the manicured expanse of sand where Pangas seats its guests at low wooden tables on cushioned lounge-style chairs. Surfboard storage racks, showers, and changing rooms make Pangas the perfect stop on the way to or from the waves that break at the Tamarindo river mouth right in front of this unique beach club or at the nearby Casitas break at Playa Grande.
Pangas tropical fusion menu is created to always offer delightful dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Seafood, grass-fed beef, tropical fruits, and fresh vegetables make up the base of Pangas’ gourmet tropical fusion cuisine. Stop in for one of Tamarindo’s famous Pacific sunsets and ask professional bartenders to shake up your favorite cocktail. One look at the menu and you will want to stay for dinner as well.
2. NOI Bistro: A French Bistro with a Romantic Atmosphere
NOI Bistro is a French bistro in Tamarindo that serves classic French dishes in an elegant and romantic setting, one of the standout Tamarindo Costa Rica restaurants. The menu features escargot, steak frites, coq au vin, and other traditional French dishes. The wine list is extensive and the prices are reasonable. The service is attentive and the staff is knowledgeable about the menu. NOI Bistro is a great choice for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at NOI Bistro:
Escargots à la Bourguignonne: Snails cooked in a garlicky white wine sauce
Steak frites: A classic French dish of steak and french fries
Coq au vin: Chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and onions
Crêpes Suzette: A dessert of thin pancakes flambéed with orange liqueur
If you’re looking for a taste of France in Tamarindo, NOI Bistro is the perfect place.
3. Falafel Bar: A Casual Middle Eastern Restaurant
Falafel Bar is a Middle Eastern restaurant just a couple of doors away from our Tamarindo property management office that serves fresh and flavorful dishes, such as falafel, hummus, and baba ghanoush. They also have a variety of vegan and gluten-free options. The prices are very reasonable.
The restaurant is located in a small, casual space with a few tables inside and a few more outside. The interior is decorated with Middle Eastern-inspired decor. The service is friendly and attentive.
Here
are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Falafel Bar:
Falafel: Deep-fried balls of chickpeas and herbs
Hummus: A dip made from mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic
Baba ghanoush: A dip made from roasted eggplant, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic
Shawarma: Grilled meat, typically lamb or chicken, served in a pita bread
Shakshuka: A North African dish of eggs poached in a tomato sauce with spices
If you’re looking for a casual meal with a taste of the Middle East in Tamarindo, Falafel Bar is the for you.
4. Dragonfly Bar & Grill: A Casual Restaurant with a Great Patio
Dragonfly Bar & Grill is a casual restaurant in Tamarindo that serves American and Costa Rican cuisine. They have a large outdoor patio that is perfect for people watching. The food is hearty and satisfying, and the service is friendly.
The restaurant is located in a central location in Tamarindo, with easy access to the beach and shops. The patio is spacious and has plenty of seating, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Dragonfly Bar & Grill:
Classic burger: A juicy burger topped with cheese, bacon, and your choice of toppings
Grilled salmon: Salmon fillet grilled to perfection and served with roasted vegetables
Ceviche: A refreshing dish of raw fish marinated in citrus juice
If you’re looking for a casual dining experience in Tamarindo, Dragonfly Bar & Grill is the perfect place to go. With its delicious food, friendly service, and spacious patio.
5. Volcano Brewing Company: A Microbrewery with a Great View
Tamarindo Brewing Company is a microbrewery walking distance from our Tamarindo vacation rentals that serves craft beers and pub food. They have a large outdoor beer garden with stunning views of the ocean. The beers are brewed on-site, and the food is made with fresh, local ingredients.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Tamarindo Brewing Company:
House-brewed beer: A flight of four different beers brewed on-site
Burger: A juicy burger topped with cheese, bacon, and your choice of toppings
Pizza: A freshly-baked pizza made with your choice of toppings
6. Taqueria La Esquina: A Casual Mexican Restaurant
Taqueria La Esquina is a taqueria in Tamarindo that serves authentic Mexican food. They have a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and enchiladas. The food is made with fresh, homemade ingredients, and the prices are very reasonable.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Taqueria La Esquina:
Tacos al pastor: Tacos made with pork that is marinated in a blend of spices and then grilled
Burrito de carne asada: Burrito made with grilled steak, rice, beans, and cheese
Enchiladas Verdes: Enchiladas made with a green sauce made from tomatillos and chilies
If you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or family, Taqueria La Esquina is a great choice. The food is delicious and the service is friendly.
7. Cactus Restaurant: A Casual Mexican Restaurant with a Yucatan Flavor
Cactus Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant in Tamarindo that serves traditional dishes from the Yucatán Peninsula. They have a large selection of tequilas and mezcals. The food is authentic and flavorful, and the service is attentive.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Cactus Restaurant:
Cochinita Pibil: Slow-cooked pork marinated in achiote and sour orange juice
Ceviche: Raw fish marinated in citrus juice
Papadzules: Tortillas filled with squash seed puree and topped with a tomato sauce
If you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or family, Cactus Restaurant is a great choice. The food is delicious at very reasonable prices.
8. La Bodega: Spanish Tapas Bar
La Bodega is a Spanish tapas bar in Tamarindo that serves small plates of Spanish food. They also have a wide selection of Spanish wines and beers. The tapas are delicious and the atmosphere is lively.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at La Bodega:
Patatas bravas: Potatoes in a spicy sauce
Chorizo al vino: Chorizo sausage cooked in wine
Gambas al ajillo: Garlic shrimp
Pintxos: Skewered tapas, such as chorizo, cheese, and ham.
If you’re looking for a taste of Spain in Tamarindo, La Bodega is the perfect place to go.
9. Fish & Cheeses: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
Fish & Cheeses is a restaurant in Tamarindo that serves seafood dishes and cheese platters. They have a wide selection of fresh seafood, and the cheese platters are made with imported cheeses. The food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at Fish & Cheeses:
Grilled fish: A variety of fresh fish grilled to perfection
Seafood pasta: Pasta dish with a variety of seafood
Cheese platter: A selection of imported cheeses
10. El Mercadito: Our Special Market
Open spaces, distinctive wooden décor, a unique Costa Rican atmosphere, a wonderful view, and irresistible food, all and more are combined in the beautiful El Mercadito restaurant. This restaurant has a professional and helpful staff and competitive prices. Its menu includes:
Burgers, pizza, sushi, grilled meats in the Argentine style, seafood options, delicious coffee, waffles, ice cream, cocktails, premium drinks, and more.
Here are some specific dishes that you might enjoy at El Mercadito:
- Tama Beer Fest
- Salsa Nights
- Cocktail Class
- Tama Burger
- Solcito
- Pizza Galeria
- Medusa Bar
Can I Use a Credit Card at Tamarindo Costa Rica Restaurants?
Yes, almost all restaurants in the area take credit cards although as with many small areas, American Express is less accepted than Visa & Mastercard.
Look for stickers on doors and logos at the bottom of menus.
If you prefer to pay cash, Costa Rican colones or US dollars are accepted. You can get both at any of the local ATMs as well.
Are These Restaurants Walking Distance from My Vacation Rental?
Yes, the town of Tamarindo is only about a mile long and even our Langosta property management (check out our Langosta Vacation Rentals here) owners are walking distance from these. You can use the main road or head down the beach and cross over at one of the many public beach accesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tamarindo Costa Rica restaurants, offers a delightful culinary journey to complement its picturesque coastal beauty. Here, where the sun kisses the sea, you’ll discover a diverse array of dining experiences.
From the refined ambiance of NOI Bistro to the relaxed vibes of Falafel Bar and the down-to-earth comfort of Dragonfly Bar & Grill, Tamarindo’s restaurant scene caters to every palate.
Volcano Brewing Company provides craft beer enthusiasts with an ocean-view backdrop, while Taqueria La Esquina serves up authentic Mexican fare. Cactus Restaurant delivers Yucatan-inspired flavors, and La Bodega offers a taste of Spain. For seafood lovers, Fish & Cheeses is a must-visit and finally for lovers of an atmosphere with a lot of Pangas Beach Club style.
These top dining spots in Tamarindo have left their mark on our taste buds, showing that dining in this tropical paradise is an experience worth savoring. Whether you seek romance or a casual meal, Tamarindo’s culinary landscape promises to satisfy your cravings and make each visit truly memorable. Why not have a read about the best bars in Tamarindo next?
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