Food, glorious food! What does food have to do with real estate? Well my friends, yes, it gives us basic sustenance. The older we get, the more we appreciate having variety and options in our choices of what we eat. On a hot day, it helps to know that the area that you have chosen to buy has places where you can purchase gelato or fresh fruit. When your friends are visiting, you can be secure in the knowledge that there are establishments here in town known for providing an exceptional dining experience. We will keep updating this page over the years so you can find the best options without having to search all over the web.
2024
A Culinary Journey Through Tamarindo: Discovering Costa Rica's Coastal Delights
Nestled on the sun-drenched Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Tamarindo is a gem known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and vibrant culture. Beyond its picturesque scenery, this charming town boasts a rich and diverse culinary scene that entices food lovers from around the globe. At the heart of Tamarindo's gastronomy are its traditional "sodas," quaint eateries that capture the essence of Costa Rican cuisine. Here, visitors can savor dishes like "Casados," a medley of rice, beans, salad, and choice of meat, or indulge in the beloved "Gallo Pinto," a staple of local breakfast fare. With its enviable coastal location, Tamarindo is abundant with seafood restaurants. From succulent ceviche to perfectly grilled fish, these establishments offer a taste of the ocean's bounty, freshly caught and expertly prepared.
Global Flavors in Tamarindo
Yet, Tamarindo's culinary landscape extends far beyond traditional fare, embracing global flavors. Travelers can sample everything from savory Italian pasta to zesty Mexican tacos and aromatic Asian cuisine. For those seeking a dining experience infused with the beauty of Tamarindo's natural surroundings, beachfront bars and restaurants provide the perfect setting. Picture dining al fresco with your toes in the sand, savoring delectable dishes as the sun sets over the Pacific. For special occasions or simply a taste of luxury, Tamarindo offers fine dining establishments that elevate the culinary experience. These restaurants combine exquisite cuisine with impeccable service, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
Top Restaurants in Tamarindo
Here's a list of the top 20 restaurants in town, with more detailed descriptions to give you a better sense of what each offers:
La Oveja Surf House: This eclectic spot is a surfer's paradise, blending bar, cafe, and healthy contemporary fusion cuisine with vegetarian-friendly options. La Oveja Surf House is known for its laid-back vibe, complete with live music and outdoor seating. Their menu features a variety of fresh, vibrant dishes that cater to both health-conscious eaters and those looking to indulge.
Falafel Bar: A haven for vegetarians and vegans, Falafel Bar specializes in Middle Eastern cuisine, particularly its namesake dish. The falafel here is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Paired with fresh salads, hummus, and warm pita, it's a meal that leaves diners feeling satisfied and nourished.
Green Papaya Taco Bar: This vibrant eatery offers a fusion of Mexican and Central American flavors in a relaxed, colorful setting. Known for its delicious tacos and burritos, Green Papaya Taco Bar is the perfect place to unwind with a margarita in hand. The menu features fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and inventive flavor combinations.
Antichi Sapori: Sicilian Cuisine: Bringing a taste of Sicily to Tamarindo, Antichi Sapori is renowned for its authentic Italian and Sicilian dishes. Guests rave about the gluten-free pizza and pasta, which are made with the finest ingredients and traditional recipes. The cozy, rustic atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a family feast.
The Bake Yard: This charming spot is a must-visit for Italian cuisine lovers. The Bake Yard offers a cozy, welcoming environment where guests can enjoy handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and delectable desserts. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Naans & Curries - An Ethnic Indian Restaurant: Diners at Naans & Curries are treated to an array of authentic Indian dishes, from rich, creamy curries to perfectly spiced tandoori meats. The restaurant's warm, inviting ambiance and attentive service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
El Pelicano Restaurant: Seafood lovers flock to El Pelicano for its variety of local and international dishes, all featuring the freshest catch of the day. The restaurant's beachside location provides stunning ocean views, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely meal as the waves crash nearby.
L'Estanco El Jardin Escondido: Tucked away in a hidden garden, this Mediterranean fusion restaurant offers a serene dining experience. The menu features a mix of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, with dishes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. The lush, tranquil setting makes it an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of town.
Santa Rita Cafe: A beloved family-owned coffee shop, Santa Rita Cafe is the go-to spot for all-day breakfast, light lunches, and specialty coffee. The cafe's cozy atmosphere and friendly staff make it a favorite hangout for both locals and travelers. Don't miss their homemade pastries and freshly brewed coffee.
Flying Bull: Known for its American-style meat cuts and hearty portions, Flying Bull is a carnivore's dream. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and extensive wine menu make it a great spot for a relaxed dinner with friends. The salad bar offers a fresh, healthy complement to the robust main dishes.
Tamaki: As the only Peruvian-Japanese fusion sushi spot in Tamarindo, Tamaki offers a unique dining experience. The menu features a variety of inventive rolls, flavorful yakimeshi, and delicious baos. Diners can enjoy their meal in a modern, stylish setting that reflects the fusion of two distinct culinary traditions.
Wabi Sabi Sushi: Renowned for having the best sushi in Tamarindo, Wabi Sabi Sushi offers a wide range of Japanese dishes and drinks. The restaurant's sleek, minimalist design provides a serene backdrop for enjoying expertly crafted sushi and sashimi.
Enea's La Vera Cucina Italiana: This cozy Italian eatery is known for its homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and mouthwatering desserts. Enea's La Vera Cucina Italiana offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes every meal feel like a special occasion. The menu is crafted with love and attention to detail, ensuring an authentic Italian dining experience.
Little Lucha: A lively spot for Mexican street tacos, Little Lucha also boasts an impressive selection of premium tequila and bourbon. The daily specials and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular choice for a fun night out. Guests can enjoy delicious, authentic tacos while soaking up the energetic vibe.
Cala Luna Origen: Focusing on sustainable, healthy, and organic cuisine, Cala Luna Origen offers a menu full of fresh seafood and fish dishes. The restaurant's commitment to eco-friendly practices and local sourcing ensures a dining experience that's both delicious and conscientious.
NOI Bistro: Offering local cuisine with a contemporary twist, NOI Bistro caters to a variety of dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan-friendly options. The bistro's modern, chic decor and innovative menu make it a standout choice for food enthusiasts looking to explore new flavors.
Dragonfly Bar & Grill: A Tamarindo institution, Dragonfly Bar & Grill is known for its exceptional cuisine, creative cocktails, and craft beers. The restaurant's inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it a favorite among locals and tourists. The menu features a mix of international dishes, all prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Pangas Beach Club: Perfect for special occasions or simply enjoying the scenic views, Pangas Beach Club offers a blend of local and American cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. The restaurant's beachfront location provides a stunning backdrop for a memorable dining experience.
Tropic Tamarindo: Specializing in Latin and Costa Rican cuisine, Tropic Tamarindo also offers a variety of vegan options. The restaurant's vibrant, colorful decor and friendly staff create a welcoming environment for diners looking to explore traditional and contemporary dishes.
Fish & Cheeses: An Italian restaurant and cheese factory, Fish & Cheeses offers handmade pasta, fresh mozzarella, and a selection of Italian wines. The restaurant frequently hosts live music events, adding to the lively, convivial atmosphere. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian cuisine while listening to local musicians.
Tamarindo's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, offering something for every palate. So, come hungry, and let your taste buds guide you on an epicurean adventure. Explore the diverse food landscape, and let Tamarindo's gastronomy leave a lasting impression on your taste buds.
2017-2023
Is it rainy season? Don’t want to leave your house? Catching up on news or sports? Probably one of our most unique companies in Tamarindo is our food delivery service TicoToGo. You could actually have food delivered from a wide range of places right to your door through our delivery local company. Not only will they deliver food to your doorstep from over 27 local restaurants, but they also provide a grocery delivery service as well, which you would be hard pressed to find in almost any other beach town in Costa Rica.
I think you will find that Tamarindo and the surrounding area is not lacking in diverse dining options that are sure to impress for a town of its size. Whether one is looking for healthy, local and organic, international cuisine or simply a really good taco, we have it all. It simply adds to the overall quality of life that can be added here in our amazing slice of the world.
Rather than give you a list of every restaurant in town and their menus, I’ve taken it upon myself as a local in the community of over 15 years to try them all out and give you a few examples and highlights of some of the standouts in various categories. Here at Remax we go above and beyond for our clients even if it means eating delicious meals on your behalf in order to provide you with the most current and pertinent information available. The sacrifice on my part was immense but let it be known that there is little I won’t do for the good of the team.
If organic, local and healthy is your thing, look no further than La Bodega. It is a cafe and store that prides itself on serving local, organic and sustainable items sourced from Costa Rica as much as possible. Try their fruit, yogurt and granola or their rotating sandwich specials that sell out on a daily basis.
A little further down the road in Langosta Beach is Matty’s Deli which serves innovative, unique and creative salads sandwiches and pastries. The fresh squeezed watermelon juice and lemonade are not to be missed!
If you find yourself in need of a quick, reasonably priced, bite of deliciousness mid day or into the night be sure to make a pitstop at El Chilito for a taco, burrito, or bowl. Everything is made in house and you won’t be able to decide which salsa to pick since they all look like the perfect choice. (quick tip: go with the mango…).
Where are you going for dinner? Sometimes you just need a good steak and excellent service while feeling as if you’ve been transported to another place. This is when you (and everyone else in town) make a reservation at Patagonia Argentinian Grill. A great glass of Malbec and the chimichurri sauce on everything pretty much makes for a perfect meal.
Asian Fusion at its finest, when you can’t decide if you want Sushi, Thai, Korean, Vietnamese or even Oysters. The answer is that you can have them all at Wok and Roll! one of the best dinning options in Tamarindo for locals and tourist! They do so many things so well that they make it hard for me to decide every time I go there. It’s a good problem to have, not to mention that it is also a fantastic place to camp out at the bar for a pre or post dinner cocktail. The member of our team are always ready to go there, even just to have a drink with Kandice!
In addition to Argentinian and Asian food options, we also have Middle Eastern style cuisine available from the Falafel Bar. They specialise in items such as Greek salad, Shawarma Pita, and of course Falafel. Beware of the deadly green fire sauce- eat at your own risk.
If you ever are simply craving a good old fashioned Cheeseburger and milkshake (or portobello burger for a lighter option), I dare say The Surf Shack Burgers and Wings rivals any version you would find hands down. Not only this, but they pride themselves on being kid and family friendly with special nights such as “kids eat free” with adult entrees and “free fry Fridays”.
I cannot forget to mention the best Italian restaurant in town, Walter's Fish and Cheese. Located in Playa Langosta, this typical Italien fine cuisine restaurant offers the best fresh food you can find in town! They also have a boutique with fresh home made pastas, sauces, cookies, cheese and their wine selection is awesome! Definitely a good address to remember.
Insider’s Scoop: Santa Rita Cafe makes the most perfect double espresso you never knew you needed in your life. They also make the best smoked salmon/cream cheese sandwich ever. They are conveniently located right next to our RE/MAX office thus keep our hard working agents fed and happy! Que Rico!
I haven't mentioned yet all of those good addresses: Sprout (organic fresh food), Flying Bull steak house in front of the Diria Hotel, the very well established Pizzeria La Baula, Sharkys bar and grill (best fish n'chip!), Dragon Fly next to La Baula and the Shrimp Hole for the seafood amateurs. And a few other food type suggestions beyond restaurants: taking advantage of our proximity to the ocean makes most of us want eat more seafood. One of our town’s best kept secrets is Pedro’s where anyone can go and get an assortment of daily caught fresh fish at wholesale prices such as tuna, lobster, shrimp, and whole red snapper to name a few.
In case you haven’t gathered by now, Tamarindo provides a ton of culinary advantages for anyone who might be considering a move here. Dietary restrictions can easily be catered to, and though you may start with a few of my suggestions, you’ll soon find that you’ve come up with your own favorites list because not only is there plenty to choose from here, but the quality of the options are some of the best in the country. If you would prefer to find out what is available and kept secret outside Playa Tamarindo, look at this blog from another Epicurian in our office!
Now that you know that your food needs will be met and surpassed here in Tamarindo, feel free to stop by our office any time you’d like to talk about your real estate options here and our team would love to tell you all about what we have to offer over that perfect espresso I mentioned. Bon Appetite.
This page has been written by Derrick Poelsma, one of our Epicurian agent :)