Tamarindo Costa Rica Restaurants and Food Guide
Satisfy Whatever You’re Craving with Our Top Dining Picks
From small, local homestyle restaurants to chic beachfront oasis, Tamarindo is a paradise of variety with diverse dining options to satisfy every flavor palate. Check out our selection of some of our area’s favorites, all close to our
Tamarindo Luxury Villas!
Eating Locally in Tamarindo
The key success to the taste of each plate is the source of it all. Most restaurants keep a strong work ethic to provide a farm-to-table organic or hook-to-fork promise in each recipe combined with an ocean-friendly business operation.
Our Tamarindo villas are all within a short distance from some of the most delicious restaurants on the Gold Coast. Restaurants here typically take a lot of pride in their commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring every dish embodies a farm-to-table or hook-to-fork philosophy. With a strong dedication to sustainable and ocean-friendly practices, restaurants here serve up responsibly crafted meals that are as ethical as they are delicious.
From handmade pizzas and pastas to fresh seafood, sushi, and international fusion cuisine, Tamarindo’s dynamic mix of local and global flavors creates endless opportunities for culinary adventure. Whether you're in the mood for an elegant dining experience or something more laid-back, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Whatever you're craving, the vibrant food scene here is yours to explore— check out our selection of some of our area’s favorites!
(Please note: Most restaurants take credit cards, but keep in mind some of the smaller ones may be cash-only. Also, during the low season (September and October) some places will change their hours and days of operation, so it’s a good idea to double-check if traveling during those months).
Pangas Beach Club
Pangas is walking distance from Sunset House and Casa Alang Alang on the north end of Tamarindo. This beautifully designed restaurant is nestled right next to the river with an incredible beach and river view. Whether grabbing an afternoon beer in your boardshorts or enjoying a candlelit dinner in the dining room, Pangas has something for everyone.
Preferred for:
- Outdoor seating
- Dinner with a view
Contact: +506 2653-0024
Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM, every day
IG: @pangasbeachclubcr
AGUA SALADA RESTAURANT
Located on the main road, across from Crazy Monkey Bar, this modern beachfront restaurant offers delicious seafood and other Mediterranean style dishes. They’re also known for their specialty cocktails and desserts.
Preferred for:
- Outdoor seating
- Seafood
Contact: +506 8642-7777
Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM, every day
IG: @aguasaladatamarindo
Web: https://beacons.ai/aguasalada
PICO BISTRO
Now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner this is a great spot for sunset cocktails and all day delicious menu options with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free offerings available. Located right on the beach with ample parking just off the main road. Enjoy your meal with toes in the sand or inside with AC overlooking the surf.
Preferred for:
- Outdoor beachfront dining
- Coffee
- Healthy menu
Contact: +506 8926-8452
Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM, every day
IG: @picobistrotama
EL MERCADITO DE TAMARINDO
This family friendly open-air food court offers a variety of options including burgers, pizza, tacos, sushi, ice cream and more– plus a full bar and special events on some occasions. Perfect place to check out if your group can’t decide what they want to eat!
Preferred for:
- Family friendly
- Multiple dining options
Contact: +506 8804-1530
Hours: 11 AM TO 11 PM, every day
IG: @mercaditodetama
PATAGONIA GRILL
Located in the center of Tamarindo on the main road just next to Bamboo Sushi Club, this Argentinian restaurant is a carnivore’s paradise. There are vegetarian options that are excellent as well, however Patagonia is known for their quality and dry-aged meats. Great service, excellent drinks, nice ambiance and close to everything.
Preferred for:
- Carnivore cravings
- Central location
Contact: +506 8800-0002
Hours: 11 AM TO 10 PM, every day
IG: @patagoniagrillcr
BAMBOO SUSHI CLUB
A local favorite for fresh sushi and handcrafted cocktails, nestled in a hidden oasis you reach by way of a covered footbridge into the sushi club. Bamboo Sushi is a great dining option for couples, groups and families, or for lounging and sipping drinks with friends. Located on the main road across from the beach, it’s surrounded by cute shops and close to the town center.
Preferred for:
- Sushi
- Cocktails
Contact: +506 8800-2047
Hours: 11 AM TO 10 PM, every day
IG: @bamboosushicr
RUMORS RESTAURANT AND BAR
Popular place with various food options, great service and AC. Located in the center of Tamarindo across from Arenas Surf Shop. Rumors is also known for its cocktails and after hours nightlife with live music and DJs.
Preferred for:
- Variety
- Nightlife
Contact: +506 2653-2641
Hours: Restaurant– 6 PM to 10 PM. Live Music/Bar– 9 PM to 2:30 AM. Closed Mondays
IG: @rumorstamarindo
WOK N ROLL RESTAURANT
Fantastic Asian-fusion restaurant serving everything from Korean, Thai and Mongolian dishes, to sushi rolls and Vietnamese pho and more. Always providing fresh fish and quality meats, with vegetarian options available as well. Wok N Roll is located in the center of town, near the Playa Langosta intersection, close to Sharky’s and Rumors.
Preferred for:
- Asian variety
- Sushi
Contact: +506 8893-2736
Hours: 1 to 10 PM. Closed on Sundays
IG: @woknrollcr
SHARKY’S SPORTS BAR
The most popular sports bar in town, offering great typical bar food and local craft beers. Perfect for watching football, soccer, hockey, or any other live sporting event. Decent prices on beer and cocktails in a fun and energetic environment. Located next to Wok N Roll near the Playa Langosta intersection.
Preferred for:
- Typical bar food
- Sports entertainment
Contact: +506 2653-4705
Hours: Monday-Saturday: 10:30 AM to 2 AM, Sunday: 10:30 AM to 12 AM
IG: @sharkystamarindo
CHIQUITA´S BAR & RESTAURANT
Excellent Mexican food, tapas and bar with great cocktails and the best tequila and mezcal selection around. Live music and DJ showcases nightly. Located in front of Pacific Park Ave in Central Tamarindo.
Preferred for:
- Mexican food
- Tequila and Mezcal
Contact: +506 8837-4168
Hours: 6 PM to 2 AM. Dinner 6 PM to 11 PM. Closed Mondays
IG: @chiquitasbar
GREEN PAPAYA RESTAURANT
Located behind La Oveja (on the same road as La Baula Pizzeria), this cozy little taco bar serves delicious and healthy mexican-fusion meals with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menu items available. The shrimp tacos are a crowd favorite.
Preferred for:
- Tacos
- Healthy options
Contact: +506 2653-0863
Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM. Closed Mondays
IG: @greenpapayatamarindo
PIZZERIA LA BAULA
The local’s favorite place for authentic Italian pizza. With a garden and playground, it’s perfect for families with young kids to play while parents enjoy a glass of wine and wait for their pizza. Located up the road before Pasa Tiempo, (on the way to DragonFly) behind Banco Nacional.
Preferred for:
- Families with kids
- Italian style pizza
Contact: +506 2653-1450
Hours: 5:30 PM to 10 PM, every day
IG: @pizzerialabaula
DRAGONFLY BAR & GRILL
Sourcing fresh local ingredients and seasonally adapting their menu options, Dragonfly offers creative culinary cuisine in a charming and romantic atmosphere. Great for groups, events or couples, you can’t go wrong with the ambiance or the food here. Live music Wednesday-Saturday. Located just past the center of town, before Banco Nacional.
Preferred for:
- Seasonal menu
- Ambience
- Live music
Contact: +506 2653-1506.
Hours: 5:30 PM to 10 PM, every day
IG: @dragonflytamarindo
Web: https://www.dragonflybarandgrill.com/
LA OVEJA SURF HOUSE RESTAURANT
With great food, drinks and live music in the heart of Tamarindo, La Oveja offers a unique place with great ambiance and a wide variety of menu options. Suitable for hanging out or working online, the staff will always be happy to serve you. Find them located in front of BAC.
Preferred for:
- Varied menu
- Working online
Contact: +506 2653-0005.
Hours: 7 AM to 11 PM, every day
IG: @laoveja.tama
LITTLE LUCHA TAQUERIA
Mexican style street tacos, live music, cold beer, tequila and premium whiskey. Located 100 meters east of Banco Nacional, across the road from where the Thursday night market takes place.
Preferred for:
- Mexican food
- Margaritas
Contact: +506 8723-4297.
Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM, closed on Sundays
IG: @littleluchataqueria
EL CHIRINGUITO
Located right on the beach, it’s one of the best places to catch the sunset while enjoying some drinks and tapas. Playgrounds, our yacht, is anchored directly in front of El Chiringuito, so this awesome open-air restaurant is also the pick-up location for our catamaran guests. Find it 100 meters south of the roundabout at the end of the main road.
Preferred for:
- Outdoor beachfront dining
- Tapas
Contact: +506 2438-9569.
Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM, everyday
TABÚ RESTAURANT
A chic new beachfront restaurant concept with the best flavors of the beach available for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Tabú offers a variety of tapas, seafood and traditional favorites, plus live music and an excellent location for sunset drinks and good vibes.
Preferred for:
- Outdoor beachfront dining
- Open all day
Contact: +506 2237-1439.
Hours: 8 AM to 10 PM, everyday
IG: @tabu.tamarindo
NOGUI´S RESTAURANT
Nogui’s is one of the local favorite beach spots to grab breakfast. Right on the ocean, this location is particularly beautiful in the morning. They also serve lunch and dinner, and are particularly famous for their pies. Nogui’s can be accessed from the beach or via the main road, at the end just past the roundabout.
Preferred for:
- Beachfront dining
- Breakfast
- Coconut and banana pies
Contact: +506 2653-0029.
Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM, everyday
IG: @noguistamarindo
LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB
Located on the road to Playa Langosta, you’re far enough on the south end of Tamarindo beach to almost feel like you’re there alone. You can dine at their tables right on the sand or enjoy your meal on the pool deck. This is another amazing spot to watch the sunset! Besides having a great restaurant, Langosta Beach Club also has a pool and lounges available for an additional cost. Their day pass includes access to the pool, lounge area and complimentary towels. Membership is included for guests staying at Villa Monoi and Villa Morabeza.
Preferred for:
- Beachfront
- Outdoor seating
- Beach Club Day Passes
Contact: +506 8376-3773
Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM, everyday
IG: @langostabeachclub
FISH & CHEESES RESTAURANT & DELI
Located between Tamarindo and Langosta (across the street from the main gate to Villa Morabeza and Villa Monoi), Fish & Cheeses is an authentic Italian market and restaurant. They make their own fresh pasta and cheeses in-house, have a fine selection of wines and craft beers, brick oven pizzas and live music. For a gourmet Italian meal, this is the place to go.
Preferred for:
- Authentic Italian
- Cheese
- Fine wine and craft beer
Contact: +506 4700-6947
Hours: Monday to Saturday 11 AM to 9 PM, closed Sunday and from 3-5pm on Saturday
IG: @fishandcheeses
TANDOOR INDIAN FOOD
With comfortable seating and a warm welcoming atmosphere, Tandoor is an authentic Indian restaurant with a large selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to satisfy your appetite. You can find them located between Punta San Francisco and Hotel Occidental Tamarindo in Langosta.
Preferred for:
- Atmosphere
- Indian food
- Vegetarian options
Contact:+506 4703 7547
Hours: 11:30 AM to 10 PM, everyday
IG: @indianfoodtamarindo
EL SAPO PIZZERIA
Heralded by locals and tourists alike as the best pizza in Playa Langosta, this Italian pizzeria has gluten free options and other authentic Italian dishes to choose from. Located 100 meters north of the Hotel Occidental Tamarindo in Playa Langosta, El Sapo also offers delivery and pickup if you’re looking for an easy and delicious meal at home.
Preferred for:
- Pizza
- Delivery
Contact: +506 2249-5432.
Hours: 5 PM to 10 PM, closed on Wednesdays
IG: @elsapo.langosta.tamarindo
CALA LUNA ORIGEN RESTAURANT
With all ingredients organically grown at their nearby farm at La Senda or responsibly sourced from local and sustainable vendors, Cala Luna’s Origen Restaurant is a 5-star gourmet experience inspired by the harmony and balance of nature. A beautiful getaway for a date night or a special occasion, the seasonal refinement of their menus always brings something original and creative for your dining pleasures.
Preferred for:
- Organic ingredients
- Date night
- Healthy menu
Contact: +506 2653-0214.
Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM, everyday
IG: @calaluna.origen
Web: https://www.calaluna.com/gastronomy
L´ESTANCO EL JARDIN ESCONDIDO
A magical oasis in the middle of the town, L’Estanco is a secret garden holding a fantastic menu of Mediterranean-Peruvian fusion cuisine. The owner and staff are very welcoming, knowledgeable and will treat you as friends. Located 100 meters west of Banco Nacional Costa Rica, this hidden gem of a restaurant is a dining experience you shouldn’t miss!
Preferred for:
- Unique space
- Knowledgeable staff
Contact: +506 6021-4545
Hours: 5:30 PM to 12 AM, closed Sundays
IG: @lestancocr