Top 10 restaurants in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

December 7, 2017 Moriah Teneyck

Tamarindo is a prime spot for surfing and sportfishing, diving and sunning. Nesting leatherback turtles do their thing along the beaches from October to May and, for some nesting of your own, gorgeous beach houses, B&Bs and luxury hotels line the sunny sands. Shopping and dining options are superb and plentiful, perfect for sampling the true flavors of Costa Rica.
Things to do in Tamarindo

1. Dragonfly Bar & Grill

Behind Hotel Pasatiempo 100m | Behind Hotel Pasatiempo 100m, Just Past Pizzaria la Baula, just Before Bolas Locas Mini Golf, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Reservations, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards International, Grill, Fusion, Seafood, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner HK$47 - HK$181 +506 2653 1506
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Dragonfly Bar & Grill

Welcome to Dragonfly Bar & Grill, a Tamarindo institution since its opening in January 2005. Highly touted as one of the best dining establishments in the bustling tourist town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica, Dragonfly consistently delivers exceptional cuisine, fantastic wines, cocktails and craft beers with gracious and knowledgeable service. Sourcing fresh local ingredients and seasonally adapting our menu options, Dragonfly Bar & Grill offers creative culinary cuisine and exceptional value in a charming and romantic atmosphere. Tucked away a short stroll from the town center, we are able to create a unique ambiance for our guests and are thrilled to share with them our little piece of paradise! We do not have an actual street address - We are a short stroll for the town center on Corona Street, after Pizzeria La Baula and just before Bolas Locas Mini Golf, behind Hotel Pasatiempo.

Reviewed By Jane P - Copenhagen, Denmark

Good food and good service. Had 2 starters, perfect sizes for a meal. The panko fried shrimp was tasteful, however not clean enough, had to remove the black string myself. Tuna tartare was big, I couldn’t eat it all. Skipped dessert since dishes tempted.Thank you for sharing your review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the food and service, despite the shrimp that you mentioned. Our chef assured me that they are cleaned, so this one was a mistake on our end. Our apologies.

2. Black Stallion Cafe & Surf Saloon

The Black Stallion Hills Ranch | 8 mins drive from Tamarindo., Villareal, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Television, Highchairs Available, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Buffet Barbecue, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$196 - HK$432 +506 8869 9765
Excellent
93%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 482 reviews

Black Stallion Cafe & Surf Saloon

We offer a rustic ranch style evening that's private & exclusive.We specialize in small groups & also do special events for families & friends. ( What we do, is BBQ just for u.) The BBQ is outside in " the shack "under the stars, people relax in the Cafe & Saloon, which is a unique rustic wood design.The best way to descibe the set up is " Costa Rican cowboy Saloon with a surfer twist."We make every evening special & unique ! It is Reservations only. Please book in advance. We start at 7 pm & BBQ the best local assorted meats,lomo,ribs,pork,steak,chorizo,ranch chicken & veggies. Then finish the evening with a tropical desert that's always a surprise, followed by a tropical blended some thing good. We start BBQ ing at 7pm. & The food is served no later than 7.30 Pm.We suggest people arrive at 6.30-7 Pm.The good news we have a new paved road so it's a quick trip from tamarindo.The BBQ dinners we do are a feast, so it's very unlikely u will leave hungry.See u soon & Pura Vida !

Reviewed By DavEa2099_ - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom

I was very fortunate to get added as a last minute single onto a group for 4 lovely Canadians for the zip lining trip which was a real buzz and a great experience.
Having the opportunity to see the land and howler monkeys on the way to the summit was great and our 2 guides were funny and very chatty which really relaxed the mood for those that were nervous.
If i recall correctly there were 9 zip lines in total some bigger and slightly scarier than the others but overall very good for the whole family and I would very much recommend doing it for anyone!
I was very lucky to to be invited to stay for the BBQ afterwards with the group I was with and this was by far the best BBQ I have ever experienced and ive had a few in my time!
Alex Urbaniak the owner from the moment he picked me up from from my hotel to dropping me back after a few mojitos was a great guy and i'm really excited for him and the team with what they are planning at the ranch and the whole evolution of their plans to make this a real go to experience not just for the zip lining, horse trekking and the BBQ of course but for the other entertainment ideas they will be adding in time.
Sometimes you go on these trips and think people are just nice because its their job to be at Black Stallion you know these guys are as genuine as can be and I cant recommend this enough! Trust me for a Brit to rave about something like this it has to be good so all brits out there looking at this DO IT!
Alex I will be back brother and cheers for the chat and mojito's at Panga on the way back!

3. La Bodega

In the Hotel Nahua | Diagonal From Banco Nacional, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Cafe, Costa Rican, International, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$47 - HK$78 +506 8395 6184
Excellent
82%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 638 reviews

La Bodega

La Bodega is an organic cafe/store located in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. We carry foods and specialty items made 100% in Costa Rica. Fresh homemade sandwiches, salads, baked goods, coffee and drinks are available daily! We provide organic, sustainable and local foods as much as possible. We are a small locally owned business with a passion for eating and living well. Pura Vida!

Reviewed By Dude_Loves_Button - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

My wife and I stopped here one morning for breakfast and were very impressed with the food. I had the Gallo Tico, a great combination of scrambled eggs and rice and beans with tortilla. The ice coffee topped it off. All organic and locally sourced. They had a nice organic grocery store, with incredible banana but bread. The highlight though was a visit by this little magpie. Stop by while in Tamarindo. You won’t be sorry.

4. Cafe Tico Tamarindo

25 Metros sur del Supermercado 2001, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch, Drinks HK$39 +506 8861 7732
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 511 reviews

Cafe Tico Tamarindo

.Cafe Tico is many things: it's a confortable place to sit and enjoy a rich cup of coffee on our shaded patio, or take it to go.Cafe Tico is also a gift shop, we offer a selection of gurmet coffee from small coffee farmers, honeys, jams and hot sauce made in Costa Rica. We home made bread and pastries, all the milk yogurt , butter and cheese that we use are from local farmers.

Reviewed By Stephen L - Toronto, Canada

We went here for breakfast upon our arrival and were pleasantly surprised by delicious and refreshing iced coffee (with coffee ice cubes so as not to dilute the coffee as it melts) and a delicious breakfast. The staff was friendly too!

5. Pangas Beach Club

Meters South West From Auto Mercado 500 | In Front of El Tesoro, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Caribbean, Seafood, Central American, Costa Rican, International, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night HK$63 - HK$196 +506 2653 0024
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Pangas Beach Club

Reviewed By School's Out 3 - Massachusetts

We took a cab here from the Tamarindo Diria due to uneven walking paths/obstacles and the dark. We made a reservation the evening before.
Pangas is in a very spacious setting overlooking the water. It had attractive lighting and a pleasant atmosphere. The menu offered a good variety of choices. We were a group of six, and each ordered a different item. Four of the six were pleased with their meal. Fish tended to be overdone and a bit dry.
Unfortunately, our dining experience was spoiled by our waiter. He was not in the least personable or welcoming, and was quite rude with an interaction. I guess he was having a bad night. Because of this, we would not return again.
This was the only restaurant in the Tamarindo area where we experienced this attitude.

6. Waffle Monkey

Mts From the Rotunda 50 | Passage to the Beach in Front of Budget Rent a Car, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts Credit Cards American, European, International, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch, Drinks HK$16 - HK$71 +506 8515 3960
Excellent
78%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 384 reviews

Waffle Monkey

Waffle Monkey is the only place in Tamarindo specializing in all day homemade Belgian waffles with an array of toppings to choose from. We offer hot and cold coffees as well as smoothies, milkshakes and ice cream. Taking into consideration food restrictions some clients may have, we offer GLUTEN FREE and Vegan waffles as well as dairy free milk (soy milk). We also have specials which change daily.

Reviewed By FredoTO - Toronto

Very happy staff greet you early in the morning I love to stop in for a latte whenever I go for an early morning walk on the beachFredoTO, thank you for the kind words about our friendly staff. We are so pleased to hear that you love the lattes. What a great way to start each day.

7. Surf Shack Burgers & Wings

The Tamarindo Circle | La Rotunda, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner HK$39 - HK$94 +506 2653 2346
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 613 reviews

Surf Shack Burgers & Wings

Reviewed By smuellersd - Belmont, Michigan

Wow! What a pleasant surprise. Went here after seeing ratings on Trip Advisor were high. Totally agree with high ratings!
Had cheese burger with fries. Came with tomato, pickles, onion and lettuce on the side. Had mayo which is a hamburger must. Ordered well done and delivered cooked all the way through.
I like my fries crispy as well. Limp fries do nothing for me. These were also as good as, even better than, most stateside restaurants.
If you get to Costa Rica and need a burger fix this is THE place.
I had a street vendor trying to tell me I needed a momento to remember Tamarindo by. I told him I would remember it because I left all my money there. Surf Shack had reasonable prices.

8. Matty's DeliCafe

100 Meters North of Hotel Barcelo Playa Langosta | Across From Beach Access at Playa Langosta, Playa Langosta, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi, Parking Available American, Cafe, Delicatessen, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch HK$16 - HK$78 +506 8332 9339
Excellent
85%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 132 reviews

Matty's DeliCafe

Matty's Delicafe specializes in handmade, homemade Deli sandwiches, salads, pastries, coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and more. We feature locally sourced, artisanal, and organic products. Get in my deli!

Reviewed By Bill W - Montreat, North Carolina

Matty is a good guy! Hard working staff. Small spot. Just had Belgian waffles, bacon, and fruit, and everything was just as it should be. Matty came out and visited with us, which was interesting and informative. I think they serve lunch, sandwiches and the...MoreThanks for the keen observations and great review. Gracias! Hope to see you soon.

9. Shrimp Hole

Next to 2001 Supermarket | Next to Supermercado 2001, Tamarindo 50309, Costa Rica Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Free Wifi Seafood, International, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks HK$47 - HK$102 +506 8726 0359
Excellent
77%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 562 reviews

Shrimp Hole

The Shrimp Hole - small and casual restaurant with a sunny deck, situated only a short walk from the beautiful beach of Tamarindo in Costa Rica and on the way to Langosta. Established in 2014 by a young, food loving couple, who grew up in Europe and travelled the world before opening their dream restaurant in Tamarindo. This tiny, tropical, thirteen seater, 'hole in the wall' restaurant, beneath an yang yang tree serves a simple but mouth watering menu: Only the freshest, sustainably farmed Costa Rican shrimp, sourced directly from fish markets in Puntarenas, served in delicious, handcrafted sauces that are made fresh, from scratch, every day. We also have a delicious Bahn Mi Sandwich as our famous Lunch Special. We serve our juicy shrimps with steamed rice and a selection of fresh salads. You can also enjoy a variety of home made lemonades. ... It's the ideal after surf spot to kick back and relax after catching a few of Tamarindo's famous waves. You can grab your food to go and stroll down to the beach to watch the waves or sit on our sunny deck, watch the world go by, and experience the best outdoor seafood dining in the relaxed atmosphere of Tamarindo. We make every effort to be as sustainable as possible, using only the best, locally sourced Costa Rican ingredients in our kitchen.

Reviewed By Lauren R - Buffalo, New York

We ate at like 7 restaurants during our stay in Tamarindo and the Shrimp Hole was our favorite. It is small but has a great ambiance, excellent cocktails and their signature shrimp dish was delicious and comforting. The server was very friendly and service was prompt. I recommend for couples or small families. They have a barstool counter which would be perfect if you are alone and just want to grab a quick lunch or dinner.

10. Santa Rita Cafe

Sunrise Plaza Mall Tamarindo | Complejo Sunrise Plaza, Tamarindo, Costa Rica Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Free Off-Street Parking, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Cafe, International, Central American, Costa Rican, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Breakfast, Brunch, Drinks HK$16 - HK$86 +506 4034 0501
Excellent
91%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 246 reviews

Santa Rita Cafe

Santa Rita Café is a small coffee shop located at the heart of Tamarindo. Its a family owned business designed to stand out creatively and gastronomically. Established by a couple (an architect and a chef), the idea is to create experiences while offering a variety of all day breakfasts, lunches, home made bakery and delicious specialty coffee. There's also beer available! It's family and pet friendly and the perfect place to meet other travelers and local people.

Reviewed By flycatcher06 - Hampton

We have so far had breakfast, lunch and coffee at this new cafe. It is wonderful and the vibe is amazing and relaxing. You can sit inside or outside and some days the playful howler monkeys are right in the tree. They are open until 3 pm and serve breakfast all day and lunch. We are going back again today for lunch. Wonderful to have a nice, clean, friendly cafe in the center of Tamarindo.

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