The food in Tamarindo is so good! But it can be a bit tricky to find the best places to eat if you are visiting for the first time. Friends give the best details, but Trip Advisor seems to be the place to go if you don’t have anyone to ask or anyone to ask who knows how to give good directions. The last thing you want when you’re approaching hangry is to walk really far and not be able to find the place that you were looking for!
Where to Eat in Tamarindo
Dragonfly
For if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a little bit of a trek from the beach where we were staying at Witch’s Rock, up a hilly dirt road. We shared mango avocado tuna tartare with friends, and my entre was this amazing fish and seafood with squid ink noodles. My eyes are bigger than my stomach!
Green Papaya
For if you’re feeling whimsical. This restaurant has the cutest rope swings lining the perimeter tables. So, you can eat your meal on a swing! I ordered the most delicious tuna tacos, and Chris had some amazing shrimp and cheese dip. Better together, just like us. Hotel Costes playing through the speakers kept the meal in the clouds.
Sprouts
For if you’re feeling a little healthy. The food that we had here was very fresh, and luckily it was right across the street from where we were staying! We hopped over one night when it was raining, and I ordered the most fresh fish tacos, of course. I love fish tacos. Chris ordered a chicken sandwich that I snagged a few bites of and can vouch for as well.
Wrap Soda
For if you’re feeling local. Costa Rican food is amazing and healthy. I’d recommend the Tamarindo soda. They have some great fish wraps for lunch, but for dinner go for one of the entrees with an egg over rice, like the seafood one.
Walter’s
For if you’re feeling the beachside view. Chris is obsessed with ceviche, so we took a break from a beach walk to catch some fresh ceviche here midday. Bonus points for serving mixed ceviche that includes fish and shrimp, and having a cute cat asking patrons for food. That cat knows what it wants. This was the first cat I saw in Tamarindo.
Eat at Joe’s
For when you’re coming in from the surf. Since we stayed at Witch’s Rock, free breakfast every morning from Eat at Joe’s was included. Bring on the eggs, pinto beans and toast 🙂 I don’t usually eat bread, but the bread in Costa Rica was so fresh and amazing with local jam. The classic black beans and rice are a bit much food for my stomach so for the most part I stick with the black beans and eggs. They also have these super huge nachos that Chris was really into.
Vaquero
For enjoying the sunset. Tamarindo is famous for it’s sunsets, thanks to Robert August and Endless Summer. At the end of the day the board cage we rented from next to Vaquero closed at 6pm, and the picnic table setup out front gives you the best view to enjoy the early sunset from. I liked the fish here, and the barbeque was pretty good too.
Patagonia Del Mar
For your last night before returning to the grind of daily life. We saved steak Argentine steak for the last day, and though it was delicious I have to say my favorite part was the musician who sang his heart out during our meal. It was a little loud but I didn’t care, those were the perfect songs to begin and end our trip on.
Beachside Coconuts
For when you need refreshments. Don’t miss out on these! There are people walking up and down the beach selling chilled coconuts, and they are so amazing.
I’m glad Trip Advisor is still in rotation. When I used to work for a luxury bed & breakfast marketing company, that was one of the sites we paid special attention to. And that was in 2011! So there’s some good history and resources built on that site for travelers. Also, if you are on Ebates there are some good cashback opportunities for Trip Advisor through their Instant Book.
There are so many places we didn’t get a chance to eat out at that friends recommended. We probably haven’t spent enough time there to find the really good places to eat that the people who live in Costa Rica like. Most of the restaurants up the main drag are geared more toward tourists like us. My favorite kind of food is fresh and healthy, so I’m happy as long as that’s in front of me.
Do you have any favorite restaurants in Tamarindo? Let me know and we’ll visit the next time we’re there!