While visiting Costa Rica for the 1st time in 2017, we chose to explore the North West coastline of the Guanacaste Province. Leti (my fiancé) and I decided to travel by car for some added sight seeing along the way. Fortunately, our road trip beside the Pacific Ocean lead us to a little surfer town named, Tamarindo.
Tamarindo Beach is a great place to surf, watch fire-dancers light up the beach, and of course, relax. The town has everything you could ask for, and more. On top of that, we felt like this was truly a place where everyone embraced the Costa Rican motto, "Pura Vida". A lifestyle we wanted to experience first hand.
UPDATE: We got married here! Find out how our dream wedding on the beach in Tamarindo went! Click here.
Your nightly entertainment in Tamarindo.
Grab a chair and an Imperial 🍻
With that said, here are recommendations for eating and drinking your way through Tamarindo, Costa Rica.
Batidos + Tropical Ceviché
Costa Rican must haves:
Batidos: smoothies!
Casado: Rice, black beans and protein
Picadillo: Fresh chunky salsa
Coffee: There are A LOT of coffee plantations in CR + it’s great!
Neptuno Deli (next to Iguana Surf):
We stopped here for juices almost every day! The menu consists of about 12 different Batidos. They also serve great Iced (or hot) coffee.
They average about $3-4 ea.
Green Papaya – Taco Bar & More:
Green Papaya has a very fun and welcoming atmosphere with wooden swings that look like they’re straight out of a Tarzan movie! Their tacos are large, yet healthy and delicious! Rich had chicken, and Leti had the shrimp tacos. Don’t miss out on their amazing house-made chips and dip, with salsa, beans, guac, more. Sounds simple, but trust us on this, it’s really good.
Lunch + Dinner
Closed Mondays
Nordico Coffee House:
Nordico is in the middle of town overlooking a busy intersection. They serve great breakfast options and have a vegan friendly menu. The patio is an awesome spot for people watching.
Breakfast + Lunch
Closed Sundays
Café Tico – Best Cup of Coffee Award:
With some world-class coffee so readily available, this café serves exceptional cups coffee and breakfast. We both tried breakfast sandwiches on a warm croissant with coffee, and of course, batidos.
Breakfast + Lunch
Closed Thursdays
B-Fast at La Bodega
La Bodega – Organic Local Food:
This small café has a perfect patio to sit and enjoy breakfast! We both got their breakfast sandwiches, one with ham and the other bacon. Both were super delicious. Don’t forget to add their locally spiced and seasoned hot sauce. A great pair to the flavor of their sandwiches.
Breakfast + Lunch
Closed Sundays
Surf Shack- Best Burger Award:
Surf Shack is known for the having some of the best burgers and shakes in town! Their restaurant is great for kids and even has a children’s’ play area.
Dinner Only
Closed Thursdays
Sprout – Best Salad in Town:
Farm to the table, fresh salads, and sandwiches. Sprout has a deliciously fresh menu made up of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, smoothies and home-made ice teas.
Lunch + Dinner
Closed on Sundays
Pangas Beach Club:
Pangas is one of Tamarindo’s top-rated restaurants. Serving alfresco fish, and high quality steaks, this beach front spot is romantic and perfect for special occasions. In fact, we will be getting married here in 2018! We can’t wait to be back this November!
Patagonia - Skirt Steak (awaiting a chimichurri bath!)
Patagonia- Argentine Grill:
Enjoy and experience high-quality Argentinian cuisine. The menu has a variety of dishes, from meats, pasta, and daily specials! Rich enjoyed a steak drizzled with chimichurri sauce and Leti had their special, salmon ravioli, which were both excellent! Rich and I made reservations the day before while we were walking around town.
Lunch + Dinner
Reservations Recommended
Black Stallion Ranch:
Black Stallion Ranch is located about 10 minutes outside of Tamarindo and specializes in family and group dinners. BBQ style, all you can eat and drinks for $45/ person. (Iguana Surf Recommended)
Dinner
Reservations Required
Seasons - by Shlomy:
Our wedding coordinator and the Chef are acquaintances, and she highly recommends visiting if you can while you’re in town. This intimate dining experience is prepared using seasonal ingredients and is best for smaller groups or couples.
CASH ONLY
Dinner Only
Closed Sundays
Reservations Recommended
Wok N’ Roll- Asian Cuisine:
Right off the main strip, Wok N’ Roll offers a variety of authentic dishes from all over Asia. Such as sushi, Pad Thai, and they even have an oyster bar. It’s also an awesome spot to people watch.
Dinner only
Bamboo Sushi – Best Sushi in town:
Bamboo serves some of the freshest fish and best sushi in Tama. The ambiance is just pure zen, as you dine in open garden surroundings. The restaurant is located on the main road through town.
Lunch + Dinner
La Pachanga – Italian Cuisine:
Enjoy Italian favorites all the way in Central America. La Pachanga serves pastas, pizza, and more.
Dinner only
Closed Mondays
La Esquina - Pizza & More:
Woodfire oven pizzas, pastas and more. They have a great area for children as well.
Dinner only
Closed Sunday
That rounds out our list at the moment.
We will be sure to add anything else we come across after our next visit in November 2018.
We hope this will help you better plan your visit to Tamarindo, Costa Rica. We only spent 3 days in Tama, but Leti and I absolutely fell in love with the town. We can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t feel the same way.
Pura Vida!
Looking for more things to do in Costa Rica?
Check out THIS BLOG POST about our trip.
#AdventuresOfRnL