Tamarindo Beach is the kind of town that effortlessly draws people to our shores, our beaches, our outdoor diversions. And, naturally, those people need to dine, drink, and celebrate their time here. An incredible restaurant scene – one of Costa Rica’s most vibrant – has arisen in response, welcoming diners to eclectic menus and tropical fare, hearty meals and fusion cuisine.
Here are a few of our forever favorites:
Dragonfly:
Known for its relaxed, open-air atmosphere, Dragonfly Bar & Grill offers a fusion of international and local Costa Rican cuisine in the heart of Tamarindo Beach. The menu is diverse, featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and creative salads, often incorporating local ingredients. It’s a favorite spot for both tourists and locals looking for a laid-back dining experience with high-quality food.
Pangas
Pangas Restaurant and Beach Club is one of our favorites for a reason: In addition to excellent tropical fare – and by that, we’re talking wahoo carpaccio and Costa Rican ceviche, pineapple-chili glazed wings and the signature tuna tower – Pangas is an eco-hotspot right on Tamarindo Beach: Claim your favorite beachfront table, dig your toes into the sand, and sit back to watch pelicans fishing for their supper and crocs sunning at the nearby river mouth.
Sofia Mediterraneo:
Recently opened in the area is quickly becoming a town favorite, and rightfully so. Sofia Mediterraneo is a restaurant that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine, offering dishes inspired by flavors from Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean region. The menu highlights include fresh seafood, homemade pastas, and a variety of vegetarian options, with a specialized menu almost every night. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, perfect for a romantic dinner or a quiet night out with friends.
Patagonia:
Offering authentic Argentinian cuisine, Patagonia Argentinian Grill & Restaurant is a go-to spot for meat lovers. The restaurant is known for its grilled steaks, empanadas, and other traditional Argentinian dishes. With its casual setting and outdoor seating, it’s a popular choice for enjoying flavorful, hearty meals in a relaxed environment.
Bamboo Sushi
With pan-Asian influences and a flair for Tamarindo’s freshest sushi, the aptly named Bamboo Sushi serves all your favorites: seaweed salad and edamame, nigiri and maki, poke bowls and the teriyaki-ed protein of your preference. As much as we love the food, our favorite feature of Bamboo may just be their Hidden Garden: a romantic bridge that leads to a tranquil bamboo garden – an invitation to relax and forget the world for a while.
Lunático
Lunatico Restaurant is a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. With a laid-back yet chic ambiance, it offers a perfect fusion of tropical and contemporary design, making it an inviting space for both casual diners and those seeking a more refined experience. The restaurant specializes in creative, farm-to-table cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the rich flavors of Costa Rica.
