An Insider’s Guide to the Most Delicious Food and Best Deals Sure to Satisfy Any Surfer

Although Tamarindo is known as a “mile town” where everyone says hi to each other on the street and everything you need during your stay is within short walking distance, it is jam packed with restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, and more. For being such a small town, there is an incredible number of choices showcasing food from all over the world. There are also tons of options for every lifestyle and dietary restriction.

After living in Tamarindo for a while, you figure out where to go to get the most bang for your buck and the most delicious options for any meal or snack. Food is an important part of every vacation, especially in a place like Tamarindo where there are so many things to do. You will be using lots of energy sightseeing, experiencing tours, surf lessons, and Tamarindo surf camps and/or surf trips. For the most delicious options and cheapest prices at any time of day, look no further.

For all the coffee drinkers out there, get ready because Costa Rica is home to some of the best coffee in the world. With the perfect temperature and altitude, coffee thrives in Costa Rica and it is one of the country’s biggest exports. Tamarindo Coffee Roasters is a great place to start, and the aroma of freshly roasted beans will greet you as soon as you open the door. It is an awesome spot to buy ground coffee to make your own while you are in town or bring home as a gift for somebody.

To cool down after a day at the beach and get your coffee fix at the same time, Nordico has the best cold brew in town, with rich flavor that is amazing black or with milk.

If you are looking for cafe con leche, the supermarket right below our Costa Rica surf camp is home to the best cafecito in the world. It is surprising because it comes out of a machine, but it comes out freshly ground and piping hot with the perfect creamy consistency. The best part? It is only 500 colones, or about 1 USD. It is the perfect thing to grab quickly before heading out to the water.

Breakfast Hot Spots

For breakfast after a sunrise surf session or before heading out for the day’s activities, the options are endless. One of the top spots for breakfast is Pico. Located almost right across the street from Iguana Surf on the beach with outdoor deck seating and big glass windows featuring a gorgeous view from inside, the atmosphere is great and the music is always on point. If that isn’t enough to make you stay, the incredible staff will. They have become close friends to all their regulars and know just what they are going to order. Pico features a modern and healthy menu with a wide array of options and colors for every meal.

Another local favorite is Breakfast Grinds, located right above Iguana Surf and outside of the Iguana Surf Beach Hotel. How awesome is it to be able to just roll out of bed, walk outside onto the restaurant’s balcony, and be treated to an amazing feast to start off your day? Delicious coffee and incredible meals at very affordable prices will give you the fuel you need for a full day of surfing. Grinds is where you can find the guests of Iguana Surf’s Tamarindo Surf Camp eating all of their included meals.

Another great option for breakfast is Noi, which is another locally owned spot featuring fun dishes like avocado smash, huge slices of quiche, and by far the best banana bread in town. You can’t leave Tamarindo without trying it – and I recommend it with chocolate chips.

Lunch Hot Spots

Once you have surfed for a few hours after breakfast, you will definitely be ready for a little lunch to fuel up for the afternoon. Many of the best breakfast spots like Pico and Noi are also fantastic options for lunch, as they also feature meals like sandwiches and salads.

If you are traveling with a group and have a hard time agreeing on where to eat, El Mercadito is the solution. It is the perfect place to go with multiple people because it is a little marketplace with a bunch of different vendors all offering something different. From arepas, to hamburgers, to poke bowls, to an all-vegan spot, there is definitely something for everyone. Once everyone decides on something, you can all gather at one of the tables in the middle under string lights and colorful decorations to enjoy a meal with a taste of a little bit of everything.

Another frequent spot many locals visit is Mandarina, which is the perfect place to grab a quick smoothie, wrap, or panini before heading to the beach or to pack with you to take on a tour. With the freshest ingredients and the fastest service, it is perfect if you are on the go but don’t want to compromise quality and health.

Dinner Hot Spots

Sometimes it is fun to get a little dressed up and go out to a nice place to sit down for a proper meal for dinner and a couple of drinks. Two of the most recommended restaurants for dinner in Tamarindo are Patagonia and Green Papaya.

Patagonia advertises themselves as an Argentinian grill, featuring many delicious appetizers, meat dishes, pastas, seafood, and different specials every night. It is a great spot to open a bottle of wine and enjoy a slow, high-quality meal.

The lively Green Papaya is a must-try if you like Mexican flavors. With some of the best chips and dips in the world and a huge array of burritos, tacos, and enchiladas, it will satisfy your Mexican bone. The prices are fair and the portions are huge, and you are served in an outdoor seating setting where some of the chairs are actually swings. If you are craving a margarita, that is a great spot to go as well.

Sometimes we all just need a pizza though, and La Baula definitely takes the cake for the best pizza in town while maintaining a classy atmosphere for the feeling of a nice dinner out. The menu is extensive so there is a pizza for everyone, and they are the perfect size to order a few and share among family or friends. The owner is actually Italian so the flavors are as authentic as it gets, and you are guaranteed to leave satisfied and happy.

If you are looking to get the most local and authentic Costa Rican food experience possible, there are a couple must-try spots that are both delicious, inexpensive, and a great bang for your buck at any time of day.

Local Food Hot Spots

Although it might sound funny, there are a few different people who sell incredible food out of the trunks of their cars every day on the street. You can find them parked on the main street of Tamarindo right on the corner by the restaurant Patagonia. For just 2,500 colones or about 5 dollars, you get a huge serving of rice, beans, and your choice of meat, homemade chips, salad, plantains, and more. It will fill you up and give you a taste of a real Costa Rican cooking.

For a similar experience of casado but from a restaurant, Wrap Soda is one of the go-to’s. For breakfast get a typical gallo pinto with rice and beans, eggs, cheese, and sausage, all bound to start your day off right. For lunch or dinner you can order more typical casado with rice and beans, salad, plantain, and a choice of meat. A very popular option is pescado a la plancha which means grilled fish, and it will rock your world.

Fresh Seafood Hot Spots

When in Tamarindo, fish should be at the top of your list of things to try as it is caught right here, often the same day it is cooked. It doesn’t get fresher than that! For awesome seafood, El Chiringuito is one of the most recommended. They serve a variety of options from fresh fillets to octopus, all caught locally and cooked with fresh, organic ingredients. With a relaxed but slightly upscale atmosphere, good music, and string lights, it is best for going out to dinner.

Nogui’s is another amazing spot that has gathered it’s good reputation over all of the years it has been established in Tamarindo. Back when Tamarindo was a tiny little town and didn’t even have a paved road, Nogui’s was the only restaurant in town. Since then, it has grown and attracted visitors from all over and is definitely worth giving a try. They serve breakfast as well, and is a fun place to go all day for a beachfront meal.

Local Markets

Restaurants aren’t the only places to go to to get food and drinks. There are a number of markets and food trucks in various places around town that provide a unique and extremely delicious experience every time.

Every Thursday night, the Tamarindo Night Market is the place to be. Featuring a wide variety of booths, you can find Italian, Brazilian, Venezuelan, Indian, and of course Costa Rican cuisine, among many others. There are many options for dessert as well, or you can just wash your dinner down with a cocktail or beer from any of the drink booths. There is also often live music or performances going on throughout the evening. It is the perfect place to go for a snack and a lively atmosphere. It goes from 6-9pm and is located past Banco Nacional by the Tamarindo Gym.

On Saturday’s, the town can’t wait to go to the Tamarindo Farmers Market and stock up on pastries, coffee, spices, fresh produce, and everything in-between for the week. Most of the vendors are individuals or families that have farms nearby Tamarindo and they bring farm fresh eggs, cheeses, fruits and vegetables to share with the town on Saturdays. It is also a great spot to stock up on gifts to bring back home with you, especially for food lovers. I know I will probably need an extra suitcase just for all the homemade chutneys, local honey, fresh coffee, and spicy sauces I have stocked up on. At both markets, there are also food trucks parked, just to make the choice of what to eat a little bit harder. One of the most popular is called Vida Bowls – they specialize in fresh and delicious acai bowls including one called the Unicorn Bowl, which you just have to try to understand. There is also an awesome ice-cream truck featuring a few booze-infused flavors to spice things up a little bit.

Happy Hour Hot Spots

After a long day on a tour or surfing, sometimes a nice cold beer or a drink is just what you need to end the day. Cocktails can be expensive, but lucky Tamarindo is full of happy hour deals so you can get your drink on without breaking the bank. Bars like Pikatas offer two-for-one discounts so you can really get the most bang for your buck. Meanwhile, El Vaquero offers bucket sized drinks for affordable prices as well. Bar Jolly Roger is definitely the best spot for sunset beers and dinner. Every day at 5:15pm, they blast the 1812 Overture from the balcony and during the time that the song is playing, all national beers (Imperial and Pilsen) are only $1. After a few of those, it is the perfect time to order a burger, some french fries, or choose one of their 24 flavors of chicken wings to snack on for dinner while watching the sunset over the beach. They also offer black bean burgers and cauliflower wings for vegetarians!

You will come to Tamarindo for the unique culture, great surf breaks, and beautiful beaches, and realize there is so much more than that. After a visit to this incredible place, you will leave not only full of delicious meals from all over the world, but also full of amazing memories.