49 businesses in Tamarindo
Tamarindo's restaurant scene is genuinely impressive, with 48 listings, this is a town that takes food seriously. The culinary landscape reflects its international demographic: you'll find excellent Mexican tacos alongside quality sushi, fresh Costa Rican casados, Mediterranean-influenced seafood, and sophisticated contemporary cuisine. El Mercadito de Tamarindo brings an open-air market-style energy with multiple food vendors in a social setting ideal for groups with different preferences. Dragonfly Bar & Grill is a long-standing institution beloved for its farm-to-table philosophy and creative menu that changes with seasons and availability. Nari has earned attention for its contemporary presentation of Pacific Rim-influenced flavors in a sophisticated setting. Fresh seafood is the constant thread, Guanacaste's Pacific coast delivers mahi-mahi, tuna, snapper, and shrimp of exceptional quality, and the best restaurants here take full advantage. Prices span the full range: a casado at a local soda runs $5-8 USD, while a dinner with wine at Dragonfly or Nari runs $40-65 USD per person. Most of the best restaurants are within walking distance of the main strip, making a dinner-to-drinks evening flow naturally.
Showing 1-25 of 49 businesses
ExpatsList curates restaurants in Tamarindo rated by the expat community. Filter by cuisine, dietary options, or price range, and look for listings with community reviews and verified badges to find the most trusted spots.
Restaurant prices in Tamarindo vary widely, from budget street-food spots to upscale international dining. Browse individual restaurants listings for price range indicators, and check our Cost of Living tool for average meal costs.
Many restaurants in Tamarindo catering to expats offer vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware menus. Check listing descriptions for dietary tags, and don't hesitate to contact restaurants directly via the details on ExpatsList.
The most culturally authentic and best-value meal in Costa Rica is the casado, rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein, served at the small family-run sodas that operate alongside the tourist-facing restaurants. These meals cost $5-8 USD and give you a genuine taste of everyday Tico cooking that you simply won't get at a restaurant catering primarily to the expat and tourist market.
Dragonfly Bar & Grill has been a Tamarindo dining institution for over a decade, known for its outdoor setting, farm-sourced ingredients, and a menu that genuinely changes based on what's available locally. It books up quickly for weekend dinners in high season, and arriving without a reservation often means a long wait. Call or WhatsApp ahead for weekends and any holiday period.
El Mercadito de Tamarindo's multi-vendor format solves the perennial group-dinner problem of everyone wanting something different. The open-air social setting creates a festival atmosphere that works especially well for larger gatherings of mixed nationalities and dietary preferences. It's also an excellent venue for meeting other expats, as the communal tables encourage conversation between groups.
The White Monkey Golf Club
The White Monkey Golf Club is the most unique and captivating option among the coastal fairways, offering a blend of classic golf with the natural beauty of Costa Rica. It's located just a short drive from Tamarindo, surrounded by lush, tropical forests where white monkeys and colorful birds dart around the course. This setting creates a truly immersive experience that sets it apart from other courses. What makes the White Monkey Golf Club truly special is its location. It's just a short drive from Tamarindo, and its proximity to the beautiful beaches and rainforests makes it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. The club also offers excellent facilities such as a restaurant and bar, perfect for a relaxing post-round meal or a refreshing drink.
Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa National Park combines nature and historical heritage. It was inaugurated in 1971 and marked the beginning of the national system of national parks in Costa Rica. The park is home to approximately 335,000 species of land organisms, which represents 2.6% of the world’s biodiversity. You can explore the history of the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856, where Costa Rica intervened against an American filibuster army under the command of William Walker. To visit, head about 35 kilometers (about 22 miles) northwest of Liberia, in the direction of La Cruz, on Route 1. You can take a private car or look into public transportation options from Liberia to Santa Rosa, and then walk about 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) to the park’s main entrance. The entrance fee for adult citizens and residents is ¢1,243, and for children, it’s ¢565.
