Despite being a small surf town, Tamarindo is officially on the radar of intrepid travelers seeking a slice of tropical paradise. Restaurants continue to pop up to meet the growing demand, and now visitors can find everything from shrimp burgers at a chilled-out seafood shack to beachside fine-dining, flame-grilled barbecue buffets, and even gluten-free Sicilian pizza. Here are eight best bets for getting your grub on in Tamarindo.
## A Culinary Journey Through Tamarindo: Where to Dine
Tamarindo, a vibrant jewel on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, beckons travelers with its stunning beaches, thrilling surf, and a culinary scene as diverse and captivating as its landscape. Beyond the sun-kissed shores and exhilarating adventures lies a world of flavors waiting to be discovered, from traditional Costa Rican fare to international delicacies with a local twist. Let’s embark on a gastronomic exploration of Tamarindo, uncovering the hidden gems and celebrated establishments that make this destination a true haven for food enthusiasts.
**Antichi Sapori: A Taste of Sicily in Costa Rica**
For an authentic taste of Sicilian cuisine in Tamarindo, look no further than Antichi Sapori. This charming, unassuming restaurant is a true testament to the passion and dedication of its owners, who hail from the enchanting island of Sicily. With a deep-rooted respect for ingredients and a commitment to time-honored recipes, they create dishes that transport you straight to the heart of Italy.
Forget the ordinary; at Antichi Sapori, you’ll discover a culinary experience that celebrates the flavors of the Mediterranean. Indulge in classic pasta dishes, expertly prepared gnocchi, and a symphony of other Italian favorites. However, it’s the abundance of fresh seafood, a hallmark of Costa Rica, that truly elevates Antichi Sapori’s creations to an unparalleled level of excellence.
Begin your culinary adventure with the tantalizing bruschetta, featuring freshly baked bread bursting with flavor. Then, allow yourself to be captivated by the succulent shrimp scampi or the delightful seafood linguini, a true masterpiece of coastal cuisine. For those seeking vegetarian options, Antichi Sapori offers a selection of delectable choices, and even caters to gluten sensitivities with their delicious gluten-free pizzas.
Be sure to save room for dessert, as a visit to Antichi Sapori is incomplete without savoring their world-renowned cannolis. These delicate pastries, filled with creamy ricotta cheese and adorned with delightful toppings, are the perfect sweet ending to your meal. And don’t forget to inquire about the off-menu specials—the chefs at Antichi Sapori are constantly innovating, crafting new and exciting dishes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. Prepare for a Sicilian culinary experience that you will always remember in Tamarindo!
**Black Stallion Café & Surf Saloon: Adventure and BBQ Bliss**
Imagine this: a thrilling zip-line adventure soaring through the Costa Rican canopy, followed by a mouthwatering, home-cooked BBQ feast. This is exactly what awaits you at Black Stallion Hills. Located in the serene mountains just a short eight-minute drive from the bustling town of Tamarindo, this residential area offers unforgettable day excursions to their ranch, complete with activities like horseback riding and exhilarating zip-line tours.
Since the grand opening of their restaurant, the Black Stallion Café & Surf Saloon, its popularity has soared, becoming a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. The highlight of the Black Stallion experience is undoubtedly the Sunset BBQ Fiesta, a lavish buffet featuring an array of flame-grilled delights. Indulge in tender ribs, succulent steaks, juicy chicken, and an assortment of grilled vegetables, all accompanied by a variety of delectable sides and as much refreshing sangria as your heart desires.
Black Stallion prides itself on using locally sourced products, ensuring the freshest and most flavorful ingredients in every dish. They even offer a unique ranch-style brunch, featuring organic eggs produced by their very own free-range chickens. Whether you’re a group of friends seeking adventure or a family looking to create lasting memories, Black Stallion is the perfect place to kick off or wind down your Costa Rican escapade. Remember that brunch is exclusively available to those who book a horseback riding or zip-line tour, and dinner reservations are essential to secure your spot at this unforgettable culinary event.
**Dragonfly Bar & Grill: Art on a Plate**
Since its grand opening in 2005, the open-air Dragonfly Bar & Grill has rapidly ascended to become one of the premier dining establishments in Tamarindo. Renowned for its consistently impeccable cuisine and artistic presentation, Dragonfly elevates dining to an art form. Indeed, some of their dishes are so visually stunning that you’ll be tempted to display them as masterpieces rather than devour them.
However, Dragonfly understands that great presentation is merely the prelude to an exceptional culinary experience. Backed by a menu brimming with locally sourced produce and the freshest seafood, Dragonfly delivers on all fronts. The culinary style here is best described as an exquisite fusion of Asian and Costa Rican influences, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate. Each and every item on the menu is a testament to culinary artistry.
For starters, embark on a culinary journey with a selection of exotic salads, tantalizing tuna tartare, or the irresistible tempura shrimp rolls accompanied by sweet plantains. As for main courses, prepare to indulge in high-end surf and turf creations, such as the tender filet mignon, perfectly grilled red snapper, or the seared yellowfin tuna. Vegetarian diners will delight in the flavorful red curry or the nourishing Buddha Bowl, a harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, organic quinoa, and chili-marinated tofu, all tossed in a luscious sweet chili sauce. At Dragonfly Bar & Grill, every dish is a masterpiece, waiting to be discovered.
**Café Tico: A Humble Haven for Authentic Flavors**
Nestled just a few meters from the main beach, Café Tico is a hidden gem that captures the essence of Costa Rican culinary tradition. Don’t let the unassuming exterior of this tiny shack fool you – within its walls lies a world of delicious flavors prepared with love and dedication. This is the ultimate destination for those seeking an authentic Costa Rican breakfast experience.
Health-conscious individuals can delight in refreshing fruit smoothies, while those with a carnivorous appetite can opt for the indulgent quiches. North Americans, in particular, are sure to fall head over heels for the bacon and egg breakfast sandwich, generously topped with cheese and creamy avocado.
However, above all else, Café Tico is renowned for its exceptional coffee. Crafted with freshly brewed Costa Rican Arabica beans, their cup of Joe rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, any other coffee experience in Tamarindo. For the ultimate indulgence, pair your gourmet coffee with one of their famous breakfast pastries, cakes, tarts, or the delightful “love biscuits” infused with homemade mango jam. At Café Tico, every bite and every sip is a celebration of Costa Rican flavors and culinary passion.
**Green Papaya Taco Bar: Tacos with a Twist**
Across Costa Rica, you’ll find restaurants offering traditional Mexican staples, such as tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole. One of the very best places to find such fare in Tamarindo is in the heart of town, at the Green Papaya Taco Bar. This is a casual joint, the type of place to come for a cold beer and some cantina grub after a long day in the surf. While the food here isn’t as diverse as what you’ll find in Mexico, Green Papaya keeps diners on their toes by offering the occasional delightful twist on the standards (try the roast-beef tacos). Their menu also ticks the three main boxes for those with dietary restrictions: they offer vegetarian options, vegan options, and gluten-free options, so there’s something for everyone.
**La Bodega: Organic Delights and Market Fresh Goodness**
La Bodega is another central option, this one a little market/café specializing in organic foods. It’s the place to come to stock up on healthy picnic grub before hitting the beach. Their market offers everything from organic honey and hot sauces to coconut oil, chocolate, power bars, goat cheese, and more. Of course, you can also pick up a bag of Costa Rican Arabica beans.
If you’re feeling really peckish pull up a table and enjoy a daily sandwich special and salad, with banana bread or a brownie for dessert. They also have a delightfully long breakfast menu. Enjoy your meal with a cup of coffee made with the aforementioned beans or fresh organic juice. The organic and natural experience makes La Bodega a standout.
**Pangas Beach Club: Luxury Dining by the Ocean**
For impeccable service and upscale cuisine right on the water, try the four-star Pangas Beach Club. This is one of Tamarindo’s most well-regarded eateries, lauded for the interesting house specialties: the Volcanic Rocks, for example, is a plate of sizzling beef cuts served on fiery volcanic rocks, served alongside a decadent seafood platter piled high with yellow-fin tuna, grilled lobster, shrimp skewers, and fried red snapper. And if you really want to get into the tropical vibe, order the lobster salad overflowing out of a fresh-husked coconut.
Pangas’ setting right in front of the ocean naturally makes it the perfect spot for a special event—they even bake specialty cakes for weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. It makes a great place to come for Christmas dinner, too. Be sure to make a reservation in advance, especially for those special occasions. The location and the impeccable service makes Pangas Beach Club a truly luxurious dining experience in Tamarindo.
**Shrimp Hole: A Shrimp Lover’s Paradise**
Shrimp Hole may be a small seafood shack, but it packs a big punch. This is another laid-back spot perfect for a quick lunch to break up beach time. The menu is small but creative, with staples like shrimp ceviche and shrimp burgers, curries, and a bánh mi, too. They have a nice drink menu featuring tropical hits like a passion fruit cocktail, and a non-alcoholic ginger-mint lemonade. Grab a bib, tuck into a giant plate of fresh shrimp, and definitely try the key lime pie for dessert. The Shrimp Hole embodies the casual, delicious charm of Tamarindo’s food scene.
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