The Store in Playa Grande functions as a one-stop shop and casual bar/restaurant, offering a wide selection of groceries, imported brands, beer, wine and beach supplies. Staff and owner are friendly and bilingual, attentive with clear pricing, and weekends bring live music and a relaxed community atmosphere.
- Delivery
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Swells Cafe Playa Grande serves fresh smoothies, acai and smoothie bowls, coffee, and breakfast sandwiches and omelettes with satisfying portions. The street-food–style spot keeps a relaxed, island-vibe patio and polite, helpful staff, though the menu and patio layout sometimes change.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Pet friendly
Taco Star offers generous, straightforward beach tacos—many guests favor the combo—and baked treats like banana bread and brownies, plus fresh fruit bowls and local beers. The atmosphere is chill and easygoing, with the owner often cooking and chatting with diners, giving the service a personal touch.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Muy Buena Carne Asada focuses on flavorful carne asada and other family-style grilled fare, served in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The kitchen operates on limited hours (Friday–Sunday after 4 p.m.), so guests plan visits accordingly.
Sol y Luna serves generous traditional Costa Rican dishes—gallo pinto, casados, fish and shrimp plates—with flavorful rice and beans and standout batidos like tamarind and soursop. The casual, cute soda offers good service and good value, though the downtown street location can be a bit noisy and not always easy to spot.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
La Azotea Brasilito has a casual, friendly vibe with cold beer and attentive staff, and its pizzas and smoked pork ribs are frequent highlights. The restaurant is generally welcoming, though it can have inconsistent opening hours and occasional uneven dishes such as overcooked pasta or overly salty sides.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Dëli's Kitchen serves a wide bakery-style breakfast menu—coffee, pastries, quiche, sandwiches and paninis (pulled pork noted), plus smoothies and milkshakes—often praised for freshness and variety. The small, clean cafe has a cute, relaxed vibe and staff are friendly and accommodating, offering custom and gluten-free options.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Coffee
- Parking
The restaurant serves flavorful pizzas with a crisp crust and creative toppings like shrimp and garlic, plus two olive oil finishing options (rosemary and spicy) and blended smoothies. The small, family-run spot has a cozy, hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and a welcoming vibe.
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Parking
- Pet friendly
Deli Café offers a wide selection of freshly baked goods—sourdough, cinnamon buns, tarts and made-to-order cakes—alongside coffee and distinctive drinks like the Carmelo frappe. The beachside spot maintains a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a friendly staff that accommodates special orders.
- Breakfast
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Soda La Marimba serves hearty Costa Rican fare—casados and fried fish are often praised—at modest prices in a casual family-run setting popular with locals and families. Staff are friendly, English-speaking and accommodating, though service can be slow at times and some dishes (e.g., nachos) are occasionally uneven.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Parking
Let me Cook for You! serves delicious, home-style dishes with friendly, attentive service. The setting feels welcoming and relaxed.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
D'Marios serves fresh, flavorful pizza—often noted for a crisp crust, meat‑lover and half‑and‑half options—and offers other big items like burgers. The spot has a relaxed, bar‑adjacent vibe with cold beer, friendly service and prompt delivery via WhatsApp, and prices are typically reasonable.
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Parking
Restaurante Pica Pollo serves fresh chicken and tasty potatoes, and its tacos are flavorful. Service is friendly—often from Don Luis—but portions are reported as small relative to price.
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
L' Estanco El Jardin Escondido serves inventive, high-quality dishes, with ceviche, burrata, prosciutto pasta, curry meatballs and tarragon mahi-mahi often highlighted, and offers craft cocktails from a daily-creating mixologist plus notable desserts. The setting is a lush, jungle-like dining space with live music and relaxed, knowledgeable service, though staffing can be light and portions run large.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
El Mercadito de Tamarindo operates as an open-air food market with many stalls serving diverse cuisines—tacos, ceviche, arepas, wood-fired pizza, Argentinian steak, burgers and generous desserts. The atmosphere is lively and family-friendly with live music and communal seating, and staff are generally welcoming; cocktails are well-made but alcohol can be pricier than food.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Tropic Tamarindo serves creative Costa Rican-inspired cuisine with standout dishes like daily-catch ceviche, tuna and sea bass, Caribbean chicken, fried avocado and pumpkin ice cream. The garden setting feels casual and romantic, and service is attentive and knowledgeable, with imaginative cocktails presented in playful vessels.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Falafel Bar serves fresh Mediterranean dishes—crispy falafel, homemade pita, hummus and shawarma—with generous portions and many vegetarian and vegan options. The atmosphere is relaxed with chill music, and the staff are friendly and generally attentive, though it can get busy and service may slow.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Dragonfly Bar & Grill serves fresh, consistently praised sushi and seafood (notably the Dragon/Volcano rolls and red snapper), plus distinctive desserts and generous portions, with prices similar to U.S. dining. The atmosphere is lively and often fills up—reservations and a two-hour table limit are common—while staff are welcoming, attentive and offer personalized recommendations.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Tama Onda serves seafood favorites like fish tacos, fried red snapper, grilled lobster and mussels, complemented by cocktails and a 2-for-1 happy hour. The beachfront atmosphere offers sunset views and a lively vibe with fire shows, while staff are friendly and accommodating, though service can be relaxed rather than fast.
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Tabú serves well-executed seafood and Peruvian-influenced dishes — carpaccio, mahi‑mahi, ceviche, mussels and hearty breakfasts earn frequent praise for fresh flavors and accommodating preparation. The restaurant offers beachfront, undercover dining with a lively, romantic vibe and occasional fire shows. Staff are attentive and friendly, though patrons sometimes note beach-bar noise or on-site smoking.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
A small, somewhat hidden restaurant with outdoor seating, Antichi Sapori serves authentic Sicilian home cooking with a focus on pastas and seafood; dishes like seafood linguine, bolognese and meatball pasta are noted for fresh ingredients, delicate sauces and perfect al dente. The owner provides attentive, personal service and a warm, hospitable atmosphere.
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Tandoor serves authentic, flavorful Indian dishes with tender meats, rich sauces, fresh appetizers, mango lassi, and made-to-order preparations that can be toned down for children. The open, spacious dining room near the beach offers friendly, attentive service and a relaxed, walk-in-friendly atmosphere.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Green Papaya Taco Bar serves flavorful, well‑seasoned tacos with strong vegetarian and vegan options, plus ceviche, house‑made chips and a house hot sauce that many praise. The vibe is lively and casual with hanging swings, and the staff are attentive and friendly, though some diners note occasional inconsistency and higher prices.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
The Roof serves wood-fired pizzas with a notable crust and fresh toppings (Hawaiian, quattro formaggi, pepperoni) and offers refreshing cocktails. The rooftop setting provides scenic Tamarindo views and a relaxed, game-friendly atmosphere, with generally friendly staff—though service and occasional cleanliness issues can be inconsistent.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
The Red Door serves flavorful seafood and steaks, with tuna tartare, mahi‑mahi, snapper, ribeye and a popular burger often recommended. Its beachside, romantic atmosphere suits sunset dinners, and attentive, friendly staff provide personalized service, though some proteins can be unevenly cooked.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
El Tucan serves authentic Costa Rican dishes and a wide variety of specialties—chifrijos, pollo en salsa tomate, breaded fish, grilled kebabs and seafood—prepared to order with generous portions and reasonable prices. The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, with a friendly, attentive host and generally quick service.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Ocean Restaurant & Beach Lounge serves fresh, flavorful dishes—popular picks include whole red snapper, sea bass, ceviche, pizzas and risottos—emphasizing seafood and shareable plates. The oceanfront, sunset-facing setting with outdoor seating and a family-run, dog-friendly vibe creates a relaxed atmosphere. Staff provide attentive, personable service and accommodate groups efficiently.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
El Pelícano highlights fresh seafood and sushi, with dishes such as crusted tuna, grilled sea bass, lobster and generous seafood platters frequently praised. The setting is relaxed and scenic with alfresco seating, and service is attentive and friendly while staff are responsive to allergies and timing; pricing is often described as good value.
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Pangas Tamarindo serves fresh, flavorful seafood with generous portions, with grilled octopus and fish starters frequently highlighted and a well-crafted cocktail list. The outdoor, treehouse-like setting feels relaxed and vibey—especially at sunset—and offers occasional wildlife sightings. Staff are attentive and friendly, and the venue accommodates large parties and special events.
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Sofia Mediterraneo serves authentic Mediterranean fare with shared platters, flavorful dips and standout dishes such as lamb kebab and shoulder, beef steaks, and fresh seafood like red snapper and tuna tartare. The dining room is upscale with glass walls and live music, and the attentive owner and staff provide personal service and accommodate dietary needs; reservations via WhatsApp are recommended.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
They serve fresh seafood and popular dishes like tuna tartare/poke, skirt steak, fish tacos, salads and bowls, complemented by a full bar. The intimate beachside setting offers ocean views, breezes and lively music with friendly, attentive staff, though guests occasionally report reservation hiccups, bugs and uneven value on pricier items.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Chiquita’s offers flavorful Mexican dishes—popular items include birria tacos, a cheese-and-chorizo skillet, churros and spicy margaritas—served in a relaxed, music-filled, cozy atmosphere that can get lively in the evenings. Staff are generally attentive and friendly, though some guests occasionally note small portions or occasional comfort issues like strong fans.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
Delmonicos Steak Tamarindo serves large, tender, well-seasoned steaks—ribeye, porterhouse and parrillada are frequently ordered—along with empanadas, lemon pie and refreshing mint lemonade. The dining room is intimate and tucked away, suited to date nights, and the service is attentive, professional and personable.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
Namu serves seafood-forward dishes like seafood risotto, ceviche and whole fish, alongside varied cocktails, and offers beachfront seating with an evening fire and silk show. It projects a family-run, woman-owned vibe with generally friendly service, though it can experience slow service when busy, occasional small portions or value concerns, and maintenance lapses.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Sunset Lounge offers crafted cocktails made from fresh ingredients, with notable drinks like passion fruit mezcalita, White Monkey and fruity watermelon mixes that arrive with careful presentation. Light seafood plates — shrimp sliders, shrimp cakes and mango shrimp ceviche — complement a disco‑jungle lounge vibe with weekend DJs and attentive, friendly service in the heart of Tamarindo.
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Caprichos Restaurante Pizzeria serves a varied menu of well-prepared pizzas, schnitzel, empanadas and seafood appetizers like tuna tartare, along with handcrafted happy hour cocktails. The casual, beachside spot near the food truck pavilion offers a family-friendly atmosphere with a kids' room and foosball, and attentive, allergy-conscious staff.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Nogui's serves seafood-focused Costa Rican fare such as pargo, ceviche, shrimp rice, and other fish dishes, with desserts like pineapple and coconut pie and a popular watermelon juice. The beachfront setting under picnic lights draws sunset diners and staff are attentive and occasion-friendly, though cocktails and happy-hour drinks sometimes get mixed reviews.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Mariajuana Restobar in Tamarindo focuses on fresh, generous seafood and mixed BBQ platters — grilled fish, shrimp, octopus and tuna — often served with salads, grilled vegetables and local drinks. The vibe is casual and close to the beach, with attentive, friendly service, a resident cat, and notably large portions and good value.
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Flying Bull offers steakhouse fare—tomahawk and New York steaks, Hungarian goulash and Jägerschnitzel—served with a salad bar and flavorful sides, with presentation often standing out. The dining room is bright, clean and stylish, and staff are generally friendly and attentive, though guests sometimes report inconsistent steak doneness, menu availability and occasional slow service.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Wheelchair accessible
The Bake Yard serves wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizzas with thin, crispy crusts and flavorful sauces, with pepperoni and the Backyard among popular choices, and generally offers good value for portions and price. The covered, open-air dining area has a relaxed, pleasant vibe and the staff are consistently friendly and attentive.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bar
- Coffee
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
Tamaki Tamarindo serves a wide variety of Japanese and fusion dishes, from inventive sushi rolls (avocado, tanaka, chimichurri) and vegan/vegetarian options like veggie bao buns and vegan rolls to ceviche and Lomo Saltado, and accommodates substitutions. Service is friendly and attentive with helpful recommendations and samples, and the casual, tucked away mall location has convenient parking but limited seating.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
El Chiringuito offers a wide seafood-focused menu — octopus skewers, seared tuna, calamari, seafood pasta — alongside tacos, poke bowls and pizza, with generally good, reasonably priced food. The beachside setting provides a relaxed vibe and reliable sunset views. Service is friendly but can be slow, and happy-hour drink options or quality are occasionally limited.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Bamboo Sushi Club serves fresh, high-quality sushi with Nikkei-fusion touches and notable tuna and roll dishes that feel intentional and different. It offers a relaxed, romantic cabana-style atmosphere in central Tamarindo, and staff are attentive, friendly, and prompt.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Rural Tamarindo serves authentic Costa Rican casados and create-your-plate meals, with highlights like ceviche, a passion-fruit vinaigrette salad and fresh watermelon juice, and the kitchen reliably gets complex orders right. Outdoor seating creates a lively, busy atmosphere with attentive staff and ample parking, though tables can be hot and some drinks or fish may be tart or oversalted.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
NOI Bistro in Tamarindo serves fresh, flavorful breakfast and brunch staples—think açaí and smoothie bowls, breakfast burritos, French toast and huevos rancheros—with generous portions at fair prices. The cozy atmosphere and welcoming owner create friendly, attentive service, though there can be a short wait or an occasional modest smoothie portion.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
Refugio Tamarindo serves well-seasoned, homemade comfort dishes like a house burger, gallo pinto breakfast, banana pancakes and fresh loaves of bread, with quick service and good coffee. The atmosphere is relaxed and lively, often with music, and staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable, creating a welcoming experience.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Live music
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Soda Buffet El Estero serves fresh, authentic Costa Rican plates—casados, fried yuca, shredded beef, pork ribs and tuna—often with house juices like tamarind. The tiny roadside soda has a casual, few-table atmosphere and owner Eric provides friendly, welcoming service and affordable, made-to-order meals.
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Parking
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible
D Bistro serves fresh, homemade-style dishes with highlights like gallo pinto, chicken casado, fresh-tuna poke and fish tacos, along with coffee, smoothies and a house pineapple hot sauce. It provides a small, shaded, lush setting off the main street and friendly, attentive service at reasonable prices.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Takeaway
- Coffee
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
Café Tico serves fresh, homemade Costa Rican breakfasts—gallo pinto, huevos divorciados, specialty coffees and smoothies—with flavorful salsas and jams. The small, mostly shaded outdoor eatery offers friendly, welcoming service, affordable prices, and a family- and kid-friendly atmosphere.
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Takeaway
- Delivery
- Bar
- Coffee
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Outdoor seating
- Accepts reservations
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Kid friendly
- Pet friendly
- Wheelchair accessible