Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [230]
Smilin’ Dog Taco Stop (2653-1370; mains ₡1500-3900; 11:30am-10pm Mon-Sat) Those hankering for Mexican grub will appreciate the quality of offerings at this popular eatery, while shoestringers will revel in the generous portions and low prices.
Bar Nogui (2653-0029; mains ₡1580-14,000; 11am-11pm) This beachside restaurant offers upscale casados (set meals) with grilled fish, mixed meats and unbelievable shrimp and lobster. It’s consistently popular with locals and tourists alike, so come early for dinner or be prepared to wait at the bar for a couple of Imperiales with the rowdy regulars.
Sushi Club (2653-0082; sushi & rolls ₡2200-5000; 5-10pm) We are real sushi snobs, so trust us when we say: this is the best sushi restaurant in Tamarindo. The Argentine-run, intimate (just four tables), open-air restaurant is located poolside at the boutique Hotel Luna Llena. The fresh sushi is divine and reasonably priced, including specials like the 40-piece ‘Love Boat’ of rolls, nigri and sashimi. With cool, chill-out music and atmosphere and superb service, this is a must for any sushi-lover.
Eat@Joe’s (2653-1262; mains ₡2200-5000; 7am-late; ) The best snack in town is at this US-run surf camp, where you can order the famous ‘nachos as big as your ass’ (or sushi rolls) while sucking down cold ones on the outdoor deck until 2am.
Elevation Gallery Café (8302-3590; mains ₡2500-6100; 8am-3pm Wed-Sun; ) Readers rave about the breakfast and lunch menu at this stylish coffeehouse. Co-owner Lane Patrick is a former Four Seasons chef. His partner Tara, a fashion photographer, runs the attached Raindolls Boutique and shot the amazing ‘babes and bowling’ photos gracing the walls of this open-plan, contemporary cafe. On Thursday and Friday nights the cafe is transformed into a tapas and wine bar.
Lazy Wave (2653-0737; meals ₡2700-13,200; 6-10pm Sat-Thu) Dine at a table if you must, but the best place to enjoy your meal and glass of wine is on the covered pavilion, where you can curl up amid pillows in cushy lounge chairs. If you’re out to woo that hot thing you met last night, this hip nightspot, built around a huge tree, is a good place to start the evening. There’s a solid wine list, good mix of cocktails and Asian- and Euro-influenced bocas, as well as a full menu.
La Baula (2653-1450; mains ₡4400-6300; 5:30-11pm; ) By far the best pizza in Tamarindo – this casual open-air restaurant has real wood-fired pizzas, pastas and other Italian fare. It’s also one of the most family-friendly restaurants in town, with a nice playground to keep the kids entertained.
El Coconut (2653-0086; mains ₡4000-24,000; dinner Tue-Sun) Another recommended choice for seafood and pasta dishes. You can get a special dinner at this Norwegian-owned restaurant without having to get formal about it. The ambience is laid-back but elegant, with a tropical flair and a dessert menu that begs you to save room.
Nibbana (2653-0447; www.nibbana-tamarindo.com; ₡4400-11,000; lunch & dinner; ) One of the nicest beachfront dining areas in town, Nibbana has tables scattered underneath the palms. It serves great pizza at lunch, and Tico-flavored continental cuisine, such as shrimp, lemon and basil risotto, or grilled tuna with a fresh mint-and-tomato compote. It also has free wi-fi access.
Restaurante La Vita Bella & Bruno’s Pizzeria (2653-0147; lavitabellacr@yahoo.com; mains ₡4900-9000; lunch & dinner) The amazing sunset ocean views from the 4th-floor location are surpassed only by the delicious Spanish, Italian, Lebanese and Jamaican cuisine. Somehow it works, because owner Tony Ziade is Lebanese-Spanish and raised in Jamaica. The eclectic menu includes sea bass with chimichurri sauce, chicken kebabs, steak, paellas and authentic pizzas.
Dragonfly Bar & Grill (2653-1506; mains ₡5000-8500; dinner Mon-Sat) Dragonfly is a local favorite, probably not just for its refined menu, but also for its lovely atmosphere in the festive tent-like structure of the dining room. The menu has a Californian