Costa RicaCosta Rica

Tamarindo Restaurants & Nightlife

Dining in Tamarindo is an international experience with restaurants featuring everything from traditional Costa Rican to Japanese fusion. Travelers can easily find cheap eats or fine dining as there is something to meet every taste and budget.

Eat @ Joe's

Witch's Rock Surf Camp's in-house restaurant, Eat @ Joe's is an affordable option on the beach. The menu offers a great selection of fresh sushi, cheap beer, burgers, chicken fingers and more. Order their massive nacho plate and you won’t eat for a week. Half price happy hour drinks start at 5 p.m. Eat @ Joe’s, Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, Tamarindo. (2653-2586). Type: Casual, Comfort Food, Sushi, Beachside, Family-friendly. Price Range: $10 - $25.

Gil's Place

This popular Mexican restaurant offers affordable dishes such as piping hot tortilla chips, breakfast burritos, and spicy nachos. Gil’s offers generous portions and the freshest ingredients. Gil’s Place, near the Tamarindo Fitness Center, road to Pasatiempo Hotel. Mon.-Sun. 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. (8857-1152). Type: Cheap Eats, Mexican, Family-friendly, Delivery. Price Range: $5 - $15. *Delivery available.

Kahiki

Kahiki attracts locals and travelers with its budget friendly breakfast and lunch menu - known for the best value brunch in town. At night, Kahiki serves Mexican food and the menu varies depending on what’s fresh. Try their freshly baked tortilla chips, guacamole and snappy salsa fresca. Kahiki Restaurant & Bar, on the road to Langosta after Super 2001, Tamarindo. Mon.-Sun. Breakfast & lunch 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dinner 3:30 p.m. until close. Bar open all day; 2x1 happy hour from 3 to 6:30 p.m. (2653-4263). Type: Family-friendly, Costa Rican/American, Mexican, Value, Sports Bar. Price Range: $5 - $15.

Koi Restaurant & Sushi Lounge

This chic sushi lounge features one of the country’s only all-you-can-eat sushi buffets for just $20. Young couples and travelers from all walks of life come here for drinks and Japanese classics like steaming miso soup, freshly caught sashimi and a variety of sushi rolls. Try the inventive Pura Vida Roll for a unique Costa Rican twist. Koi Restaurant & Sushi Lounge, 250 ft. (75 m.) north of the Diria Hotel, road to Tamarindo. (8705-7638). Type: Sushi, Bar & Lounge, Young Crowds, Upscale. Price Range: $10 - $25.

Laguna del Cocodrilo Bistro

This elegant bistro combines international and fusion-style dining. Main courses like beef tenderloin and duck breast accompany an impressive selection of fine wines. Open for dinner only. Laguna del Cocodrilo Bistro, main road toward the north end of Tamarindo. Mon.-Sat. Call for hours. (2653-3897). Type: Upscale, International Fusion. Price Range: $15 - $27.

Nogui’s

Proud holder of the title 'oldest restaurant in town,' Nogui's is a beloved local staple. Offers– freshly-caught seafood, mouthwatering meats and some of the town’s finest desserts (make sure to try their legendary coconut cream pie). Nogui’s Restaurant, on the beach at the cul de sac, Playa Tamarindo. Mon.-Tue. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thu.-Sun. 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. (2653-0029). Type: Beachside, Costa Rican, Desserts. Price Range: $10 - $30.

Seasons by Shlomy

Offering a Mediterranean fusion menu, Seasons strikes a balance between surf and turf. The restaurant's specialty is seafood, and the menu features savory dishes like red snapper pan seared with Portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, and balsamic vinegar. Seasons by Shlomy, at the Arco Iris Hotel on the road to Pasatiempo, Tamarindo. Mon.-Sat. 6 to 10 p.m. (8368-6983). Type: Upscale, Fine Dining, Fusion. Price Range: $10 - $30.

Nightlife

Nightlife Tamarindo wakes up when the sun goes down. Try your luck at the casino, dance the night away at a disco or chill out at a live concert. Locals informally designate one hotspot for each night of the week so there is always something happening. From karaoke to clubbing, there is never a shortage of late-night entertainment in this town. (Cocktail pricing is rated: $ = cheap, $$ - average and $$$ - upscale.)

Aqua

A hotspot to dance the night away, this disco club lights up the streets nightly with its windows flashing neon lights and its speakers blaring beats that can be heard from the beach. Aqua, a multi-level dance club, is known for daily drink deals and special events. Packed on the weekends. Aqua Tamarindo, 300 ft. north of the Diria Hotel, road to Tamarindo. (8705-7638). Type: Disco, Nightclub, Chic. Price Range: $$.

Diria Casino

Diria Casino Formerly known as the Jazz Casino, the town’s main gambling hotspot is now operated by the Tamarindo Diria Beach & Golf Resort across the street. Texas Hold'em is the Diria Casino's main draw – poker tournaments are frequently held here. Poker players can also step out for a drink at the sexy, all-white Diria Bar at the casino entrance. Diria Casino, across from the Diria Hotel, road to Tamarindo. (2653-0031). Type: Casino Price Range: $$-$$$.

Le Beach Club

This beachside restaurant and nightclub has taken over Saturday nights in Tamarindo. After 10 p.m. the club draws huge crowds with several dance floors that spill out onto the beach. Le Beach Club features three bars – one out on the beach – where visitors can take a break from dancing on the waterfront lounge chairs. Le Beach Club, road to Tamarindo at the intersection before traffic circle. (2653-0178). Type: Nightclub, Disco, Beach Bar. Price Range: $$.

Monkey Bar

Located at the Best Western, Monkey Bar is the busiest place in town on Friday nights. Check out two dance floors: one featuring live salsa music and the other rocking out to DJ-driven dance beats. Just be ready to fork out Friday’s cover charge (around $2). Monkey Bar, Best Western Hotel on the road to Tamarindo. (2653-0114). Type: Ocean Views, Bar, Nightclub, Lunch & Dinner Menu. Price Range: $$.

Pacifico Bar

Pacifico Bar The place to be on Thursday evening, Pacifico draws crowds at its signature reggae night. This island-themed bar and dance club has a Rasta vibe and is a favorite among Costa Rican locals. Busy Wednesday (ladies night) through Sunday with frequent live reggae music. Pacifico Bar, far end of the cul de sac, Tamarindo. Mon.-Sat. 8:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. or later. (2653-4406). Type: Reggae, Nightclub, Bar. Price Range: $$.

Pasatiempo

Local musicians play on Wednesday nights at Hotel Pasatiempo’s bar, a longtime favorite with Tamarindo residents. Local rock groups draw a faithful following and open-mic nights provide entertainment that caters to a more family-friendly crowd enjoyed by guests of all ages. Pasatiempo Hotel & Bar, 220 yds. (200 m.) southeast of the intersection at the Pacific Park Condos. (2653-0096, 2653-4701). Type: Family-friendly, Live Music, Bar, Restaurant. Price Range: $$-$$$.

Sharky's

One of the best sports bars in town – come to Sharky's to cheer on your favorite team and enjoy a cold beer. Features an American bar menu of chicken wings, burgers and fries – greasy goodness. Sharky's Sports Bar, Pacific Park Building, Tamarindo. Mon.-Sun. 5 p.m. until close. Closed Wednesdays until high season. (Sports/General Info: 8729-8274 or 8729-8279. Type: Sports Bar, Cheap Eats, Special Events (Karaoke, Ladies Night, etc.). Price Range: $.

Tamarindo Travel Guide

Tamarindo Weather

Current Conditions

79°F (26°C) Mostly Clear

Humidity: 63%

Wind: 6.84 miles per hour, NNE

15 day weather forecast >

Tamarindo Tides

Friday, March 29, 2024
High 5:18 a.m. 7.81 ft. (2.38 m.)
Low 11:11 a.m. 0.52 ft. (0.16 m.)
High 5:29 p.m. 8.46 ft. (2.58 m.)
Low 11:41 p.m. 0.23 ft. (0.07 m.)

Two-week Tide Forecast >

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