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Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in the tourist-heavy beach towns of Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarin
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfe
Seafood and fresh fish are tops here, followed by fast food—pizza, tacos, barbecue—to satisfy the hordes of hungry surfers and beachgoers. But there are many sophisticated restaurants, too, offering Asian-fusion, Italian, French, and international cuisine, especially in the tourist-heavy beach towns of Hermosa, Flamingo, Tamarindo, Nosara, and Sámara. Many restaurants, especially tourist-oriented ones with dollar-denominated menus, do not include the 13% tax plus mandatory 12% service. By law, menus are required to show the total price including tax, but many owners flout this law. Be sure to ask if taxes are included; otherwise you may be surprised by a bill that’s 25% higher than you expected.
Grab a table at the second-floor lounge overlooking the pool while the kitchen cooks up fresh seafood delivered daily by local fishermen. Dinner reservations are recommended, so call ahead to try the coconut shrimp, sesame-crusted tuna, or Thai curry. There are also delicious salads with shredded papaya and tangy dressings, as well as local casados to remind you that you’re in Costa Rica. Wash it all down with an unparalleled passion fruit mojito. The breakfast specials are a bargain. There's live music on Tuesday night.
Wildly popular, this casually chic, alfresco pizzeria on a quiet side street has plenty of cars parked outside most nights, with patrons inside feasting on the consistently delicious thin-crust pizzas. Families are especially fond of La Baula (the Costa Rican name for the leatherback turtle) because of its reasonable prices, noisy buzz, and adjacent playground and picniclike dining area.
Next door to Dragonfly Bar & Grill, Tamarindo, Guanacaste, 50309, Costa Rica
Surrounded by a plethora of delightful potted plants you'll indulge in bowls of delicious, nutritious food at this eponymous eatery. The menu is divided into sweet (acai bowls, waffles with homemade caramel-fruit syrup, chia pudding) and salty (teriyaki chicken bowls, orzo miso with mushrooms, spinach, coconut milk, and goat cheese), so there's something for whatever you're craving. Tuna poke is exceptional. The charming attached store sells pots, bowls, and other sweet and unique souvenirs.
Hwy. 933, Playa Grande, Guanacaste, 50308, Costa Rica
If you're in the mood for something more Mediterranean head to this open-air Greek restaurant for some moussaka or the fresh catch of the day prepared Greek-style---fried whole and served with potatoes and Mykonos salad. There are gluten-free and vegan options, just ask your server. The dolmades, gyros, hummus, and falafel are authentically mouthwatering. You must try the desserts with homemade pistachio ice cream.
Main St., Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, 50503, Costa Rica
4703--6633
Known For
Authentic Greek food
Freshly caught seafood in scrumptious preparations
On the road connecting Potrero and Flamingo, this beachfront restaurant welcomes travelers with cheerful decor and witty signs like “Trespassers will be offered a shot.” Water laps just a few feet from your table, and there’s a pier out back, making this a popular lunch spot for American classics like hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, BLTs, and fried shrimp. The tasty sangrias and margaritas are sure to keep you dazed during sunset. If you hook it, they’ll cook it with a side of fries for $10. Like many restaurants in Costa Rica, service is slow, but worth the wait. Kids eat free on Wednesday. The Beach House is easy to spot by the rainbow-color picket fence; parking is limited so prepare to walk.
800 meters (2,624 feet) north of Banco Nacional, Potrero, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
A popular spot with expats who come for the cold beers, burritos, burgers, and pura vida vibe, The Shack successfully blends a Tico menu with American and British favorites. Grab a seat under the tin roof and try the fresh fish-and-chips, heaping nachos, cheeseburgers, or coconut shrimp. Start the day with their "Tony" sandwich: fried eggs, onion, tomato, spinach, avocado, jalapeño, and cheddar cheese, along with a fresh smoothie. The Shack gimlet, with cucumber and basil, packs a powerful punch.
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