The selection of Tamarindo restaurants is astounding. As a matter of fact, there are about 40 of ‘em, making it one of the most gastronomically diverse coastal towns in Costa Rica! Within walking distance of Best Western Tamarindo Hotel Vista Villas you will find Italian, sushi, Asian, Fusion, Argentine, American, French, Chinese, seafood, pizza, BBQ, just too many different types to name. Sampling any of these will certainly add enjoyment to your Costa Rica vacation.
However, one of the most frequent questions a visitor who travels to Tamarindo will ask is: “Where can I get a good Costa Rican meal?”
To answer that question, it’s important first to understand just what kind of food might make up a Costa Rican meal. Let’s start with the fact that nearly every breakfast you eat, is typical in and of itself, because of that rice and beans mixture call Gallo Pinto that comes with every morning egg plate. The addition of a little white cheese or sweet plantains is authentically Tico as well.
As to a full typical meal, you are probably going to want to eat a casado, which is the primary dish in this country. Literally, the word means “married” which explains the complementary mix of foods that go together here on one plate: rice, beans, salad (usually made with cabbage instead of lettuce), and an entrée of either chicken, fish, beef, pork or some other type of meat. Some Costa Ricans prepare the casado with the addition of a fried egg, and some plantains, but that is a delicious added bonus.
Not to be unexpected, but out of all the Tamarindo restaurants, the one with the best casado is actually in the nearby local town of Villareal. Go out of Tamarindo and when you get to the end of the main road go right, then make the third left turn just after the soccer field. Then the first right. You will see Las Palmas soda on your left. What is a soda? Just a Costa Rican restaurant, usually a small rustic, family own spot serving up meals of a local flavor.
At Las Palmas, you get a choice of your salad—including potato, veggie and the typical cabbage. Aside your rice and beans enjoy any of the daily entrees: my favorite is pork with potatoes, but I can be happy with fried fish or bbq chicken. Compliments include fried yucca or sweet plantains. All for around $5 or 6 bucks with your drink.
In Tamarindo itself, you won’t be disappointed with the amazing casado served up at Buen Comer, located just across the street from Witch’s Rock Surf camp. The owners guard their secret recipe of spices that are added to their meat (which includes a aclsed.com delightful option of chicharrones, or deep fried pork). For about $5, you get the casado (with egg, tortilla chips and plantains) and a fruit drink.
Down in the Tamarindo circle is one of the oldest family restaurants in town called Fiesta Del Mar. Founded in the ‘70s, this was one of the first Tamarindo Restaurants, and is open 24-hours a day. $6 gets you their typical casado, tasty and served either inside the place or sit on the stools or tables outside and watch the life of the town go by.
Of course, many other Tamarindo restaurants will include a casado on their menu as well as fare more familiar to those who travel to Costa Rica from other countries. As a matter of fact, here at the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas, you can order a casado if you opt out of a Panini, salad, pizza, or wrap. Of course, we do our nachos up with Costa Rican flair—only at Crazy Monkey will you be served nachos with traditional banana chips!
Now, if you are looking for a little bit more of a fine dining experience you can always click here to Pangas Beach Club, which is just down the street from the Tamarindo Vista Villas. The beautiful restaurant has a ocean-front setting and a great selection of seafood. The hostess, Elizabeth will always be there with a smile to greet you.
For a quick bite to eat, you can always try El Chilito which has burritos reminiscent of a costa rican «Chipotle» restaurant. Also, at the end of the evening, try tasting one of Nogui’s famous pies!
