Hero Academy Local Guide
Best Restaurants in Tamarindo
A curated list of the places we actually send retreat guests, friends, and family — not every restaurant in town.
This is not a sponsored travel guide or paid directory. These are the restaurants we recommend to Hero guests, friends, and family after more than a decade living in Tamarindo.
Hero Picks
Start Here
Curated Favorites
Our Favorite Places to Eat
Short list, strong recommendations, and easy choices for a great meal in Tamarindo.
Dragonfly
$$$ · DinnerOur personal favorite dinner spot in Tamarindo. Great international cuisine with standout filet, skirt steak, red snapper, and churro ice cream.
Agua Salada
$$$ · BeachfrontA high-end beach spot with great ceviche, steak, burgers, ribs, and drinks. One of the better options directly on the beach.
Little Lucha
$$ · TacosOur go-to for tacos and margaritas. Casual, fun, and easy to recommend to just about everyone.
Patagonia
$$$ · SteakThe classic steakhouse choice in town. Argentinian grill, great meat, and strong sides. Go for the steak.
Pangas
$$$ · BeachfrontA higher-end beach restaurant at the far north end of town. Great setting, especially for a nicer dinner or sunset meal.
Green Papaya
$$ · TacosCool atmosphere with outdoor swings, tacos, chips and salsa, and one of our favorite chipotle shrimp appetizers.
Falafel Bar
$$ · MediterraneanA reliable favorite for falafel, shawarma, hummus plates, and a lighter meal option between training sessions.
El Mercadito
$-$$ · GroupsA higher-end food court with poke, sandwiches, pizza, sushi, burgers, ice cream, drinks, and live music most nights.
NoGi's
$$ · CasualA good casual option to keep on your radar while you're in town, especially if you want something easy and laid back.
Naans & Curries
$$ · IndianA nice change of pace when you want something different from tacos, burgers, seafood, or steak.
Surf Shack
$$ · BurgersThe place for burgers or wings in town. Easy, casual, and always a kid favorite.
El Chiringuito
$$ · Beach DrinksOne of the better beach bar options when you want drinks, ocean views, and an easy Tamarindo vibe.
Fishes & Cheeses
$$ · ItalianLocated in Langosta, just a short ride from town. One of our favorite Italian spots with excellent pizza.
Chiquita's
$$ · CasualA solid local favorite to keep in the rotation when you want something casual, easy, and reliable.
Soda Buffet El Estero
$ · Local FoodA great local-style option when you want something simple, affordable, and more authentic than the usual tourist stops.
Morning Picks
Breakfast & Coffee
Local Tip
Be selective with beach restaurants.
Food directly on the beach can be hit or miss. Agua Salada and Pangas are the main exceptions we confidently recommend for food. For casual beach drinks and atmosphere, El Chiringuito is a great option.
Happy Hour & Beyond
Best Bars in Tamarindo
From game day to golden hour, here's where we send guests for a good drink and a good time.
Sharkey's
$$ · Sports BarThe perfect sports bar in Tamarindo. Big screens on every wall, ice-cold beer, and a lineup that covers just about any game you're trying to catch. This is where our crew goes to watch football, UFC, and everything in between.
Handlebar
$$ · Neighborhood BarTamarindo's version of Cheers. A laid-back, everybody-knows-your-name kind of spot that's become a regular stop for our crew after a long day of training. Cold drinks, friendly faces, and zero pretense.
The Roof
$$$ · RooftopUp above the noise of town with one of the best views in Tamarindo. Grab a cocktail, catch the sunset over the water, and enjoy a slower pace above it all. A great stop before or after dinner.
After Dark
Nightclubs & Dancing
When the sun goes down and you're ready to move, here's where Tamarindo comes alive.
Crazy Monkey
Friday NightsTamarindo's most famous nightclub, and it only runs one night a week — Friday. Expect a packed dance floor, a mixed local-and-tourist crowd, and the kind of energy that makes it the town's signature night out. Get there early.
Chiquita's
Live DJsGreat music, great DJs, and a more upscale, luxury feel than most spots in town. A solid choice when you want the energy of a night out without losing the polish.
Still Want to Dance?
3 More SpotsRound out the night at Rumors, Club 41, or The Alley — three more go-to dance floors in town when Crazy Monkey and Chiquita's aren't enough to close out the night.
More Than a Travel Guide
Hero has called Tamarindo home for over a decade.
Every retreat, drop-in class, and visitor helps support Hero Academy Charity Programs in Costa Rica — including free youth training, mentorship, veteran and first responder programs, disaster relief, food bank efforts, school supplies, and community support.
Experience Costa Rica With Hero
Train, explore, and support something bigger.
Join a Hero retreat, drop in for class, or learn more about the charity programs behind the academy.