Where Locals Eat in Tamarindo

Local Favorites Chosen by the Wild Tamarindo Crew

After a surf session, ATV ride, or estuary tour, there’s only one thing left to do — eat really good food. Around Tamarindo, there’s no shortage of restaurants, but the best meals are often found in the places that locals love most.

Here are our top picks for food in Tamarindo, straight from the Wild Tamarindo team — no tourist traps, just real flavor and good vibes.

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1. Ocho Restaurant — Sunset Dining Done Right

Ocho Restaurant is one of those places where you can go for dinner and end up staying all night. Located at Ocho Bungalows, it’s our go-to spot for relaxing dinners after a long day of tours. There’s often a DJ, so it’s one of our favorite evening hangouts after a Wild Tamarindo adventure.

Expect creative dishes made with fresh, local ingredients — think seafood, grilled meats, and vibrant cocktails — all served with an ocean breeze and unforgettable sunset views.

Insider tip: Go early to grab a table close to the beach. Their cocktails are just as good as the view.

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2. Tamaonda — Vibes, Cocktails & a Taste of Everything

With its relaxed, jungle-meets-beach vibe, Tamaonda serves delicious food with a modern twist — from tacos and poke bowls to wood-fired plates and craft drinks.

Insider tip: Try their tuna tostadas or the BBQ dishes — and definitely stay for a cocktail.

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3. The Caribbean Food Truck — Pure Flavor, No Frills

If you know, you know. The Caribbean Food Truck is one of the most authentic local food spots in Tamarindo. It’s all about real Costa Rican-Caribbean flavors — perfectly seasoned chicken, rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, and spicy homemade sauces.

It’s casual, local, and always hits the spot — especially if you’re craving something bold and flavorful after a surf or ATV tour.

What to order: The jerk chicken or rice & beans combo — it’s always a winner.

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4. Soda El Guanacaste Located in Villareal

This one is a bit out of tamarindo but is so good it deserves to be included in the list. We recommend a typical casado meal, for lunch or dinner time.

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Eat Like a Local with Wild Tamarindo

At Wild Tamarindo, we believe great adventures deserve great food. Whether it’s a beachside dinner at Ocho, a laid-back evening at Tamaonda, a flavorful plate from the Caribbean Food Truck in the park, or the soda in Villareal, these are the places that remind us what pura vida really tastes like.

Plan your next tour or combo at WildTamarindo.com — and ask our team where we’re eating after, because chances are… it’s one of these.