Destinos Insider guide
Tamarindo
destinos-blog.com photos by Julie Comfort
copyright Š 2013
destinos: Tamarindo The lively surf hamlet of Tamarindo is home to some of the best nightlife and restaurants of Costa Rica and with an assortment of scenic sun-kissed beaches and surf breaks in both directions from this bustling beach town,
it’s a great spot for experiencing the pura vida lifestyle. Home to an expat community from all over the world, Tamarindo offers international cuisine, boutique hotels for all budgets, and every amenity for the perfect relaxing getaway. These are the insider recommendations for eating, shopping, and relaxing from longterm residents.
1 Panga’s Part restaurant, part fish market, and part beach club, Panga’s is the perfect place to wile away happy hour with a signature cocktail and fresh, artfully prepared seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from com-
fortable beachfront tables at the quiet northern end of Playa Tamarindo, Panga’s is a definite can’t miss dining experience during your visit. +506 2653 0024 // lasmareas.com/pangas-beach-club
2 coco beauty spa Coco offers a variety of relaxing treatments from massages to mani/pedis to waxing and facials. The best! +506 2653 2562 // cocbeautyspa.com
3 cafe atalaida Located right in the center of town, this lovely little French cafe is the perfect spot to have a coffee and catch up on emails. Try the delicious baked goods!
5 bagus A hip little shop with a carefully curated collection of locally made and imported clothing and accessories. +506 2653 4716
6 de bajo la escalera An adorable boutique whose name means under the stairs, it features jewelry and accessories made exclusively by local artists. The perfect place to pick up gifts for friends back home.
7 Bamboo sushi Tucked away in a romantic hidden garden, Bamboo Sushi offers the perfect ambience for lunch or dinner. +506 2653 4519
8 Pasta casera A tiny hole-in-the-wall, Pasta Casera is the best place to pick up lunch on the go with amazing homemade empanadas in a variety of flavors. Get there early, they sell out.
9 dolores & dolores kids Two shops directly across from each other in Plaza Conchal, one for women, one for kids, Dolores and Dolores Kids sell clothing, bathing suits, jewelry, and accessories all made by local designers.
10 le petit cafe Come for the hot coffee and free wifi, stay for the incredible desserts and blissful AC. +506 2653 4285 // lepetitcafe-cr.com
11 lazy wave Enjoy freshly prepared seafood and steaks in an al fresco lounge atmosphere. Try the bocas and custom cocktails. +506 2653 0737 // lazywavelounge.com
12 la baula pizzeria A bustling hot spot every night of the week, this Italianrun pizzeria is where all the locals hang out. +506 2653 1450
13 la bodega Boutique artisan food shop featuring delicious sandwiches and baked goods, as well as locally made products. +506 8619 2084 // labodegacostarica.com
15 cafe tico Quaint and appealing little cafe next to Tamarindo’s only bookshop. Also a great place for edible souvenirs! +506 8525 0974
19 sueno del mar This beachfront boutique B&B is an insider favorite for a leisurely three-course breakfast. For a reasonable price you get freshly made juice, coffee, tropical fruit, the main course of the day, and something sweet to finish
it off, all in one of the most serene settings in the area. Enjoy a delightful breakfast followed by relaxing stroll on peaceful Playa Langosta, or read your book in one of their hammocks. +506 2653 0284 // sueno-del-mar.com
lola’s, playa avellanas About a 30 minute drive south of Tamarindo, but well worth the trip, Lola’s in Playa Avellanas is the place to spend an ideal day eating delicious food, catching perfect waves, swinging in a hammock, getting a message
out in the jungle, listening to the howler monkeys in the trees, or just downing cocktails at sunset. Named after the owners’ old pet pig, Lola’s is the perfect daytrip out of town and should not be missed. +506 2652 9097 (Open til sunset, closed Mondays)
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