Baby Friendly Restaurants in Tamarindo
Eating out with your baby takes courage.... Even more so when you're traveling to a foreign country and not familiar with the dining options. Here in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, there are 40+ restaurants that you could stumble upon. The options may seem overwhelming at first (especially when your little one is tagging along), but don't stress out, your Tico Friends are here to help!
Here is a list of our favorite baby friendly restaurants in Tamarindo.
1. Pizzeria La Baula
Open from 5:30pm - 10pm. They serve Italian thin-crust pizza and salads. They have one of the nicest, biggest playground in town which is attached to the restaurant. Open air and lots of space to walk around. Facebook page here.
2. Pangas Beach Club
Open 10am - 10pm . Top quality seafood, steaks, and other delicious fusion dishes. They don't have a play area, but its beachfront so you can play with your baby while waiting for your meal. We love to go for sunset and then have an early dinner. Pangas is one of the most popular restaurants in Tamarindo so make a reservation. Facebook page here
3. Santa Rita Cafe
Open for breakfast and lunch. This is a noteworthy bakery in town with excellent smoothies, Costa Rican coffee, and deserts. They have a small play area inside with AC. Located right in the center of town. Website here
4. El Mercadito
Open everyday for lunch and dinner. El Mercadito is a big step up from your typical food court. You can find sushi, vegan plates, poke bowls, burgers, Venezuelan arepas, grilled sandwiches and... ice cream! They have a small playground as well as live music on the weekends. Large space with lots to explore. Check out the boat bar in the center for adult beverages. Facebook page here
5. Pizzeria La Esquina
Open 6pm - 10pm. They serve pizza and other Italian/Argentinian dishes. They have a play area inside which includes a small slide, 2 swings, and a little play house. The floor of the play area is synthetic grass so it's nice and soft for your little one. They have several unique combinations of pizza. Facebook page here
6. El Vaquero
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a beach-front restaurant/bar with live music for happy hour (4-7pm) everyday. El Vaquero is perfect to hang out on the beach and listen to music while playing on the sand. Great craft beer too! Located right next to Witch's Rock Surf Camp. Facebook page here
7. El Chiringuito
Open everyday for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Beachfront restaurant that is especially popular with the locals. Happy Hour is 4:30 - 6pm everyday. Nice shade in the morning and spectacular sunsets in the evening. Live music for sunset during the weekends. Play on the beach in front and sit down when you like. Facebook page here
8 .Surf Shack Burgers and Wings
Open 11am - 9pm. Traditional American food that specializes in Burgers, Wings, and monster Milkshakes. This is a popular spot for kids to hang out and also has a sizable play area inside. Located in the roundabout of Tamarindo. Facbook page here
9. Breakfast Grinds
Open every day 6am - 2pm. Serves hearty breakfast burritos and delicious pancakes. Plus, every parents' dream; the bottomless coffee cup! There is a small play area inside that has chairs, coloring utensils, and a little chalk board. Just enough to occupy your little one while you chug your coffee and enjoy the ocean view. Facebook here
10. Little Lucha Taqueria
Open 11am- 3pm and 5pm- 9pm. Authentic Mexican style tacos that the whole family can enjoy. Great flavor, perfect finger food and you don't have to chop anything for your little one. The place doesn't have a play area but is conveniently located in front of the public park in Tamarindo which has swings, slides, a jungle gym, and even a skate-park. Perfect for a quick lunch if you are strollin around town. Margaritas here are GOOD. Facebook page here
11. Noguis
Open 6am - 10pm everyday. Noguis is one of the original beachfront restaurants in Tamarindo that still exists today. Open since 1974, Noguis is located in the rotunda which used to be the center of town before the Tamarindo boom in the early 2000's. Noguis is located right on the water and you can even get a table with your feet in the sand. One of the best spots in town to play on the beach while you wait for your food. The banana pie is a must have! Website here
