Nogui's
Tamarindo beach
Beachfront café with fresh fish and famous pies. Easy group lunch.
Map ↗For the welcome or rehearsal dinner
Mid-range and special restaurants, with the most group-friendly first.
Wok n Roll
Tamarindo
Sushi and noodles in a lively room. Works well for groups.
Map ↗Pangas Beach Club
Tamarindo
Romantic dinner under the trees by the estuary, with tables on the sand.
Map ↗Seasons by Shlomy
Tamarindo
A long-time favorite with a short, seasonal menu. Book ahead.
Map ↗El Coconut
Tamarindo
Classic spot for lobster and seafood platters on the main road.
Map ↗Patagonia del Mar
Tamarindo
Argentine-style grill with excellent ceviches.
Map ↗Bamboo Sushi Club
Tamarindo
Garden setting with creative rolls and cocktails.
Map ↗Lola's
Playa Avellanas
Laid-back beach restaurant south of Tamarindo, perfect for a day-after lunch.
Map ↗For the day-after brunch or a casual night
Green Papaya Taco Bar
Tamarindo
Fish tacos and burritos in a colorful garden.
Map ↗Pots and Bowls
Tamarindo
Fresh bowls and smoothies for a light lunch.
Map ↗La Bodega
Tamarindo
Popular breakfast spot with local coffee and fresh baking.
Map ↗Falafel Bar
Tamarindo
Cheap and quick falafel and shawarma in the center of town.
Map ↗Booking a group dinner in Costa Rica
- Beach restaurants in Tamarindo can host groups. Book early for December to April, the busy dry season.
- Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year.
- Tipping: A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers.
- Book two to three months ahead for groups over 20, especially in high season (December to April).
- Ask about deposits, minimum spend and the cancellation policy in writing.
- Plan transport back to the hotels. Book a shuttle for the wedding night. Roads are dark and taxis are scarce outside town.
For a splurge night
- Pangas Beach Club Tamarindo
Romantic dinner under the trees by the estuary, with tables on the sand. - Seasons by Shlomy Tamarindo
A long-time favorite with a short, seasonal menu. Book ahead. - El Coconut Tamarindo
Classic spot for lobster and seafood platters on the main road.
Or make the welcome night an activity
- Sunset catamaran with snorkel stop and dinner. Sail the coast, snorkel in a quiet bay and watch the sunset with dinner and drinks on board.
- Tamarindo food and taco tour. Graze through the best local spots in town, from ceviche to tacos and craft beer.
Questions
Where should we hold a welcome dinner in Costa Rica?
Good options from our list include Nogui's (Tamarindo beach), Wok n Roll (Tamarindo), Pangas Beach Club (Tamarindo). Book early for groups.
What time is dinner in Costa Rica?
Dinner is early, often from 6 to 9 pm, because the sun sets around 5:30 to 6 pm all year.
Do we need to tip at a group dinner in Costa Rica?
A 10% service charge is included on restaurant bills by law. Extra tips are optional. Tip guides and drivers.
More: things for guests to do in Costa Rica · Costa Rica wedding weekend itinerary · wedding weekend events guide
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