El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market — Restaurant in Tamarindo

A leafy open-air setup trying to merge a US-style foodhall with the foodcourts common in Latin America. Pricing leans towards the US model, and there's rough edges . But the variety of seating and food offerings (and nice aesthetics) almost make up for it.

On a recent visit, there was a DJ playing and a fully staffed bar. The arepas shop has solid flavors and generous portions.

The rough edges-- the bar doesn't seem to use simple syrup or equivalent, resulting in drinks that are startlingly sour even for somebody who likes sour flavors. Even for their signature cocktails. The bar manager needs to make sure those are being made right, they're not worth repeating as-is.

Only one person working the bar understood a US-style "start a tab".

Nobody wants to give out the wifi password ("ask at the bar"). There's no central setup for utensils, napkins, or condiments.

All easily addressed, but whether they are would determine if this is a 3-star...

El Mercadito de Tamarindo is an amazing destination, ideal for both families and groups of individuals seeking a diverse dining experience.

With a plethora of eateries to choose from and ample seating, this place ensures everyone's satisfaction and happiness while indulging in their preferred culinary delights. Additionally, they have transformed a petite sailboat into a unique bar, enhancing the already delightful atmosphere.

Located right in the heart of a vibrant town, accessing this place is convenient no matter where you're staying. Moreover, their selection of exceptional food options, with around 11 or 12 establishments, is sure to please. Personally, I've had the pleasure of dining at five of them, and each has been incredibly delicious.

I highly recommend this place to anyone in search of a dining destination that offers an array of...

A Hidden Gem with Great Food and Vibes!

We spent an evening at El Mercadito de Tamarindo after an exciting day of ATV touring and meeting up with some friends — and we’re so glad we found this hidden gem!

El Mercadito feels like a vibrant food hall with an awesome selection of food vendors offering something for everyone — from Costa Rican, Mexican, Japanese, Argentinian, to American cuisine. Every dish we tried was flavorful and fresh, and the variety made it perfect for our group with different tastes.

To top it off, we couldn’t resist dessert — the kids loved their ice cream and shakes, and it was the perfect way to end the night.

The atmosphere was fun, relaxed, and family-friendly, with great music and an upbeat vibe. Whether you’re looking for a casual dinner or a fun night out, we highly recommend checking...