Enea's La Vera Cucina Italiana — Restaurant in Tamarindo

This restaurant may be SLIGHTLY off the main road but I promise it is WELL WORTH going out of the way and trying!!!

First of all, the owner (new owner) is super friendly and hospitable. Very kind, helpful, and not to mention, straight from Italy! Which may explain why this food is SO GOOD. He even gave us a complimentary appetizer of bruschetta with different spreads (delicious)!

I was actually traveling around Italy a couple of weeks before arriving here in Tamarindo and got to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. And let me tell you - the pizza, dinner bread, lasagna, and gnocchi (this is all we got) at Enea's were BETTER than 90% of the actual Italian dishes I had in Italy.

My companion and I are both serious foodies. He has traveled extensively as well and is a pretty accurate judge of food and he has claimed that the Lasagna at Enea's is the best he has EVER had (that says a lot). Their bread is absolutely delicious (pizza crust and dinner toast), the red sauce is amazing, and the gnocchi is perfect soft little bundles just like in Italy (not al dente like many American-Italian restaurants). The portion sizes are perfect. The prices are fair, especially considering the food quality.

We didn't get to order dessert but they have Tiramisu on the menu which is surely amazing. They also have house made liquors like limoncello and other flavors, as well as cappuccino. We did realize there are no chicken dishes on the menu, which is fine because I normally choose veggie meals and my companion will opt for other meat.

Actually... writing this review made us crave it again... so we literally just ordered a pizza and spaghetti with meatballs for pick up!! They are one of the fewer restaurants actually open late on a Sunday!! :D haha

Graci, Aldo! I migliori auguri per la tua azienda e grazie per il cibo così...

An absolute MUST if you visit Tamarindo Costa Rica! My family of 6 stayed in this lovely surf town for 12 days, and ate at Eva’s for at least 6 of the 12! Located just a bit over a block from the beach this family owned Italian restaurant is completely not what we expected! From LA where pizza is made and every corner, we did not expect to find any here, so we were extremely shocked to not only find an Italian restaurant but one that is 100% authentic is a diamond in the rough! Pros: -100% all authentic ingredients, and the taste to prove it! Below are the items we tried: *Pizza- excellent *Great choice of white, red, and blend *Other beverages include ginger ale, tea, soda, water, and more I am sure I’ve missed. *Buschette *Margarita Pizza *Ghocchi Pesto *Fettuccine Alfredo with chicken *Pepperoni Pizza (our son ate an entire one alone, 5 days almost in a row lol ) Pizzas are one size- about the size of a large in LA *Wine, we shared a bottle of red blend (sorry I do not remember the name, but we are definitely returning before heading back home)

Italian owned, purchased by the owner approximately 5 years ago when he came to visit Costa Rica with his girlfriend and fell in love with the place. -Service is excellent, friendly welcoming and makes you feel like you are at home -Ambiance is casual, as I said it is a beach town so come dressed as you are. There is a local guy who will sometimes show up to play acoustic guitar at your table, its truly amazing and makes the beautiful surroundings even more exquisite. -Price, not pricy at all considering all the above, being from LA the price is comparable to the Island chain restaurant, which is INSANE if you ask me…this guy would make a killing if he opened up a place in...

Great Italian restaurant in Tamarindo!! This is a small but Very unique and friendly place, where you feel like home.

When you come you greeted by the owner with a smile and willingness to make your visit special, and to be remembered for a long time.

Owner is from a small town - Lake Como in Italy.

Restaurant has 6-7 tables outside and 1-2 inside. But I would recommend to take a table outside.

After you seated, you'll get introduction to a menu and some friendly stories from the owner. Also, you may be offered some free light starters - Italian style.

Menu is not big but Every item on the menu is Delicious and Fresh.

I tried: Bruschette, Home made pizza with fresh tomatoes, Italian home made ravioli with portabella mushrooms, home made spaghetti with parmesan cheese and sause, and of course - Fresh home made Tiramisu and Limonchello.

Everything I tried was amazingly tasty and delicious! I would definitely recommend to try all the above.

Tiramisu and Limonchello is one of the best I ever tried!!

Also, if you like Limonchello, you can buy a small bottle with you to go.

From a wine list, I would recommend Pinot Gris by the bottle. It goes very easy with pizza and spaghetti.

But please, be prepared to wait for a service a bit if restaurant is busy. It is a small place and the owner serves all 6-7 tables, as well as makes all customers feel valuable.

I want to say a Big Thanks (Grazie) to the owner of this place! I had a great time two evenings in a row and for the special Tiramisu with a bit of alcohol!!

It is Definitely Worth stopping by and give it a taste!!! You...