TABÚ — Restaurant in Tamarindo

We recently spent 10 days in Costa Rica, enjoying some solid breakfasts and lunches, but we struggled to find great dinners. The dinner spots we found were generally lackluster as we traveled around the country despite the solid reviews we were reading. However, everything changed when we discovered Tabu in Tamarindo.

This little gem quickly became our go-to spot for lunch and dinner for the remainder of our trip. Normally, we love exploring new places and trying different things, but after six days of uninspiring dinners, finding Tabu was a saving grace. We found ourselves returning day after day for the food and the atmosphere.

The staff got to know us and were incredibly lovely and welcoming. The dishes were exceptional: I fell in love with the coconut shrimp curry, the seafood risotto, the chicken Caesar salad, and the pasta frutti di mare. For dessert, their lemon pie and passion fruit cheesecake were simply outstanding. Each dish was crafted with care, bursting with flavor, and presented beautifully.

The drinks were equally fantastic. We tried three or four different cocktails, all unique, well-balanced, and perfect complements to our meals.

Adding to the overall experience, the ambiance and decor were just lovely. Situated right on the beach, you can hear the waves gently washing up as you dine. Some nights feature live music at the bar, and occasionally, a roaming mariachi band serenades the tables. It’s a wonderful beachfront experience. They also have a covered dining area in case of rain.

The staff were consistently kind and attentive, enhancing our experience even further. We highly recommend Tabu to anyone visiting Tamarindo. It’s a simple, unpretentious, delightful culinary haven that significantly improved our dining experience...

If you’re looking for an amazing beachfront lunch spot in Tamarindo, Tabu is the place to go. My wife and I had an unforgettable experience here. The beach view was perfect, and having direct access to the sand made it even better.

The food was absolutely outstanding. I had one of the best tuna steaks I’ve ever had, perfectly cooked with incredible flavors. My wife ordered the shrimp curry bowl, and she said it was the best meal she’s had so far during our visit to Tamarindo. We also got excellent wine recommendations that paired beautifully with our dishes.

What truly made our visit special was the amazing service from our waitress. She was so friendly and professional, making sure we had everything we needed. On top of that, she shared a secret beach spot with us, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.

With delicious food, great drinks, a perfect beachfront setting, and top-notch service, this place is an absolute must-visit. We’ll definitely be...

This was by far the best dining experience we’ve had in Tamarindo. Although we haven’t tried many places yet, the food here was outstanding—even compared to restaurants back in the MD/DC area.

We started with three appetizers: Mahi Mahi carpaccio, tuna tartare (I only wished for a bit more tuna, but the flavor was incredible), and grilled octopus. For our entrées, we enjoyed the Dorado Fish Fillet (Mahi Mahi) with a delicious caper lemon sauce, and the Filet Mignon over creamy mashed potatoes with gorgonzola sauce—which was my absolute favorite.

A heartfelt thanks to our kind and attentive waiter, Mauricio, who not only provided thoughtful service but also answered our questions about both the menu and the weather (we happened to get caught in a torrential downpour!). And a huge thank you to Chef Juan Carlos for preparing the most flavorful dishes we’ve had in months—whether here or back...