El Mercadito de Tamarindo Food and Cocktail Market

A lively food market with many tables in the center and food stalls all around, offering a wide variety of cuisines — Asian, Costa Rican, Mexican, and more. There’s something for everyone. They also serve cocktails, and there was a small stage where a local singer was performing with a guitar. Anyone could join him on stage to sing, which created a very fun and welcoming atmosphere. Food prices were reasonable, while alcohol was on the expensive side, but the cocktails were excellent. The overall vibe was great, and we enjoyed it so much that we went back several times. The only downside was that on the first day, from time to time, there was a noticeable sewer smell, which was unpleasant. Despite that, it’s a very atmospheric place with great energy and lots of food options.

🌮✨ If your Costa Rica trip doesn’t include El Mercadito de Tamarindo, are you even eating right? 😂🇨🇷 This place is basically foodie Disneyland — open-air vibes, string lights, music, and more tacos than your stomach thought you signed up for. There are ten different restaurant choices and the prices are very affordable. You don’t have to fight with your children because there is food for every taste. 😅🔥 From fresh ceviche that might just be the best in the country to steak cooked medium-rare at the Argentinian stand, they’ve got something for everyone (including dessert that will ruin your diet forever). 🍤 Must-tries: • Cocina Tipica is my favorite authentic Costa Rican restaurant and I love the chicken and rice. • Fresh ceviche that made folks rethink every other ceviche they’ve ever had 🌊 • Arepas that are chef-level delicious 🫓 • Argentinian steak (because why not zone into full carnivore mode?) 🥩 • Ice cream & shakes to close out the night like a legend 🍦🥤 Reviews say it’s like a trendy, gourmet food court with a tropical soundtrack 🎶 — aka come hungry and leave extremely full. 📍 Come for the food, stay for the vibes, roll back to your hotel because you definitely ordered too much. 😋 DM Tamarindo for address and favorite drink ✈️ #ElMercaditoDeTamarindo #TamarindoEats #CostaRicaFood #VacationCaloriesDontCount

We stopped by for late night dinner and ended up staying for drinks with the owner of the Mercadito. Fantastic Caipirinhas, fish and shrimp tacos and huge sized chicken wings! We will be back! I also love that they accept everyone not only in the restrooms, but also in general, even Batman!!

Great hangout place with awesome food options and live music in the evenings. Pizza and Poke places had awesome food. The best arepas from the Dona Ana’s place.

Cozy food stall based market. You find a great variety of food here. From Arepas, Tacos to Burgers and more. There's also a bar!

Great local place with various food vendors. There’s some cover but no A/C. However, we found it just fine like that. We came here a few times and tried local Costa Rican food (casado), Venezuelan (fresh smoothies and tequeños), crepes, and seafood (fish fillet with salad and tostones). The food is yummy, prices are a bit better than in restaurants but still not cheap even though it’s a food court. Don’t expect much service here, it’s very much self-serve, just like in any other food court. It’s clean and atmospheric with music and greens around you.

Great spot to hang out and eat a meal. There's a variety of places to eat at, so everyone should be able to find something they like. We loved the arepa stand and the vibes this place offers. It's a great place to hang out and eat a good meal, and dangerously close to Sol Bakery in case you need a sweet something to finish the night.

What a cool little food court! This place is back off of the main strip, but super accessible. The collection of restaurants is impressive, ranging from gourmet hamburgers to top-notch tacos, hand-rolled sushi to Argentinian top sirloin. Top it all off with ice cream or belly up to the Medusa, a bar with a BOAT in it! By the way, the bartender knows his stuff. This place doesn't really come to life until dinner, which is usually after sunset here. Friendly atmosphere and good music put this over the top, securing their 5-star review. Once you find this food court, you'll want to come back again and again so you can try all they have to offer.