5 Great Tamarindo Restaurants to Take Mom on Costa Rican Mother's Day

Did you know that the date of Mother's Day varies around the world? And here in Costa Rica, we celebrate on August 15. That's right – today! And Costa Ricans take their moms so seriously that Mother's Day is an official holiday; you'll find banks, school, and other public institutions are closed today in Mom's honor. So, Happy Mother's Day, to all the moms around the world! If you're lucky enough to celebrate your mom here in Costa Rica – or if you simply want to raise a glass in her honor – then we're dishing up five great Tamarindo restaurants perfect for an honorary and celebratory dinner. Cheers! (And hey, don't worry! If you didn't make it down in time for Costa Rican Mother's Day 2018, then why not start planning for 2019? Whittle down our list of Tamarindo vacation rentals – we're confident you'll find an ideal home for your family – and then get in touch! We'll help you plan the perfect getaway.) And now, in no particular order:

Pangas Beach Club

Phone: 2653-0024 | Website Pangas is one of those perfect, toes-in-the-sand Tamarindo restaurants: Beachfront and with some of the town's best sunset and ocean views – not to mention, an excellent dinner and drinks menu – this is a wonderful spot to celebrate every day and every occasion. Mom will appreciate the subtle details, like rustic driftwood accents, and what she'll love are the thoughtful flavors that go into her meal: fresh-off-the-boat seafood and succulent specials, cool cocktails and a full wine menu.

Enea's La Vera Cucina Italiana

Phone: 8502-2110 | Website Down the road in Playa Langosta, Enea's offers the most authentic Italian cuisine this side of the Atlantic. So, if your mom loves wood oven-fired gourmet pizzas, homemade pastas, and Italian favorites like eggplant parmesan, then this is an excellent choice for your Mother's Day dinner. Don't forget to kick off the meal with one of Enea's superb antipasti platters!

Dragonfly Bar & Grill

Phone: 2653-1506 or 8554-2723 | Website We're more than a little smitten with Dragonfly's seasonal menus – what came off the boat today and what produce is freshest this week. The result is a mouthwatering menu – everything from fiery Thai beef and tempura shrimp, to seared fresh tuna and chilled mixed greens – that tops our picks for favorite Tamarindo restaurants. Mom will also love Dragonfly's creative cocktails, including a blackberry mojito, top-shelf margaritas, a refreshing cucumber G+T, and almost every iteration of martini.

Black Stallion Cafe & Surf Saloon

Phone: 8869-9765 | Website If you're searching for something different this Mother's Day, then look no further than one the most unique Tamarindo restaurants: Black Stallion's Café & Surf Saloon, located about eight miles from downtown. Featuring a farm-fresh menu harvested from the onsite gardens, Black Stallion's barbecue masters will grill up Mom's choice of organic, farm-raised chicken, local meats, fresh garden veggies, and much more. For a truly exceptional experience, be sure to book a horseback ride at the ranch!

Seasons by Shlomy 

Phone: 8368-6983 | Website For moms who love seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, Seasons by Shlomy is a perfect match: Inspired by the freshest, locally caught seafood, as well as a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, this gourmet restaurant serves up specialties like a creamy ricotta cheese salad, fresh-off-the-boat sashimi, seared mushrooms, and filet mignon. Be sure to save room for dessert, which promises such delicacies as white chocolate mousse, vegan apple crumble, and gluten-free crème brûlée. Here's to Mom!