10/10 must go and hope Manfred serves you The atmosphere was immaculate, the food was complex and delicious. We had such a fun time with the staff and the DJ played great vibey music. Definitely sit outside and bring bug spray!
Overview
Agua | Salada is a gem in the heart of La independencia, Provincia de Guanacaste, offering a delightful dining experience that captures the essence of Costa Rican cuisine. Located just a short drive from the vibrant town of Tamarindo, this restaurant stands out not only for its fresh ingredients but also for its cozy, laid-back atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
Upon stepping into Agua | Salada, you’re immediately greeted by the tantalizing smells of freshly prepared meals. The restaurant’s open kitchen allows guests to watch chefs expertly craft dishes using locally sourced ingredients. This transparency adds an element of trust and excitement, as diners know they’re getting the freshest produce and the finest cuts of meat. For many, it’s the highlight of dining here - being part of the culinary magic that goes on behind the scenes.
The menu at Agua | Salada is diverse and thoughtfully curated, offering a mix of traditional Costa Rican flavors with modern twists. One of the standout items is the seafood platter, which features fresh catch from the Pacific coast. It's hard to beat the combination of succulent shrimp, lobster, and fish, all seasoned to perfection. Pair this with a tropical fruit salad or a zesty ceviche, and you’re set for a truly unforgettable meal.
The ambiance plays a significant role in the overall dining experience at Agua | Salada. With its rustic wooden tables, tropical plants, and a gentle breeze that flows in from the nearby coast, it’s a place where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy a leisurely meal. Whether you’re here for a quick bite or a long evening with friends, the vibe never feels rushed. It’s all about savoring the moment and enjoying the company you’re with.
For those seeking variety, Agua | Salada offers an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan options. Costa Rican food isn’t always known for its plant-based dishes, but here, you’ll find fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and hearty bean-based dishes that even meat-lovers will appreciate. It’s a great example of how the restaurant is inclusive, offering something for everyone.
What truly sets Agua | Salada apart from other dining options in Tamarindo is the attention to detail. Every dish is crafted with care, and it shows. From the seasoning to the presentation, you can tell that the chefs are passionate about what they do. A meal here is not just about food; it’s about an experience that makes you feel like part of the family.
Many visitors to La independencia make a point to visit Agua | Salada after a day of exploring the beautiful beaches nearby. Whether you’ve spent the day lounging in the sun or surfing the waves, a meal here is the perfect way to unwind. You’ll often find diners sipping on freshly made cocktails, enjoying the sunset, and reflecting on the beauty of Costa Rica.
The reviews from both locals and tourists alike praise Agua | Salada for its consistent quality and friendly service. People mention how welcoming the staff is and how they make you feel right at home from the moment you walk through the door. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning guest, the experience remains top-notch every time.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy high-quality food in La independencia, Agua | Salada is a must-visit. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the overall experience of dining in a beautiful, welcoming environment. Whether you’re coming for the seafood, the cocktails, or the serene atmosphere, you’re guaranteed to leave satisfied and eager to return.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fireplace ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Live musicPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Late-night food ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ Vegetarian options ✓ WineDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Family friendly ✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 957 reviews
Agua Salada in Tamarindo was such a pleasant surprise. I went with three friends, and even without a reservation they welcomed us with warmth and made space for us. Tony was our server, and he was incredible from start to finish—friendly, attentive, and honest with his recommendations. The food was outstanding. Everything was fresh and full of flavor. I had two cocktails, the Cazuela de Mariscos as an appetizer, and the Mahi Mahi for dinner, and each dish was better than the last. My friends were just as impressed with their meals. We had dinner right on the beach, which made the whole experience even better. We’re all grateful we stumbled on this place after making a last-minute decision to visit the area. I’d happily come back on my next trip to Costa Rica. We each spent around $100 USD and it was worth every bit. Pura Vida!
Anthony was really really kind and was very attentive! Everyone here in Costa Rica is so nice here. I got the mahi mahi and it was delicious! My husband got the shrimp risotto and I tasted it and it was so good I wish I ordered it for myself. Haha but I’ll be back. Thanks Anthony!!!
We rented out Aqua Salada for a 60+ private event and it was absolutely fantastic! The staff was incredible, food tasty, and atmosphere perfect. Everything was seamlessly coordinated and every one of our requests were matched. From cocktail hour to dancing, the staff ensured our group had the most fantastic time. I would recommend Agua Salada for your next event in Tamarindo or for a brunch /dinner stop.
We had the best meal here as our first meal in cost rica! Incredible ceviche, octopus and seafood - and delish margaritas. Beautiful atmosphere right on the beach and the service was top notch. Everyone was so kind and Joseph was the best waiter, he really made our experience amazing. Would highly recommend eating here!
Tony and Glenn made our entire experience feel like we were celebrities! The food, hospitality, service was top tier! I’m so thankful we had Tony waiting on us, he was a blessing!
The ají ceviche was absolutely delicious and incredibly fresh, so good that we ended up ordering a second one. The margaritas were fresh, perfectly balanced, and really tasty. Our waiter Anthony was attentive, friendly, and even shared some great tips about other attractions in Costa Rica, which we really appreciated. Overall, a wonderful experience! Highly recommend.
My extended family hosted a birthday celebration for 60+ people at Agua Salada, and cannot say enough good things about this restaurant. 1. Food: Buffet for such a large party was excellent. Was plentiful and the quality was amazing! 2. Drinks: Bartenders were quick and friendly, even during the party, the servers was running around always ready to take empty glasses and take new drink orders, no trip to the bar necessary. 3. Service: Impeccable. We had tents in case of rain, and when it started to drizzle, servers opened umbrellas and walked people back and forth from the tent to the bar. Servers, cooks, management... everyone was so friendly and wanted to join the party! We even went here for takeout food the day before the large party and were extremely happy with everything, you wont be disappointed. Family run business. Go here when in Tamarindo.
Loved agua | salada! (which I learned translates to saltwater). So great that this restaurant was just down the hill from us! Lovely ambiance with these cool rattan spherical lights hanging from the trees. I really enjoyed the music they played. We ordered the fried veggies which were delicious as an app & then had the shrimp risotto, which has more of a tomato base, and my spouse enjoyed the mahi sandwich. Perfect after a day on the water! We thought it was a great experience overall & would definitely return to try other things on the menu next time!
Had enjoyable dinner here tonight before the sunset. The shrimp risotto was very flavorful and the Mahi Mahi was very filling. Lots of parrots/parakeets flying overhead kept us entertained while we waited for our food.
We had missed reservations at a very fancy place for my wife's birthday and they didn't have any seating available. As we walked back to town, we ran across Aqua Salada and what an amazing experience. The vibe was very upscale, the music was chill with a upbeat vibe, the beach had lots of volley ball action, which offset thw fine dining experience a bit. But this didn't matter as soon as the sun set. The food was amazing, the drinks were unique. We had the Ribeye and thw Mahi-Mahi.. yum
What a wonderful experience we had. Food was incredible, ambiance was peaceful, fun, and beachy. We had Joseph as our server and couldn’t have asked for more. It’s as good as the day it’s is!
Amazing food and atmosphere! Joseph was our service and he was awesome! My husband had the snapper and it’s the best he’s ever had! I had the veggie burger which was deep fried avocado and it was delicious! Highly recommend
One of the most sophisticated meals I’ve had in Costa Rica. Glen, Mumford, and Dylan provided exceptional service throughout my visit and I enjoyed the chic and laid back atmosphere. Add in convenient parking and you pretty much have it all. Bravo!
Josef was a wonderful server! Very fun and made sure our experience was great! The passion fruit margarita is delicious! Must try shrimp risotto- so so good! And LOVED our espresso martinis. New to me spot and will definitely be back!!! Highly recommend
The spicy ceviche is the best I have had since we arrived in Costa Rica 3 weeks ago. The service was excellent and the view was great. We have been back twice and enjoyed beef and veggie burger and a very tasty Caesar salad. Would highly recommend.