Eat like you live here.

The reason half the people on this beach are on this beach. Tables in the sand under almond trees, wood-fired pizza, fish tacos, big salads and cold beer. Cash-friendly, no reservations, closes in the late afternoon — and yes, there used to be a pig.

Right next door to Lola's. Easy tacos, casados, ceviche and cold drinks without the Lola's wait — and it tends to stay open a little later.

An Avellanas mainstay — fresh catch, pastas, curries and proper big breakfasts. Reliable, friendly, and the easiest sit-down dinner near the beach.

Smoothie bowls, good coffee, fresh juices and light plates. The morning stop before the beach, or a shady mid-afternoon reset.

Relaxed spot by the bridge with a mixed menu, cold beer and a laid-back crowd. Good for a low-key dinner or a drink on the way back from the sand.

Wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, Italian-run. The go-to when the whole villa wants the same thing and nobody wants to cook.

Grilled plates, burgers and drinks with a fun, social feel. Music some nights — ask around for what's on that week.

Coffee and pastries by day, wine and small plates by night. The most 'sit and linger' room in Avellanas — nice for a date night without driving to Tamarindo.

The corner spot with a couple of different kitchens under one roof — pick a table and let everyone order something different. Handy when the group can't agree.

The little family kitchens along the Avellanas road. Casado with fish or chicken, rice and beans, plantain, fresh fruit juice — usually the best value meal you'll eat all week.

Pool, ocean view, sandwiches and cocktails. Day-pass rules vary by season and whether you're staying inside Pinilla — worth a call before you drive over. Good outlet situation if you want to top off the cart over lunch.

Several options inside the resort, from casual poolside to a proper dinner. Open to non-guests for dining most of the year — the most 'dressed up' meal within cart range.

Round-hut hotel restaurant right by the reef break. Fresh catch, pastas, curries, big breakfasts. Watch the wave from your table.

Wood-fired pizza and pasta at the little Italian-run kitchens scattered along the Negra road. Casual, open late-ish, great for a crowd.

Tacos, batidos and casados from the small stands between Negra and Los Pargos. Cash only, and worth every colón.

A handful of tiny family spots around the crossroads. Casado, arroz con pollo, empanadas. Pair it with a grocery run so you only make the drive once.

Weekend chicken-on-the-grill setups along the main road. Follow the smoke. Buy a whole bird plus tortillas and dinner at the villa is done.

Sushi, poke, steakhouses, Peruvian, Italian, taquerías, smoothie counters and a farmers-market scene. If someone in your group is craving something specific, it's here.

Quieter than downtown Tamarindo with the same sunset. Nice for a drink before dinner without the crowd.