First time at this place; the restaurant was clean, the food was outstanding, and the waiter (Brandon) was very attentive. Then again, there were only two or three other tables seated. Awkward ambiance for the first five+/- minutes because there was no music playing and the TVs were off. Finally, the music came on and the dining experience improved ten-fold. Meanwhile, the TVs were never turned on. Not a big deal, in fact... might even be cool to have a place with no TVs, where people are forced to interact with one another. But I digress, if you choose to have televisions in your establishment, keep them on; there's a lot you can do with them, not just have it on TV programming. Anyways, this place is absolutely fantastic and has the potential to be one of the area's best restaurants. I'll definitely be back!
El Tamarindo Cafe 2 in Lighthouse Point is fantastic. Relaxing atmosphere, very polite staff and the food is superb.
Don’t be put off by the bare bones appearance outside. We are SO glad we came inside! The wait staff was friendly, polite and very helpful with recommendations. We loved our food and drinks. I recommend the mojito! You won’t be sad you came in for a meal. We will definitely return next time we are in town.
Fantasic food!!
Calamari was so tender, and the marinara sauce that came with it was homemade and delish!
Paella was unbelievable!!
Portions were huge!
Go here, now!!
Out Standing Service. On behave of my fiance Javier Piriz I want to thank Paticia, Roxana, and Juan Carlos for an amzing time and service that you gave us at your restaurant!!! It was our last night in Fort Lauderdale and unfortunately it was our first time...but it won't be the last!!! The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD!! my Mojito!! AMAZING!! & the service was PHENOMENAL!! I highly recomend El Tamarindo Bistro & Bar Latin Cafe......CAN'T WAIT TO GO BACK!
Rosie & Javier Piriz :-)
Delicious churrascuro sauce and fried yucca & huge portions.
The short: It's pretty good. The longer: This is a great place to bring friends. It looks like a dive on the outside, but is surprisingly nice on the inside. The bread they give you was great to the point that I had to mention it in this review. The meal itself was above average, but not astounding. I had the pollo a la plancha and compared to the Cuban/spanish restaurants I normally frequent, it didn't really compare - chicken was rather plain and not really seasoned at all. The sides were ok. The steak people around me were ordering looked great. I'll definitely go back to give that a whirl.
Wasn't bad, but wasn't amazed either. The shrimp were amazing, but wish the sides had a little more 'pizazz'
Latin Food and Good!. Although this is place is listed as a Cuban restaurant, I believe that it should categorized as only a Latin restaurant. The Mojitos are PERFECT. The service is outstanding. The salsa is good, no excellent, and hot! The beans are pinto beans (I really think that to be called Cuban, black beans are required). The House special I had was nicely cooked and the portions we excellent..
Canuck in South Florida. This restuarant is one of those special finds that you discover when traveling. I happen to live here and Latino friends introduced it to me. The meat dishes are exceptional and the seafood soup is one of their specialties. The atmosphere is casual yet elegant and the appearance of the restaurant from the street does not give any clue that this is an extraordinary place to dine for the price. You live the restaurant wondering why the owners do not charge more but hoping they just keep it that way. I cannot think of one place in South Florida where you get more value for your dollar and that is coming from a Canadian who watches his $$$ carefully.
The restaurant wasn't exactly what we were looking for, but it turned out to be just what we needed! The food was excellently cooked and presented. The fried zucchini was crisp and lightly dusted with salt and herbs, and the dipping sauce was great! The fajitas were juicy and packed with flavor. I would recommend this place to anyone traveling to Fort Lauderdale
I read the reviews and lots are bad. I have to say my experience with this first visit was pleasant and the food tasted great if I'm ever back in the area I would definitely be going back. As for the different menus and menu prices I didn't see that but will keep a lookout. The one thing I have to say is $10. For flan is ridiculous even though it was good.
This restaurant is really really good. Do not be fooled by outward appearances. Inside is immaculate and blew me away. Theirs is a high level of customer service. The dining and the drinks are quite fine and super fancy. Their happy hour is dope as hell with a 2 for one feature. The roast chicken is falling off the bone. The spices are on point. The staff is so pleasant and the environment is very welcoming. Me being a New Yorker I’m super hard on my critique of restaurants. This is my new home away from home when i do not feel like cooking and want to be pampered a little bit. And the ambiance music just gives it a really nice touch. As a spiritualist this place is uplifting and relaxing. It definitely feels like a safe space and a place where I can trust the team. I love it here. Me and my fiancé will most certainly be coming back again and again.
My buddy got the fried chicken. It was awesome. I got the pork belly with the sauces. Thebpickped onion sauce was my favorite but the chimichurri sauce was just as good. I will be coming back here.
The service was friendly. The soup was delicious and the lechón was alright very quick service
Great Cafe, I ordered coconut flan with espresso and they were both delicious. Highly recommend.
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Authentic Latin Flavors Await at El Tamarindo Café: A Culinary Delight in Fort Lauderdale
Tamarindo Café holds a special place in my heart as it was the first restaurant I visited upon arriving in Florida. Having spent years in Northern Virginia, finding Latin cuisine that truly satisfied my taste buds was a challenge until I discovered Tamarindo Café. This cozy café-style restaurant offers a relaxed atmosphere where locals gather to savor their favorite dishes.
Speaking of favorites, the Chicken Parmesan is an absolute delight. It has become my go-to dish, and I have yet to find a more delicious version anywhere else in the Fort Lauderdale area. One of the highlights of Tamarindo Café is its convenient parking, ensuring hassle-free visits. I have never had to make a reservation, which adds to the overall ease of dining here.
While the food is unquestionably exquisite, I must mention that the cocktails are average, and in some cases, a bit pricey. During my recent visit, I ordered a Ron DonQ with Coca Cola, and to my surprise, it was priced at $15. This felt exceedingly high and didn't quite justify the cost. Therefore, I have learned that when I visit this restaurant, I choose to focus solely on the outstanding food and refrain from ordering alcoholic beverages.
In summary, Tamarindo Café is a hidden gem that truly delivers authentic Latin flavors. From their mouthwatering Chicken Parmesan to the inviting ambiance, this restaurant offers an experience that stands out. While the cocktails may be average and slightly expensive, I find solace in knowing that a remarkable culinary adventure awaits me every time I dine here.
The Cuban food -- especially the Cuban Sandwich & the "Tamaranido Special" -- is authentic and delicious!!
I'm SO GLAD to have tried this restaurant.
The servers are VERY FRIENDLY and professional.
Great management. 5 STARS!
I went right before closing and they still provided excellent friendly service. Very clean and well run. I got tostones con lechon, pork tostones. The portion for an appetizer was really big, the huge tostones were loaded with pulled pork, and delicious as well. I also ordered a cortado, very good coffee and nice presentation. The friendly attentive service reañly made me feel welcome, great place!
Best restaurant I’ve ever been to hands down! Staff was amazing! Alex you are the man keep up the great work
Jessamyn Ressler-Maerlender
+5
Nicer than expected interior with some outdoor seating, too. Seafood soup was delicious—full of fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and calamari. Attentive and fast service. Unisex restrooms. Not cheap but good value for the quality.
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