Bocas has MANY pretty
tasty restaurants to choose from (that was a VERY WELCOME perk - something I've
been missing now that I'm living in Costa Rica and being from San Francisco and
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico), depending on the restaurant – most had pretty decent
customer service. Considering how
funky/rusticy and cheap most hotels are – prices for dinner tend to overall be
towards the upper/moderate end.
Those in capital letters are VIC’S PICKS (my favs) or places I’ve been
to. Hardly anyone accepts credit
cards so BRING CASH!!!
VIC’S PICKS (my favs) - WHERE TO GO FOR:
BREAKFAST: Hotel Olas (ESPECIALLY their Mediteraneano – 3 eggs surrounded by
this DELISH tomato sauce with LOTS of YUMMY bread!! It so much food it holds me over for breakfast &
lunch!!) • Lili’s Café (ANYTHING from her menu and BIG
portions!!)
BURGERS:
Pickled Parrot (char-broiled and I ESPECIALLY LOVE their Blue Cheese Burger!!) • Cosmic Crab (I hear they’re good also)
CAESAR SALAD: Cosmic Crab has one of the tastiest Caesar Salads I’ve had
in awhile!!
CHEAP: CHITRE (the BEST for CHEAP Local
food!!)
CRAB CAKES: Cosmic Crab – TongueGasmic!!!
DESSERTS: Ultimo “Refugio” VANILLA &
PASSION FRUIT TERRINE (I usually HAVE to stop & get this dessert at LEAST twice in a
trip!!)
DINNER:
Cosmic Crab (on
Caraneros Island – WELL worth the $2 water taxi ride!!! OVER the water! GREAT ambiance – especially if you’re
able to get one of the cabinas on the pier!!), Ultimo “Refugio” (MANY REALLY tasty & unique
dishes)
HOT SAUCE: Lili’s Café “Killin’ Me Man Hot
Sauce!” is the
BOMB & has a REALLY GOOD Kick to it!!
Many of the dishes have it in it including my fav. Lili’s Omelet!! BIG!!! Lili’s my FAV person in Bocas – an AWESOME Spirit!!!)
INDIAN:
Om Café (YUMMMM
Indian food though SMALL portions & not cheap!!)
LUNCH:
Lili’s Café (ANYTHING
from her menu and BIG portions!!)
NEW RESTAURANTS:
MEXICAN: SHELLY’S BARBECUE and MEXICAN
PINA COLADAS: HANDS DOWN – THE BEST I’ve had in my LIFE – Pickled
Parrot on Caraneros Island – WELL worth the $2 water taxi ride!!! It’s LITERALLY the FIRST place I go
when I first arrive in Bocas!!
SUNSET:
Anything along the water facing WEST (away from the ocean)
SWEETS:
Pickled Parrot’s Piña Colada is like dessert!! Caribbean Chocolate Company’s Almond Log!
THAI:
Lemon Grass
9° (Nine Degrees) Restaurant and
Lounge - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - 1st Street (757-9400) -
in the El Reloj building on 1st Street.
Getting good reviews. NEW
RESTAURANT ‘08. HOURS:
Thurs.-Mon. noon-3pm and 6-10pm.
Lounge – noon-close.
ALVIN’s
- Bastimentos -
Waterfront Restaurant
- Tasty seafood with LOTS
of butter. Moderate prices.
Alberto’s Pizza - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – at Hotel Cala Luna on
Avenida F between Calle 6 and 7 (http://CalaLunaBocas.com
/ 757-9066 / info@CalaLunaBocas.com) - PIZZA restaurant with a 24-hour BAR!! (their hotel takes credit cards so perhaps the restaurant
does)
Almeja Barbuda - at the Buccaneer Hotel on Isla
Carenero (http://bocasbuccaneer.com/Restaurant.htm) -
I believe they’ve re-opened (with their new owners) and back to serving
TASTY (EXCELLENT Pancakes!!) and pretty cheap (from $2.75-$3.50) breakfasts
Daily from 8:30-11am. It can accommodate up to 45 people, plus 12 additional
people in the bar area.
American and Caribbean Food to Go - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - the main street across from Chow
Kat (757-9968)
Hotel Angela Restaurant and Bar – at Hotel Angela
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Waterfront at Hotel Angela (757-9813 / http://HotelAngela.com / HotelAngelaBocas@yahoo.com) -
Now Featuring ORGANIC and VEGETARIAN recipes.
Restaurant, Hotel, Swim Deck and Boat Trips. WiFi
Arco Iris - http://posadalosdelfines.com/delfin02.htm - At the Arco Iris Restaurant you'll enjoy our handmade
Italian ice cream, hamburgers, club sandwich, roast chicken as well as other
fast meals, and assorted tropical fruit shakes. ALFRESCO
Asador Zubia Rotisserie - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - 1st Street and G Ave. (6533-9384) -
Roast Chicken, Spanish Omelet’s and Chicken Breast
Hotel Bahia
(see “Old Joe’s”) - Main
island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – 1st Street across from the Ferry
pier (http://HotelBahia.biz / 757-9626 /
6676-4669 / DdeSarrolloHotelerodelistmo@gmail.com
/ info@HotelBahia.biz)
Big Bamboo Restaurant & BAR (CLOSED) - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon -
1st Street - next to Super Gourmet - across from Ferry pier
(6691-9078 / 6648-9237 / PanamaCoach@yahoo.com)
The BLACK OLIVE Restaurant and The PLANK
Bar - VERY VERY SADLY, THEY MAY
BE CLOSED ALREADY (they had a VERY challenging time finding decent/reliable
workers!!!) This is a BIG LOSS for
Bocas as it was an EXCELLENT restaurant!!!
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
- I LOVE this NEW
RESTAURANT and Bar!! REALLY
TASTY GREEK
food with YUMMMY Falafel and a few other WRAPS for just $2.95 With Greek Fries and a soda just
$3.95! They’ll be adding a full
menu as they find the right help!!
Drinks wise they have EXCELLENT Drink Specials at various times of the
day (see “Plank” below for details on their bar). They’re also one of the few
places that carries Café Ruiz COFFEE which I hear is one of the BEST around! HOURS:
Mon.-Thurs. noon-mid., Fri. and Sat. noon-whenever (3am if the people
are there and buying!).
OWNERS: George (a REAL
sweetie!!) and Gladys.
BlowFish SUSHI Bar - Main island
“Bocas” – Isla Colon - Directly
across Calle 2 from Starfleet Scuba, HOURS: 6pm-mid.-ish.
GOOD FRESH SUSHI. Special martinis and a large variety of flavored vodkas in their
full bar. OWNER: Joey Charles.
Blue Marble Café - Isla
Bastimentos ON the water next to “Roots” (6632-6269) - BIG
breakfasts, great desserts in the afternoon.
Club Nasty Mermaid at Piñada Café – on the back
deck over the seas – FUSHION
Cuisine. HOURS: 11am-midnight.
Boca Bills Restaurant and Resource Center -
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
- the main street next to
Rosa Blanca (757-9623 / bocabills@gmail.com) -
Caribbean Comfort Food.
Also T-shirts (design, printing and sales).
Bocas Airport Lounge - Main island
“Bocas” – Isla Colon - LITERALLY across from the airport
(66-453489 / 757-9976 / Swereds@investments-panama.com) -
From the owners of Tropical Suites and Bocas Rentals and Sales. Not sure what’s going to happen here as
they were going through some big transition with their chef (who brought many
of his own recipes from the Pickled Parrot). NEW RESTAURANT (Sept. ’07). Prices are definitely geared towards the tourists.
Bocas Beach Club / Mr. Roberts Steak and Seafood
Restaurant - Main island “Bocas” –
Isla Colon - in the Tropical Market on Calle 1/1st
St. and Ave. E (6572-5627 / donutman786@hotmail.com) - STEAK, Seafood.
They also rent Quads, Jet Ski’s and Kayaks hourly, 4 hours, 8 hours.
Bocas del Toro Restaurant – at Bocas del Toro
Hotel - Main island “Bocas” – Isla
Colon – Calle 1 - next to Super Gourmet and across from the Ferry on Calle
2 (http://HotelBocasDelToro.com /
757-9771-rest. / 6648-9257-cell / Ddesarollohotelerodelimo@gmail.com) - I’ve experienced both – the POSITIVE and the MEDIOCRE
food. Definitely Gringo
prices. Do NOT have the “Choco
Loco” which they told me it was a chocolate brownie but it was some sort of
chocolate cake with some sort of spice in it (YUKKKK!) for $4. How different I’ve found it! CREDIT CARDS.
Bocas Marina’s Calypso Restaurant -
Mon.-Meatloaf, Fri. B’bque
$9-ribs, $8-chicken, $9-combo & Domino’s (bar opens at 2pm), Sat. –
varies (opens at 2pm now.
Sometimes they do potlucks).
Sun. – Potluck at 2pm (for anyone that wants to join in). HAPPY HOUR: 4-6pm.
Breakfast Mon.-Fri. MAINLY
cruisers but everyone’s invited!
They randomly have Flea Markets (mainly if someone has something to
sell)
Bocatorito - Dolphin Bay on Isla Cristobal -
Best seafood meal you will find anywhere in the islands. Specialties are
whole fish sautéed with onions, garlic, bell peppers, sautéed pulpo and lobster
oozing with garlic and spices. Comes with salad, rice and the best patacones
anywhere. Yum.... Most meals are $7 or $8, a lobster dinner will run you $12.
Ambiance is great, dolphins hang out in front of the restaurants sometimes and
you can watch them cavorting while you eat. Very tranquilo.
BOHMFALK’s Restaurant and SPORTS BAR - (757-9711) - TASTY
Pull-Pork Sandwiches!! Chicken
dinner $7, B’bque Ribs $8, Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken, Wings, Hot Dogs, Cheese
Fries, Whole Rotisserie Chicken To-Go $8. HAPPY HOUR: 4-7pm - Roasted Chicken runs out early). HAPPY HOUR: 4-7pm. SPORTS
BAR – Satellite tv, WIFI, OWNERS: Newly-weds Sharon and Bill Bohmfalkfrom
Canada.
Bongo’s
Restaurant / Bar - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – on
the main street - next to Bravo Center
(757-9339 / 757-9755 / ElLaurelBocas@hotmail.com) - Juice Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian, Pasta. HOURS: Daily 7am-11pm.
OWNER: Giselle
Buena Vista Deli.Kum Ja - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon (757-9619?) -
gringo food and Chinese food for moderate prices.,
Buena Vista Bar and Grill - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – waterfront on Calle 2 (http://BuenaVistaBocas.com / 757-9035
/ BuenaVistaBocas@hotmail.com) -
They claim to have the BEST BURGERS, Seafood, Steaks, Specialty Dinners, Sandwiches,
Snacks and Homemade Desserts.
HOURS: Wed.-Mon.
noon-9:30pm. OWNERS: Juan Pablo and Kelly de Caro.
Café d’Artiste - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – a cute waterfront café
featuring lots of artwork and crafts from many locals!
Careening Cay Resort - See “Sunset
Grill”
Caribbean Burgers - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – a food cart on the main
street next to the park
(6608-0800)
CASBA
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
(6511-8992) - MEDITERRANEAN. Goat Cheese Salad $5, Falafels
(with a mild tatstziki sauce) $4, Tuna Carpaccio $4.50, GAZPACHO $3.50, Shrimp
in Garlic $5, Chicken Greek Style with Sun Dried Tomatoes, goat cheese and a
creamy balsamic sauce $8.50 (YUMMMM), Fish Cakes $6.50, Casba Steak with Blue
Cheese and a Mustard Sauce $8.50, Fish of Day with a Red Pepper Sauce with
coconut milk and cucumber $7, Tropical Fruit Salad $3. Desserts: Crepes Suzette $4, Pineapple flambéed with run and grilled
with coconut on it $3.50. Drinks –
Beer $1. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 6-10pm.
CHITRE
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Main Street, in front of the Chinese Mini-Super market
CHEAP!! You can make up your own
plate from a bunch of choices.
It’s where the locals go!!
Coral Cay
- Isla Coral Cay (http://bocas.com/restaurantes/coralrest.htm) - For seafood in incomparable
surroundings take a water taxi to restaurant Coral Cay, perched on stilts over
the sea. Your lobster will be picked live from a sea cage and you will enjoy
gorgeous sea views all around as you wait for your dish to be prepared. This is
a Bocas must-do. Most tours will take you there as part of their route. They claim the Coral Cay is the most
visited restaurant in the islands.
Built over the water, just in the way to the Marine Park, and in a place
where almost all the tours pass, offer to the tourist
delicious meals based on seafood. Fresh products as lobster, fish fillet, whole
fish, octopus, shrimps and conch, are cooked at the regional Caribbean style
and sided with coconut rice and salad, at the shadow of palm roofed huts, while
the sea, below and around, show the spectacular colors that made the Caribbean
famous.
COSMIC CRAB CAFÉ – Isla Carenero - OVER the WATER at Careening Cay
Resort (http://CareeningCay.com / 757-9157) - I pretty consistently hear REALLY POSITIVE things
about this restaurant!! YUMMMMM CAESAR
SALAD’s – the
BEST I’ve had in a LONG TIME!!
Lobster Crab Cakes (REALLY TASTY!!
Comes with a salad!), Seafood Bisque (YUMMMM!!!), Coconut Chicken Soup
(like the Thai soup - Thom Kai Gai – YUMMMMM!!!!!), BURGERS (I hear they have some of the
best burgers), quite a few SALADS, Caribbean King Crab Claws+. Not a lot of entrees. Get there early enough to dine in one
of the COOL cabina tables on the dock!
Careening Cay Resort is set on 6 acres. They how have a GREAT ARTSY STORE filled with jewelry, home
decorations (I’ve bought a few chimes!!) and other chachees with MANY GOOD
prices!!! OWNERS: Stephen and Joan Crabtree. HOURS: Tues.-Sun. noon-9pm.
Crazy Charley’s - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Near Super Gourmet -
They claim to have great subs and sandwiches! Also Conch, Lobster, Octopus, Shrimp and Calamari. They claim to have the ONLY Frozen Drink
Machine on the island! CHEAP
ENTERTAINMENT –
CRAB RACES – Fri. 5pm and Sun. 3pm.
HAPPY HOUR – 5-6pm – 50¢ Beer and $1 “rail” drinks.
Da Claudio
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
- at the Hotel Laguna (on 3rd Street – the main street – NOT
on the water side) (http://hotellaguna.net/laguna02.htm
/ hlaguna@cwp.net.pa and hotellaguna@hotellaguna.net
/ 757-9091) - The
restaurant offers an excellent breakfast (they claim “the best of the island”).
ITALIAN with pizza and pasta, GERMAN food and typical Bocas menu with a special
selection of fish, lobster and a great variety of sea food plus beef, pork,
etc. Their pub-bar offers more
than 20 kinds of national and foreign beers (German, Dutch, Mexican) as well as
a great variety of drinks and cocktails. Credit Cards - V/MC/AE.
Don Chicho’s - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - BIG with
locals as it’s Tipico food and REALLY CHEAP BREAKFASTS!!
Doña Mara
– ON the beach at Isla Carenero
(http://bocas.com/donamara.htm / 757-9551 / 6655-7571 / 6644-7230 / donamara10@hotmail.com / donamara@cwpanama.net) - Doña Mara Lodge restaurant Caribbean cuisine with
emphasis on seafood. At our bar
you can order a cocktail or your favorite drink to enjoy under the coconut trees
of our beach.
El Pecado – Da Sabor - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – on the main street (6597-0296)
El Picado’s / El Pecado? - Tasty yet reasonably priced food -
especially the chicken cordon bleu. Their food is consistently good.
El Refugio - Right on the water (looks totally FUNKY!!). Tasty yet
reasonably priced.
Flip Flops Bar and Grill - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – Waterfront at 3rd
Street (757-9675 / http://TheVillageAtPlayaPristina.com) -
HAPPY HOUR: 7-9am and 4-7pm. Smoked Seafood, PING PONG, MOVIE NIGHT with a 60’ Screen, WiFi,
GREAT for BREAKFAST!
Golden Grill (“McDouglas”) - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
- Main Street across from the
Park (757-9656) -
el Cheapo and not the highest in quality. Hot dogs.
HOURS: Daily 7:30am-10pm.
Guari-Guari Restaurant/Bar - Main island “Bocas” –
Isla Colon – just past the Brisas del Mar gas station - Their menu of
tasty home-cookin’ food changes Daily.
Full Bar. HOURS: Thurs.-Tues. 11am-mid. OWNERS: Klaus
“Ossi” Osswald and Monica Bordas
Hacienda del Toro (http://HaciendaDelToro.com / 757-9158
/ 6612-9159) - San Cristobaln - COUNTRY WESTERN BAR & HORSE RANCH.
20 different rums, GRILLED MEAT, LIVE MUSIC, Kayaks. WAYYYYYY far away & up a hill (which gives you nice
views though). Leanne with
NatureAir Package division said it’s one of the nicest/most upscale places in
Bocas!
Hotel Tropical Suites Restaurant (see “La Pluma Blanca” below) -
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
Ice Cream Shop – Inside the Tropical Market on 1st
Street and Ave. E.
Jose’s Pizza - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon (6562-5235)
- PIZZA. DELIVERY.
La Carolina Hotel - on Bluff
Beach Road (6491-8185 / 700-0508 /
http://LaCarolina.com) -
An open-air restaurant with panoramic views in a historic hotel with 7
rooms with tropical décor. The
taste is “Jungle Gourmet” cuisine – fun, fresh meats to seafood “served with a
smile.” HOURS: 365 days a year – 7:30am-9:30pm.
La Islena
- South of Hospedaje Heike
- Same reasonable prices as El
Lorito though well served and plates prepared in the kitchen as ordered. Not
all their dishes are very tasty however...
La Laguna Hotel (across the street from El Pecado) - Offers mostly Italian
dishes including a yummy pizza, has street side seating making it the best
place in town for people watching.
La Pluma Blanca at Hotel Tropical Suites
Restaurant – Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - Tropical Suites hotel – One of the most TRULY upscale
hotel/condominiums (I’m wondering if it’s a timeshare??]) (http://LaPlumaBlanca.com / 6530-3078 /
Tropical Suites - http://tropical-suites.com
/ 757-9081 / 757-9880 / BocasLasolas@cwpanama.net) has a restaurant and I believe LIVE
MUSIC. HOURS: Daily 7am-9pm.
La Rumba Hotel / Restaurant and Sports Bar – main Bocas island – Isla Colon – Big
Creek - outside of town but a taxi should be only $1) (I-griega) (757-9361 / http://HotelLaRumba.com) -
Restaurant features International cuisine in front of a swimming beach
and a LIVELY bar with Satellite TV with Surround Sound, Electronic Dart Board,
Horse Shoe Pits. EVENTS: Sun. and Mon. – NFL Football, Food and
Drink Specials. Tues.-Closed. Wed. – 8pm - Texas Hold’em, All in $$. Thurs. 9-11pm – Ladies Night – Free
National Liquors for the gals.
Fri. and Sat. – Happy Hour ALL DAY and Night. Beer/Beer 75¢, National Liquors $1.50, Tropical Drinks $2. HAPPY HOUR – Wed.-Mon. 4-6pm. HOURS:
Wed.-Mon. 8am-10pm
La Veranda
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon at the La Veranda Hotel (757-9211) - Manager
Marcial Rohman.
LEMON GRASS -
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – 2nd floor above StarFleet Dive
Center (757-9630 / 6481-1685)
- WATERFRONT. THAI / ASIAN FUSION. I’ve eaten here 3 times – once REALLY good and the last
2 ok. HIP/COOL setting/ambience
upstairs overlooking the water definitely catering to the tourists (more
expensive and cash only)! Service
is so-so. Thai Curry $8.50, Fish and Chips with chili, garlic, ginger $10, Tom
Ka Gai soup $7, Curry of the Day $6.50.
OWNERS: Lydia (from
England), Mike the chef. HAPPY
HOUR: 5-7pm – Beers/cervezas 50¢,
rum/gin/vodka drinks $1.50, margaritas/piña coladas $2.75. HOURS: Fri.-Wed. Noon-3pm and 6-10pm.
LILI’S CAFE -
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon -
1st St. in the back of the Clearwater Building next to Tropical Suites (8-560-8777 / 6-404-9958 / http://KodiakBocas.com/lilis.html
/ Lola_Lili2000@yahoo.es) - Home of “Killin’ me Man” Pepper Sauce - $4 (HOT/CALIENTE!!!) WATERFRONT!! Check out their new covered dock with NICE tables/chairs on
it!!! MEGA TASTY BREAKFASTS and Lunches at this COOL FUNKY
quaint restaurant ON the water. Serving BREAKFAST ALL DAY. Healthy home Cooked Caribbean Food (I like the looks of her
energy). Sometimes she’s not there
because she’s busy baking LOTS of bread that she sells to various businesses
and people around town (mainly on Fri. and Sat.)!! Breakfast items range from Porridge ($2.50), Chicken in a
Hole ($3.50), Fruit Salad (with sesame seed and honey dressing - $3.75) to FRENCH
TOAST ($4.75 –
includes fruit salad, coffee or tea and cinnamon and pancake syrup) or Pancakes
with Apples ($4.25) and YUMMMM Omelets (MY FAV –
Lili’s Omelet with Spinach, mushrooms, sausage, cheese and a Touch of “Killin’
Me Man” sauce - $6.50. They range
from $4.75-$7 [Salmon Omelet]).
Everything served on Lili’s delish HOMEMADE BREAD!! They also
have FRESH squeezed Orange Juice ($2.50). ANNIVERSARY – Oct. 14, ’06. HOURS: Mon.-Sat. 7am-5pm. Sun. 7am-1pm.
Limbo Hotel Waterfront Restaurant - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon (http://ellimbo.com) -
HUGE menu though quite inconsistent. I’ve eaten there twice – once was tasty – the other
so-so. Guacamole “puree” had a
little bite
to it - $4. Gringo Prices -
$$$$. CREDIT CARDS. Contrary to the pictures it is
NOT a stand-alone building and there ARE buildings on both sides of this
property [VERY misleading – especially to hotel guests like I was thinking it
was a peaceful/tranquil place.
Also, their property on the beach does NOT have internet access).
El Lorito ((“Small Parrot”) - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - Main Street in front of the old City
Hall - corner by square (near street heading towards airport) - just North of Hospedaje La
Concha - CHEAP - The cheapest in
town at around $2 for a Tipico meal hence VERY popular with locals. Cafeteria-style with dishes prepared in
advance so not the best place around. More choices than Chitre but I prefer
Chitre. Tasty pastries.
“McDouglas” – see “Golden Grill”
Mondo Taitu Bar - Main island “Bocas” - Isla Colon
– Turn Left after Artisan Stands and Hotel Las Brisas – 50 mts. (757-9425) -
Tasty VEGETARIAN fare. The
bar has an international mix of surfers and younger travelers with young, hip,
friendly bartenders service you here with a diverse menu of specialty island
cocktails-- mojito with a twist. HAPPY HOUR: 7-8pm – 50¢ beers, $1 mixed drinks. Cocktail Hour 8-9pm - $2
cocktails. “Best Cocktails on the
Island”
Mukunda
- Isla Carenero (6564-8293-cell / Kapaho@hotmail.com) - INDIAN TALI and VEGETARIAN foods like Mung Dal, Pakoras, Puris,
Lassi’s, Subji, Chutney, Popers, Koftas, Samosas, Halaba and Gulab Jamun. I THINK this might be dining in
someone’s home (it’s says “Jungle Dinner”) that you reserve at least a day
before. Next time I AM going to
find this place!!
Nine Degrees / 9° Restaurant and Lounge - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - 1st Street (757-9400) - in the El Reloj building on
1st Street. Getting good
reviews. NEW RESTAURANT ‘08.
HOURS: Thurs.-Mon. noon-3pm
and 6-10pm. Lounge – noon-close
Old Joe’s at Hotel Bahia - Main island “Bocas” –
Isla Colon – 1st Street across from the Ferry pier (http://HotelBahia.biz
/ 757-9626 / 6676-4669 / DdeSarrolloHotelerodelistmo@gmail.com
/ info@HotelBahia.biz) -
ITALIAN
restaurant with some of the best pizza in town. HOURS:
7-10:30am and 6-9:30pm.
Olga
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - to
Right of Bank – Just one Tipico food/comida dish per day – Rice, chicken (fried
or with sauce) or carne salad - $3.
OM CAFÉ - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - 2nd Street -
Upstairs above the Surf Shop Flow (6587-6757 / 6624-0898 / puravida01@hotmail.com) - “There’s no place like OM” If you like INDIAN food, try OM!! It's GREAT!!!! Unfortunately they took
tandoori chicken off the menu but they have lots of other good stuff Its an
especially good place to go if you have someone in your party who is a VEGETARIAN. Their vegetable samosas are
fabulous and the dipping sauce is wonderful too. Special Parties can use their “private Red Room” inside
(reservations required)!! BREAKFASTS from 1.75-$4+ include BAGELS
(Bagels and Cream Cheese $1.75 – with egg and cheddar $3.25), HUGE Pancakes $3
(with bananas $3.50), Omelets, Homemade Yogurt – even Indian Breakfasts like
Eggs Vindeloo, Marsala Chai and Indian French Toast (with spices and chutney
syrup!) and more. DINNER – Burgh Makni (“butter chicken”)
$6.50-chicken, $9-shrimp, Paleak Paneer (spinach) $5, Tikka Masala – Curry,
Vindaloo $6.50/$7.50/$9 (depends
on if chicken, fish or shrimp), Daal of Day, Lentil Curry $3.50, Mixed Vege
Curry $5.50, Pioti Wraps $5-$6.50, Vege Thalis (rice plate), Raita (no garlic –
not much bite) $1.50. Dessert –
Kielfi $3.50, Fruit Salad $3.
DRINKS – Mango Lassi $1.75, Juice – Piña (pineapple),
fresa/strawberries, orange, mango, Shake $1.75 $1.50-$1.75, HOURS: July-April -
Daily 8am-noon, 6-10pm. Closed May
and June. OWNERS: Sunanda & Stefani Martini Bar. LADIES NIGHT Tues. CASH ONLY.
Panama Bill’s Bar and Grill -
OWNERS; John Lang and Bill
Sobolewski
Pargo Rojo – Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –
Corner of 3rd St. and Ave. North (was on Isla Carenero) (http://pargorojo.net) - The last time I was there was the day
before they were closing for a few weeks & it was the WORSE service I’d
ever had. Even though I told them
I was crunched for time, it still took about 10+ to get soup that was already
made. Hopefully it was just
because they were burnt out.
Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the rustic style bar with its stools,
bamboo motifs and white cane. As the bar is built around the open-air kitchen
you can relax with tropical cocktails with friend as you watch the preparation
of the evening's meals. The
restaurant offers an international menu with an emphasis on seafood. Upon
request, it offers excellent Middle Eastern dishes. It serves breakfast, lunch
and dinners, which can be enjoyed during a beautiful sunset from its terrace
over the ocean. Pargo Rojo also offers its guests INTERNET SERVICES WiFi.
Pasa Tiempo Café –
at Hotelito - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – (http://HotelitoDelMar.com / 757-9861 /
6615-2220 / tashmoo@cwpanama.net) -
Across from the Jail, a block from the water. Organic French Press
Coffee, Fresh Menu daily.
Cute/funky décor! HOURS: 7:3am-2:30pm
PICKLED PARROT
- Isla Carenero (the first island across from the Main island “Bocas” – Isla
Colon ) – over the water under a big palapa!! (http://bocasbluemarlin.com/html/pickled_parrot.htm
/ / 757-0003 / 757-9093 / 757-9853 / BlueMarlin@cwpanama.net) - MY FAVORITE RESTAURANT!!! YUMMMM food,
especially seafood, GREAT BURGERS
($4.50 for a 1/2 lb-er and $6.50 with BLUE CHEESE [MY FAV!!]) and the BEST/FRESHEST Piña
Coladas I’ve EVER had (though not the cheapo ones you get at Happy
Hours). They claim to have the COLDEST
DRAFT BEER (served in frosty
glasses). HAPPY HOUR: 3-5pm – 2x1 Drinks. TV for NFL Football. Hola to George and Yessica from Vicki
in Costa Rica!
Pirate Restaurant and Bar – Main island “Bocas” –
Isla Colon – next to J&J’s Boat Tours
(757-9915 / (757-9915)) –
Waterfront – CHEAP BREAKFASTS (I had 2 eggs and 2 big pancakes for $3.25,
omelets $3-$5, Scrambled Eggs $2.50-$2.75, Pancakes $2.25, French Toast $2.75,
Fruit Salad $3, Beef Steak $4-$5.
Main dishes come with toast and jam, ranch sauce and fries or
patacones. Dinner – Salad $3.50,
Lobster Butterfly $15, Big Shrimp $13, Conch $9.75, Octopus $9.75, Whole Fish
$8, Mixed Seafood $3, Filet Mignon $10 (with Fish $12), Spaghetti $6-$15 (with
seafood $13, lobster $15), Ceviche $3.50, Fruit Salad $2. National Drinks $1.50-$3 (papaya, piña
colada, banana, strawberry.
HOURS: 7am-10:30pm
The PLANK Bar at The Black Olive Restaurant - Main island
“Bocas” – Isla Colon - CLOSED
Playa Mango
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon (5 min. outside of town) (http://MangoBeachClub.com
/ 6616-0311 / 6679-3956 / info@MangoBeachClub.com) - Eco-Resort, BEACHFRONT with dock, POOL with bar, WiFi, Water
Sports.
Red Rooster
- Isla Bastimentos (6561-8507)
- WATERFRONT (ON water)
The Reef
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –on the main street – across from
Hotel Bahia - Newly remodeled - their pulpo is very
good - nice and garlicky, and the patacones, while not quite as good as Bocatorito,
is better than most of the other places in town. You can get a platter of fried
chicken wings with patacones for $3.50.
Ultimo RefugIO
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
– over the water just past the Ferry Dock (http://UltimoRefugio.com) -
Owners Nicole & Katherine (tell him “Hola! From Vicki”) bring you
REALLY TASTY unique Gourmet dishes with a menu that changes often & dishes
starting at $8 outside on the dock!!!
I ESPECIALLY LOVE their VANILLA & PASSION FRUIT TERRINE ($4) &
usually go at least for that at LEAST twice in a trip! Coconut Pumpkin Soup ($4), Savory
Pork Meatloaf with mashed potatoes & veges - $8, Chili Mango Shrimp - $10,
their House Salad of with roasted beets, pears, walnuts, blue cheese, red
onion, and honey poppyseed vinagrette
- $4.50, Pecan Crusted Chicken Breast stuffed with dried cranberries,
feta cheese & spinach and topped with a sweet balsamic reduction $8.50. Wanna meet the expat locals? There are LOTS of them here! HOURS:
Tues.-Sat. 5pm+
Roots
- Isla Bastimentos – over
the water (6662-1442 / roots014@hotmail.com) - WATERFRONT. “A True Island Fantasy” – Creole food under a palapa with
Reggae and Salsa Music plays in the background. OWNER: Augusto
Narvaez
Serendipity Tea & Café - Main
island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – on the water between Boca Bill’s Café and the
bar - MANY things here are ORGANIC &/or Homemade (they even
have soy milk)!!! Wide variety of Coffees (Caramel Mokaccino - regular
size $1.25-$2.75, grande $2.50-$4.25), Teas
(Fizz Tea in 8 different flavors $3.25, Iced Chai $2.50, Iced Chai Latte
$3.25), Sandwiches with 4
different types of bread/pan – 1-Bimbo bread (white – 2nd most
expensive), 2-Whole Wheat (most expensive), 3-Croissant or 4-BAGEL –
Mediterranean with Feta cheese, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, garlic -
$3.25-$4.75, Cucumber and Cream Cheese $3.25, Ham and Cheese with goat cheese)
$3.50-$4, Ham and Cheese or Vegetarian Quiche $3. SALADS ($5-$5.25) and
PASTRIES (Chocolate Torte $3.50). BREAKFAST
goodies $1.50-$6 (bagel with salmon and cream cheese), Fruit Salad $2.50,
Muffins $1.25, Quiche $3)!! Some things pretty $$$$/pricy but some YUMMMMY
things!!! COOL FUNKY
environment!!! They also sell Caribbean
Chocolate Factory chocolate!! HOURS: 8am-6:30pm.
OWNER: Matilda Grand
SHELLY’S BARBECUE and MEXICAN - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –4th and
Avenida D - 1 block off the main street, behind Hotel Laguna (6531-6155-cell / 757-9779) -
TASTY barbecue (baby back ribs) and Mexican food (Chicken Mole, Chicken
Enchilada. They’re the only source
of good Mexican food in the islands). The owner is from Mexico. A tiny place
with just a few tiny bar stool tables for 2, they do more takeout business than
eat-in. Meals from $6-9 depending on what you order. My favorite is 3 crisp tacos with great rice and beans and
salad with unusual homemade dressing and fresh salsa, $7. They sell some of their things at Super
Gourmet! DELIVERY (you pay round trip taxi fare). HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. 10am-10pm. Sun.
4-10pm in Peak Season – closed in Vlaue/low season. Next door is a Bread place.
Star Sushi
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – inside Starfish Café -
Main Street
(6459-8469) - SUSHI. HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. noon-4pm and 6-10pm.
Starfish Café and Newsstand - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –on
Main Street (6621-4108) -
Wide variety of COFFEES, TEAS, SALADS and PASTRIES. NEWSSTAND
with Miami Herald and LOTS more!
Sunset Grill - at Careening Cay Resort - Isla Carenero -
NOW COSMIC CRAB
SUPER GOURMET Market & Deli - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon
- 3rd Street (the main
street - across from the Ferry Dock and beside Hotel Bahia (http://bocas.com/otros/supergourmet.htm
/ 757-3357 / 757-9357 / 6671-5347
/ Labocaloca@cwpanama.net) -
First thing I do after I arrive (of course after I stop at Bahia Café’s
place in the airport for a handful ++ of the Caribbean Chocolate Factories
YUMMMMY TongueGasmic organic chocolate logs [$3 but they’re BIG. I mainly LOVE
them with Almonds and have been known to buy them out when I’m in town. They also have them with coconut
and plain]) is head straight for Super Gourmet to load up on big bottles of
Spring or filtered water (though the water here they say is fine to drink) and
other tasty noshes!! They have a
Full Service Deli in this WONDERFUL TINY Gourmet Market where I’ve found
numerous gringo goodies that I’ve not even found in Costa Rica!! They offer an exclusive and vast
selection of meats, cheeses, seafood and wine, fresh breads, yogurts, milk,
homemade cookies, PIZZAs, Sandwiches and other goodies in their deli. AIR-CONDITIONED. VEGETARIAN and ORGANIC goodies also. They’ll DELIVER (I’m sure there’s a
minimum and not sure if they’ll do it off the island) and they take special
orders/requests. Next door they
have a nice Produce Stand. HOURS:
Mon.-Sat. 7am-6pm. CLOSED
Sun.
Swans Cay -
Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon - at Hotel Swan’s Cay – 3rd
Street - past the police station heading away from the center (http://swanscayhotel.com/skresta.htm / 757-9090 / 757-9316 / SwansCayIsla@cwp.net.pa) - We offer tasty ITALIAN,
international and local cuisine at reasonable prices, with a dining area for a
comfortable meal and a beautiful cafeteria with air-conditioning. The restaurant is famous for the diversity of dishes
included in the menu and the ability to satisfy the more demanding customer. It
looks more elegant-ish.
Tom
- Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon – at the
Old Municipal Market (near the Fire Station)
Ultimate Refugio - Main island “Bocas” – Isla Colon –100
meters past the Ferry Dock
(6726-9851 / 6568-8927)
- WATERFRONT. HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 5pm+
Yarisnori
- Boca del Drago, Isla
Colón (http://bocas.com/restaurantes/yarisnor.htm / 613-1934 / 615-5580 / jamelsv@hotmail.com) -
The beach restaurant of the islands, The best in CREOLE and international cuisines. They claim that “Yarisnori is the most visited beach restaurant in the Bocas
del Toro Archipelago.” Main dishes
(lobster, fish fillet, whole fish, octopus, shrimps and conch) are sided with
coconut rice and salad, patacones or bread fruit (on season). At only steps from the beach, under the
shadows of a hut with sand floor, Yarisnori Restaurant offers the best seafood
in the islands, cooked at the regional style. The restaurant is located in the
way of the tours to Boca del Drago, Birds Island and Soropta Channel, being the
mandatory stop for tourists.
Yeisi
- Bastimentos Isla – yellow
building over the water (6700-6109 / 6696-6813) - Mixto
Mariscos (mixed Seafood with LOTS of garlic and butter) $10, Lobster Tail $15,
Fish – Fillet $4, Whole Fish $6, Shrimp $9, Squid or Conch $8. Comida de Dia $3.50. Chicken – Fried, Creole or
Grilled. Breakfasts – Huevos
Ranchero with coffee, tea or chocolate $3.50, Fried eggs $2.50, Pancakes
$1. Wine and Beer $1.50,
Smoothies $1.50. DELIVERY with a
$5 min. (I believe only on the island).
BREADS /
BAKERY
Some of the best cinnamon rolls anywhere are baked
in a Bocas bakery. Buy them at the Laguna Hotel restaurant and in The Gourmet
Shop near the main plaza.
Cosmopolitan Bakery - around the
corner from Shelly’s Barbeque/Mexican Restaurant
Johnny Cakes – Bastimentos – at Roots Restaurant? (6515-9276 / Roots014@hotmail.com)
@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Vicki Skinner (aka the "Sarong Goddess" in Escazu, Costa Rica)