Bocas del Toro Province Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Bocas del Toro Province

September 29, 2017 Concepcion Newsome

An archipelago off the northwest coast of Panama, Bocas del Toro is an eco-tourism favorite with English-speaking and other tourists traveling to this Central American country. Seven islands (including Isla Colón, Isla Carenero and Isla Bastimentos) comprise the land area, with Bocas Town its regional capital and the “big city” for those looking to shop, dine well, and explore nightlife. Adventure lovers will find plenty to keep them occupied, as scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing and hiking are first-rate. And if you’re more of a tour-goer, never fear—Bocas del Toro offers a host of them, ranging from sailing to Nivida Bat Cave tours.
Things to do in Bocas del Toro Province

1. Guari Guari

La Cabana Beach | next to only gas station on Isla Colon, Isla Colon, Panama Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar International, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night +507 6627-1825
Excellent
87%
Good
10%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 354 reviews

Guari Guari

Reviewed By Tommy S

5-course gourmet meal for $23 that would be in $50 - $200 range depending on where you live. No set menu, the chef determines the offerings daily - fresh, fresh, fresh! Best Sangria I've ever had. Key Lime desert unmatched anywhere. Reservations required. DO NOT MISS!!!

2. Alberto's - Pizzeria & Restaurante

Calle 5, Bocas Town, Isla Colon 0, Panama Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards Italian, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner, Late Night HK$63 - HK$196 +507 757-9066
Excellent
76%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Alberto's - Pizzeria & Restaurante

Reviewed By WindowLes - Kamloops, Canada

I was walking by and decided to drop in. Spanish not required and I was made to feel very welcome by the staff. I had a chicken dish that was very good but I am going back for the pizza. It looked even better

3. La Casbah

Isla Colon, Bocas del Toro, Panama, Isla Colon, Panama Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Reservations Mediterranean, Vegetarian Friendly Dinner +507 6477-4227
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 183 reviews

La Casbah

Reviewed By Bridget M

Yummy mediterranean cuisine! It's been 2.5 years since our trip so I can't remember specifics but I would definitely go back. Our waiter was wonderful and the food was delicious. There isn't a whole lot of ambience since the patio is right next to the street but it was great for people watching!

4. El Ultimo Refugio

Avenida Sur | Isla Colon, Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Caribbean, Seafood, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Drinks, Dinner, Late Night HK$118 - HK$196 +507 6726-9851
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

El Ultimo Refugio

Rustic and quaint, over the water, Caribbean-American fusion, focus on fresh seafood. Meat and vegetarian options always avaible

Reviewed By A TripAdvisor Member

This a nice casual restaurant with friendly staff and it has a decent menu selection. I really enjoyed my curry, lots of flavour. Service was a little slow but a nice place to check out away from the main street.

5. Up in the Hill - Coffee Shop & Organic Farm

Old Bank | Hill Above Marina, Isla Bastimentos 0101, Panama Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff Cafe, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Brunch HK$24 - HK$63 +507 6607-8962
Excellent
75%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 242 reviews

Up in the Hill - Coffee Shop & Organic Farm

A 15 min walk up from the town of old bank on bastimentos will take you to us. We have a small organic farm, shop and coffee shop, pure chocolate and natural body products are made here from the farm.

Reviewed By Skuld_Kersten - Germany

We just passed by a coincidence and had a lovely lunch break with fresh + organic food, very yummy. Unfortunately they didn't offer a tour that day, but we still could walk around and got some interesting impressions. Also the coco and cacao products rhey sell are good and for very fair prices.

6. Paki Point

Playa Paunch | Playa Tiger Tail, Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama Full Bar, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Free Off-Street Parking, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Caribbean, Bar, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$55 - HK$196 +507 6948-6562
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Paki Point

Reviewed By Granolamama

Went here twice, once on a walk and once with the family on a break from riding quads. We had some homemade limonade which was tasty and sodas. Woman working was super chill and the place had a come and relax kind of vibe. Surfers right there to watch. How cool is that. They serve food but close early.

7. The Firefly Restaurant & Bar

Old Bank | Oceanside, Isla Bastimentos, Panama Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Reservations, Free Wifi Caribbean, Asian, Seafood, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Breakfast HK$78 - HK$157 +507 6524-4809
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

The Firefly Restaurant & Bar

The Firefly serves Thai/Caribbean food in an open air, outdoor setting directly on the Caribbean Ocean. We source locally and organically whenever possible and believe in using ingredients readily available to make up our menu. Because of this philosophy, our menu items may change daily. Contact us for special Occasion or private dining! We can create an amazing atmosphere! Contact at least 24 hours in advance if you wish to do a tasting menu, starting at 5 courses. Full bar, Cash only and Reservations required. CLOSED TUES/WED

Reviewed By LizfromCanada

We had two dinners here while on basti and every dish we ordered was divine! The gnocchi was particularly outstanding... the red curry and tuna tartar as well. The setting was fantastic. If you're in the area you absolutely must eat here!

8. Bocart Restaurant

Calle Tercera, Isla Colon 08006, Panama Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Japanese, Caribbean, Seafood, Central American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +507 6972-5065
Excellent
76%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 324 reviews

Bocart Restaurant

Restaurant managed for a young catalan chef with experience in Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Acapluco, Ibiza, Greece, .... Restaurant open in front of the sea. Fresh cuisine, drinks, live music. JoanJu Tuduri´s are waiting to serve you.

Reviewed By amandaivy6 - Salyer, California

Might not be on the main drag, but so very worth the extra footage! Surprised by the delightful decor, live music and amazing presentation. A lovely starter, mini miso and thin plantain chips with a veggie caviar of sorts it is The house version of chips and salsa while you wait for your order. I ordered the crazy maki roll and it was more then enough for a full meal! Cool spot!

9. Capitan Caribe

1st Street | 1st Street, Besides Selina's Hostel, Bocas Town, Isla Colon, Panama Delivery, Takeout, Seating, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi, Outdoor Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Wine and Beer Caribbean, Latin, Bar, Central American, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch, Lunch, Drinks HK$24 - HK$78 +507 6824-3158
Excellent
83%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 449 reviews

Capitan Caribe

We are Capitan Caribe a small and unique food truck in Bocas Town. We will share this great experience and good vibes felt in the Caribbean, with ingredients from the Caribbean region, always fresh and good quality. The success of the house is the "CAPITAN CARIBE BURGER" unique in Bocas Town, followed by TROPICAL BURRITO, PATACONES, CEVICHE and the best natural fruit smoothies, all at a great price with quality and good service.

Reviewed By DeadEye-667 - Germany

Even though the location is a bit off, you really get some good food here. The really nice staff provided us with their own version of hummus with pidgeon peas and the tropical burrito which can be served in 3 "flavors" - veggie, chicken, fish.
Burrito and Hummus were great. Visit recommended.

10. The Sea Monkey Restaurant

Calle Principal, Isla Bastimentos 0101, Panama Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Digital Payments, Free Wifi Seafood, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Breakfast, Dinner, Drinks, Lunch +507 6693-9168
Excellent
88%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 82 reviews

The Sea Monkey Restaurant

The Sea Monkey is a rustic, Caribbean-style overwater tiki bar and restaurant featuring tropical cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and local fruit, as well as a menu that changes daily consisting of tropics-inspired international fusion cuisine. We source a large portion of our produce from friends on the island.

Reviewed By JohnCamille - Mt. Airy

Had the good fortune of spending 2 weeks on Bastimentos and am at a loss attempting to adequately express the joy I felt there. The food and service at The Sea Monkey is magnificent! Everything is fresh and prepared with love. Portions are huge, drinks are creative and the owners and staff go above and beyond to please their patrons. The view is outstanding and Ian, Ryan and Stacy make sure there is never a dull moment and go above and beyond to fulfill your every desire. I believe I have tasted every item on the menu and everything is exceptional! Go for breakfast, enjoy your day (allow Ryan and Stacy to assist you in making your plans!) and return for supper and cocktails. Leave with a full tummy, a smile on your face and a very happy heart! Truly the best food, laughter and most accommodating people on Island. Permit yourself to be treated like family and immersed in the local culture. Make new friends, be grateful for every moment and gain a new appreciation for beauty and life. Sea Monkey is as real as it gets...satisfy your soul!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.