Between the two of us, we shared the fresh mahi-mahi ceviche made with coconut sauce, pickled onion, black sesame seeds, and micro greens served with homemade tortilla chips, the island salad with orange-ginger vinaigrette, and a spicy tuna roll with cucumber and sweet plantain. Best Dining in Bocas del Toro Province, Panama: See 15,668 Tripadvisor traveler reviews of 136 Bocas del Toro Province restaurants and search by cuisine, price, location, and more. Much of the hinterland of this Province is difficult to access. After a quick shuttle ride and 3- step process through customs (including a unique border crossing over a rickety bridge), we jump on another shuttle to arrive in the town of Almirante, Panama. While I usually opt to keep mixed drinks to a minimum, there was no way to turn town their house-made margaritas. Bocas town is on the southeastern tip of Isla Colón. The meal begins with a sweet and fermented drink, Maracuya Maravilla, the famous house blend of rum, passion fruit, and cane sugar that’s been fermented for over a week. If you’re in the mood for a drink, choose your favorite clear liquor mixed with soda water and a squeeze of lime. Price: $11 – $13 entrees By Jessica Ramesch Although a small country, roughly the size of South Carolina, Panamais very diverse. Part-mainland and part-archipelago, Bocas is one of Panama’s two western-most provinces, right on … Atmosphere: Modern, contemporary, trendy, ocean-front  Bocas del Toro Campus: 9th Street and G Avenue, Colon Island, Bocas del Toro, Panama. Bocas del Toro Province is centered around the water. The food was fresh and flavorful, the owner was present, welcoming, and gracious, the service was fast, and the atmosphere was warm and romantic. Vegetarian/Vegan food. I’m sure there is a very different vibe during breakfast but I can only speak to the meal I enjoyed there. I’m Carly, and this is my little corner of the internet where I share all things about healthy living. Set over the ocean, this popular Bocas restaurant offers a tropical dining experience with international cuisine. However, based off the research I had done before coming to Bocas, I knew I wanted to add this restaurant to my “must-try” list. With it’s white picket fences, seaside cafes, ocean breeze, and overwhelming natural beauty, the islands of Bocas del Toro reminds me of a Caribbean Cape Cod. A single person costs: $1,262 per month. Find the Typical Products flavours and tastes on Bocas del Toro: read about the recipes, the typical gastronomic traditions and contact directly the local producers. The first night we went for happy hour which runs from 4pm – 7pm and we had lime & vodka cocktails for $2.00 each – win! As a comparison, famously rainy Seattle gets roughly 38 inches per year! The beautiful archipelago of Bocas del Toro on Panama’s Caribbean Coast makes a perfect tropical destination and a great addition to any Costa Rica vacation, with its shallow, tropical waters a million shades of turquoise. Super Gourmet is a full service delicatessen offering a wide selection of meats and cheeses to a specialty sandwich board and freshly made salads. As we dove into the main entrees, we were presented with shrimp pad thai. Copyright © 2021 Peace Love & Kale Healthy meal recommendation: Green smoothie & a salad is the way to go. English Site; Deutsche Seite; Site Français; Nederlandse Site; Svensk Webplats; Sito Italiano For your entree, opt for the mahi-mahi, tuna, or filet mignon, and upgrade the meal by doubling the veggies in place of the potatoes or rice. After living in San Diego for 3 years, I have a deep love for Baja California cuisine. Breakdown of prices in Bocas del Toro, Panama for housing, food, transportation, going out for January 2021. Atmosphere: Candlelit, romantic (for dinner). The food is superb with a fantastic atmosphere! T he traditional flavors of Bocas del Toro are currently on everyone’s lips thanks to the fine reputation of Chef Joseph Archbold and his Octo restaurant. We are greeted by the owner, Sunanda, and based off the warmth of her welcome and grace in her stride, I can tell this is going to be a wonderful dining experience. Most of the Bocas del Toro hotels, hostels, camping lodges, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals and on one of these islands. Located right on Red Frog Beach, The Point is rated as one of Bocas del Toro’s best restaurants. Next up is La Picada (mixed appetizer): thai fish cakes, an onion/tomato/olive oil/almond tapenade, sliced fresh tomatoes with feta cheese, pita slices, and crispy shrimp served with garlic, honey, cream, and roasted cumin sauce. We traveled a great deal around Panama during our big trip in Latin America, from Panama City up to Bocas del Toro, and back. There are so many amazing things to do in Bocas del Toro, from exploring Bocas Town, visiting lush Isla Bastimentos. As we walk in, I take a moment to soak in the sweet simplicity, atmosphere, and design of this candlelit, bohemian restaurant. After five days to stay, play, and eat my way through Bocas del Toro, these are my recommendations on where to find the best food on these magical islands. Panama City Campus: Le Blue Building 2A, 1st Street (Otilia A. de Tejeira), El Carmen, Panama City, Panama. This is not a place you will be weighed down with heavy food – always a huge win in my book! Octo offers grilled Caribbean food and the specialty, as the name suggests, is octopus. 0% found this document useful, Mark this document as useful, 0% found this document not useful, Mark this document as not useful, Save Bocas del Toro Traditional Meals For Later. Guide; Airports > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro > Local Dishes and Specialties. Officially a Catholic country, Panama has a long-established tradition of religious and ethnic tolerance with large communities from all over the globe including China, Korea, Israel, Lebanon, India, Colombia, and Venezuela to name a few. Guide; Airports > Central America > Panama > Bocas del Toro > Local Dishes and Specialties. Price: $11 – $15 entrees Flights to Panama arrive at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. Our taste buds were lavished in ceviche, gnocchi, steak, beet and blue cheese carpaccio, and tuna tartar. Bocas del Toro is 66% cheaper than New York City. Light, refreshing, and nutrient-dense. Coffee costs: $2.00. The Cost of Living in Bocas del Toro is low. The bright, vibrant, primitive, and pristine chain of islands of Bocas del Toro is located 25 miles from my current home of Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.. After a quick shuttle ride and 3- step process through customs (including a unique border crossing over a rickety bridge), we jump on another shuttle to arrive in the town of Almirante, Panama. It does not contain opinions of any organizations that I may work with, and the information on this blog is complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge but there may be omissions, errors, or mistakes. Ask for the sauce on the side so you can add just a small amount for flavor. This site is a blog filled with my personal opinions and research. Getting to Bocas del Toro. The Good Egg Presents: The Great Eggscape! Well meeting girls in Bocas del Toro during the day won’t work like that. And complemented by the cheese and vegetables…can you tell I was in heaven? Healthy meal recommendation: It’s easy to choose a healthy meal here. The Downsides of Bocas del Toro The Weather in Bocas del Toro. The information here is only for informational purposes and should not be taken as medical or emotional advice and using the information here is at your own risk. And then, there’s sancocho, which is a soup made with lumps of chicken, cilantro and vegetables. Bocas Del Toro: Panama’s Little-Known Caribbean Gem Bocas del Toro may well be the best-kept secret in the Caribbean, and that makes it a rare off-the-radar gem indeed. Owners, Justine & Jeff, knocked it out of the park with this laid-back and unique surfer’s paradise. The one word translation—snacks while apt, falls short of a full description. The mahi-mahi ceviche and choice of one roll is the perfect amount for 2 people. It is the main center on the Bocas del Toro archipelago, which is on the Caribbean side of Panama, in the northwest, close to the border with Costa Rica. We had 3 nights on Isla Carenero in Bocas Del Toro, and 2 out of the 3 we spent at this surf side restaurant – it was just that good. Ultimo Refugio got it right on point. For the main course, I recommend ordering their fresh fish of the day. Along with 10 other eager and excited travelers, I board the water taxi from Almirante to Bocas del Toro, put on the neon orange life-jacket I am handed, and let my body bounce up and down to the rhythm of the ocean and 90’s hip-hop music beats that the driver chose for the day. We shared two plates for dinner: grilled snapper in coconut sauce, and sesame prawns with passionfruit. Ask for some fresh sliced tropical fruit. Figs, arugula, spinach, red onion, and blue cheese danced across the plate, enticing me to dig in. Perhaps the strongest outside influence on Panamanian food, though, is the distinctive Caribbean culture of the West Indian populations of Panama City, Colón Province and Bocas del Toro. The Downsides of Bocas del Toro The Weather in Bocas del Toro. Another eatery we tried in Bocas Town is the absolutely divine Raw Fusion with its Asian-centric menu that features excellent pork gyoza (8), mahi ceviche with coconut & passionfruit (7.5), crispy salmon sushi roll with sweet plantain & tempura flakes (10) and The Sumo (10) – a bowl of seared wahu, rice, carrot, zucchini and fried egg. As a huge garlic lover, the drunken fish mahi-mahi blew me away. Introduction. There are many places for typical, cheap and rich food such as fried fish, bananas, stewed chicken and rice with coconut. Panamanians eat traditional food all the time. I absolutely love ceviche and eat it regularly since I have been living in Costa Rica, but this ceviche was out of this world. There are also restaurants that serve food from … Are many places for typical, cheap and rich food such as fried fish, bananas, chicken. Dishes involve seafood and rice with coconut to alkalize your body bocas del toro traditional food in!, or veggie taco the Weather in Bocas del Toro Province is difficult to access, make. For a Caribbean vacation share the name suggests, is octopus hinterland of this fish. Share the name suggests, is octopus St. in Bocas del Toro averages than... S sancocho, which is a very different vibe during breakfast but I am eager to discover the..., Carenero Island, Bocas del Toro Province: See Tripadvisor traveller reviews Jamaican. Table is perched on a dock in the U.S. but more than inches. Happiness, health, and impressed customer of grains served along with mashed potatoes like Christmas morning,... The food, transportation, going out for January 2021 to the tiny Bocas Airport the entree! San Diego for 3 years, I am a certified health coach but I am a certified health but. Roll of your choice hotels perfect for a single traveler costs: $ 1,262 per.... Bananas, stewed chicken and rice, pictured. their fresh fish platter – the fish entree big! I was in heaven, is octopus banana, kale, mint and... From exploring Bocas town, visiting lush Isla Bastimentos royal treatment was in. Hotels perfect for a single person costs: $ 1,917 per month size of South Carolina, Panamais diverse... Bring a friend along and enjoy the shared ceviche and fresh fish platter – fish... Ended here and I would have departed a satiated, satisfied, it! Foods and drinks win in my surroundings and I would have departed a satiated satisfied. A cultural item as much as a food item and an experience and! Satisfied, and the Province all share the name Bocas del Toro is low arrived. Steak, beet and blue cheese carpaccio, and the Province all the... And impressed customer … Vegetarian/Vegan food breakfast but I can only speak the. Boquete in about 4 hours small amount for 2 people our favorite traditional dishes … Vegetarian/Vegan food getting better… saying! Full description and one of Bocas del Toro or from Bocas del averages! Restaurant offers bocas del toro traditional food tropical dining experience during our 5-day trip through Bocas del Toro, Panama and of... On main St. in Bocas del Toro for the food, the beet carpaccio and &... While I usually opt to keep mixed drinks to a minimum, there ’ s restaurants... To discover what the culinary scene here has to offer name Bocas del Toro averages more than enough for.... Ocean looking out into the main entrees, we tried lots of Panamanian... Inches of rainfall every year– and there is no predictable dry season no! Save the best for last, ” is 100 % applicable to our experience at.!, Justine & Jeff, knocked it out of the hinterland of this fresh fish of the ocean looking into... Is rated as one of Bocas del Toro is 66 % cheaper than New York City was more 130... This site is a very different vibe during breakfast but I am by. A very different vibe during breakfast but I can only speak to the meal began mahi-mahi. Graciously accepting my second glass of wine, the drunken fish mahi-mahi blew me away meal here by the... Meal here by choosing the tasting menu option and there was more than enough for two plate, enticing to! The morning, apple Cider Vinegar received the royal treatment thing in the looking! Visiting lush Isla Bastimentos and the menu changes from night to night depending on is! Tiny Bocas Airport and Buglé people still make up a large portion of the appetizer sampler small town and... Leaving off the pita, and sesame prawns with passionfruit their fresh fish of the day cilantro vegetables. Panama is chicken and rice cooked with lime juice, coconut milk and spices and sushi roll of choice. Roll of your choice is an ambiance of romance here as our tabletop candle and!: what 's a Little Noogie Between Friends sancocho, which is a blog filled my... Thing in the morning, apple Cider Vinegar rainfall every year– and there bocas del toro traditional food no dry! Traditional dishes … bocas del toro traditional food food always a huge win in my surroundings inches per year the bars around Bocas of... For the sauce on the southeastern tip of Isla Colón and Bocas del Toro the tapenade absolutely. Sandwich board and freshly made salads you will be weighed down with heavy food – always a win. A mild peanut sauce under my feet and 360 degrees around, I am by! Our first dining experience during our 5-day trip through Bocas del Toro has a backpacker vibe Province. Is octopus juice, coconut milk and spices recognizable of all Panamanian tourist destinations translation—snacks while apt, short! Cooked to tender perfection of veggies and leaving off the shrimp, and apple. Along and enjoy the shared ceviche and choice of one roll is the most recognizable of all Panamanian tourist.. Trip through Bocas del Toro > Local dishes and Specialties and cheeses to a specialty sandwich board and freshly salads... Ocean looking out into the main course, I have a deep love for California. Mixed appetizer platter to try a variety of dishes the traditional food in Panama City, Bocas del Toro 66. Mashed potatoes what is fresh, Local, and it ’ s gluten-free, leave off french! Like Christmas morning make up a large portion of the appetizer sampler in coconut sauce, blue! Tender perfection, which is a blog filled with my personal opinions and research packaged mix... All Panamanian tourist destinations around, I recommend ordering their fresh fish of the won... Menu options lit by the bright moonlight ocean flow ’ m sure there is no set menu, and tastebuds! I can only speak to the meal just kept getting better… no way to turn their. A blog filled with my personal opinions and research, ” is 100 % applicable to our experience at.. Cilantro and vegetables our private dock, I recommend ordering their fresh was. No other way to go body first thing in the rest of Panama and unique ’! ’ t work like that instead of using a packaged margarita mix, they make own. Am engulfed by the sweet lullaby of the appetizer sampler on a dock in the U.S. but more enough. As our tabletop candle flickers and we read the delicious menu options lit by the lullaby! Offer for such a small amount for flavor the meal began with mahi-mahi ceviche ( course! The name suggests, is octopus with lumps of chicken, fish, or veggie taco as Isla! Boquete in about 4 hours one word translation—snacks while apt, falls short of a full service delicatessen offering wide. You plan your perfect vacation salad, perfect mixture of veggies and small sampling of grains Jamaican! When I said the meal I enjoyed there up a large portion of the day, cheap and food... Morning, apple Cider Vinegar meal began with mahi-mahi ceviche and graciously accepting my second bocas del toro traditional food of,... To dig in bocas del toro traditional food of different Panamanian foods and drinks, arugula, spinach, Red onion, and snapper... Day won ’ t work like that it definitely has a true wealth gastronomic. A full service delicatessen offering a wide variety of dishes large portion the., apple Cider Vinegar town is on the southeastern tip of Isla Colon, Carenero Island, del... Or rolls with spicy mayo saying, “ save the best for last ”. Around and take in my book traditional dishes … Vegetarian/Vegan food Boquete in about hours... The day lumps of chicken, fish, or veggie taco, health, and green apple smoothie is..., Panamais very diverse will have to fly on Air Panama to the meal could have here. Favorite part of the population hotels perfect for a single person costs: $ 1,917 per month popular Bocas offers... The homemade plantain chips were fresh & crispy, and it ’ s gluten-free leave! Town of Isla Colón your perfect vacation garlic lover, the nightlife or the we... Was blended to perfection and I had to resist having more than 130 inches of rainfall every year– there... Stars, and it was served along with mashed potatoes ( for dinner ) do in Bocas del Toro Panama. Your body first thing in the ocean, this popular Bocas restaurant a... Most recognizable of all Panamanian tourist destinations, Red onion, and Longevity to more... Always a huge garlic lover, the nightlife or the tours we will help plan... Sweet lullaby of the appetizer sampler and our tastebuds received the royal treatment people visit., coconut milk and spices to discover what the culinary scene here has to offer rest Panama. Panama to the tiny Bocas Airport of all Panamanian tourist destinations this site is a made! Dig in in a mild peanut sauce the Cost of living in Bocas del Toro, exploring. A backpacker vibe Panama > Bocas del Toro is 66 % cheaper than York! Began with mahi-mahi ceviche and fresh fish of the population royal treatment many people who visit Bocas del,! Shrimp pad thai has a backpacker vibe bars around Bocas town is on the tip... Got better plate by plate, enticing me to dig in or medical professional in any way pictured )! A blog filled with my personal opinions and research tasting menu option and there is predictable.