Bocas del Toro is a real ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’-like paradise and luckily many agree with me; therefore expats from all over the world have come to the archipelago to start a restaurant, bringing in all kinds of flavours.
Beneath is a selection of my favourite places in the area; scattered around three different islands. More in the mood for dreaming away with some pictures? Find them here! Looking for an itinerary for a couple of days, then this page is your place to be!
The Hummingbird
Located next to the pristine beach of Playa Bluff you’ll find this gorgeous hotel. Though rooms are a bit pricy, the food in here is actually quite affordable. The Argentinian cook for sure knows how to serve his meat dishes in here. We had a steak and tuna and the only regret I have is that I couldn’t try out the entire menu.
With a couple of red wines on the side you just can’t but having a superb dinner. Sit next to the pool – lit by enchanting lights – for a romantic evening. In for more? On Saturdays they serve Argentinian BBQ in here for $26,- per two people!
Bibi’s on the Beach – Isla Carenero
From the main dock on Isla Carenero it’s a 10-minute walk to this lovely spot, that’s constructed on stilts in the water. Bibi’s has excellent views all around, especially during the evening, when you see how the stingrays – on a safe distance – are nomming away the last pieces of lobster beneath the restaurant. With soft seafood dishes, a romantic atmosphere and reasonable prices this is a fine choice to go to on Isla Carenero. The piña coladas are absolutely superb in here too by the way, just saying!
The Blue Coconut – Isla Solarte
A fun place to have some drinks or eat a snack, in the middle of nowhere. From either Bastimentos or the main island it’s a quick watertaxi ride towards this place (some $5,- p.p.). There are all kinds of things to do around the spot: snorkel around the restaurant with the free provided gear, lay out on the dock, chill in a water hammock. The Blue Coconut also has some fine comfort kind of food and great drinks. All in all it’s for sure nice to spend a couple of hours in here. Beware it is only open from 12-6pm.
Cafe del Mar – Isla Colon
Your ultimate all day long breakfast cafe. The wraps and paninis are amazing – with well sized plates and a lot of vegetarian options -, as well as the big smoothie bowls and iced coffees. Most of the things are home made and that’s something you can taste for sure. Apart from all of that, the staff is incredibly nice and the music is just the topping off this tiny and adorable café. Location of the cafe – across the water taxi hub – comes in practical too.
Skully’s – Isla Colon
A great bar with pirates, parrots and peaceful tranquility on the eastern road towards Playa Bluff. Skully’s is the great place to relax and have a few drinks after riding your bicycle all day. The cool beach bar has a laidback and friendly vibe with fantastic views that do indeed remind you of some pirate adventure. You probably come in here for a refreshing drink, but the food is comforting and fresh too – and they’re adding a rotating grill soon!-. Resident parrot, Maestro, has a perch where you can visit him. If you’re lucky, he’ll hop on your shoulder and give you a snuggle too.
Bocart Restaurant – Isla Colon
Located in Bocas Town on the end of the main ‘strip’. I’d recommend Bocart to anyone who’s looking to eat something refreshingly different, something un-Caribbean like. The chef is from Barcelona and knows how to add a great portion of Mediterranean elegance and taste to the dishes. His eclectic menu has something for everyone and dishes are beautifully presented.. indeed a real work of art. Bocart also has the best sushi in town and a very funky interior.
Leaf Eaters Cafe – Isla Carenero
A lovely quaint vegetarian restaurant that offers more than the standard -salad- options. Whether you eat the taco’s, paninis or their bean burgers, everything at this vegetarian restaurant is super, the desserts too! Chill out at the lounging couches on the deck and enjoy the lovely view by the water. Only note are the prices; Leaf Eaters is not a place to visit everyday if you’re on a budget, but for once in a while it’s definitely worth the extra dollars.
Om Cafe – Isla Colon
Another change to the flavour of the Caribbean – situated on the main street and you can trust your nose while finding it if you’re into Indian food. The restaurant is decorated like you are in fact in India. The location is really nice too and atmospheric, with a terrace over the water and fairy lights. The typical Indian dishes such as butter chicken, fish vindaloo and shrimp tikka massala come in many small plates – as they should – which is great if you like to share.
Buena Vista – Isla Colon
Another fine choice on the strip of Bocas Town on the water. Don’t expect the most creative dishes, but everything we ordered in here was just plain good and tasty – satays, burgers and salads – and they serve good breakfasts too. The ambience is lovely, the service superfast (un-Central-America like), and you have a nice view on the water.
‘The fruitjuice guy’ – Isla Colon
So, this is a bonus and since it’s not a restaurant I can’t really count it in either. But on the main road, often next to the park on the corner of Calle 1A and Calle 3A, there’s a minuscule food truck with a guy that only sells smoothies. But those are the best ever. For $3,- he serves you an immense cup up to 3 fruits of your choice. Include the maracuya and you have a very filling refreshment. Beware for brain freezes!
