Tired of all the pizza, pasta and the high tourist prices in Boquete? These are the best options in town to go (a bit more) local!
Sugar & Spice
This was my favourite place in Boquete and I basically wanted to eat here 3x a day during my whole stay. Sugar & Spice is a little bakery / coffeeshop with lovely and reasonably priced (Reuben!) sandwiches, freshly baked croissants, muffins, ridiculously delicious pies and cookies, daily soups, smoothies, giant salads. Oh gosh, I want to go back already just thinking about it…
The atmosphere is relaxed and there’s both an indoor and outdoor area where you can enjoy your breakfast or (late) lunch. Just like anywhere in Boquete the coffee is superb and you can fill up your water for free as well! ↓
Note that it’s closed on Wednesday.
Boquete Sandwich Shop
Another breakfast/ lunch / brunch favourite!
This place is located a little off the main road and I was drawn to it because of the name. Nevertheless, once I stepped inside I discovered that Boquete Sandwich Shop actually has a lot more to offer than just sandwiches! You’ll find lots of wraps, pancakes, salads, ceviches and burgers on the extensive menu in here.
Breakfast can be ordered in here all day long as well and that’s always a winning concept. ↓
The staff of the Sandwich Shop was the friendliest I encountered in Boquete and the prices seemed very reasonable for what I got. Plus all the sandwiches and burgers come with fries. Come to this place on Sunday if you’re in for something special or on Monday when it’s Mexican day in here and the menu’s filled with burritos, tacos and enchiladas.
Sabrosón #1 and #3
Do you want to get a taste of the real Panamanian kitchen? Go to Sabrosón! Don’t expect high-end cuisine in here por favor, but cafeteria-style, big rice ‘n bean kinds-of meals. Upon entering you’ll see this place is a favourite among the people from Boquete. Also, almost every host recommended me this place.
There are at least two branches of Sabrosón. The numbering suggests that there should be a third one, but I didn’t encounter it during my walks in upper Boquete.
I liked the food in both, but I had the feeling Sabrosón #1 was a bit cheaper regarding lunch (a chicken, rice ‘n beans with salad for $4,- USD), but maybe I just had the better offer when I was eating out over there.
These pictures were taken at #3 ↓. This branch also has the best view (right at the park)!
Central Park
Another perfect local spot. Come to Central Park for breakfast and to see the hustle and bustle on the main square while sipping that (really good) coffee. Just like at Sabroson, meals in here are cheap, fresh and offer superb value for money. This place can get really crowded during the weekend mornings.
DIY eat?
The best supermarket in town is Romero, right next to Central Park. Romero even has some ready to eat meals, like roasted chicken and wraps.
Come in here if you want to stock up on the better granola bars for your hikes or some dyi sandwiches.
Here’s where to find the local hotspots!
Volker
January 11, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Being the title of your blog “eat like a local”, I was a bit astonished to see you mention Sugar & Spice. I don’t deny that they have excellent bread, cakes, and cookies, but it’s really not “eat like the locals”. The owners are foreigners (I think Canadians) and what they sell is good, but mostly not typical Panamanian food.
Yes, the Sabrosón is a typical Panamanian fonda, but unfortunately, the quality is sometimes influenced by the attempt to serve food cheap to a big number of people in a short time. Maybe the one at the main square is different, I am referring to the #1, which is a bit more up the road, nearer to the church.
In any case, you missed a small typical Panamanian restaurant close to the police station which has excellent local food at a very reasonable price. Its name is Restaurante Las Orquidias (6628.9108) and they offer breakfast and lunch but are closed in the evening (I heard on special days like during the flower fair they may serve also dinner). We eat there often when we don’t have time to cook at home. The pork chops with honey and sauteed potatoes are excellent and a meal is only around $4.00. The restaurant does not have a very visible sign so you need to look for it. It’s on Avenida Belisario Porras across the road from the police station.