Boquete probably has more restaurants per capita than any other city in Panama. I decided to do an omnibus update for the holiday eating season and for visitors.
There are several restaurants not mentioned, we know some and just have not had time or desire to eat at them. Each is linked to its post if we have one for the restaurant. More current opinions are here.
American
Bistro Boquete: I have many posts involving the Bistro since it is an anchor in Boquete. They are now serving breakfasts as well a lunch and dinners. Always a good place to go and feel welcome.
Punto de Encuentro Cafe: Olga is wonderful. The food is ok and the atmosphere is still good but new construction is threatening the view.
Panamonte: Jennifer’s Sunday brunch favorite.
El Cafe: Been a while since we have eaten breakfast at El Cafe
Burgers
Amigos: Still offering the best location to enjoy a beer, people watch and eat a real Canadian hocky puck burger.
Fresa Marys: We have not returned but I hope they have running water now.
Java Juice: We keep going back for the best Batidos in town. The burger is also still an excellent value.
Continental Country Style
Panamonte: Usually top flight, avoid busy days, they do run out of food. Eat in the bar (just don’t take our spot near the fireplace)
Palo Alto: Despite rumors to the countrary we did a drive by and the Palo Alto is open. We did not see a customer and we doubt we will return unless we see people eating there. A tragic loss.
French
Rendez-vous : I think they are open again, not sure.
La Crepe: One of five new November openings.
Hibiscus : I really like Christoph and he is a great cook, the restaurant however is no longer as good as it was when we reviewed it.
Grill
Roxannes Grill : New and a current favorite. They have revised their prices upward a little and are as of last night officially open. A top choice.
Italian
Il Pianista: Il Pinista closed for remodeling and we have not been there since they reopened. We do plan to return this month for a pizza.
Papa Riccos: One of five new restaurants opened in November. Ricco is the personality that drives the restaurant.
Mexican
Antojitos: Trini’s food is as always excellent, her prices have gotten a bit too high for us to eat there as frequently as we did in the past.
La Casona: We have not returned. We will next time we want to play roulette with the menu.
Middle Eastern
Al Zarana: We have had mixed reviews of meals at Al Zarana. Our conclusion is that the appetizers and shwarma are the best things on the menu.
Panamanian
El Sabroson: One of my favorites for fast cheap eats. Try the trout (trucha).
Lourdes: We have not returned since the review.
Genesis: We have not returned since this note.
Cafe Nelvis: Still my favorite for fried chicken. They have moved across from the elementry school.
Central Park: My favorite Boquete Breakfast spot, Jennifer prefers the Panamonte.
Auras: It has been a few months since we have eaten at Auras. Unlike most Panamanian restaurants they are not a cafeteria; they cook to order. Still recommended highly.
La Casa del Risco, Los Molinos: We have not been back recently.
Peruvian
Delicias del Peru: We have not returned for some time so nothing new to say.
Machu Picchu: We have not returned for some time so nothing new to say.
What about Sabor Escondido??
Editor: We have only been there once before we started this blog so until we go again we cannot comment on it. Based upon comments from friends we have not rushed back. If you feel it is worth trying please let us know and suggest some things for us to try.
Went to El Cafe for breakfast yesterday. It – and Hibiscus – appear to be closed — permanently. Sad to see, but not surprising.
You need to try Finca Lerida for good food, great coffee and a terrific view if you go or breakfast or lunch. On the Alto Queil / Bajo Mono road.
Also I heard a rumor that Cristophe, in January, is going to go the the little cafe just on the right as you enter the Santuario. I hope the rumor is true.