Best Restaurants in Boquete (Shared by a Local)

Are you looking for the best restaurants in Boquete, Panama? Look no further – we have done your research for you! As a local resident of the Chiriqui district, I have compiled a list of my favorite eateries in Boquete. From casual cafes to fine dining options and everything in between, there is something here for everyone. Read on to find out more about the best restaurants in Boquete.

Sugar & Spice

Sugar & Spice is a great place for breakfast or lunch in Boquete. They serve delicious crepes and waffles with an array of toppings and syrups – sweet or savory – plus fresh juices and smoothies. For lunch, try their homemade sandwiches made with freshly-baked breads. Their baked goods are also divine!

Order a passion fruit pie from Sugar & Spice to add a lovely dessert to your dinner table.

(Calle Principal y 7 Sur) 507.730.9376

Boquete Fish House

For seafood lovers, the intimate and cozy Boquete Fish House is the place to go. This restaurant is located right alongside the river and features some of the freshest fish (lobster, shrimp, grouper) around. They offer a wide selection of dishes from traditional Panamanian cuisine to international flavors. Plus, Boquete Fish House has an extensive wine menu.

Traditional fish & chips are the best-selling item and it is delicious. Family-style seating provides an opportunity to dine with friends or make new ones.

(Calle Principal, Ave Fundadores) 507.6521.2120

La Brûlerie

La Brulerie has been roasting coffee beans since 1926, so it’s safe to say that these folks know what they’re doing when it comes to making coffee. Stop by this cafe, amidst one of the prettiest settings in Boquete, early morning before heading off on your adventures. You may be entertained by the bounty of birds, while you are enjoying your cup of Joe.

Restaurant Olga’s

Restaurant Olga’s is a charming spot offering delicious Panamian cuisine. Here you can find omelets for breakfast, and lunches of perfectly cooked meats with rice and beans. The atmosphere here is cozy yet sophisticated; you won’t want to miss it!

Olga’s has the best Hojaldras (Panamanian Fry Bread) in Boquete. Try them with cinnamon and sugar.

(Alto Boquete) 507.6521.6028

RetroGusto Restaurant

RetroGusto Restaurant, Boquete’s first farm-to-table concept, features old-school recipes combined with modern techniques to create truly unique dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. The menu has something for everyone – from salads and pastas to burgers and brick-oven artisan pizzas – plus they have an impressive selection of craft beers on tap and wines, too!

RetroGusto is a must visit for exact consistency in presentation of the meals and food quality. You’ll want to visit regularly. 

(Avenida Central & Calle 1 Norte) 507.720.2933

The Garden Restaurant

The Garden Restaurant offers up fresh takes on Panamanian classics like empanadas and tamales, as well as some international favorites like tacos and burritos. All ingredients are locally-sourced from nearby farms, so you know you’re getting quality food every time you visit!

We like going to the Garden Restaurant for breakfast, they serve yummy omelets and biscuits & gravy. For lunch, try a made-to-order custom salad, burger, or the Daily Lunch Special.

(Plaza San Franciso) 507.6979.4628

Mike’s Global Grill

Mike’s Global Grill serves up global flavors from around the world such as Mexican Street Tacos, Korean Bibimbap Bowls, Greek Gyros and more! Some menu items change daily, so there’s always something new to try at Mike’s Global Grill. Burgers, chicken, and sandwiches are always a popular choice.

Come for the live music, free Wifi, Mexican Specials (Tuesday), weekend brunch, and all sporting events. This is one of THE places to be in Boquete.

(Calle 7 Sur) 507.730.9360

Big Daddy’s Grill

Have lunch or dinner on the front porch of Big Daddy’s Grill overlooking Central Avenue, or follow the path to the back patio and large fire pit area, where the locals hang out. This popular restaurant offers boom-boom shrimp, fish or chicken tacos, salads, and Boquete’s Best Burger (made from grass-fed beef!) for several years running. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too.

Big Daddy’s is also known for delicious margaritas. Check their social pages for nightly activities, like live music, karaoke, or dancing.

(Avenida Central) 507.6250.1948

Apizza

APIZZA, and Chef Davide Care, serves authentic Neapolitan-style thin-crust pizzas, made using only quality Italian ingredients. Fresh dough is made in-house daily, and the tomato sauce features hand-crushed San Marzano tomatoes. A specially built wood-fired oven from Italy, that reaches 900 degrees, doesn’t hurt either.

Choose from classic pies, such as Margherita or Mushroom & Truffle Oil, or opt for a creative creation, like Zucchini & Salmon. Calzones and focaccia are also on the menu.

Boquete Sandwich Shop

Boquete Sandwich Shop offers gourmet sandwiches made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients available that day. You can choose from classic sandwiches like BLT’s or Reubens, or opt for one of their creative creations, like a grilled cheese with tomato and bacon jam.

Boquete Sandwich Shop serves breakfast all day — Eggs Benedict is always a delicious choice. Hours of operation are 8 AM to 6 PM daily.

(Avenida A Oeste y Calle 2a Sur) 507.730.9527

Restaurant Mesa Azul

Restaurant Mesa Azul serves up flavorful Mexican dishes prepared using traditional cooking methods giving each dish its unique flavor profile. Located at the Hotel Oasis, treat yourself to Chef Chris Young’s delicious meals, and watch for special events, like vegan-inspired menus and cooking classes.

The Rock

The Rock is a casual, yet elegant spot for an intimate dinner date or special occasion meal, sitting on the banks of the Caldera River. They serve up creative dishes featuring seasonal ingredients that are sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your group!

My favorite dishes are the beef tenderloin carpaccio, wild mushroom risotto (perfection!), and Iberian tapas board. Another specialty are the sea bass ceviches; try the coconut or passion fruit.

Check out the breakfast dishes, which all come with bottomless American coffee or English tea. Or, Thursdays are the local favorite “eat all the BBQ ribs you want,” from 5 to 8 PM for $19.90.

(Avenida Buenos Aires) 507.720.2516

The Panamonte Inn

The 100+ year old Panamonte Inn features traditional Panamanian cuisine served up in elegant surroundings making it perfect for romantic meals or family dinners alike. Don’t forget to check out their extensive wine list either – it pairs perfectly with any meal here!

Dine inside the T’ach Restaurant, in the El Salto Cocktail Lounge, or at T’ach Cafe (on the porch) amidst the fresh mountain air. Panamonte Inn serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complete with white tablecloths in the main dining room. Chef Charlie Collins will dazzle your taste buds.

The Panamonte Inn, now owned by the former President of Panama, Juan Carlos Varela, it is the perfect place to gather with friends after dinner for a glass of wine, nightcap, or dessert, namely strawberries and cream.

(Calle Principal) 507.720.1324

Otto Gastronomia Italiana

I didn’t expect to find amazing Italian food in Panama, but that’s just what you’ll be in store for at Otto Gastronomia Italiana on Central Avenue. Otto focuses on regional Italian cuisine crafted using fresh local ingredients sourced straight from farms around Boquete. They also have a great selection of honkin’ big sandwiches and baked goods.

The Fusilli with Spicy Italian Sausage Sauce and Mushrooms and Beef Cannelloni (with a perfect béchamel sauce) get my top votes.

Cafe Mirador

Cafe Mirador boasts amazing views overlooking downtown Boquete, plus delicious food made with organic produce grown right at the cafe’s own farm nearby. Enjoy breakfast specials like smoothie bowls paired with freshly brewed coffee or come back later in the day for lunch items, like veggie wraps or quinoa salads !

Pro Tip: Enjoy the breathtaking views of Volcan Baru and Alto Boquete. On a clear day, the views of the Pacific Islands are a sight to behold. This is easily one of Boquete’s best places for a great photo-op.

(Alto Jaramillo) 507.6688.7227

La Posada Boquetana

La Posada Boquetana is an exceptional restaurant to go for grilled meats and fantastic pizzas. The restaurant has a relaxing atmosphere, and it’s great for crowds. Celebrate a special occasion or have a birthday party here. We often pick up pizzas to take home, and they are as good reheated as they are on day one.

Butcher Chophouse

My first visit to Butcher Chophouse, and I was sure I’d stepped into a world-class bbq restaurant. This rustic and trendy eatery specializes in steaks cooked over charcoal flames, which gives them their signature smoky flavor that makes them stand out among other steakhouses.

If beef isn’t your thing , don’t worry, there are plenty of other proteins, such as chicken, lamb, fish, and pork.

An extensive selection of salts enhances your dinner plate, while a tantalizing menu of cocktails and beer enhance the whole experience. Butcher Chophouse is easily one of the best restaurants in Boquete, now offering outdoor seating.

(Avenida Central) 507.720.2368

Best Places to Eat in Boquete: Fresh and Local 

As you can see, there are plenty of amazing restaurants in Boquete ranging from casual cafes to upscale eateries offering everything under the sun (and moon!) Whether you’re looking for seafood delights served alongside riverside views or hearty pub grub served next door at Big Daddy’s Grill – Boquete truly has fresh food that will satisfy everyone’s appetite during your stay here. Bon appetit !

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