Location: Isla Bastimentos
Top Restaurants in Isla Bastimentos
Top Things to do in Isla Bastimentos
Where to Eat in Isla Bastimentos: The Best Restaurants and Bars
Bastimentos Island (in Spanish: Isla Bastimentos) is an island with eponymous town, and corregimiento located in the Bocas del Toro District and archipelage of Bocas del Toro Province, Panama. The island is about 62 square kilometres (24 sq mi), one of the largest in Panama. Bastimentos had a population of 1,954 as of 2010, giving it a population density of 31.4 inhabitants per square kilometre (81/sq mi). Its population as of 1990 was 988; its population as of 2000 was 1,344.
Things to do in Isla Bastimentos
1. Up in the Hill - Coffee Shop & Organic Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 242 reviews
A 15 min walk up from the town of old bank on bastimentos will take you to us. We have a small organic farm, shop and coffee shop, pure chocolate and natural body products are made here from the farm.
Reviewed By Skuld_Kersten - Germany
We just passed by a coincidence and had a lovely lunch break with fresh + organic food, very yummy. Unfortunately they didn't offer a tour that day, but we still could walk around and got some interesting impressions. Also the coco and cacao products rhey sell are good and for very fair prices.
2. Roots
Overall Ratings
4 based on 74 reviews
Reviewed By la_viajera_constanta - Brussels, Belgium
On the waterfront in Basimentos, you can get a water taxi to drop you and collect you from their own dock.
The staff were friendly and cheerful and the Caribbean style food is decent but not amazing. Possibly a little over-priced - mains around 12 dollars - but the octopus ceviche was only 5 dollars. A bottle of beer is 2 dollars. Yes it's a little ramshackle but that is part of it's charm. And the setting, sitting out over the water watching the boats go by and soaking up the local ambience, is fantastic.
3. The Firefly Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 204 reviews
The Firefly serves Thai/Caribbean food in an open air, outdoor setting directly on the Caribbean Ocean. We source locally and organically whenever possible and believe in using ingredients readily available to make up our menu. Because of this philosophy, our menu items may change daily. Contact us for special Occasion or private dining! We can create an amazing atmosphere! Contact at least 24 hours in advance if you wish to do a tasting menu, starting at 5 courses. Full bar, Cash only and Reservations required. CLOSED TUES/WED
Reviewed By LizfromCanada
We had two dinners here while on basti and every dish we ordered was divine! The gnocchi was particularly outstanding... the red curry and tuna tartar as well. The setting was fantastic. If you're in the area you absolutely must eat here!
4. Alvin and ketcha's kitchen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 84 reviews
Reviewed By mariamala - Porto Alegre, RS
Outstanding food, large portions and fair price. We spent a week in Basti and became addicted to Alvin and Keisha! Located by the sea, you eat and drink watching the ocean and feeling the sea breeze, without paying extra for it! The nice service is done by Keisha and her daughter. Most of times we shared huge US$ 10-20 portions of fish, shrimp and chicken sided by patacones and coconut rice. The pina colada is amazing: huge jar of pineapple and coconut cream shaken with a generous dose of rum.
5. Jungle Lounge
Overall Ratings
5 based on 17 reviews
Enjoy a unique dining experience in the tranquility of a beautiful tropical rainforest.
Reviewed By RFTGJS - Peapack-Gladstone, New Jersey
Stumbled upon this great hideaway for lunch and drinks. We were greeted by two friendly dogs and a great, welcoming host! While there were only three of us, we ordered four meals. Each was wonderfully presented with fries and a side salad. The grilled mahi was very "lekker" and the tandoori chicken wrap filled with tastes of India. Can't rave enough about the Jungle Lounge....only wish it were open for dinner. That said, the owners appreciate the constraints imposed by maintaining a negative carbon imprint and strive to maintain an ecologically sound endeavor....kudos, all around. Heading back for more next week!
6. Coco Hill Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Here at Coco Hill we serve a totally vegetarian (mostly vegan) menu that changes daily. At present we are only open for dinner by Reservations. For dinners we offer a set family-style menu for $15 per head - you won't go hungry! We have a great rotating cocktail list with frozen versions of all of your favourites - Negronis, Old Fashioneds, Piña Coladas, Ferraris, Banana Daiquiris, and Zombies. There's more where they came from.
Reviewed By Jeremy P - Chitre, Panama
Please note that dinner is by reservation only so plan ahead. We were fortunate that some other people had made a reservation and canceled which opened up space for us at the last minute.
Bring good hiking shoes, flashlights, maybe a walking stick as the walk up is an adventure. Nothing to strenuous but worth keeping in mind.
The owner is an excellent host and chef. We had a group of 4 so we tried 4 different dishes and split them all. All the food was great but my favorite was a roasted eggplant on coconut bread. Each of the plates had creativity and I enjoyed the mix of flavors from their fresh ingredients.
7. Chavela Bar & Restaurante
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Bar & Restaurante Chavela serves a unique and eclectic Caribbean inspired menu for dinner on Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro
Reviewed By Paul G
Visited Chavelas with my girlfriend; we were recommended a local fish to share and it was enormous! Incredible Caribbean flavours and perfectly cooked. We were also noticing other dishes that came out that looked just as delicious. The owners Leo and his partner were super hospitable and friendly and the place itself, tucked away from the main stretch of Old Bank had a great atmosphere, where locals and other tourists came to eat. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Bastimento.
8. The Sea Monkey Restaurant
Overall Ratings
5 based on 82 reviews
The Sea Monkey is a rustic, Caribbean-style overwater tiki bar and restaurant featuring tropical cocktails made with fresh-squeezed juices and local fruit, as well as a menu that changes daily consisting of tropics-inspired international fusion cuisine. We source a large portion of our produce from friends on the island.
Reviewed By JohnCamille - Mt. Airy
Had the good fortune of spending 2 weeks on Bastimentos and am at a loss attempting to adequately express the joy I felt there. The food and service at The Sea Monkey is magnificent! Everything is fresh and prepared with love. Portions are huge, drinks are creative and the owners and staff go above and beyond to please their patrons. The view is outstanding and Ian, Ryan and Stacy make sure there is never a dull moment and go above and beyond to fulfill your every desire. I believe I have tasted every item on the menu and everything is exceptional! Go for breakfast, enjoy your day (allow Ryan and Stacy to assist you in making your plans!) and return for supper and cocktails. Leave with a full tummy, a smile on your face and a very happy heart! Truly the best food, laughter and most accommodating people on Island. Permit yourself to be treated like family and immersed in the local culture. Make new friends, be grateful for every moment and gain a new appreciation for beauty and life. Sea Monkey is as real as it gets...satisfy your soul!
9. The Point at Red Frog Beach
Overall Ratings
5 based on 20 reviews
Rated as one of the top restaurants in Bocas del Toro, The Point offers fresh food in an incredible location on the beach. Guests from all over the archipelago come to experience the new menu and specialty drinks.
Reviewed By nick f
This place is so rad. My girlfriend and I awkwardly sat side by side because we both wanted to enjoy the view of the beach, which was STUNNING! When you arrive you will understand. I am from Hawaii so I can be a bit of a beach snob, but this place definitely holds its own. Our food and cocktails were quite delicious, but what really made this place awesome was our waiter Marcos. He was so attentive and on top of things and provided us w/tons of useful information about the Islands.
I am really looking forward to exploring his suggestions and returning for more cocktails this week. Definitely gonna miss this place when I am gone.
10. Dreamcatcher Bar & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 4 reviews
Full of Caribbean vibes Dreamcatcher bar and restaurant offers a great combination of worldwide flavors with local ingredients making it a great choice for all those who are looking for good and healthy food that includes seafood, vegan and vegetarian recipes and the best drinks
