My favorite place hands down in Bocas del Toro was the awesome little restaurant Guari Guari. It is a small house located across a beach on the outskirts of town where all the tables are on the front verandah. The restaurant probably seats 20-30 people so a reservation is definitely a must if you're only in town for a few days ( the first two nights we wanted were booked up). While making the reservation we were asked if we had allergies and do if we have any major food dislikes. This kind of personalization is the mark of a good evening to come. Guari Guari tailors its always changing menu to its guests, which has a great way of making you feel special and at home. For $25 you get six courses (including dessert) made by the chef/owner and you are served by the very attentive co-owner, Ozzie. The food was outstanding, especially when you consider where you are in the world: a tiny little chain of islands off the Caribbean coast of Panama. Ozzie informed us that sometimes they don't have electricity or food shipments brought in. This is not New York City, folks.
For our six courses we were served: a smooth gazpacho with cucumber puree swirl, hummus covered in pimento, sesame seeds and olive oil served with warm pita bread, tuna cake with a spicy aioli, thai marinated chicken with a sweet chili sauce and for the main course a perfectly cooked pork tenderloin with a whole grain mustard wine sauce, roasted potatoes and a cold carrot puree. Dessert was a classic flan with a hint of coconut served with a "siren" chocolate sauce. Everything was amazing! I still dream about how perfect the pork tenderloin was.
If you're a foodie and end up in Bocas del Toro, this tiny restaurant is a must. You will have outstanding service by Ozzie and what feels like your own personal chef busting out great dishes all for $25 a person. I dare anyone to find a better deal than that!
