Bocas del Toro Archipelago Restaurants

The town of Bocas del Toro has an ample restaurant selection, with such surprising options as Thai and Indian cuisine to complement the traditional seafood. Like everything in Bocas, dining is casual and the pace is slow, so be patient for your meal. Local specialties include lobster, whole-fried snapper, octopus, and shrimp served with patacones (fried plantain slices) or yuca frita (fried cassava strips). Those who do not purchase directly from local fisherman tend to shop at Tropical Markets on the northeast end of Calle 1, where a series of indoor food stalls offers everything from pastries and produce to meats and seafood. At restaurants, opt for bottled water over a glass with ice since tap water is usually unsafe to drink. Although tipping is not obligatory in Bocas, it is greatly appreciated by the locals whose wages generally run $15 per day.