THE GUIDE - The Rough Guide to Panama - page 337

rainwater. A handful of rustic rooms, a couple of cottages and a small apartment (sleeping
2-4) are set amid lush tropical forest up on the cliff or down near the beach with plenty of ter-
race and porch space. Rooms and cabins are simply yet quirkily furnished with artwork from
recycled items; mosquito nets are provided. You can self-cater in the communal kitchens or
enj oy home cooking at reasonable rates. Good weekly or monthly discounts in low season.
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EATING
Bocas has an excellent range of restaurants , with vegetarians enjoying a decent selection.
Lobster, conch and other local seasonal specialities taste particularly delicious in local
coconut milk and Caribbean spice preparations. Opening hours can be erratic, especially in
low season, and service seriously soporific. Tap water here is not safe to drink.
BOCAS TOWN
Alberto's Pizzeria C 5, between Av “E” & Av “F” 756 9066; map . This relaxing spot
away from the party scene serves excellent thin-crust pizza and pasta dishes ($9-14) as well
as real cappuccino or espresso. Since the place lacks ambience, order a takeaway. Mon-Sat
11am-3pm & 5-11pm.
Bocas Blended C 1, at Av “E”, by Tropical Markets; map . Unmistakeable converted sky-
blue bus dishing up tasty breakfasts and delectable salads and wraps filled with fresh ingredi-
ents at modest prices ($5-7), as well as smoothies. You can take away or “eat in”, and take
advantage of “wrappy hour” and excellent-value lunch combos. There's wi-fi too. The best
table in the house is on the bus roof. 8am-10pm; closed Sat.
Breakfast Bagels La Mana, Av “G” between C 4 & 5, next to Casa Max; map . This place
serves decent coffee and fruit salad but the real draw is the large variety of bagels (from $4),
to be enjoyed on a raised wooden deck. Service is generally slow. Mon-Sat 8am-1pm.
Lemongrass Bistro C 1, between Av “C” & Av “D” 757 9630; map . More boutique than
bistro, but you can't argue with the food. The creative menu of predominantly Thai cuisine,
served in a delightfully airy upstairs balcony, changes daily. Often puts on live music (espe-
cially Fri). Mains $11-14. Daily 11am-10pm.
Om Café C 3, between Av “A” & Av “B” 6624 0898; map . The Canadian-Indian own-
er draws from traditional family recipes, dishing out excellent curries (mains $11-14), as
well as juices and lassis, on a pleasant upstairs balcony. The eggs vindaloo roti wrap will
set your day off with a blast, or choose from bagels and bowls of fruit, granola and yoghurt.
8am-noon, 6-10pm; closed Wed & Thurs.
Restaurante La Casbah Av “H”, at C 4 7547 9885; map . An intimate, vibey restaurant
offering freshly prepared and tasty Mediterranean cuisine though prices have been creeping
up. Daily 6-10pm.