Excellent food but lackluster service. The food was really quite extraordinary. We had heard that this Indian food could rival Indian food in any country and it was indeed excellent. The mix of spices and flavors was wonderful. The naan was crisp and soft without being soggy. But it didn’t really seem like traditional naan. It was very pita-like.
We ordered the special tasting menu for two, where we were able to pick six different entrées. It was $75. See photo. It was not exactly as we expected. They were small versions of each entrée (although I don’t know why we would’ve expected an entire serving of 6 entrées for that price). We added our children into it for extra money as you are allowed to do. In adding the two extra people we were given two more drinks (some sangria came with the special) more rice, more naan and more pappadam.
With the entrée arrived, we were worried we made a bit of a mistake, because, for four people, it really did not look like enough food. But there was plenty, and we were fine. But we were also not terribly hungry. But the flavors were excellent on all dishes!
The spicy fish dish was indeed quite spicy. They told us it would be, and I love spice, but the spice was a bit overwhelming for the flavors, which were really nuanced if it was not so spicy.
The atmosphere was gorgeous, and we sat outside, looking at the water. It was very hot in that spot, and it was not as hot in the interiors, because they had some wonderful fans going. But my husband really wanted to sit by the water. As the evening turned to dusk, the night cooled somewhat.
Our problem with this meal really came down to the server. Our server took our order and then never really came back for a long time. We saw the people next to us getting drinks, and then a couple next to us on the other side (who sat down 20 minutes after us) got their drinks as well. And both those tables had a different server. I think that our server was also working in the kitchen, because when I came back to ask her for a refill for our water, she went to get it, and then went rushing into the kitchen to stir something. I totally understand if people are trying to multitask, but I’d really rather prefer a server who was focused on serving, or if they were doing other tasks (such as tending bar or cooking in the kitchen) that they at least kept an eye on their tables. After quite some time, my husband got up and talked to the bartender to get us our drinks. It’s not as if we were ordering the drinks for the first time. Four glasses of the sangria came with the meal that we ordered. So that’s what was frustrating. We received our food quite a bit before we received our drinks. I would have liked to have ordered another sangria, but since I just received my first one, I did not have the time or opportunity before we really had to get our bill and leave.
Again, the food was amazing. And I would try the place again, but with the understanding that the service, especially in the off-season, is less than ideal. And, I totally understand if people are multitasking and are in the kitchen and double duty as chef and server, but I would expect that those people would check in on their tables from time to time. The thing that makes this a little more frustrating is that there were only three tables in the entire restaurant the entire time we were there that had any clients. So it’s not as if they were overwhelmed with patrons. And they automatically added a 10% tip.
Lastly, since we were staying in an underwater bungalow, we needed a water taxi to take us back to our place and it was able to pull up right to the restaurant. We found that delightful.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
PAB 20–25
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
The maracuya cocktail is deceptively strong and delicious! We sat at a waterfront table in the back, which was delightful under the stars. Samosas are smaller than I am used to in Canada, but piping hot and tasty. We had the combination platters and was very satisfied, and finished with a Bailey's chocolate cake. Service was very attentive and friendly, which was quite pleasant! I came here on recommendation of my partner, and was great for my first time in Bocas del Toro. We had a nice chat with the Canadian Indian owner afterwards, who is charismatic and charming. A great visit overall!
The Best Resturant I had the best Indian dishes after long travel, portion are large properly cooked with all Indian masalas.
I had Fish vindalo it was hot try this if you like hot dishes. I would recommend this Resturant to anyone who likes proper Indian curries .
This was the most disappointing Indian food I've ever eaten - not authentic at all. The mango lassi didn't taste like there was any mango in it and had big chunks of ice in it. The "naan" bread is just pizza dough baked in a regular oven...the rice isn't basmati... and it's ridiculously expensive.
The staff is very friendly, but they put a ‚tip suggestion‘ directly on the bill and keep that without asking whether the clients are willing to tip them or not. an absolute no-go! i decide either to tip or not, not the host! furthermore the food was okay, but boring. we had pad thai veggie and curry chicken with - let‘s say - less quality chicken. typical tourist-restaurant, unfortunately. ‚eat, pay (too much) for bad food and go - you won‘t come back again anyway...‘ the view is nice though... to say something positive...
Ive been there twice. Authentic and so delicious Food! It is kind of expencive for me (13-16$ for a Dinner) but absolutely worth it! And its a lot of food! My Girlfriend never finished her plate... better for me! The rice was always not enough for us but just ask them for more. Its for free. Best food in the island. Good english Speakers aswell.
Gracias!
Oh yeah the Cocktails are nice Too! Especially their special cocktail from the house with passion fruit. Tropic and awesome.
Waited forever but enjoyed some unique cocktails in the interim, and sangria. Tasty Indian food if you have the patience. Authentic ambiance. Sometimes nice entertainment. Sit on the balcony and observe the intriguing streetlights below
Best time to go: right before sunset.
This was my best meal in bocas.
I got the spicy fish and the takkiI shrimp. The fish was cooked perfectly and the spice was lovely, although closer to mild curry than a spicy. I think this area couldn't support a ten chili though. The shrimp were super fresh and well cooked with a buttery tomato spicy sauce that had an amazing Unami notes of rich roasted spices with zingy chili oils. The daal was well seasoned as well with chunks of onions and lentils. The ziti sauce was thick with evenly cut cucumbers. The chutney plate was amazing, with chunks of spices and very authentic, absolutely love this and it's only a dollar!
The atmosphere is lovey over looking the ocean and live reggae playing and very colorful. The owner is super sweet and knows Indian food very well, and speaks English and Spanish 100%. It's Indian food using Caribbean spices to make something rather magical and left me very happy. Freshest seafood I have had in bocas. Lastly the prices are very reasonable, back home this meal would have been half the size for 30 dollars.
This is an absolute must if you are in bocas, don't be tempted by the semi American menus sporting Caribbean items and pastas. Come here and be super happy.
