La Ballena

Frommer's Review

This cozy little Italian bistro is also western Panama's only wine bar, and an anomaly considering its rum-and-beer Caribbean surroundings. Where else can you eat homemade Italian food, drink Bulgarian wine, listen to Serge Gainsbourg, and chat with a Panamanian waiter? Inside the dining area, hundreds of bottles of imported wines are for sale and on display, lining the walls and stacked on shelves and barrels. Considering the dearth of good wine in Bocas, stepping into La Ballena is much like stepping into a pirate's cache of stolen loot. The ambience is warm, with wooden tables, soft light, and decor that is tastefully kitschy. The Italian owners dote over their cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients and homemade pastas -- but prices are high here. For a light meal, try a Gorgonzola thin-crust pizza or bruschetta, or their delicious shellfish pasta.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.