Hotels and cabins on Isla Grande fill during weekends and the high season, from late November to early April. Outside of these dates, it's difficult to find a restaurant that is open, so stick with the hotels mentioned below, or try Villa Ensueño (tel. 448-2964), or the reggae bar Club Punta Proa (no phone) in the village, both of which serve midrange Panamanian fare (seafood or chicken) with coconut rice, beans, and plantains. The Candy Rose (tel. 448-2947) has simple meals and dining on a seafront deck. By far the most unique dining experience on Isla Grande is El Nido del Postre (tel. 448-2061 or 6684-4088; nidodelpostre@hotmail.com), a café and reservations-only restaurant popular for weddings, graduations, and other special events. The lovingly maintained gardens and gourmet meals also make it the perfect place for a romantic dinner on Isla Grande. Be sure to call a few days in advance for dinner reservations, as there are no walk-ins allowed. The café, which sells mostly coffee, pastries, and desserts, is generally open between 9am and 6pm, though this too can change depending how many people are on the island.
If you're not staying at the Bananas Resort, but would like to take advantage of their many activities, they offer a day pass to visit the resort and use their pool and facilities; the cost is $35 (£18) per person, and includes round-trip boat transportation, lunch, and a cocktail. This also means that weekends are busier here, so think about visiting on a weekday. In general, service is friendly but lackadaisical, and the food is hit-or-miss (usually depending on what's in season), but it's still the best on the island. Their collection of small bird cages holding ratty macaws and toucans is a little unsettling to eco-conscious travelers.
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.
