Donde Giselle — Restaurant in Bajo Boquete

Donde Giselle? We’re glad we found Donde Giselle! We live in Boca Chica, Chiriqui and had to come to Boquete on a Wednesday. Our normal choices were closed, but we saw that this place was open. Immediately we walked in the door, the staff were welcoming and the charming outside garden with comfortable seating beckoned to us.

As soon as we saw the menu, we agreed that we’d order 3 appetizers to share for lunch. We chose well! Each dish was beautifully presented and expertly crafted, the flavors were a delight to the palate (I drool as I remember!).

Caramiñolas de Ossobucco carimañolas stuffed with Ossobucco served with their own stew - a crispy outer on a perfectly smooth mashed potato, encasing an unctuous ‘ossobucco’ type stew… as I said … drooling remembering!

Pulpo Parrillero Parrillero (on an open charcoal grill) Octopus• comes accompanied by a delicious squid ceviche, crispy patacones and yellow chili sauce. The description CANNOT describe the soft and flavorsome octopus, or the very thin and very crispy patacones, nor the equally soft and delicious squid ceviche - perfectly flavored without the overt vinegar of some ceviches. The yellow chili sauce is HOT, perfect for us, but a word of caution!

Unfortunately I could not find a menu description of the Beef Carpaccio - the plating was gorgeous - the beef cut perfectly, tissue paper thin (applause for the chef here!) It was served traditionally with a generous sprinkling of fresh parmesan. There were also fried capers and a garnish of onion and a mystery green sauce that was very mild.

Everything was wonderful. They made my husband a smoothie that wasn’t on the menu (he wanted Passion fruit “maracuya”) - after telling us they didn’t have it, something delicious and very passion fruit heavy arrived at our table.

The staff were impeccable. It cost us for the 3 appetizers and a drink $50. Not cheap by Panamanian standards - but to these foodies - well worth every...

The food could be better wayyyy better we asked for 3 different plates and not a single ones was tasty or worthwhile. The Incredibly greasy pizza at 18$ was one of the worst I’ve had, for the price I was expecting something moderately edible but no this was foul, barely any pieces of chicken and it liked and taste like it had been deep fried 💔not restaurant quality at all !! The “mono dish” was mid at best, edible not particularly good (I’ve had it at other places and really enjoyed it), the octopus dish may have been the only salvageable one out of the 3, then again for being the #4 restaurant on TripAdvisor I was expecting better. The car ride back to our anirbnb was full of wondering if the reviews in TripAdvisor are even real ??? Cause what was THAT??

Service & Ambient : pleasee tell me whyyyy must I have a server right by my table constant looking at us, making us uncomfortable (personal space nonexistent) and yet somehow missing the fact that we ran out of water and already finished our courses ??v the sever girl looked like she was new (couldn’t explain items on menu and looked for someone else) so I’m blaming her senior coworkers who were gossiping candidly instead.

Really ??

As this is a very touristy town I’m kinda saddened to think someone winds up here and thinks Panamanian food sucks …

In simple words this is a ripoff, save yourself the stomachs and...

Panamanian cuisine that's a cut above

Update: July 15, 2021:

After countless visits during the past six months, Donde Giselle has turned into my firm favorite for Panamanian dining in Boquete. During this time it has never once been short of excellent and has established itself on my list of "favorite restaurants in the world."

Pro-Tip: Behind the bar, Ivan crafts some amazing cocktails. Take a seat and let him work his magic.

Donde Gisele is one of those rare Panamanian restaurants that takes as much pride in its atmosphere and service as it does in the quality of its food.

From the warm welcome, to the attentive - yet unintrusive - staff, the restaurant's atmosphere is excellent. The decor is pleasant and comfortable, and the food is frankly excellent.

Prices are a little higher than average, but are more than fair in view of what's on offer.

Highly recommended......