PASTISSIMA BY GAETANO — Restaurant in Bajo Boquete

👌🏻 The Good 👌🏻

☑️ Carbonara Classic was good even though it wasn't classic 🤣 It had butter 🧈 ☑️ Broccoli 🥦 Cream had a very fresh taste, a generous amount as well. ☑️ The server apologized for the delay on dishes & explained they were short a chef after we commented about the service. He asked if we wanted anything to drink as a courtesy which was nice. This kinda saved the overall bad experience we were having.

👎🏻 The Bad 👎🏻

❎ Took them 10 minutes for them to bring some water (and take our order) ❎ Lots of flies 🪰 ❎ They didn't have pizzas 🍕 which is strange for an Italian/Pizzeria & what was worse is that they didn't mention it at first so I was not able to order with the rest of the table. I had to now see what else I would eat. ❎ Starters (Salmon Carpaccio, Bruschetta & Broccoli cream) took close to 30 mins ⌚ ❎ Main dishes came out at 45, 55 and 60 minutes, not together even though they asked me if I wanted something first or everything else together ❎ Meat Lasagna was 6/10, almost no meat & needed a bit more sauce ❎ Chicken on the pasta 🍝 was very plain. ❎ Bruschetta is the smallest pieces of bread I've ever seen and almost no cheese 🧀 ❎ Meat Raviolis were a small amount and the meat...

I stopped by Pastissima during one of my strolls in the late rainy afternoon while in Boquete. I was greeted by a young man named Victor. I tried my feeble attempt at a Spanish greeting and he graciously offered me an English menu, which I appreciated. He let me sit for a bit, approaching and asked me if I'd like something to drink. I requested water and a martini. Now, I was well situated and ready to view the menu. There are many wonderful offerings but when I came to the pizza there was one with spicy pepperoni and anchovies. I did not need to read anymore. As I was nursing my drink the pizza arrived on a nice wood platter. I ordered the small size, easily enough for two people. I must admit it was so good, I was a glutton and only left crumbs. Throughout the meal Victor was politely attentive. Perfectly making me feel like an long-time patron. I recommend Pastissima anytime a person wants a tasty meal, pleasant surroundings and...

We were craving some pasta tonight, and this place was closest to our location. Thank all heavens that we chose here because it exceeded everything we had hoped for. We are welcomed by a sassy italian man, and if you dont get their humor, then dont judge them. Had our choice of seating and got a menu in english and spanish. The bolognese pasta was cooked al dente, perfect amount of meat, and the sauce was not to saucey. The pasta was definitely what you consider comfort food. Our large, familiar, pizza satisfied all the pizza cravings that we have had in Panama. Crust was not too overcooked, not too saucey, and the toppings overloaded the pizza. The owner saw my wife cutting her pizza with a fork and knife, came over and made a little joke about it, and then brought her a better knife to cut it with. All the staff were helpful and friendly, and food came out in a timely manner. We think this is the best pasta...