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Hours
Sun
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
Mon
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
Tue
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
Wed
12:30 - 22:00
Thu
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
Fri
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
Sat
12:30 - 15:3017:00 - 22:00
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, Healthy, Wine Bar, Tuscan
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
features
Is this a wine bar?
Details
About
Retrogusto Restaurant & Bar with its Italian Farm to Table concept in Boquete starts with commitment to sustainable living. Local vegetables is picked up daily; our local meat is raised free of hormones and antibiotics; our bread and artisan pizza are baked on the premises with imported flour, 10 year old mother dough is imported from Naples and long fermentation; our combination of fresh cold pressed juice is organic. All wood walls have been constructed with the joists recuperated from this 100 year old house… RetroGusto is ready to delight and give you the best way to enjoy your time and passion for good things.
CUISINES
Italian, Mediterranean, Healthy, Wine Bar, Tuscan
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
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5.0
1,310 reviews
Excellent
1,092
Very good
155
Average
38
Poor
16
Terrible
9
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Vivienne M
Boca Chica70 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
We have been to Retrogusto several times and we are continually impressed. Our last meal there was as near to perfection as you can get - 100+ all around - service - atmosphere - and food, food, food.
We like to sit at a table on the interior of the restaurant (there is outside seating on the street one table, and an exterior ‘garden like’ setting in the back). Our inside table of choice has an excellent view of the kitchen, where we are continually impressed with the attention to detail and the perfection of their plating!
There is a wonderful menu, but you can also ask for a ‘tasting menu’ - smaller plates - more courses! Of course, we opted for the tasting menu.
Tuna carpaccio, it was not just ‘food’ but a delightful experience in textures and flavors. The smoked tuna was cut expertly, wafer thin and there was a pesto sauce, ‘crumbs’ of very well toasted and flavored bread, sprinkled with sprouts.
Cream of mushroom soup - so expertly done! The texture and flavors were impeccable. It did not appear to have cream in it - but it was a silky emulsion of mushroom, the flavor of the mushroom exploded in our mouths as we had the first taste .. mmm!
Risotto, flavored with truffles and topped with juicy, perfectly cooked shrimp. Again, the flavors shone through - expertly balanced blend of truffle and shrimp.
Filet Mignon, served over a bed of ‘creamed spinach’ - this was not the ‘normal’ creamed spinach - this was a light as air, concoction of spinach, that was not cream at all, but a wonderful puree that let the vegetable shine - and of course, their filet was cooked EXACTLY as we wished. There was a delicious balsamic reduction on the side that worked perfectly to blend the flavors on the spinach and the filet.
Lastly! There was a tiny cup of Pana cotta perfection - topped with a puree of strawberries, perfectly flavored - I don’t think any sugar met these strawberries.
My husband ordered a Negroni and Retrogusto have a special one that they top with Prosecco instead of soda - happy, happy husband.
Service was impeccable and our waiter was Jake, who was both knowledgeable and engaging. In all Retrogusto has our custom, again and again - it’s difficult for us to go to Boquete and not visit our favorite restaurant!
Written 22 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JustAnotherTraveler
United States138 contributions
Dec 2024 • family
On a Saturday night in Boquete, it was hard to find a restaurant for 8 of us but RetroGusto squeezed us in despite being busy. We lucked out with the table right by the kitchen which allows you to see their artisan design of plating. The gnocchi was absolutely insane - melt in your mouth, maybe could even spread it like butter if we wanted to. The beef ravioli with mushrooms had a rave review, the tagliatelle loaded with chorizo was tasty and the mixed seafood was beautifully presented. They had a hiccup with service and missed a few appetizers but they graciously offered free dessert and overall had excellent service so we did not view this as a demerit. This seems like a top place to eat in Boquete to this traveler.
Written 28 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth D
Croyde938 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
What a friendly happy experience! Professional, humorous waiters who were quick to offer menu advice. Sat, out the back, overlooking trees, and the countryside as the sun set. natural, simple perfect as was the varied menu. I enjoyed trout with advocado, tomatoes etc etc while my husband chose simple roast chicken. An experience to remember
Written 28 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joy D
San Diego40 contributions
Jan 2025 • couples
Came here for dinner. When we told them we had a reservation they didn’t ask our name just took us to our table. We had mojitos to start which were made with rosemary and a cinnamon stick which was unique. When I told the waiter I was vegan and needed some help with the menu his response was, “oh my god.” This didn’t leave me feeling very confident about his help. Fortunately I found a pasta with veggies that I suggested with no cheese and asked if it would be vegan and he said “so pasta with no meat?”Food took awhile and we noticed other tables getting bread. We asked another server for some bread and he said “oh you want more bread?” And we told him we were never given bread. My partner had the trout which he said was fine and my pasta had a floral/soapy flavor I couldn’t identify. The whole experience felt weird and off. I would not recommend this restaurant when there are so many other good ones such as Tach.
Written 15 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
G M
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We deeply regret that your experience didn’t meet our usual standards. Your comments about service and vegan options are invaluable, and we’re committed to improving.
We’d love the chance to welcome you back and provide the exceptional dining experience you deserve. Please feel free to reach out directly for your next visit.
Written 15 January 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
leen
Antwerp14 contributions
Jul 2023 • family
Amazing food, poor service.
We went to Retrogusto to celebrate my daughter’s birthday. Even though we really liked the pizza’s, it was very unfortunate one pizza only arrived after the rest of us was finished (we had to re-order as it completely went missing). In all the waitimg time for that one pizza, no staff was available to ask where that missing pizza was. Wine order had to be asked twice too to then arrive in a dirty glass.
Written 22 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Benji D
2 contributions
Oct 2023 • friends
Excellent atmosphere for a good dinner and sharing with family, friends and colleagues. The selection of the main course was a suggestion made by Amilcar, the waiter who served us, who in addition to giving us excellent suggestions, provided us with exceptional service. I had the Sicilian Gin Tonic that Waoo, I highly recommend it because it is very good, it is different, you can't find it anywhere in the area and boy, I haven't seen it in Panama. I feel so satisfied that I can say that this restaurant has my 100% recommendation.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Venture62425886214
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • couples
We came for dinner and the service was really excellent. We were guided by Armando, who graciously explained the menu to us and exquisitely suggested what we ate. The food was outstanding and so were the drinks. The other guys who served us also made us feel at home. Thank you thank you thank you. Recommended!!
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gemellibruschetta
Wexford16 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
The atmosphere, the dinner and the service were all exceptional. The setting was casual but classy. The relaxing music and ambiance were just what we hoped for after our Boquete adventures. I chose the smoked pork chop and my husband had pasta with sausage and peppers. Both were ample portions and flavorful. I am already looking forward to tomorrow’s leftovers. We didn’t ask Javier to sing tonight but if uou are lucky enough to have this baritone young man wait on you, you might ask for his favorite Elvis tune!
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrapplingFreak
Punta Arenas205 contributions
Aug 2022 • friends
This Italian ristorante you may want to visit once you‘d like to try a combination of Italian dishes with great Panamanian ingredients. Pizza, Pasta, meat, fish etc.
The staff was very polite and courteous. Among others we ordered 2 Risottos as main dish with (black) truffle. One of the dishes was forgotten and has been served ca 15 mins later. At the end they refused to get paid for this dish and also offered a free dessert. This was really mindful and we gave a generous tip.
Written 21 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R L
Panama City1 contribution
Dec 2023 • family
Javier was our server and he made us very happy. The food and drink came very quickly and we four gringos were very happy with everything about it, especially the taste. Javier even sang a little of Frank Sinatra for us upon polite request because we were captivated by his bass voice. We got the Beef Tartar especial and pizzas apiece. They had local toppings but had a classic taste that would please anyone. Cannot recommend enough.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JB N
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • family
We had a great dinner and time at Retrogusto. The food was expertly prepared and perfectly seasoned and the staff were very attentive! We will be coming back and recommending this restaurant to friends and family. Truly a great Italian restaurant!
Written 30 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelly D
10 contributions
Sept 2024 • couples
This was the best place we ate at in Boquete! Our waiter was Jake. We had the shrimp linguine special, pesto pasta special with cherry tomatoes. We shared the panna cotta with mango sauce for dessert & Negronis for cocktails. The waiters were so friendly and attentive without being overbearing.
The atmosphere was beautiful, we sat where there was a view of the mountains & jungle. We have been in Boquete for 4 days and been a little disappointed in our food choices thus far. This place was a solid 10/10.
Written 3 September 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rhonda t
Tampa2 contributions
Aug 2024 • friends
Excellent food and service. Our waiter Jake attended to all our needs and was very pleasant. We will definitely return and bring friends. The salmon was absolutely perfect cabs cooked just as I asked. 10 stars to Jake and creator Gusto
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joseph Allan
1 contribution
Jan 2025 • family
The setting is inviting and the salmon and risotto undoubtedly satisfied our hunger. The staff was extraordinary, and we were checked on regularly without overdoing it. The staff were happy to answer our questions and engage in our North American line of questions. Armondo (?) and Brad went beyond the norm to ensure a memorable experience due to their kindness and humor. Brad even sang a song for us as we ended our evening .
A wonderful experience because of the food and people!!
Written 9 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Wandering Reviewer
Melbourne12022 contributions
Jul 2023 • friends
Seems craving for pasta has become a habit and #retogustonin Boquete was just what we needed.
The menu has all the favourites but with a twist. For example, the slivers of almonds in the gnocchi blended beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Fiends had the ravioli with lamb and again, a texture that matched the complementary flavours.
Portion sizes were a little on the smaller size for all of us.
Staff were excellent and very attentive.
A few were tempted to try the desserts. As each dish came to the table, it was met with “wow” as they were beautifully presented.
Another friend arrived and she ordered take away ravioli.
Lovely atmosphere and kid friendly. Do try this one out for those yearning for pasta.
#thewanderingreviewer
#intrepidtravel #bestofcentralamerica @intrepidtravel #retrogustorestaurantandbar #retrogusto #italianfoodinpanama #boqueterestaurant
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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