Description: Savory, tasty and delicious are the three English descriptions associated with the Spanish word
sabroso, and
El Sabrosón Restaurante certainly lives up to its namesake in either language. This Boquete mainstay surpasses with quality and quantity of regional specialties, and was hands-down favorite of anywhere I ate while in Panamá.
Located a couple of blocks north of the central plaza on Avenida Central, they're open from 6:30am - 10:30pm. Popularity keeps this establishment quite busy, and travelers may find prices even more irresistible than the food. The cafeteria-style buffet has the greatest amount of selections found anywhere in town, a place where it's as big a challenge to break the $3 price range from loading up a tray as it will be to finish everything on plates!
Whether it's the fresh mountain air or physical exertions put forth, El Sabrosón commands a ravenous approach. It's possible to enjoy every meal here while in Boquete and never eat the same thing twice. Various styles of preparations evolve for entrees and side dishes each time a pan gets changed. As if what's on the buffet won't instigate droolings in trying to decide, don't exclude wall to the rear, which is scribbled with a confounding amount of seafood selections prepared to order.
The trout (
trucha) was absolutely best I've ever had! Fillets are pan-grilled to perfection with a lite garlic sauce that encrusts the outer layer while flavorfully basting the fish that almost melts in your mouth. Trout costs $3.25, and is served with choice of white rice, french fries, or
patacones; fried plantain slices called
tostones in most other countries. The loaded yellow rice, which usually includes chunked chicken, peas and flavorful seasonings, upped the cost to $4.75 including a drink.
A well-rounded breakfast, with eggs, meat, cheese, bread and juice went for $1.75, while lunch and dinner plates, with entree and side items, averaged $2.75. There was nothing tried that I wouldn't recommend.There's a large cooler with soft drinks and juices, but the majority of patrons drink water. Glasses are racked next to the cashier, and there's a large thermal cooler off to the side. Random water pitchers are also scattered about on tables.El Sabroson's dining area is congested with elongated family-style tables a dozen people can crowd around. During peak hours, trays with dirty dishes can pile up as a secondary priority. You may have to clear a spot before eating, but also take your tray away when leaving. An undesignated table was usually overflowing as the dump station.There's a small bakery case, but better opportunities await at El Jardín Panadería, across the street in the next block heading towards the plaza. If saving room for dessert, this is the place! Slabs of cakes, pastries and cookies average 50¢, and is also a great breakfast alternative, or for stocking up rooms.Here's a general overview on Food & Dining while in Panama.Close