El Ultimo Refugio
Experience waterfront dining in Bocas del Toro with a 4.6-star rating. Enjoy delicious food, great ambiance, and stunning views. Discover a local favorite.
About El Ultimo Refugio
This charming waterfront eatery in Bocas del Toro offers a truly memorable dining experience, consistently earning a strong 4.6-star rating from its patrons. Diners rave about the delicious food, with particular praise for their ceviche and patacones with pulled pork. The ambiance here is a significant draw, featuring beautiful views of the water, and on occasion, even sightings of marine life adding to the natural charm. With outdoor seating and live music, it provides a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere perfect for groups. The attentive service further enhances the overall enjoyment, making it a highly recommended spot for those seeking quality cuisine and a picturesque setting.
Restaurant Analysis
Restaurant Characteristics
This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.
Price Range (Moderate)
Moderate pricing ($$) - Mid-range restaurants with good value
Meal Time (dinner)
This restaurant primarily serves dinner. Based on opening hours.
Group Size (Groups Welcome)
Welcomes large groups and families. Great for group dining.
Atmosphere (Outdoor)
Al fresco dining with outdoor seating
Dining Style (Flexible)
Flexible options. Reservations available but not required.
Features & Amenities
This restaurant offers: Outdoor Seating, Live Music, Cocktails, Beer, Wine, Coffee, Groups Welcome, Reservations
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Why Travelers Love El Ultimo
Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.
Went for dinner and would go back again! Beautiful restaurant that looks out on the water. We also saw a huge stingray in the water that was an added bonus! The food was delicious. We had the ceviche and the patacones with pulled pork - incredible. Customer services was wonderful as well. Great ambiance, excellent service. Sadly the drink didn’t live up-to our expectations. It was watery and didn’t taste the alcohol. The food was delicious, we ordered fried shrimp appetizer. El Ultimo Refugio is a place for great food and friendly people! Luck was on my side when my first choice for dinner was not open. I decided to give El Ultimo Refugio a try, and I'm so glad I did! When I walked in, I was greeted by the hostess and the bartender. I started at the bar, but couldn't resist sitting outdoors for the view. I love that the menu is on a whiteboard! Fish tacos are a favorite of mine, so that's what I ordered. What I got was my favorite fish tacos ever! Perfectly cooked and seasoned, with the ingredients complimenting each other. Like I said, these were the best I've ever had. And the margarita was magnificent, too. I highly recommend El Ultimo Refugio!
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Where to Find Them
Opening Hours
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Recent Reviews
Lisa H.
October 24, 2025
Went for dinner and would go back again! Beautiful restaurant that looks out on the water. We also saw a huge stingray in the water that was an added bonus! The food was delicious. We had the ceviche and the patacones with pulled pork - incredible. Customer services was wonderful as well.
Gaya J.
November 15, 2025
Great ambiance, excellent service. Sadly the drink didn’t live up-to our expectations. It was watery and didn’t taste the alcohol. The food was delicious, we ordered fried shrimp appetizer.
Richard J.
May 15, 2025
El Ultimo Refugio is a place for great food and friendly people! Luck was on my side when my first choice for dinner was not open. I decided to give El Ultimo Refugio a try, and I'm so glad I did! When I walked in, I was greeted by the hostess and the bartender. I started at the bar, but couldn't resist sitting outdoors for the view. I love that the menu is on a whiteboard! Fish tacos are a favorite of mine, so that's what I ordered. What I got was my favorite fish tacos ever! Perfectly cooked and seasoned, with the ingredients complimenting each other. Like I said, these were the best I've ever had. And the margarita was magnificent, too. I highly recommend El Ultimo Refugio!
Dan M.
October 29, 2025
Delicious food and good food service! Not sure what the soup was but it was fantastic! Satay chicken was good too!
G T.
October 27, 2025
Enjoyed a lovely Caribbean inspired meal on a clear Saturday night. Live local reggae music began at 7:30 PM. Cocktails were fresh and delicious, seared sesame crusted tuna was excellent and the owner/staff was attentive and friendly. A bit more upscale pricing vs other places in town but the overwater location added to the ambience and it made the entire experience worthwhile. Add it to your list when visiting Bdt town.
What to Expect
Features and amenities that make El Ultimo special
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Beer
Wine
Coffee
Groups Welcome
Reservations
Practical Information
Everything you need to know before you visit
Payment Options
Parking
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Plan Your Bocas del Toro Trip
From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Bocas del Toro.
Transportation Tips
Water taxis and boats are the main transportation between islands. Walking is perfect for exploring individual islands.
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Where to Stay
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