The Dock Restaurant - Shelter Bay, Panama - 5 Stars! A Must

“Cookery is not chemistry. It is an art. It requires instinct and taste rather than exact measurements.”

- Chef Marcel Boulestin

One of the best places I have eaten in Panama in 18 months. Food has great flavor and the view was amazing. Coming from Colon on our way to Fort San Lorenzo (which we ended up not being able to go see due to closed roads). This was a great place to have to stop. Absolutely a place I would go back to for another great meal and even possible an overnight stay at the Marina Hotel (upstairs of the marina and a great view all around).

We sat outside on the deck, enjoying the view of the boats and a great coastal breeze. Despite the temperature outside reading in the 90s, the patio was cool, the breeze helped and the patio ceiling fans keep the air moving. I am sure at sunset the view is spectacular too. Definitely a romantic spot I would suspect.

Despite over half the kitchen staff failing to show up for work on New Year's day, the GM (Chris) was literally on the grill line cooking so that his customers where getting the high quality and great tasting food expected. The special of the day, Lobster Chowder was amazing. The fish tacos were different (more like mini fish and chips) but flavorful sea bass and fresh. The beef medallion was moist and thick. Flavorful without needing steak sauce or other seasoning. The sides of blended veggies were perfectly cooked, NOT oiling tasting and retained a perfect amount of their crispy crunch. 

We have originally been drooling for fish and chips baskets but due to the staff shortage, the menu was running an a limited scale in order to best serve the guests. Initially a little frustrated with the in attentiveness of our waiter, it quickly become clear there was a staffing issue that day. Having lived in Panama for almost two years, service being slow and it taking time for assistance has unfortunately become a regular part of dining out. Sadly for my parents (visiting from the US) it was not a flatter impression of the Panamanian worker and left them feeling a little disappoint. Thankfully the view and the great taste to the food helped make up for it. 

Price wise the menu was reasonable for the location and the portion size. All in all the bill for 4 people with 4 full meals and 4 ice teas ran approximately $80 (which breaks down to $20 a person). A couple could expect to spend around $50 if not order alcohol or starters.

Chris (the GM) was also very accommodating and handled the situation with professionalism and proper restaurant  management. The amazing deserts were of great benefit to change the souring opinion of the meal experience. The death by chocolate cake actually had to battle with the white chocolate raspberry swirled cheesecake for to a superiority. One of those to die for deserts I have been missing here in Panama. 

Definitely somewhere I would go back to dine at again and worth the drive from Panama City for a day's outing or a weekend get away. 

Check out more about the The Dock on their Website OR the Shelter Bay Marina Website.