Beautiful beach. Service was some of the worst I’ve had in Panamá. Told us we had to buy $15 worth of food and drink to use the beach and chairs and I said perfecto, gracias, and we sat down. About 15 minutes later she came by with some menus. After she turned around to walk off, I had to stop her to order drinks. 25 minutes later, she came back with the drinks and we ordered our food and some waters. She didn’t bring the water, which drinks are usually served with food here so I understand, but she didn’t come back with food either. After waving at her twice, and my daughter going to the bar to get another drink herself, we finally got our food right before we were ready to walk out 45 minutes after ordering. The “crunchy” shrimp were great, but they and the fries were actually not the least bit warm and the fries were barely cooked. I’m very disappointed. We were looking forward to an awesome beach day with drinks and good food and hanging out in the sun. I’ve lived here for years, so I understand the slower pace and more relaxed attitude and the pace of service here, but this was crazy!! I asked her for the check when our food and only one water was delivered. She didn’t come back and we were beyond ready to go by now, so we packed up to leave after about 15 minutes. We went up to the bar to pay and just as a bartender was getting ready to hand me the credit card machine, she shows up with our bill. It was incorrect and had an extra drink on it so she wandered off somewhere to get that corrected. After what seemed like an endless wait, of course, :-), she brings back another bill and the credit card machine. I reach out my hand for the bill which she had underneath the credit card machine and hadn’t shown me. (Such a weird experience.) I say OK, and she asks how much of a TIP I want to add. 🙄 Nothing!!! WOW Maybe she was having a bad day, but just WOW.

We happened upon this restaurant while in Chitre. Amazing middle eastern food, and good service. The Kabab o kufta plate and humus we are as good as any I’ve had. I highly recommend El Arabe. We are going back next week.