BOKAO Barefoot

cec1

Senior Insider
The new restaurant in the former space of La Kala . . . and for some of long memory, the simple, much-loved spaces of “La Gloriette” & ”Cocoloba.”

Located next to Le Sereno & Ti Corail, BOKAO is a new beach club & dining destination. Opening in late November (targeted for 22nd/23rd), it promises a “sophisticated yet unpretentious, refined yet relaxed” experience — intending a re-connection to the spirit & soul of St. Barths. Culinary-wise, the cuisine is described as exotic, with “French inspiration, Mediterranean soul.”

BOKAO’s General Manager is Eric Omoré, famed for helping take the Nikki Beach brand—alongside its founder—global. Having known Eric since he opened Nikki Beach St. Barth in 2002, I asked him if BOKAO would share that same high-energy vibe. He assured me it will not be recognized for an electronic DJ mix, noting that Nikki Beach was not originally designed to have that atmosphere. Instead, BOKAO’s music will be mellow and respectful of neighboring venues and the Grand Cul de Sac community.

Daily operations and standards will be overseen by Lorenzo Roy whose hospitality background includes stints at Manapany in St. Barths and, most recently, Ibiza. Alongside Eric and the chef, Lorenzo will handle staffing, team leadership, culinary design, and quality control, while also managing front-of-the-house guest relations.

As a nearby resident, I’m delighted by the promise of BOKAO in our community & for the island. Bonne chance!
 
Thanks for your coverage of this new venture coming to your neighborhood, Dennis.

The island restaurant scene is not only returning and reawakening, it seems like it giving birth to new dining destinations island wide.
 
Sounds like a nice addition to the 'hood! La Gloriette "trained me" in Rhum Vanille, so anything that brings back that atmosphere is worth checking out. I am going to suspect that a more calm beach atmosphere will be welcome, especially on that end of the island as it is a real escape if you are staying out there. I hope the new Airelles (ex. Le Guanahani) will be just as nice as the old one...you could just walk over if you felt like it!
 
at one point the space that is now Awarak in Gustavia was called Bo Kao - just a coincidence?
Thank you for the information, Dennis! Did Eric say anything about the roots/reason of the name, by chance? There should be something there. Is the property/land still owned by Albert, and they just lease it? The structure was built as Le Rivage as I recall.
 
Great find, Cass! I suggest that everyone read each of the “Read More” boxes:
Experience
Philosophy
Natural Connection
Vision
Culinary Identity
The Art of Gathering
It’s extraordinarily well written as marketing material . . . and describes a place that many of us will like.

From the site:
“St-Barth has a character unlike anywhere else. Its beauty lies not only in its extraordinary landscapes, but also in its spirit: a rare balance of sophistication, freedom, warmth, and authenticity.”
Spot on, IMO.
 
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