Panama has a lot to offer when it comes to food. In recent years, the country has become a popular destination for food lovers. Especially in Panama City, you’ll find traditional Panamanian dishes alongside modern restaurants and international influences. From the city’s skyscrapers and the colorful streets of Casco Viejo to the tropical rainforest, there’s plenty to discover.
To make the search a little easier, we’ve put together some of the restaurants worth checking out. Our selection of the best restaurants in Panama and Panama City includes a mix of different cuisines and places to remember for your next trip.
Tip #1: Maito
Maito is one of the best-known restaurants in Panama and an important name when it comes to modern Panamanian cuisine. Chef Mario Castrellón brings together ingredients and influences from different parts of the world. The menu combines flavors from the Caribbean, Asia and the Americas in modern dishes.
The restaurant is located in a beautiful villa in the Coco del Mar neighborhood, surrounded by a green garden. The atmosphere is relaxed but still stylish, making it an easy place to settle in. If you want to get to know the modern side of Panamanian cuisine, Maito is definitely worth adding to your list.
Monday to Friday: 12:00–10:30 PM
Saturday: 2:00–10:30 PM
Sunday: ClosedC. 50, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #2: Fonda Lo Que Hay
Fonda Lo Que Hay was also founded by Mario Castrellón. The restaurant serves traditional Panamanian fonda food, but in a more modern and casual setting. The menu changes regularly, so the dishes depend on what is available. These can include yuca toast with tuna carpaccio, grilled octopus or spicy chicken dishes.
The restaurant is in historic Casco Viejo and has a colorful interior with modern touches. The tables are fairly close together and there is music playing in the background. Overall, it’s a busy and lively place, which suits the casual style of the restaurant.
Monday to Saturday: 12:00–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM–10:00 PMXF27+RH7 Edificio el Colegio, C. José D. de la Obaldía, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
Tip #3: Cantina del Tigre
At Cantina del Tigre, chef Fulvio Miranda focuses on modern Latin American seafood. The menu takes inspiration from the Peruvian and Panamanian sides of ceviche cuisine, with fresh fish, seafood tacos and tiraditos. There are also different versions of the classic leche de tigre.
The restaurant is in San Francisco, one of Panama City’s nightlife areas, and has a young, urban feel. Neon details and the open bar give the place a modern look. If you want to explore some of the best restaurants in Panama City and like modern seafood, Cantina del Tigre is one to keep in mind. There are also creative rum- and Pisco-based cocktails to go with the food.
Monday to Sunday: 12:00–11:00 PM
PLAZA CENTENARIO, C. 68 Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
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Tip #4: Santa Rita Restobar
At Santa Rita, Spanish tapas meet the bold flavors of Argentine cuisine. The menu includes dishes such as tender bistecca, grilled octopus and Serrano ham. Many of the dishes are made for sharing, so it makes sense to order a few and try them together.
The restaurant is located in the historic streets of Casco Viejo and has a cozy, rustic feel. Exposed brickwork and warm lighting add to the atmosphere. There is also a selection of Spanish and South American wines, which makes Santa Rita a nice place to stay for a longer evening.
Monday to Thursday: 5:00–11:00 PM
Friday and Saturday: 1:00–11:00 PM
Sunday: 12:00–8:00 PMAv. Eloy Alfaro, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #5: Azahar
Azahar is one of the more elegant restaurants in Panama City and is known for its modern international cuisine. The menu combines Asian and Mediterranean influences, with options including high-quality steaks, sushi, and different fish and seafood dishes.
The entrance is part of what makes the restaurant interesting: Azahar is hidden behind an unassuming flower shop. Inside, the space opens up into a stylish dining room with views of the Panama City skyline. High ceilings, modern design and a good selection of cocktails make it a nice place for a special evening.
Monday to Wednesday: 12:00–11:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00–10:00 PMAv. Vasco Nuñez de Balboa, Piso 7, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #6: La Tapa del Coco
Chef Isaac Villaverde brings Panama’s Afro-Caribbean influences to the menu at La Tapa del Coco. The dishes are based on traditional recipes from the coastal Colón region. These include coconut rice, fried fish with spicy Habanero sauce, also known as Saous, and spicy seafood patties.
The restaurant is colorful, lively and casual. The food is based on the flavors of Afro-Panamanian cuisine, with a modern touch. If you want to try authentic food with a Caribbean influence, La Tapa del Coco is a place worth checking out.
Monday to Sunday: 12:00–10:30 PM
Calle 68 Este, Panamá, Panama
Tip #7: Lazotea Restaurant & Rooftop
Lazotea is located on the rooftop of a historic building in Casco Viejo. The menu includes Latin American dishes, seafood and grilled meats, including ceviche and grilled dishes. The real highlight is the view over Panama City, especially in the evening when the skyline is lit up.
There’s also a pool, a cocktail bar and entertainment in the evenings. With the open-air terrace and city views, Lazotea is a nice place to have dinner and stay for a few drinks afterwards.
Monday–Wednesday: 11:00 AM–1:00 AM
Thursday: 11:00 AM–2:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM–3:00 AM
Saturday: 10:00 AM–3:00 AM
Sunday: 10:00 AM–12:00 AMRooftop, Av. Eloy Alfaro y, C. 11 Este, Panama City, Panama
Tip #8: Caleta
Caleta at the Sofitel Legend Hotel is one of the more elegant restaurants in Panama City’s old town. The kitchen team focuses on fresh Panamanian seafood and local ingredients, prepared with Mediterranean influences.
The restaurant itself is also stylishly designed. High ceilings, colonial elements and subtle details create a calm and elegant atmosphere. For anyone exploring the best restaurants in Casco Viejo, Panama, Caleta is an interesting option. There is also a wide selection of wines and attentive service. A nice choice for a dinner for two or a special occasion.
Monday–Friday: 6:30–11:00 AM, 12:00–3:00 PM, 6:00–10:30 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 6:30–11:00 AM, 11:45 AM–3:30 PM, 6:00–10:30 PMC. 8a Este, Panama City, Panama
Tip #9: Intimo
The name fits the restaurant quite well: around 90% of the ingredients served at Intimo come from Panama. The restaurant follows a farm-to-table approach and works with local farmers and fishermen. The menu changes regularly depending on what local farmers and fishermen have available.
Inside, dark wood and an open kitchen give the restaurant a simple and relaxed feel. You can watch the kitchen team prepare the dishes while you eat. The focus is on fresh ingredients and local products.
Monday–Saturday: 12:00–11:00 PM
Sunday: 11:30 AM–4:30 PMCalle 72 Este, s/n, behind the Delicatesse Desserts pastry shop, San Francisco, Panama City, Panama
Tip #10: El Trapiche
El Trapiche is a well-known spot for traditional Panamanian food and has been a familiar name in Panama City for many years. The menu includes local favorites such as sancocho, carimañolas made with yucca and a filling, ropa vieja and crispy patacones.
The restaurant is located in El Cangrejo, a lively part of the city, and has a simple and cozy interior. You’ll find locals, families and tourists here. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in Panama and want to try traditional Panamanian dishes, El Trapiche is a good place to start.
Monday–Sunday: 7:00 AM–10:00 PM
Vía Argentina, Panama City, Panama
Tip #11: Beauty and the Butcher – Casco Viejo
If you like a good steak, Beauty and the Butcher is worth remembering. The steakhouse serves US dry-aged beef, different types of Wagyu and lamb. The meat is grilled over charcoal and cooked to your liking.
The interior fits the concept, with dark leather, heavy wooden furniture and a large wine wall giving the restaurant the feel of a classic New York steakhouse. It’s a good spot for a special evening if you’re in the mood for a really good steak.
Monday–Thursday: 12:00–10:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00–10:00 PMPH Teatro Aurora, Calle B y, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #12: Mercado del Marisco Cinta Costera
Panama’s fish market is located right on the edge of the old town. Instead of a classic restaurant, you’ll find several small stalls here, most of them selling ceviche. The fish is fresh, and there is also fried fish and patacones. Prices are much lower than at many restaurants in the city.
The terrace has simple plastic chairs, where locals and visitors sit together. It is loud, busy and sometimes a little chaotic – but that’s part of the place. Get a cold Balboa beer and sit down with a view of the fishing boats and the Panama City skyline. There are few places where you can experience Panama quite like this.
Monday–Sunday: 5:00 AM–5:00 PM
Ciclovía Cinta Costera, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #13: Makoto
Makoto is located at the top of the F&F Tower, the well-known “screw-shaped” skyscraper, and is run by chef Makoto Okuwa. The menu includes Japanese classics such as Edomae sushi and dishes from the Robata grill. Kobe beef is also on the menu.
The restaurant has a modern and bright interior. There is also a large outdoor area on the roof, with views over the financial district. This makes Makoto one of the Best Restaurants in Panama City for combining Japanese food with a good view. If you like Japanese food and want to sit high above the city, Makoto is a place to try.
Monday & Tuesday: 12:00–10:30 PM · Wednesday–Saturday: 12:00–11:00 PM · Sunday: 12:00–8:00 PM
Obarrio, Kenex Plaza, C. 59 Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Tip #14: CasaCasco
CasaCasco is all about Spanish food and tapas. The menu includes Patatas Bravas, Gambas al Ajillo and Jamón Ibérico, as well as paella. There’s no need to stick to one dish here – ordering a few different plates and sharing them is probably the best way to try more of the menu.
The restaurant is housed in an old colonial building in Casco Viejo. You can sit inside or outside, with Spanish wine and sangria to go with the food. It’s the kind of place where you can take your time over dinner and stay for a few drinks afterwards.
Monday & Sunday 12:00 PM–12:00 AM; Tuesday 12:00 PM–12:00 AM; Wednesday 12:00 PM–1:00 AM; Thursday 12:00 PM–2:00 AM; Friday & Saturday 12:00 PM–3:00 AM.
C. 10 Oeste 15306, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
