Are you a foodie, like me, heading to the country of Panama and looking for the best restaurants in Panama City? You’re in luck because there’s a ton of choices and I have picked some of my mouth watering favorites.
From trendy places with Panamanian twists to traditional hotspots, grab your fork and get ready to drool over these restaurants that deserve a spot on your things to do in Panama City list.
Where to Eat in Panama City, Panama
1. Fonda Lo Que Hay
One of Latin America’s Top 50 restaurants, Fonda Lo Que Hay offers upscale Panamanian food with modern twists, served in a lively, corrugated metal setting. Don’t miss their signature yuca toast with tuna carpaccio and onion ceviche, or my personal favorite, the fish and pixbae cocktail. Pure deliciousness!
TIP: make sure to make reservations in advance, it’s a popular eatery.
Edificio el Colegio, C. José D. de la Obaldía, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
2. Corcho
I just can’t pass up on a good wine bar in a new destination, and Corcho is a great one! This spot takes small plates and tapas to a whole new level (the tuna tataki was my favorite!), and their ever-changing wine list will keep you coming back for more. Their charcuterie board skills are also no joke.
Another plus is that the staff know their wine, so you can trust them for recommendations. I had a delicious Malbec.
Calle 9 y, C. Chiriqui Boquete, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
3. La Bárbara x Aki Sushi
This hidden gem behind a hair salon in Casco Viejo combines two distinct but complementary experiences under one roof. La Barbara serves innovative craft cocktails and international tapas, while Aki Sushi offers a yummy selection of fresh, authentic sushi and Japanese dishes. I actually went here for my birthday and went back a few days later because everything is just so good. Everything is great, but I especially loved their spicy tuna on crispy rice!
4. Krume Bäcker
This technically isn’t a restaurant, but Krume Bäcker definitely deserves a spot on my list, and here’s why: This small modern coffee shop specializes in making homemade sourdough bread (yum!), and with that bread they make the most delicious sweet and savory toasts. My favorite was the tosta de hongas ostra (mushroom toast).
It’s the perfect place for a casual breakfast, light lunch or coffee break, though snagging a seat can be challenging (it can get crowded real fast, especially on Sundays!) But don’t worry; you can always grab your goodies to go.
5. Amano Bar
Amano Bar in the San Francisco district of Panama City, isn’t your average joint – it’s a global sensation! Recognized in the World’s Top 50 Bars, it’s a stylish spot offering top-notch cocktails. Think of playful fruity drinks, cool classics, and a vibe that’s both laid-back and cheeky. Not to mention the delicious eats, from fish tacos to sliders.
Calle 76 Este, Panama City, Panamá Province, Panama
6. Brutto
Brutto is a cool restaurant that was just a few blocks from my AirBNB in the San Francisco area. They serve up modern Asian and international dishes with a fun twist, like the ossobuco dumplings and seafood “sticky rice” paella. The steak tartar we picked was a chef’s kiss, and the sushi bar? Delish.
Ph Midtown, C. 74 Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
7. La Pulpería
La Pulperia takes a cue from 16th-century “pulperías,” which were like a general store and tavern in one. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a mix of dining, fun, and soaking in culture. On the menu, you’ve got Panamanian seafood and some global goodies like Peruvian ceviche (I highly recommend this one!), mac & cheese, and octopus tacos.
And the drinks? They’ve got everything from signature cocktails to wines and even non-alcoholic options, all perfectly paired with the food.
C. 9a Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
8. Botanica Pizza
Meet Botánica Pizza – the Italian maestro of Panama City’s dining scene. This plant-filled paradise has an outdoor area enclosed by a greenhouse – think of it as a slice of Italy with a tropical twist!
XGX3+W6C the plaza, Av. Cincuentenario, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Their menu is a symphony of flavors – pizzas that dance on your taste buds, pastas that serenade your senses, and drinks galore! From international wines to cocktails, beers, fresh juices, tea, and desserts that are pure indulgence – they’ve got it all.
Now, here’s the real kicker – the prosciutto with a drizzle of spicy honey. Trust me, you need to try this one out!
9. Maito
Led by culinary wizard Chef Mario Castrellón, Maito stands tall as a Latin American gem, ranking No. 6 locally and No. 100 globally on the Top 50 Restaurant lists. Their expertise lies in Panamanian dishes, blending local flavors with Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Creole tastes.
Think regular penne turning into their star dish, Penne alla Maitó. And don’t forget the coconut-infused dumplings dancing next to the classic sancocho soup.
Personal Kudos: I went there solo, and not only was the food on point, but their service was top-notch. Even though I was dining alone, they were super attentive and accommodating.
Quick Tip: Reserve a spot early, they book up quickly. I got a lunch reservation a few days in advance, but dinner was booked the two weeks I was in Panama City.
C. 50, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
10. El Trapiche
Craving some authentic Panamanian food? Then you gotta check out El Trapiche. They have several spots around the city, so finding one is easy. And guess what? The prices are affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Their menu is all about classic Panamanian dishes. We’re talking hearty stews, fried meat platters, and delicious rice and chicken combos. I had their Fiesta Panameña (which I also recommend), a dish where you get to taste a bit of everything, such as Yuca frita, carimanola, plantains, sancocho, arroz con pollo and more. Don’t forget to save room for dessert (coconut ice cream anyone?).
If you love traditional foods, see this: 10 Panamanian Foods You Can’t Leave Panama Without Trying.
Vía Argentina, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
11. Esa Flaca Rica
Esa Flaca Rica is the ultimate go-to for your burger cravings. They’re famous for their juicy, mouthwatering burgers loaded with all the good stuff, it’s a burger lover’s paradise. Craving a classic cheeseburger? They’ve got you covered. Feeling a bit daring? The “La Flaca Sexy” with chimichurri and a fried egg is a mind-blowing choice. Unsurprisingly, they’ve earned their stripes as one of the city’s most beloved food trucks.
C. 72 Este 11124, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
If you are heading to Panama, definitely pack your appetite! Let me know which of these Panama City restaurants you’ll be trying and if you discover any of your own bucket list bites!
More About Panama City, Panama
- The Best Self-Guided Walking Tour of Casco Viejo in Panama City
- One Bucket List Day in Panama City, Panama (24-Hour Itinerary)
- One Bucket List Day in Panama City, Panama
- 3 Unmissable Panama City Tours to Add to Your Itinerary
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
Save this Post to Pinterest
Thank you.