Best Places To Eat In Panama

When I first moved to Panama from the UAE, one of the first things that impressed me the most was how fresh the food was here! For instance, the vegetables were so vibrant and flavourful, and soon enough, I realized why Panama City has been rightfully part of UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network since 2017. While I've dined in other parts of the country - and you may very well have a favourite spot of your own in another area like Bocas de Toro - as far as I am concerned, the best places to eat in Panama are right here in Panama City.

What’s more, Panama’s rich history and all the different civilizations have shaped Panamanian cuisine as we know it today. It’s a true overlap of Indigenous, Spanish and African influences. But Panama City’s food offerings go way beyond local food; the food scene is huge and diverse, and whatever you want to try, it’s here. From typical Panamanian food to international gastronomy, you’re sure to find something you like in this melting pot of flavours. 

I love dining out every day, and as a full-time resident of Panama City, I’ve created a list of the best places to eat in Panama City. So whenever you’re in town and don’t know where to go, you can always refer back to this article. 

Meze is a relaxed Greek restaurant ideal for brunch, offering healthy dishes like tzatziki, salads, and feta, with reasonable prices and a lovely outdoor seating area

MEZE

Meze is a Greek restaurant perfect for brunch. Greek cuisine is probably one of the healthiest and richest in the world. In Meze, you can enjoy various appetizers like tzatziki (a cucumber, yogurt-based sauce), salads, meats, and the quintessential feta cheese. The atmosphere is nice and relaxed, and prices are reasonable, except for the wines, which can get a little bit pricey. The outside seating area is also great. 

AZAHAR

Azahar rightfully earns the status of one of the best places to eat in Panama City. Even though the prices are a bit high, once you get here, you can understand why. The service staff is great, the menu is spectacular, and there’s even a weekend DJ and a violinist on certain occasions. At our company, we often rent one of the dining rooms and take clients there, as the experience is amazing and there’s even a stage to give presentations. 

GAUCHOS STEAK HOUSE

Gauchos is a Uruguayan steak house that imports meat from Uruguay, Argentina, and the United States. It’s almost an institution here in Panama City that’s been around for 30 years or so. They do a wood-fired grill. The best steak in town is definitely here, and we come here so often that the staff even knows me and greets me every time I go!

Maguro is a Japanese BBQ restaurant offering a variety of sushi, desserts, and dishes like beef noodle soup, with both affordable and premium options, making it perfect for exploring new flavours each visit

MAGURO

Maguro is a Japanese BBQ-style restaurant with lots of fantastic sushi and desserts. The beef noodle soup is delicious, and the menu has both affordable and high-end options. One day, you could grill a top-notch wagyu, and the next, a simple yet hearty fried rice for under $20 USD. It is a great place to try different kinds of food every time you go.

BRUTTO

Brutto is another Japanese restaurant, though it also has some international food. I went here for the first time on the birthday of Patrick Hiebert’s wife, Andrea. I’d say Brutto is okay, as I’ve been back with other partners, and the menu is extensive. You can find anything from sushi and nigiri to all sorts of meat and even pizza. 

Related content: Panama Is One Of Best Places To Retire In - And Here's Why

Los Años Locos is an upscale international restaurant known for its diverse menu and high prices, frequented by politicians, business owners, and wealthy families. The steaks are a must-try and are particularly outstanding

BEIRUT 

Beirut is a Lebanese restaurant with one location in downtown Panama City and another in Amador. All the Arabic cuisine staples can be found here, from falafel to hummus and all sorts of meat. The food is 100% halal, and we come here whenever we crave Arabic food. Sometimes, it’s a bit of a hit-and-miss, but overall it’s good. 

LOS AÑOS LOCOS

Los Años Locos is an international food restaurant that offers a wide variety of dishes. Regardless of what you’re craving, you’re almost sure to find something here—though the prices are certainly high. It’s an institution where politicians, business owners and wealthy families go. If you come here, I’d suggest that you try the steaks, as they’re phenomenal.

El Trapiche is the ideal spot to experience authentic Panamanian cuisine, offering affordable dishes like emparedados and the traditional chicken soup, sancocho—perfect for introducing visitors to local flavours

EL TRAPICHE

El Trapiche is your go-to restaurant if you want to try Panamanian food. Whenever there’s a client in town who wants to enjoy local cuisine, I take them here. The prices are extremely affordable, and you can try anything from various ‘emparedados’ to the typical chicken soup, sancocho. Note that many of the dishes here are deep-fried, but it’s nice to go here from time to time.

WAHAKA

Wahaka is more than a regular Mexican restaurant; it starts out as such, but then the mariachi comes in, and it turns into a party venue! Apart from various types of tacos and quesadillas, you can try their rolls, meat dishes and even their signature cocktails. It is certainly a great place for throwing parties and spending a good time with friends. 

Related content: Living In Panama: Investor Visa Minimum Stays Unchanged

Isaki Casco Rooftop in Casco Viejo, Panama City, offers stunning views and exceptional cocktails, making it a top spot for pre-dinner drinks and Japanese-inspired dishes like tempura, grilled salmon, and steak

ISAKI CASCO ROOFTOP

Isaki Casco Rooftop is one of the best places to eat in Casco Viejo, Panama City. Here’s where I go with clients for pre-dinner cocktails, as these are amazing, and the views are stunning. The menu comprises mostly Japanese food, allowing you to try tempura and wok dishes, as well as grilled salmon and different types of steak. 

MAKOTO

Makoto is another Japanese restaurant in town. With a wide range of dishes, from nigiri and sushi rolls to all sorts of noodles and meat, you can definitely find something to your liking. I think this place is okay but not as good as the other Japanese restaurants we discuss in this article. 

La Factoría is a casual restaurant specializing in fresh oysters and seafood, with steak options available. Known for its top-quality oysters imported from the U.S. and Canada, it’s a must-visit for oyster lovers

LA FACTORÍA (THE MARKET)

La Factoría is a down-to-earth restaurant specializing in oysters and seafood, though you can also have steak here. So, if oysters are your thing, you should definitely try them out, as they’re super fresh. You’ll hardly find oysters as fresh in other restaurants because the owner of La Factoría imports them from the U.S. and Canada and sells some of them out. 

EMOTIONS DINNER THEATRE

Emotions Dinner Theatre is an interesting restaurant because of its history. It used to be a strip club, but now it is a sort of cabaret. They do many different shows here, including musicals, but when I came here for the first time, at around 10 pm, the show suddenly turned into a ‘strip show.’ So it’s not a very family-friendly place by any means, but you can find a wide variety of dishes, sushi and signature cocktails.

Related content: Top 10 Reasons Why Expats Are Flocking To Panama

The Wallace is a cozy Scottish pub in downtown Panama City, offering excellent and reasonably priced food like gluten-free fish and chips alongside a whisky menu with tastings that explore the history, flavour, and origins of each whisky

STEINBOCK

Steinbock is a German pub with amazing food and beers on tap (including gluten-free beers). The place is very family-friendly, and we come here whenever we’ve got the kids with us, as you can be loud, and no one cares. They've got around ten different types of sausages, including two types of sauerkraut as well as red cabbage. The fried potatoes are amazing, and they also do Swiss-style roasties. 

THE WALLACE

The Wallace is a Scottish pub in downtown Panama City. Though small, it is definitely one of the best places to eat in Panama. Some options include gluten-free fish and chips. Certain beers are also gluten-free, and the food is excellent, but the prices are reasonable. There’s also a whisky menu and a whisky-tasting menu, where they’ll walk you through the history of each type of whisky, how it tastes and where it’s from. 

Cantina del Tigre is a top seafood spot in Panama City, offering delicious cocktails and a variety of ceviche and deep-fried dishes. Though casual, it’s a must-visit for high-quality seafood

CANTINA DEL TIGRE

Last on our list is Cantina del Trigre, one of the best seafood restaurants in Panama City. Even though it’s not fancy at all, the food and cocktails are amazing. You can try different types of ceviche and deep-fried and main dishes, but this is a must if you’re looking for high-quality seafood. 

Related content: What Is Life Like In Panama?

For food lovers, Panama City is a must-visit destination. Here, you can enjoy cuisine from various continents without leaving the city. Be sure to save this article for your next visit!

CONCLUSION

Panama City is a true culinary hub with lots of good restaurants for everyone. Whether you want to have seafood, steaks or international cuisine, the city offers it all. Rest assured that there’s always something new to discover and try. 

For foodies, Panama City is a must, as you can try food from various continents without leaving the city. So whenever you come here, please always refer back to this article; on this list, you’ll surely find something that matches your taste and mood!