Fine Restaurants
in Panama City

Last update: November, 2009

Panama City is cosmopolitan and so offers a wide choice of restaurants of nearly every ethnic variety and to suit everyone’s taste and pocket. On the opposite page is a list of some of the finer restaurants and a "ready reference" guide to their specialities and other details.

In the pages that follow, we offer a brief description of some of the restaurants, which will assist your choice.

BAR RESTAURANTE 1985 — is renowned for its French cuisine and seafood. Once a private townhouse, the "1985" is now a place of gentle lights, copper antiques, original paintings, candlelight and fresh flowers. Ask for the jumbo shrimps with cognac sauce, the lobster Provencal, the corvina with spinach, the filet mignon with morilles and for the exquisite wines selected personally by owner Chef Willy Diggelman. The restaurant is very European in decor.

DON PATACON — Offers local ‘typical’ Panamanian fare with a gourmet twist. A fresh new idea for the city’s restaurant scene, this place is popular for its colorful interior décor, fun atmosphere and culinary creations which feature local, tropical ingredients. The most prevalent of these is the plantain – or ‘patacon’ in Spanish – from which the restaurant derives its name. Plantains are used to make ‘carimanolas’, accompany main dishes and in thin slices for the ‘mil hojas’ dessert. Who knew that this staple food could be so diverse? Don Patacon is located on Via Israel at 70th Street. Call: 392-3648.

EL PATIO MEXICANO — At the Patio Mexicano you will be presented with the authentic high class Mexican cuisine, with original ingredients imported from Mexico and with the originality that characterizes cuisine made by a genuine culinary artist. It is a place where you enjoy a casual atmosphere, surrounded by multicolored traditional decoration from different parts of Mexico. The restaurant offers a rich selection including vegetarian dishes, seafood, fish, suckling pig (28 days), goat (kid), lamb, beef, chicken and pork. Salads are outstanding together with delicious desserts, famous coffees and margaritas from the biggest and best-stocked bar in Panama. El Patio Mexicano offers a private room named "La Fumarola de la Doña," where smoking cigarettes, pipes and cigars is allowed.

EL TRAPICHE — On Via Argentina, specializes in Panamanian cooking in the style of the Central Provinces. The decor motif is a trapiche, the Panamanian name for an old-world sugar mill, still used in some country areas to squeeze the juice or guarapo from sugar cane. This restaurant is popular and is highly recommended for visitors interested in getting to know the country. Specialities you might like to try are sandwiches en hojaldra (flour fritters with meat or chicken fillings).

EL PAVO REAL — An English-style pub on Via Argentina and Calle José Martí, a block before the statue of Einstein's head. The pub motif is authentic, including its food served either at the bar or in the eatery alongside, with alcove seating and an ambiance of privacy and comfort. The menu is reasonably priced with starters and snacks such as French onion soup and salmon mousse, sandwiches and hamburgers, several robust main courses such as peppered filet steak with cream and cognac and – did you guess? – fish and chips.

IL BOCCALINO — As you enter, the first glance tells you: "this a comfortable place". Tiffany lamps provide a warm light and the decor is designed for relaxation. The best Italian fare is presented in a very comprehensive menu featuring, of course, every type of pasta in a surprisingly large selection of dishes (17 spaghetti choices and as many pizzas as you could wish for). Fish and seafood feature prominently, the grill is a popular option, antipastas, salads, soups and pizza bread are offered in plenty; and if you have saved any room, the dessert trolley brings further delights.

Live jazz and Brazilian music can be enjoyed in the restaurant's bar “El Callejon” where special events are presented on Thursdays or Fridays.

INDIGO — Indigo Lounge & Bazaar is an interesting restaurant in Casco Viejo, the Old Quarter, offering a fusion menu with innovations and surprises from many cultures. The subtle decor in the various sections – restaurant and bar, lounge and a patio open to the sky, is reminiscent of Mediterranean and Eastern. It is open for lunch and dinner on weekdays, only dinner on Saturdays and is closed Sundays. Music is prominent on nights of the latter part of the week, sometimes with a DJ. And often with live groups offering different genres.

ISTMO BREW PUB — Istmo Brew Pub is all about the art of making beer – and the good food and conviviality which goes with it.

Guests can learn about the entire beer elaboration process and enjoy a large variety of grilled meats, snacks and hamburgers.

LA NOVENA —The finest vegetarian cuisine is to be found here on Vía Argentina, across from the Alfaro music store; also natural juices and delectable desserts prepared with cocoa from Bocas del Toro. Art shows, events and classical music complement the atmosphere of La Novena, an oasis of health and culture in the center of the city.

La Novena is a small but well-appointed restaurant whose kitchen is in the center of the dining area in full view from all the tables.

The name La Novena (Spanish for "The Ninth) comes from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, a favorite of owner Eduardo Smith when he studied in Europe, and which he now shares with his guests.

LA PAPA — This restaurant opened its doors 8 years ago, introducing a new concept in decor anda menu that is truly international, offering specialities from many parts of the world international offering specialities from many parts of the world. A favorite among both Panamanians and visitors, La Papa has become famous for its seafood grill and many clients go for the imported meats, especially steaks and baby beef. A feature of the menu is the wide variety of starters including Kafta, almond wings, cascaritas mixtas and Rick’s mushrooms. Colombian specialities feature prominently – such as the famous ajiaco (soup served with a side plate of ingredients to mix in), the frijolada colombiana, the empanaditas and ceviche cartagenero. You can visit La Papa at 51st Street, Bella Vista or at the food courts at Multiplaza Mall or Albrook Mall.

LA VITROLA — Owned and operated by the Decameron hotel chain, this restaurant, in the new sector of Costa del Este, is Miami-style with high ceilings, plush rattan furniture, water features and a large outside terrace. The decor is opulent but the prices mid-range, which is nice. This is the second Vitrola in the region. The Decameron opened the first in Cartagena nearly two decades ago and it’s high reputation has never waned. The menu features Caribbean fare with a Franco-Mediterranean twist. Many dishes frame the fresh ingredients in sweet sauces and marinades. A favourite is the Seafood Zarzuela, including lobster, octopus, prawns and calamari with a cream of coconut sauce. La Vitrola occupies the ground floor of a high-rise on Paseo del Mar.

LAS TERRAZAS DE MULTIPLAZA — Panama’s popular Multiplaza Pacific Mall has added an attractive feature – a section of upscale restaurants on an upper level of the mall with spectacular views. Live music and jazz enliven the atmosphere of Las Terrazas where a group of select eateries offers a variety of ethnic and international food. These include Benihana, Marea, Bar de Champagne, Veuve Clicquot, Bar Kebab and Ruth Chris.

LAS TINAJAS — A piece of the countryside translated to the city . . . an oasis of flavor and folklore downtown. This is a restaurant offering creole food in comfortable and elegant surroundings. Carimañolas, frituras, tamales, sopa borracha (translation: intoxicated soup) and many more are available at very reasonable prices. International food is also featured. Shows with typical dance groups are presented Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 9:00 p.m. Closed Sundays.

MADAME CHANG — We recommend a visit to Madame Chang’s, one of the best and most beautiful Chinese restaurants in Latin America. Siu Mee Chang and her daughter Yolanda have improved on the conventional concept of Chinese restaurants. They have knowingly combined 30 years of experience in inter-regional Chinese food, good service, moderate prices and a decor that falls halfway between two cultures, combining the old with the new and resulting in a remarkable and welcoming environment. We suggest you try: San Blas crab with ginger, Peking-style duck, fish cut in the shape of a bunch of grapes, Wo-Tip, Coquinas in blackbean sauce, among other delicious options. Madame Chang is located in the banking center, only 100 meters from Panama Bay.

MARBELLA — Spanish chalet-style restaurant with a strong following of Panamanian "bonvivants" who appreciate the paella and above all, the seafood. Fresh local oysters are nearly always available. The almejas (mussels) are a favourite. So is the cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew) and you can choose corvina prepared in one of no less than 11 different ways.

MASALA — A delightful Indian restaurant on Ave. Justo Arosemena. The name is appropriate since it is a term used in Indian cooking to describe a mixture of many spices. Masala’s propietor, Koreena Bajwa, is from Northern India and personally supervises the restaurant. She makes a speciality of vegetarian dishes.

PANAMA CANAL PLACE — A good choice of typical food, not just Panamanian (guacho, chicharron, pinchos and “Chombo’ style dishes), but Colombian Paisa offerings, (arepas and parillas) and also Texan, Italian and Ecuadorian. The extensive menu also offers a good selection of steaks, seafood, hamburgers etc. The restaurant is on Ave. Mexico, one block up from Ave Balboa almost opposite the mosque. A broad open air terrace faces the street. Inside, the decor and lighting is plain but the walls are adorned with historic photos of the Canal.

PIZZA PIOLA — This tiny restaurant of Argentinian provenance has three unique characteristics. Choosing a pizza is like cracking a code-- there are no less than 91 pizza combinations to choose from; the prices are extremely reasonable and if you go on Thursday night you can dance or have a tango lesson thrown in. On Friday nights they offer an Argentinian folklore show. A nice feature of the food is a dozen varieties of Argentinian empanadas. Sandwiches, salads and a small but adequate list of Italian main dishes will satisfy everyone. Pizza Piola is on Calle 51, Bella Vista opposite the parking lot of the Hotel Executive.

PORTOGALO — Under the auspices of the Consul of Portugal in Panama and his family, Portogalo is the first and only restaurant of Portuguese cuisine in Central America, offering dishes both traditional and creative from one of Europe’s best and most revered culinary cultures.

Located on 12 de Octubre Avenue, Portogalo offers thoughtfully chosen dishes like roasts, seafood, pasta, Portuguese soups, delicious entrees and desserts. Mrs. Judite de Souza Vieira, the Consul’s mother is the mastermind behind the family recipes and the delicious culinary art that has influenced the five continents.

RINCON ALEMAN — is from the same stable as Rincon Suizo, one of the restaurants owned by Panama’s well-known Chef Willie Diggelman. Chef Diggelman’s involvement as a partner is as good a recommendation as you can get.

Rincon Aleman is on Calle 51, Bella Vista, opposite the parking lot of the Hotel Executive and within walking distance of many of the downtown hotels. The restaurant is a popular social center for Europeans living or working in Panama.

RINCON SUIZO — A small, and intimate restaurant, the Rincon Suizo specializes in a variety of veal dishes, raclette and cheese fondue. Owner, Chef Willy Diggelmann ensures that his Swiss dishes are unsurpassed. The Rincón Suizo is combined with Restaurant Bar 1985 close to a number of hotels.

ROCKIN’ GORILLA — A popular restaurant and watering hole for the expat crowd, the Rockin’ Gorilla is centrally located on Via Argentina in the heart of El Cangrejo. Offering American diet staples such as club sandwiches, hamburgers and chicken Parmesan.

STEINBOCK — A German couple who own and manage this restaurant have created a German "Gasthaus" in Panama. The traditional Gasthaus is a mixture of restaurant and pub, where people stay after dinner for a chat with friends and enjoy the variety of beers, wines and spirits. Upon entering Steinbock the visitor crosses the Atlantic Ocean with one step and finds himself in a typically cozy "Gasthaus". The menu offers everything you would expect to find in Germany: soups and cold appetizers, a big selection of sausages, schnitzels, pork and beef roasts, and of course, apfelstrudel for dessert. Open for dinner Tuesday to Friday. Saturday for lunch and dinner. Dinner reservations recommended. Steinbock is located on Via Cincuentenario, No. 50.

SUSHI ITTO — is operated by the Mexican chain whose speciality is to offer classic Japanese cuisine plus international and Latin fare such as curries, brochetas and pastas. Sometimes the cultures are combined, so among the traditional rolls of smoked salmon, fish, octopus, shrimp and Japanese vegetables, you may find "fantasy rolls" with local ingredients like mango, avocado and even cheese. Tempura with vegetables, shrimp, gyoza (Japanese dumplings), stuffed baby squid and mushrooms are among the appetizers available. Sushi Itto has two branches, one at the side of Plaza Obarrio, near the El Santuario church and the other in Multiplaza Mall.

TEQUILA BAR — further into good steaks and seafood is offered at this restaurant on a busy corner of the Casco Viejo almost opposite the Ministry of Government and Justice. Grab a table on the sidewalk and watch the world go by or opt for the tastefully decorated salon inside. Live Latin jazz and Cuban music offered on Thursday and Friday. Mariachis stop by from time to time.

THE LONDONER — This Pub is the real thing, except that it is not in London. It adds international flavor to the restaurant and nightlife zone on the popular Calle Uruguay in Panama City a block and a half from Avenida Balboa. Mine host, Piers Edgar, no doubt from many years studying his subject pint-in-hand, has the atmosphere just right, from the rugby shirts on the wall to the bell (entirely symbolic) for ringing "Time, gentlemen, please!". The Londoner serves good pub food, Yes, including bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, plus a full menu of other good things.

The Londoner is open from 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday.

VISO FIFTY TWO — is small but elegant restaurant situated in Galeria Punta Paitilla, opposite Multicentro Mall. The colorful décor is dominated by a glass wall overlooking the kitchen where guests can watch chef Mario presiding over the production of memorable dishes. For something unusual try the Salad with Goat Cheese, Dates and Dijon Mustard Sauce. The appetizers are imaginitive, like—Crunch Shrimp Burgers with Guacamole or Polenta Tamale with Spicy Osobuco & Shrimp. The imported Rack of Lamb is another dish worth sampling, and the pecan pie and flourless chocolate cake will leave dessert lovers more than satisfied.

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