Fine Restaurants
in Panama City

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.

ALADINO’S CAFE— Situated in the hotel and banking area opposite the Hotel Marriott, this restaurant seeks to transport you to the mysterious lands of the Middle East. Mediterranean food features prominently on the international menu with emphasis on Lebanese dishes. Aladino’s Café is open from 9 a.m. and offers a special business lunch from 12 noon to 3.00 p.m. Food is served in the bar, the dining room or on the terrace with a pleasant view. Weekends bring music and a Lebanese exotic dancer.

ANGEL— The owner of this excellent restaurant on Vía Argentina, Sr. Angel Martinez M., is a talented chef totally dedicated to his restaurant. He is Spanish and his menu reflects his national cuisine, especially in fish and seafood, with the exquisite flavours of northern Spain.

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 features a dining room strictly for non-smokers, very European in decor like the rest of the restaurant and featuring posters of France and the Mediterranean area.

CAFE SANTÉ— If you are shopping in the Multicentro Mall, or even if you are not, pay a visit to Cafe Sante, a lively restaurant where the Waldo and Justine Ensemble cheer your spirits with live music each day and good food is served. Panamanian and a large number of international dishes feature on the menu and the prices are very affordable. The executive menu is offered For only $4.95.

CAFFE POMODORO— A trendy “spaghetteria” beside Aparthotel Las Vegas and close to the Hotel El Panamá, specializing in pasta and Mediterranean food served in a sophisticated setting with pastel shades and wicker furniture.

COFFEE BAR DARNA— This pleasant eatery in the restaurant district of Uruguay St. is a place for pastas, salads and fish. It is owned and run by an accomplished chef, Ayelet Vahnish, who studied and worked at the Ritz in Paris and whose Moroccan and Israeli background bestows a Mediterranean touch. The service is excellent and the extensive menu features many of Ms. Benshimol’s remarkably tasty creations. The menu reflects a fusion of many cultures and ranges from hot Thailandese corvina to the flavorful pasta with Teriyaki mushroom sauce with soy, caramel, rum and garlic. "Darna" means "our house" in Morrocan. It is a restaurant for connoisseurs. It is also famous for its bread which can be specially ordered. For Sunday breakfast you should try their famous bagels.

EL CANDELERO— "Good music, nice people and good food what more do you want?" We didn’t say it. A customer of this offbeat restaurant wrote it on the wall. Its that kind of place. Customers are welcome to borrow a marker and write whatever graffiti comes to mind, if they can find a sapce. Another comment: “Life is beautiful. Enjoy it as I have enjoyed this place”. La Candelara is at Plaza Bolivar in the Old Quarter. It is bohemian, and attracts a good crowd of locals.

EL CASCO VIEJO— This is one of Panama’s best-known restaurants, thoroughly French , and situated in El Casco Viejo or “old city”. It was founded over 2 decades ago by chef Pascal Finet whose flair still keeps the cuisine at the top of its class. The restaurant is in a delightully- converted colonial house opposite the former Union Club. The upper floor is devoted to the dining room. Tables can be reserved on the narrow balcony overlooking the brick-paved street of a past era. The lower floor is devoted to the Take Five Jazz Bar, a mecca for classical jazz, blues, cubano and rock.

EL MESON DEL PRADO— This excellent restaurant chain is at three locations in Panama City . The largest is at Edificio Alcala on the Via Ricardo J. Alfaro (Tumba Muerto) on the right if you are on your way out of town towards El Dorado. The dining room serves Spanish cuisine and seafood. Well run, comfortable and not overly expensive.

EL PATIO MEXICANO— The reputation of Mexican cuisine has had to survive the onslaught of the fast food age and the “Taco rápido” image. In Panamá, true Mexican cuisine is not only surviving but

flourishing, at El Patio Mexicano run by the Uribe family from Guadalajara. At El Patio Mexicano you will get the best of the flavors for which Mexico is famous. The restaurant is authentic down to the hand-painted crockery and “equipale”, leather covered furniture. Historic photos of México form a keynote of the attractive country-style decor. Interesting dishes include “Enchiladas divorciadas”, in red and green; Cochinta Pibil, a pork dish from Mérida, featuring orange juice and achote. A final tip: ask for “mole poblano”.

EL PAVO REAL— Is Panama’s only English pub and is authentic in all its attributes including its food, served either at the bar or in the eatery alongside, with its alcove seating, benches and tables in dark wood and its 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 cooked in a beer batter and served with salt and vinegar in a newspaper. Blimey! You can’t get more authentic than that.

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).

EURASIA— Exquisite in decor, atmosphere and food. The cuisine is a supremely good example of what has become known as "fusion"--- in this case an artful blend of the best of European and Asian. It can be difficult to identify the source of the flavours and textures, sometimes subtle, sometimes gloriously strong. What you do know for sure is that there is a good brain at work back there in the kitchen. Eurasia is on the first floor of a mansion of elegant proportions with high ceilings and windows, which needs no more than the paintings and foliage to create a comfortable ambiance.

FUSION— You are in the space age. Vast metallic figures loom over the dining room, and the cathedral ceiling soars to illuminated heights. This restaurant is a feature of the distinctive architecture of the Radisson Decapolis Hotel. The quality of food, encompassing different nationalities, and the standard of service, is what you would expect from a Radisson Hotel.

GAUCHOS— They eat well and heartily in Argentina, a fact reflected at this popular and long-established restaurant on Calle Uruguay in the city’s Zona Rosa, the main restaurant district. High-ceilinged, but spacious and comfortable, Gaucho’s projects a generous image, evident when the first thing to arrive at the table is a football-size home baked crusty loaf. Naturally, US choice steaks are the speciality and, considerately, they offer a half order for those of us who have not arrived famished after a hard day out on the Pampas. Sweetbread and black sausage are standard. However, the menu offers a good choice from the grill, including fish and seafood, all at prices quite reasonable for a high quality establishment.

GINZA TEPPANYAKI— The teppanyaki style of cooking is specifically Japanese. Guests sit around the grill while the chef prepares the meal in front of them. Ginza Teppanyaki is an old-established restaurant in Panama City well-located close to the Granada Hotel just a block from Vía España. Chefs are brought in from Japan and give a skillful perfomance with dexterous handling of knives and spatulas as they grill fresh meat, poultry fish and seafood, beansprouts and vegetables, perfectly seasoned, and often flambéed to create an impressive spectacle. This is an experience you should not miss.

GOLDEN UNICORN— The restaurant is on the fourth floor of one of the twin towers of the Evergreen Center, located behind Atlapa Convention Center, in San Francisco. Offering a commanding view of the Bay of Panama, Golden Unicorn is large, with capacity for 350 people. The decor is a blend of Chinese and European elements, with an almost total absence of dragons and other embellishments which stereotype many Chinese restaurants.

GREENHOUSE— A plausible illusion is created in the front section of the Green House lounge cafe where glass and greenery is all around and a large mango tree grows from the floor and up out of the transparent acrylic roof. Other areas provide a bar and smoker’s section with beautiful illuminated stained glass panels and a mezzanine lounge ideal for private groups. The menu is a work of art with dried leaves set into the covers. The choice of food is large and varied......delicious quesadillas and wraps, appetizers such as squid, carpaccios and nachos, a selection of soups and pastas, and from the grill: steaks, fish, poultry and seafood in abundant variety. Good desserts too.

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.

KOREA HOUSE— This restaurant is a double delight since it combines Japanese and Korean food. Sushi bar addicts will be happy and those who know Oriental food will appreciate the subtle differences between the two cuisines. (There is plenty of help for the non-expert in the translated and illustrated menu). Proprietor and chef is Mr. Moon Yeung-On. The restaurant is in a chalet just half a block away from Via España and within walking distance from most of the hotels in the banking district. The restaurant’s Executive Salon seats 150 for parties.

LA ESTANCIA— Many things have remained constant at La Estancia since its establishment 25 years ago, including its locale, a quaint, single-story house just off Panama City’s busy well-known 50th Street and its specialty: Argentinea grilled food. Nevertheless, a new element has been introduced to the menu: an entire section devoted to Italian cuisine.

The pasta at La Estancia is very special. All Italian dishes at the restaurant are prepared with 100% imported ingredients, including the De Cecco pasta brand, Italy’s best.

The restaurant is located on Calle 64, San Francisco, near Calle 50. La Estancia is open for lunch and dinner, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays and Sundays, it opens from noon to 11:00 p.m.

LAS BOVEDAS— The word "bovedas" means " dungeons", in this case under the defensive sea wall of the Casco Viejo or old city, at the picturesque French Plaza. Several of the dungeons have been converted into a chic restaurant and bar. A visit to cafe Las Bovedas is a special experience, whether you sit outside on the plaza or under the centuries-old domed cei-lings of cut stone and brick of the artfully-converted dungeons themselves. A varied and innovative menu is under the supervision of general manager Capt. Ricardo Traad Porras. Jazz bands are featured some nights, especially at weekends.

LAS TINAJAS— A piece of the countryside translated to the city . . . an oasis of flavor and folklore downtown, where you can buy and enjoy handicraft from all over Panama. 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.

LOS AÑOS LOCOS— This restaurant whose name translates as "The Mad Years" is directiy hehind. Caesar Park Hotel half a block from Via Israel, the coast road out to Old Panama. It is in the best Argentinian Style with robust portions, and the accent on the grill. It is difficult to say whether the grilled seafood or the steaks are the most memorable. Steaks, both imported and domestic are all one pounders. Octopus is barbecued to perfection The restaurant is in an attractive chalet decorated with superb stained glass. The seafood includes five varieties of ceviche and arañitas, little crispy fried squid. The desserts are surprisingly delicate after such hearty starters and main courses.

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. Langostino (Caribbean lobster) however, is the pride of the house in eight different dishes.

MARTÍN FIERRO—Named after the Argentinian folk hero, this restaurant serves the kind of meal you appreciate after riding on the Pampas since sun-up or a hard day doing business or sightseeing in Panama City. Close lo the Hotel Granada just a block from Via España in the El Cangrejo district, Martin Fierro is also elegant and popular. The grilled meats are, of course, a speciality and there is a great salad bar.

PALADAR— A spacious restaurant at the new mall, Multicentro Pacifico. Paladar (Spanish for "flavor") offers a variety of dishes, many of them innovative, for example: the Shanghai Salad which includes lettuce, cabbage, chicken, peanuts, sesame noodles, wanton and Asian dressing. Wraps of salmon, Thai chicken, beef and vegetables vie with a good selection of crepes. The grill is popular and here again the choice is wide, from Spanish style octopus to imported steaks. The decor is simple and elegant, with no gimmicks. A sports bar and pub section blends artfully with the main dining section.

PENCAS— The highlight of a visit to Amador Causeway could well be lunch or dinner at Pencas. Delightfully informal, open to the Pacific breezes and affording an uninterrupted view of the city across the bay, Pencas (the name is derived from palms used to thatch bohios and houses in the interior) is usually lively whether for Sunday brunch, an evening with music by local bands, or the folklore show on Wednesday nights. The ample menu offers excellent food from many countries and cultures.

ROYAL THAI— The spicy cuisine of southeast Asia is well represented at this sizeable restaurant on the corner of Calle 49 and Calle Uruguay in Panama City's principal restaurant district. The restaurant offers flavors of both China and Thailand, mostly spicy with Thai herbs, lemon leaves and hot garlic. The menu indicates "heat" level with one, two or three red pepper symbols against the dish. Two soups you may want to try are the Dom Yum Gung prepared with spiced prawns and the Dom Kah Gai with coconut milk and chicken. The restaurant offers special "food tasting evenings" throughout the year, social events offering a chance to meet other visitors or Panamanians.

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

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 is at Plaza Obarrio on Avenida Samuel Lewis, near the El Santuario church and a short walk from the banking area and many hotels.

TEN BISTRO— Perhaps ten is your lucky number. In any case, you can´t go wrong to pay a visit to Ten Bistro where you can choose from ten different main dishes created each day by chef Fabien Migny each of which costs… yes! ten dollars. The restaurant, is located on the ground floor of the Hotel de Ville on Beatriz Miranda Street just off 50th St. where chef Migny and his sister Agnes (who prepares the fabulous desserts) recently closed their former restaurant.

The Bistro presents "a new culinary philosophy created for the trend-seeking, fast-paced and demanding people of the 21st century". Are you one of those?

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