Location: Panama City
Top Restaurants in Panama City
Top 10 restaurants in Panama City, Panama
A diverse multicultural city of almost 1.3 million, Panama City offers a lot more than an up-close view of the Canal. Shantytowns slink up alongside shiny high-rise condos. The Old City is an atmospheric labyrinth of churches, plazas and palaces. Fifteen miles from downtown Panama City, Soberania National Park is an excellent destination for hiking and birding. For a fascinating look at the canal, take a taxi or local bus to Miraflores Locks Visitor Center and look down on the traffic below.
Things to do in Panama City
1. La Posta
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 736 reviews
Reviewed By Nycazn
Chic and popular.... very Havana like setting
The dishes I found all very buttery... even the broccoli...a bit overhyped... service excellent
2. ZK Nikkei Cuisine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 288 reviews
Japanese-Peruvian Restaurant (Nikkei Cuisine)
Reviewed By PanamanianWanderlust - Panama City, Panama
As the name suggests, this is not a japanese restaurant, but a Peruvian/japanese fusion. Good service, very attentive staff. They gave us a small maki piece as a free appetizer. I'm not really into fusion japanese gastronomy, instead I prefer traditional japanese. However, I enjoyed this restaurant a lot. Food was fresh and flavors were accurate. I ordered a spicy sushi, and a toro nigiri sushi. I would return to try more dishes.
3. Rene Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Reviewed By SarahDanni - Seattle, Washington
I was pleasantly surprised by my lunch. While this isn't fine dining, it's simple, fresh, well prepared food. It started with a torta (egg omelet), fresh fish, salad, rice and desert. Everything was very delicious. And it was very inexpensive. The portions were huge. I wish I could have eaten more rice!! The location is nice, right in the heart of casco viejo, on one of the town squares. The service was very good as well. If you're looking for a simple sit down lunch, this is a nice choice.
4. Super Gourmet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 370 reviews
Reviewed By contradancer - asheville, nc
Nothing to write home about. If you want food like at home, this is your place. "Sandwiches" are served on English muffins, chorizo is pepperoni. I had a "veggie" Sandwich and it was fine if you were in the U.S. We each had a Sandwich and a glass of juice and my partner had a latte and it cost $22.
5. Riesen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Reviewed By atl010684 - Washington DC, District of Columbia
Fantastic restaurant and AMAZING service. Personally attended by the owner of the restaurant who couldn't speak higher about the dishes, ingredients and the people taking care of the crops. I loved their food but mostly is that feeling of being at home, tkane care of, and being served food made with love, pride and respect to the person growing the ingredients. Thank you for what was the highlight of my Panama visit
6. Cerveceria La Rana Dorada Pub
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Reviewed By ochassot - Santa Ana, Costa Rica
Rana Dorada's craft beer are excellent; they usually have 6-8 house brews including 1-2 seasons. The place is dynamic and packs quickly at night. It is beautifully designed with a second floor and great views on the bar below, and a small outdoor patio. The food is simple but excellent (snacks, appetizers, thin crust pizza). Service is friendly. Not to be missed when visiting Casco Viejo.
7. La Vespa
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Our amazing Pizza is made according to ancient Italian traditions by young and talented pizzaiolo Danilo and Chef Piero Spinelli's delicious and authentic Mediterranean cuisine is often referred to as "better than in Italy" and is complemented by great wines, Prosecco or the traditional Italian cocktail, the Aperol Spritz....a must try !!! Head waiter Israel's staff is friendly and knowledgeable and strives to offer one of the best dining experiences in Panama City. To add some spice to the ambience, Thursday nights we offer live music (international, jazz, bossa nova, etc...) with a special dinner creation and Fridays, starting at 7pm a very lively After Office cocktail and appetizers party with DJ house music on our recently renovated garden Terrace where you can try bartender Dennis' fabulous cocktails and relax in a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Reviewed By Maggie P - Chicago, Illinois
From start to finish this was an excellent dinner. The burrata appetizer was delicious, as was the accompanying focaccia bread. We had the linguine with clams and duck ragout pasta, both of which were so rich in flavor. Angelo our waiter was entertaining as well as helpful. And the music playlist that evening was so good, I kept Shazam-ing every song! Would definitely dine here again.
8. Donde Jose
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 418 reviews
Our Mission at Donde Jose is to tell the story of Panama through our cuisine. We use endemic ingredients, cook with age-old techniques, innovate where value can be added, and work every day to contribute to Panama's culinary identity.
Reviewed By Frank T - New York City, New York
From start to finish, dinner at Donde Jose is a special experience. The mix of local ingredients, Panamanian culture, and modern technique create a very unique meal. Compared to other tasting menus in NYC, Paris, etc. this is an absolute bargain. We opted for the chef's table which is necessary. The high bar makes it hard to see the plating. Must do for foodies visiting Panama City.
9. Caliope
Overall Ratings
5 based on 367 reviews
An adventure in gastronomy awaits you at "Caliope," Casco Viejo's first Farm-to-Table dining experience. Panama's newest and most creative culinary experience delivers international fusion that sources fresh and delicious local ingredients. Chef, Martino TK - trained in Italy'sTK - has teamed up with Chef Pierre De Janon of Tantalo Kitchen to provide a unique, gastronomic adventure. (Caliope also features a New York-style artisanal cocktail menu, and an eclectic wine list.) Be among the first to experience Caliope, destined to be the finest dining experience all of Central America. Caliope accepts Reservations and holds a limited number of tables for walk-ins.
Reviewed By Phyllis G - michigan
The decor in this place is really something special! The food and service are also excellent. We split a hamburger, which was so delicious I could have eaten the entire thing, had a fish dish that was cooked perfectly. The dessert was absolutely amazing, hot...MoreDear Phyllis, Thank you for your kind comments about Caliope. We are glad to know you had time to taste our hamburger, it is one of our favorites. Hope you come back anytime soon to try our new dishes from our changing menu. Best.
10. Barrio Pizza Casco Viejo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 138 reviews
Reviewed By Charlotte B - Liverpool, United Kingdom
The pizza was delicious and a real treat after 2 months of eating rice and beans. The size is good for an individual pizza and costs $10-13.
