Panama City Restaurant Picks
1. Barandas Restaurant at the Bristol Hotel
This is Panamanian gourmet like nowhere else with delectable dishes and appetizers made from the freshest, native ingredients. Barrandas cuisine compares favorably to the finest restaurants anywhere. A creation of Panama's famous chef Cuquita Arias, called "the Martha Stewart of Panama” by Travel and Leisure magazine for her extraordinary culinary talents. Recommended best sellers include the appetizers Plaintain Wantons and for a main dish Sea Bass in Tamarindo Sauce. The desserts are some of the best anywhere. Try the Baked Alaska- our favorite dessert in the world. In the Bristol Hotel in the business district. Tel: 265-7844 Read more
2. La Posta
Recommended by the New York Times, a very popular gourmet bistro with a tropical classic menu with lots of variety and nothing common. Housed in a turn-of-century Panamanian house with plenty of ambience. There's a full bar and excellent wine list. Tel: 269-1076. Reservations are a must. Read more
3. BarKo Bistro
This great eatery located is in the heart of the restaurant district. It specializes in a variety in seafood and traditional Panamanian cuisine including fresh lobster and King Crab, jumbo prawns and shrimp, clams, calamari and octopus. Our favorite is the house ceviche- the best in town. Panama's Also enjoy Panama's famous corvina (sea bass) with a choice of tropical and Asian sauces. Barko has one of Panama's complete wine list,a full cocktail bar,the best sangria in town and a bi-lingual staff. Recommended in the Boston Globe as the place for seafood in Panama. Tel: 264-4008 Read more
4. 1985 y Rincon Suizo
If European cuisine is your favorite don't miss this famous restaurant. Prize winning Chef Willy Diggelman 1985 Restaurant is called the "best of France in Panama". 1985's best sellers include Tenderloin Steak in Fresh Green Pepper Sauce and for dessert a tropical mousse-Guanabana Mousse with Passion Fruit Sauce. 1985/Rincon Suizo is the only establishment in Latin America to receive Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence and the British magazine PrivatAir calls its wine selection one of the top seven in the world.
Adjacent Rincon Suizo, is called "the best of Switzerland in Panama". It offers moderately priced fine European and Swiss cuisine. In the El Cangrejo section of the business district near the El Panama Hotel. Tel: 263-8541 Read more about Rincon Suizo and 1985
5. Maito
Prepare yourself for a food adventure—Maito specializes in innovative fusion cuisine based on the culinary traditions of Panama--the bridge of the world. Local ingredients (there's an onsite herb and vegetable garden) fresh modern decor and a helpful staff add to the mix. Tel: 391-4657 Read more
6. Market Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Said to be the most popular restaurant in Panama City, Market provides a fresh selection of dishes to serve a wide variety of tastes. From a quick business lunch of hamburgers and wraps to a night out for premium grade steak and a bottle of wine, you’re guaranteed to experience a delicious meal in a lively setting. Tel: 264-9401
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7. Las Tinajas
This is the best place to try typical Panamanian cuisine. It is recommended by the New York Times. Las Tinajas' other popular attraction is its Panamanian folkloric dance shows, presented Tuesday, Thursday Friday and Saturday night at 9pm. This is great place to get acquainted with Panamanian cuisine and culture. The "pollera"-the national costume worn by the women dancers is considered one of the most beautiful national costumes in the world. Conveniently located in the business district. Tel: 263-7890 Read More
8. Madame Chang's
Widely regarded as the best Chinese restaurant in Central America and with good reason. This chic, quietly elegant restaurant is a very popular place. All the chefs are from Mainland China. The menu includes the favorite Chinese dishes plus some unexpected dishes, all of them prepared with gourmet flare. Peking duck is a favorite. In the restaurant section of the business district. Tel: 269-1313 Read more
Best Panama City Restaurant Views:
9. Miraflores Restaurant at the Panama Canal
Called by Lonely Planet one of the top 5 places to dine in Panama and recommended by the New York Times, the Miraflores Restaurant is the only place in the world where you can dine and watch 4 million ton vessels pass silently by through Canal locks. Offering excellent seafood and international dishes, the restaurant is also is part of the Panama Canal Visitors Center- that means you can combine seeing the Panama Canal Museum with an unforgettable lunch. Or dine at night when night views of the lit up locks and ships are no less stunning.
Tel: 232/3120 Located just 20 minutes from downtown Panama City, serving 11am to 11pm. Read more
10. TGIF’s at the Country Inn and Suites on Amador Causeway
Spectacular view of the Panama Canal with ships floating by, the Bridge of the Americas with mountains in the background. Recommended at sunset. Tel: 211-4500
Most restaurants on Amador Causeway have sweeping views of the Panama City skyline on Panama Bay -the views are great by day and night. Read more