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 fabulous. 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
A wildly popular gourmet bistro with local elite elite recommended by the New York Times, La Posta has a tropical classic menu with a wide variety of dishes. Housed in an airy, turn-of-century Panamanian house with a 1950s Havana-style feel, the atmosphere is fresh and relaxing. The cuisine is creative and takes good advantage of Panama's exotic variety of local ingredients. There's a full bar and an excellent wine list including Napa Valley selections. La Posta is almost always full-reservations are must.
Tel: 269-1076. Read more
3. 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
4. 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
5. Market Steakhouse and Wine Bar
Probably the most popular restaurant in Panama City, Market provides a fresh selection of dishes to serve a wide variety of tastes. The specialty here is American comfort food done well. Choose from a quick business lunch of hamburgers or wraps to a night out for premium grade steak and a bottle of wine. Beef is the main attraction, but there are plenty of fish and other menu choices. You'll have a delicious meal in a lively setting surrounded by lots of locals- good place to Panama-people watch. Tel: 264-9401
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6. Las Tinajas
This is the best place to try typical Panamanian cuisine. Recommended by the New York Times. Las Tinajas' other popular attraction is 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
7. Madame Chang's
Called a best Chinese restaurant in Central America, this quietly elegant restaurant is a 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
Panama City Restaurants with the Best 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 on Amador Causeway
From the terrace enjoy 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
Amador Causeway is a restaurant mecca and many of them have views of the Panama City skyline and the Panama Canal. The views are great both by day and night. You can rent a bike to cruise the causeway and afterwards choose from many outdoor restaurants with reasonable prices.Read more
Also, check out our article on the best restaurants outside Panama City.