Quick answers — eating in Panama City
- Best restaurant overall
- Maito
- Best value
- Mercado de Mariscos ($20 - $40 USD)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Spanish, Seafood
- Dishes to try
- Sancocho de Gallina, Ceviche, Arroz con Pollo, Patacones
- Booking window
- For Donde José or Maito, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. These popular spots fill quickly due to limited seating.
Booking ahead, especially for weekend evenings, is highly recommended for top restaurants. Dress codes typically range from smart casual to elegant, with jackets often preferred for men in the most upscale establishments. Tipping usually defaults to 10-15% of the bill. Dinner generally starts between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Panama City
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Maito
Acclaimed local fine diningPanamanian Contemporary · San Francisco · $70 - $120 USD
Mario Castrellón
Chef Mario Castrellón's Maito is a pioneer, elevating traditional Panamanian ingredients and techniques into a sophisticated, modern culinary experience. The setting is refined yet inviting, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and showcasing the country's rich biodiversity. It's a cornerstone of Panama's gastronomic identity.
Order: Concolón (crispy rice), octopus with coconut milk and Panamanian peppers
Spanish
Best Spanish restaurants in Panama City
Spanish dining runs late and sociable: tapas standing at the bar, then a proper sit-down at 9pm or later. Basque kitchens in particular sit among the best in Europe.
Azafrán
Acclaimed local fine diningSpanish Contemporary · Obarrio · $60 - $100 USD
Azafrán brings sophisticated Spanish flavors to Panama City, focusing on contemporary interpretations of classic dishes from various regions of Spain. The ambiance is chic and elegant, making it a popular choice for business dinners and special occasions. Ingredients are carefully sourced, ensuring authentic and refined tastes.
Order: Suckling pig confit, traditional Spanish paella
Seafood
Best seafood restaurants in Panama City
Seafood restaurants live or die on the day's catch — the shortest menus are usually the best sign, because the kitchen is cooking what actually came in.
Mercado de Mariscos
Acclaimed local fine diningPanamanian Seafood · Coastal Strip · $20 - $40 USD
While not a formal fine-dining establishment, Panama's Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market) offers an authentic, lively experience of the freshest local seafood, prepared simply and deliciously. Numerous small, open-air eateries serve classic ceviches and fried fish, reflecting the vibrant culinary heart of the city.
Order: Ceviche mixto (mixed seafood ceviche), whole fried fish
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Panama City
El Trapiche
A beloved institution serving authentic Panamanian cuisine in a casual setting. Try the sancocho (chicken soup), arroz con pollo, and hojaldras (fried dough). Expect to pay $10-$20 for a hearty meal.
Panadería y Dulcería La Moderna
A classic bakery and deli, perfect for breakfast or a quick snack. Famous for its empanadas, pastries, and Panamanian coffee. Most items are under $5, offering excellent value.
Miraflores Visitor Center Restaurant
Enjoy traditional Panamanian dishes with a view of the Panama Canal's Miraflores Locks. The buffet offers a wide selection of local specialties. Lunch typically costs $20-$30 per person.
Street Food vendors in Casco Antiguo
Explore the historic district for informal vendors selling delights like 'patacones' (fried plantain), 'carimañolas' (yucca fritters), and 'raspaos' (shaved ice). Most items are $2-$5.
Rica Sopa
Specializing in soups and home-style Panamanian food, Rica Sopa is a local favorite for a comforting, affordable meal. Their daily specials are popular. A meal usually costs $8-$15.
Local dishes
What to eat in Panama City
Sancocho de Gallina
A comforting and hearty chicken soup, considered Panama's national dish. It features chicken, yuca, ñame (yam), cilantro, and corn on the cob, simmered to perfection. Find authentic versions at Restaurante El Trapiche, where it's a staple, providing a true taste of local home cooking.
Ceviche
Fresh raw fish or seafood, typically corvina (sea bass) or shrimp, marinated in lime juice, onions, and cilantro. It’s a refreshing and tangy dish, perfect as an appetizer. The Mercado de Mariscos (Fish Market) is the quintessential spot to enjoy various preparations, served in small cups.
Arroz con Pollo
A flavorful rice dish cooked with shredded chicken, mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and bell peppers, often seasoned with achiote for color. It's a ubiquitous and satisfying meal found across Panama. Fonda Lo Que Hay offers a well-regarded, home-style rendition.
Patacones
Crispy, flattened, and twice-fried green plantains. These savory delights are a popular side dish or snack, often served with a sprinkle of salt or garlic sauce. They pair wonderfully with any main course. Many restaurants, such as Azahar, offer expertly prepared versions, sometimes with guac.
Pargo Frito
Whole fried red snapper, typically seasoned and fried until golden and crispy, often served with patacones and a simple salad. It’s a seafood lover's delight, best enjoyed by the water. Mi Ranchito on the Amador Causeway is renowned for its fresh and perfectly cooked fish.
Hojaldras
A traditional Panamanian breakfast staple, these are light, fluffy fried dough, similar to a sweet flatbread. Often served with cheese, fried eggs, or a savory stew (carne guisada). Donde José elevates this simple dish, offering a gourmet take on local flavors, making for a memorable breakfast.
Chicheme
A traditional Panamanian drink made from fermented corn, milk, cinnamon, and sugar. It's a refreshing, slightly thick, and sweet beverage with a unique, creamy texture, often found at roadside stands. Seek out local vendors, particularly in areas like La Chorrera, for the most authentic taste.
Ron Ponche
Panamanian eggnog, typically enjoyed during the Christmas season but sometimes found year-round. It's a creamy, sweet concoction made with eggs, milk, sugar, vanilla, and plenty of local rum. Many local bakeries and specialty drink shops offer their own delightful versions of this festive beverage.
How to book a table in Panama City
- · For Donde José or Maito, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. These popular spots fill quickly due to limited seating.
- · Many higher-end restaurants require a credit card guarantee for reservations. Be aware of potential no-show or late cancellation fees, usually specified during booking.
- · Consider dining for lunch at fine-dining establishments; often, they offer more accessible price points or express menus, providing a taste of the chef's cuisine without the full dinner cost.
- · Confirm the restaurant's no-show policy when booking. Some Panamanian restaurants have strict cancellation windows, with penalties ranging from a fixed fee to the full tasting menu price.
FAQ
Panama City restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Panama City?
Maito in San Francisco is the benchmark table — Panamanian Contemporary, led by Mario Castrellón, acclaimed local fine dining, around $70 - $120 USD per person. Order the Concolón (crispy rice), octopus with coconut milk and Panamanian peppers
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Panama City?
Maito in San Francisco is the modern European table to book in Panama City ($70 - $120 USD per person).
Where is the best Spanish restaurant in Panama City?
Azafrán in Obarrio is the Spanish table to book in Panama City ($60 - $100 USD per person).
Where is the best seafood restaurant in Panama City?
Mercado de Mariscos in Coastal Strip is the seafood table to book in Panama City ($20 - $40 USD per person).
Where can I eat well in Panama City without spending a fortune?
Mercado de Mariscos is the best-value table on this list at roughly $20 - $40 USD per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to El Trapiche, Panadería y Dulcería La Moderna, Miraflores Visitor Center Restaurant.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Panama City?
For Donde José or Maito, book at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for weekend evenings. These popular spots fill quickly due to limited seating. Many higher-end restaurants require a credit card guarantee for reservations. Be aware of potential no-show or late cancellation fees, usually specified during booking.
What food is Panama City famous for?
Sancocho de Gallina, Ceviche, Arroz con Pollo, Patacones, Pargo Frito — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. A comforting and hearty chicken soup, considered Panama's national dish. It features chicken, yuca, ñame (yam), cilantro, and corn on the cob, simmered to perfection. Find authentic versions at Restaurante El Trapiche, where it's a staple, providing a true taste of local home cooking.
Planning the rest of Panama City?
The full Panama City guide has a seven-day itinerary, neighbourhoods, museums and the mistakes to avoid.
Read the Panama City travel guide