Location: Panama City
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Panama Province, Panama Food Guide: 10 International food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Panama City
Find out what International restaurants to try in Panama City. 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
10. Maito
Overall Ratings
4 based on 650 reviews
Using all the influences of the Panama canal and natives ingredients MAITO is a Panamanian restaurant offering local food with a twist.
Reviewed By Artemis_Buffington
Booked my reservation a month ago. Requested an outdoor table (had read that the air conditioning inside was intense). March 23: arrived. Hostess didn't see me because, you know, single women over 30 are invisible. Hostess told me I had to eat inside because I was just one. Inside was freezing. When I told the hostess I'd only sit outside, she reluctantly pointed me towards a 4-top. I waited a few minutes, no one stopped by my table, I left. Atmosphere--inside and outside--was mediocre, or I may have sucked it up and stayed. Out $15 in cab fare, but dignity intact.
9. Caliope
Overall Ratings
5 based on 559 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
Reviewed By dpmmmm
Very good all round... greeted at door... Barman and barmaid well trained and knew their stuff ... free amuse bouche delightful... lamb starter excellent ... short rib main course very good but a little expensive for what it is... friends dishes superb....waitress very good... was well versed although she would be superb if she improved her english... ....Italian chef came to our table, a good sign because he knows he puts out good food and not afraid to face the public.. ! I would give it 5 stars if... they improved on simple things like... stairwell up to restaurant needs to be cleaned up and decorated, it looks scruffy... more attention to bathrooms... not quite up to standard .. had to dry hands with toilet paper.. I would put it as best restaurant in Casco viejo because of food quality and service... I will definitely return.Dear dpmmmm,Thanks very much for your balanced and fair review. I'm glad you felt that our food and service was well done. It's something we've worked hard on and we're pleased our efforts resonated with you.I also want to thank you for your feedback and criticisms. We've taken your thoughts to heart and we're planning on making some internal changes based on your recommendations.I appreciate your kind words and professional demeanor and look forward to seeing you in the future.Best,Maru.
8. Grapes Restaurant & Bar
Overall Ratings
4 based on 338 reviews
The Restaurant is situated in one of the rooms of a fully restored private mansion dating back to 1657 and is one of the very first structures built in the old fortified Spanish city. The original walls and arches are skillfully blended into a cosy dining
Reviewed By Kelleygirl2
The restaurant was a short walk our hotel on Plaza Independence. and I paused often to photograph the beautiful old city at night. Once inside the restaurant I was a bit worried because the it was empty save for our group, but the chandeliers, wine cellars and nice artwork that decorated the inside of the stone walled interior made me hopeful. We went there as a tourist group so I understand serving a group of 18-20 people is not easy and I do expect slow service in Panama, having said that the service was not bad but the food was not as good as expected. My salad was soaked in dressing making the lettuce soupy. I will say the mushroom ravioli I chose as my entree looked small but was tasty and filling. I had wine that was not spectacular and for dessert we were given vanilla ice cream, a real disappointment for a tour group looking to taste local foods.Apparently there was a rooftop view included in this meal near an adjacent restaurant called Pips. With your Grapes receipt you can go to the top for a view of the city. Since some of our OAT group had to leave early the next morning we were ushered quickly back to the hotel to say goodbye and not given an opportunity to go to the rooftop at Pips.Thank you for posting..we always appreciate feedback. In this instance there appears to be an issue with your tour company rather than the Restaurant. The hours chosen for your visit are I believe much earlier than normal local Panamanians dine which tend we find to to be around 9 PM. Hence the rather âemptyâ feel of the place. Grapes is actually located within a private house and dates back to 1665 , the oldest structure in the old city. As regards the menu choices and pricing this is set by the Tour Operator and not the restaurant. The roof top you mention is StorX located above Pips Gastropub (2 minutes away) and indeed it was a pity you didnât have time to visit as it has stunning 360 views across Panama.
7. Siete Mares
Overall Ratings
4 based on 255 reviews
Siete Mares, with more than 40 years, is a point of reference in Panamanian cuisine. Our name says it all, we offer a huge variety of seafood brought daily from our seas and from different parts of the world.
Reviewed By RudesterSXM
Our party of four were staying at the Riu and based on Trip Advisor reviews chose Siete Mares (Seen Seas) for dinner on a Wednesday evening.Everything about the restaurant was excellent. The ambiance, the service and most memorably the seafood. At the suggestion of one in our group we had planned to dine elsewhere, but when we arrived that restaurant was closed. We ended up at 'Siete Mar' and all had really terrific meals. My friend commented after dinner that he was glad his first choice was closed because this meal was one of the best ever. We all agreed, each raving about their dinners. I'll definitely return to Siete Mar next year when I visit Panama City again.
6. Mahalo Snack Shack
Overall Ratings
4 based on 180 reviews
Also check out our brand new location Mahalo Cocina y Jardin located in Las Clementinas Hotel in Casco Viejo
Reviewed By SophiaMaddah
Great vegan and veggie options and the menu clearly tells you which is vegan or veggie... also some meat options! I had the nut and bean burger with vegan slaw which was great! Decent price and huge portion! My husband got the fish tacos which he did not like.
5. Riesen
Overall Ratings
4 based on 268 reviews
Restaurante de comida 100% local panameña. Nuestros insumos son de micro productores a lo largo del paÃs
Reviewed By Tara B
Iâve wanted to eat here for several years and finally got the opportunity. So glad I did! Food was amazing! My favorite thing about this place is that they use as many local ingredients from small farms here in Panama. I had 2 appetizers that were enough to share easily between 2-3 people. The dessert I had was amazing and again could have easily been shared with another person. I was the first one in the restaurant as soon as it opened so naturally I received great service. Compared to some restaurants the price would seem to be high BUT you have to take into consideration that they buy local and they make everything in house. This isnât cheap! I would not advise coming in a large group as this seems to be a somewhat small operation and would be rather difficult to serve a large group of people at one time. I think itâs perfect for couples or a group of 4. Also not what I would consider kid friendly. I have kids and this isnât what they would like and there is nothing on the menu thatâs easy for kids ie; French fries, chicken or hamburgers. I met the chef and was surprised at how young he was. He was super nice and enjoyed chatting about his food. I canât wait to go back again and take my husband.
4. Caliope
Overall Ratings
5 based on 559 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
Reviewed By dpmmmm
Very good all round... greeted at door... Barman and barmaid well trained and knew their stuff ... free amuse bouche delightful... lamb starter excellent ... short rib main course very good but a little expensive for what it is... friends dishes superb....waitress very good... was well versed although she would be superb if she improved her english... ....Italian chef came to our table, a good sign because he knows he puts out good food and not afraid to face the public.. ! I would give it 5 stars if... they improved on simple things like... stairwell up to restaurant needs to be cleaned up and decorated, it looks scruffy... more attention to bathrooms... not quite up to standard .. had to dry hands with toilet paper.. I would put it as best restaurant in Casco viejo because of food quality and service... I will definitely return.Dear dpmmmm,Thanks very much for your balanced and fair review. I'm glad you felt that our food and service was well done. It's something we've worked hard on and we're pleased our efforts resonated with you.I also want to thank you for your feedback and criticisms. We've taken your thoughts to heart and we're planning on making some internal changes based on your recommendations.I appreciate your kind words and professional demeanor and look forward to seeing you in the future.Best,Maru.
3. A Mangiare
Overall Ratings
5 based on 485 reviews
We are the perfect space for the family, a small and cozy place. We have an excellent service and our dishes mix tradition and avant-garde to offer you an authentic gastronomic experience.
Reviewed By Richard G
Feeling as if I was entering a a private relaxed dining room, complete with my private chef. The food was great and the Chef ( owner ) prepared me a fabulous vegetarian meal..It was delicious. Nice wine, a friendly environment...I only wish they were op-en on Sundays...so I could repeat before leaving Panama. Indulge and choose this restaurant as a must go during your time in Panama City.Thank you so much for your beautiful words. I do not want to make vain promises, but I will consider your proposal to open even on Sunday. Come back soon, so I'll let you know about any time change! See you later!
What to do and see in Panama City, Panama: The Best Places and Tips
2. La Vespa Vista Mare
Overall Ratings
5 based on 672 reviews
La Vespa, the top Italian Restaurant in Panama, has just opened its second location in the most magnificent spot in the city: the ground floor terrace at the Trump Ocean Club, with unlimited ocean and city views adds natural beauty, calm and serenity to o
Reviewed By andresl429
Itâs one of the best places in Panamá to have dinner, snacks and good drinks. Great ocean view, cozy, quiet. 100% recommended. Just try it.
Where to eat Central American food in Panama City: The Best Restaurants and Bars
1. Maito
Overall Ratings
4 based on 650 reviews
Using all the influences of the Panama canal and natives ingredients MAITO is a Panamanian restaurant offering local food with a twist.
Reviewed By Artemis_Buffington
Booked my reservation a month ago. Requested an outdoor table (had read that the air conditioning inside was intense). March 23: arrived. Hostess didn't see me because, you know, single women over 30 are invisible. Hostess told me I had to eat inside because I was just one. Inside was freezing. When I told the hostess I'd only sit outside, she reluctantly pointed me towards a 4-top. I waited a few minutes, no one stopped by my table, I left. Atmosphere--inside and outside--was mediocre, or I may have sucked it up and stayed. Out $15 in cab fare, but dignity intact.
Most Popular Latin food in Panama City, Panama Province, Panama
