Panama City is one of Latin America’s most exciting places to eat. As a crossroads of the Americas, the capital blends Caribbean and Pacific ingredients with waves of immigration from Spain, Italy, China, the Middle East and beyond. The result is a dining scene where you can eat a rustic bowl of sancocho for lunch and a refined tasting menu for dinner. This guide breaks down the best restaurants in Panama City by cuisine so you can plan around what you are craving.
Panamanian and Latin American
Start with the food that defines the country. Traditional Panamanian kitchens build their menus around staples like sancocho (a hearty chicken and yam soup), ropa vieja (shredded stewed beef), arroz con pollo, and fried sides such as patacones and carimañolas. Many of the best local spots are family-run, focused on generous portions and slow-cooked flavor rather than trends. For a broader Latin American experience, the city also has strong Peruvian, Colombian and Venezuelan kitchens, reflecting its diverse population.
Seafood and Ceviche
With two oceans within reach, Panama City takes seafood seriously. Ceviche is practically a national ritual, typically made with fresh corvina (sea bass) cured in lime with onion and cilantro. Beyond ceviche, look for whole fried fish, octopus, shrimp and Caribbean-style coconut preparations. The area around the Mercado de Mariscos (the fish market) is the classic destination for casual, fresh-off-the-boat seafood, while upscale coastal restaurants offer more polished plates.
Italian and Mediterranean
Italian food is deeply woven into the city, a legacy of long-standing immigrant communities. You will find everything from wood-fired pizzerias to handmade pasta houses and elegant trattorias. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern kitchens are also well represented, with mezze, grilled meats and fresh flatbreads that pair beautifully with Panama’s warm climate.
Asian: Chinese, Japanese and More
Panama has one of the oldest and largest Chinese communities in Central America, and Chinese food here ranges from home-style rice dishes to banquet-style dining. Japanese cuisine has grown quickly, with sushi bars and izakaya-style spots concentrated in the newer business districts. You will also find Thai, Korean and pan-Asian fusion, especially in areas popular with younger diners.
Steakhouses and International Fine Dining
For special occasions, Panama City delivers polished steakhouses and international fine dining, many with skyline or waterfront views. These venues cluster in upscale districts and emphasize imported and regional cuts, extensive wine lists and attentive service. Several ambitious chefs are also spotlighting modern Panamanian cuisine, reinterpreting local ingredients in tasting-menu format.
Where the Restaurants Are
Knowing the neighborhoods helps you eat well. Casco Viejo, the historic old town, is dense with atmospheric restaurants, rooftop bars and creative kitchens set in restored colonial buildings. Bella Vista and Calle Uruguay form the city’s traditional nightlife-and-dining strip, packed with variety. San Francisco and Costa del Este skew modern and residential, with newer, design-forward restaurants and reliable international options.
How to Choose
When narrowing down where to eat, consider three things: the cuisine you want, the neighborhood you will already be in, and the vibe you are after (casual local lunch, date-night dinner, or group celebration). Reservations are wise for popular venues on weekends. It also pays to check recent hours, since some kitchens close between lunch and dinner.
Ready to book a table? Browse verified venues in our restaurants directory to compare cuisines, neighborhoods and contact details in one place. If your evening is heading toward drinks and music after dinner, our bars and nightlife listings will help you keep the night going. However you like to eat, Panama City has a table for you.
