Fonda Lo Que Hay is chef Jose Olmedo Carles’ buzzing, neon-lit reinvention of the traditional Panamanian fonda, the humble neighborhood eatery. Set in a corrugated-metal dining room in Casco Viejo, it swaps white tablecloths for cocktail-bar energy while taking street and market food seriously, an approach that earned it a place on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
The menu changes constantly to spotlight whatever is fresh and local, the very meaning of “lo que hay,” or “whatever there is.” A near-permanent signature is the toasted yuca with tuna and onion, joined by rotating ceviches, grilled seafood, and elevated versions of Panamanian comfort classics. The cooking honors familiar, everyday flavors while sharpening them with real technique, so the food feels both nostalgic and refined at once.
The vibe is loud, fun, and unmistakably local, with the energy of a bar as much as a restaurant. It is a place to share plates, order another round, and settle in rather than dine quietly, which is a big part of its charm and its popularity with both locals and visitors.
Fonda Lo Que Hay is perfect for a lively dinner with friends or a first taste of contemporary Panamanian cooking without the formality of a traditional fine-dining room. It rewards those who arrive with an open mind and a willingness to try whatever the kitchen is excited about that night. Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.
At a glance:
Modern Panamanian fonda-style cooking with a constantly changing menu built around fresh local ingredients; the toasted yuca with tuna is a signature.
On Calle Jose de Obaldia, ground floor of Edificio El Colegio, in Casco Antiguo, Panama City.
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September, 2026
Friday
12:30 am - 12:45 am
12:45 am - 1:00 am
1:00 am - 1:15 am
1:15 am - 1:30 am
1:30 am - 1:45 am
1:45 am - 2:00 am
2:00 am - 2:15 am
2:15 am - 2:30 am
2:30 am - 2:45 am
2:45 am - 3:00 am
3:00 am - 3:15 am
3:15 am - 3:30 am
3:30 am - 3:45 am
3:45 am - 4:00 am
4:00 am - 4:15 am
4:15 am - 4:30 am
4:30 am - 4:45 am
4:45 am - 5:00 am
August 26,2019
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Fonda Lo Que Hay is a restaurants in Panama City, Panama. On this page you’ll find its location on the map, contact details, phone number and reviews. You can call +507 202-6892 or use the contact button to get in touch.
Serving: Panama City and the nearby Pacific beach towns of Coronado, Nueva Gorgona, San Carlos, El Palmar, Santa Clara, Punta Chame and Playa Blanca.
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