Restaurants in Central America
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A
Koki Beach
Reminiscent of Miami Beach, this sleek spot cranks reggae-lite and sports colorful Adirondack chairs that face the ocean from an elevated wooden platform on the east end of town. There’s a decent selection of Peruvian-inflected ceviches (seafood marinated in lemon or lime juice, garlic and seasonings), meat and seafood dishes, but slim pickings for vegetarians.
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Buddha Bar
An excellent place to hang out - downstairs there's a pool table, upstairs a restaurant doing convincing versions of Thai, Indian and other Asian dishes.
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B
Martín Fierro
For top-quality sirloins, porterhouse cuts and filet mignon, there is only one name in Panama City, and it's Martín Fierro. The quality of meat served here is unparalleled - top selections include the best in US-imported New York rib steaks, grass-fed Argentinean fillets and locally-raised Panamanian cuts. And of course, nothing washes down braised beef quite like a deep and bold glass of red wine, and Martín Fierro has no shortage of Chilean standards to round out your meal.
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Munchies
Located on the 1st floor of an island home built in 1864, this restaurant has a great Caribbean vibe, with pleasant outdoor seating on the front porch and at the back. The menu is a bit limited, but includes good vegetarian options and big breakfasts, which keeps it busy with travelers.
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C
Traveler Menu
Not nearly as unimaginative as the name would imply, this little bar-restaurant serves up big portions of food that you may have been craving (chow mein, curry etc) in an intimate candlelit environment.
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D'Noz
This is upstairs above Nick's and is another popular hangout - it's about as close as San Pedro gets to a cultural center, with a global menu, free movies, a big bar, board games and a lending library.
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Chile's
Chile's deck overlooking the Pana dock and lake will always be a popular option. The party starts later here, too, with free salsa classes and dance music through the week.
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La Gran Via
Chinese food comes hot, fresh and in large portions; the soups are great. Lunch specials are a better deal.
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D
Colbert Restaurant
At this charming French restaurant with lovely views, you'll find a chef who looks like he’s straight out of Central Casting: Joël Suire is not only French, he is also amply moustachioed and wears a toque. Naturally, the menu is loaded with traditional French items such as onion soup and house-made paté. A good wine list (bottles from US$16) is strong on vintages from South America and France.
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E
Habaneros
Caulker's 'hottest' restaurant, named for the habanero chili, is located in a brightly painted clapboard house in the center of town. Here chefs prepare gourmet international food, combining fresh seafood, meat and vegetables with insanely delicious sauces and flavors. Wash it down with a fine wine or a jug of sangria. Sit in the funky bar and sip a fruity cocktail or enjoy the buzz and eat by candlelight at the tables on the verandah. Reservations are recommended.
reviewed
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RJ’s BBQ
Huge, cheap, well-prepared dishes attract a crowd here – it’s lucky for the other restaurants in town that RJ’s is only open three days a week. Choose from barbecued chicken, wahoo, kingfish, pork or beef, all of which are served with mashed potato and salad. The selections are written on a chalk board near the cash register, and erased one by one as the night wears on and the food runs out. Needless to say, come early. It’s across from Alton’s Dive Shop.
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F
Amor Y Café
There's no contest about the most popular breakfast spot on the island – this place is always busy, but you won't have to wait long for a table on the shaded porch overlooking Front St. Take your pick from fresh-squeezed juices, scrambled eggs or homemade yogurt topped with fruit, and don't miss out on the fresh-brewed coffee. If you have to pack a lunch, sandwiches are available to go.
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Jade Luna
A delectable dining experience, starting with the linen napkins and candlelit tables, and ending with tropical-flavored homemade ice cream. Not to gloss over what comes in between: the menu varies, but always features fresh Cajun-style fish and garlicky jumbo shrimp straight from the gulf, plus a host of appetizers and salads prepared with the freshest organic produce.
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Aeropuerto 79
Just south of Masaya on the main road, this fairly spectacular spot - colorful tilework, beautiful gardens, sculptures of large-breasted women - has well-prepared typical food, and specializes in exotic meat, such as armadillo, rabbit or deer. It was a Sandinista military depot during the revolution, and a nearby plane crash in 1979 inspired the peacetime name.
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El Timón
This excellent beach restaurant is the place to go for a more upmarket seafood dinner, with professional service and delicious seafood; the pulpo al vapor (steamed octopus with a tasty garlicky sauce) is highly recommended.
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Rincón Don Chato
It looks like a regular formica diner on the main drag, but this nifty nitch has the best batidos, or fruit shakes, in town - the pineapple-celery in orange juice is amazing. Also on the menu are Nica classics with your choice of meat, plus veggie burgers and other vegetarian options. Good breakfasts.
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Jim’s Pizza Copán
This thatch-roof restaurant serves some of the best pizza around. Choose from a variety of ingredients – pepperoni, ham, sausage, bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, olives – and it’s baked before your eyes in the open-air kitchen. A steady stream of clients keeps the place going late.
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J
Restaurante Coral Reef
This place attracts fish-lovers, who arrive for steaming portions of seafood stew served in a pleasant 2nd-story balcony overlooking the main drag. The place gets packed, especially in high season (make a reservation).
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K
Mesón Panza Verde
This guesthouse restaurant provides divine continental cuisine in an appealing Antiguan atmosphere. If you don't have the budget for a full meal but want to check out the great ambience and gorgeous patio, have a drink or snack at the Panza Verde's Café Terraza.
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Restaurante Doña Luisa Xicotencatl
Probably Antigua's best-known restaurant, this is a place to enjoy the colonial patio ambience over breakfast or a light meal. The bakery here sells many kinds of breads, including whole grain. Check out the hot-from-the-oven banana bread daily at around 14:00.
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Vuela Vuela
One of Estelí's best restaurants, serving delicious roasted meat, good salads and sandwiches, and big breakfasts (presto 'coffee' though…hmmm). Not the cheapest place, but worth the splurge if you've OD'd on gallo pinto.
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El Sabrosón
This much-loved local institution cooks up cheap and filling Panamanian cuisine served cafeteria style. Although Boquete is rapidly being colonized by gringo-friendly boutique eateries, this is one local institution that stays true to its roots.
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Rainbow Café
Fill up from an eclectic range of all-day breakfasts, curries, stir-fries, Cajun chicken, guacamole and more, and enjoy the relaxed patio atmosphere. The Rainbow has a bookshop and travel agency on the premises.
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Fata Morgana
Really good coffee has finally made it to San Pedro thanks to this little Italian restaurant/café/bakery. Also on offer are some good basic pastas and excellent homemade breads and pastries.
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Monoloco
An old-time tourist hangout (take that as a recommendation or a warning), this place serves up a good blend of comfort foods and local dishes, as well as ice-cold beers in a relaxed environment.
reviewed