Portobelo
Located at the Coco Plum Eco Lodge, this popular bar-restaurant serves fish and shellfish dishes with a Caribbean twist in a large sea-facing dining room…
Must-see restaurants in Panama
Boquete
Throngs gather at this artisan bakery, a modest storefront with a couple of patio tables, for US-style sandwiches, organic salads and oh-so-good brownies…
Veraguas Province
One of the better restaurants on the Sunset Coast. The pastas at this open-air venue are tasty and substantial, with other dishes based on fresh seafood…
Veraguas Province
On the way to Playa Reina, this tiny thatched restaurant serves up marinated octopus, lasagna and authentic pizza served on wooden boards. It's the…
Isla Grande
This little Venezuelan place, the first eatery on the water to the right as you begin walking along the footpath, serves fresher than fresh clam, lobster…
Panamá Province
This pretty little eatery in a nautically themed bungalow serves excellent fish and shellfish as well as some meat-based pasta dishes (US$7.50 to US$12.50…
Península de Azuero
This wonderful little place just up from the beach serves Asian noodle dishes such as pad thai, delicious hummus plates, sandwiches (US$4.50 to US$6) and…
Panamá Province
A good bet for lunch (set lunch US$6, sandwiches from US$8) and dinner, the 'Chef's Corner' serves grilled meats, pastas and Panamanian classics. It's…
Panama City
For fresh fast food, this modern Greek eatery does delicious Angus beef or chicken gyros and Greek salads, as well as burgers and fries and syrupy baklava…
Highlands
Serving its own delicious fresh-roasted coffee, this new Spanish cafe also does great pastries, with wine, Spanish tapas and dessert for later in the day…
Chiriquí Province
In Las Lajas town near the main plaza, you will swoon for this artisan gelato with flavors ranging from tropical fruits to tart yogurt and chocolate as…
Darién Province
We might visit this place for the name alone, but its eyrie-like position above the main street and overlooking the port is a major draw (as is a quick…
Isla Grande
Sister Moon's bar-restaurant is built right over the water. The menu features the island’s famous coconut-infused seafood alongside high-end cocktails.
Comarca de Guna Yala
This restaurant on Banedup Bibbi (Isla Fragata Chica) is very poplar with sailors and day-trippers for its fish, seafood and chicken dishes. Unusual for…
Boquete
Great selection of Italian ice cream at this central and very friendly little gelateria. Choose from 10 flavors, including guanabana (soursop), pineapple…
Península de Azuero
Many punters swear by the pasta at this rustic little place at the southern end of town, but we come here for the pizzas, arguably the best in town…
Coclé Province
At the northern end of Av Juan Demóstenes Arosemena, this bakery sells wonderful cakes and sweet breads (US$1.75 to US$2.75) and has started baking pizzas…
Veraguas Province
This simple, no-nonsense cafeteria next to the bus station offers some of the best comida típica (regional specialties) around. It's friendly and very…
Panama City
Locals swear by this longtime Chinese restaurant, one of the best in a city with good Chinese fare. Stop by on the weekend for dim sum or succulent roast…
Bocas del Toro Town
Sardinian-run Alberto’s is a favorite local haunt, where pizza with toppings such as artichokes, olives and Gorgonzola satisfies big appetites.
Comarca de Guna Yala
Yachties and excursion boats stop by for meals (US$10 to US$15) of quality seafood, rice and salad. The over-the-water setting is a delight.
Boquete
On the main road 3km south of town, this German patisserie serves up decadent apple strudel and tortes, as well as authentic German breads.
Boquete
Enjoy the real McCoy at this hole in-the-wall pizzeria with six tables. It's just across the bridge and facing the fairgrounds.
Santa Catalina
This gelateria on a narrow dirt road on the way to La Punta surfing beach serves some of the best ice cream in Panama.
Panama City
This laid-back Italian restaurant is the place to come in Clayton for excellent thin-crust pizza. It's run by a young Italian couple who are so dedicated…
Panama City
If you're craving a tender steak or juicy hamburger, pop into Pretelt. Front of house is a butcher’s shop where you can buy your sausages and steaks to go…
Panama City
This waterfront market contains a number of seafood stands, with miniature kitchens occupied by residents of Chorillos, an edgy neighborhood famous for…
Panama City
Come for country breakfasts, fresh salads, pizza and baked goods with craft beer or organic coffee roasted in-house. A highlight is the live music (guitar…
Panama City
Positioned on Isla Flamenco, the furthest point along the Amador Causeway from the mainland, is the pirate-themed restaurant Bucanero's. Aside from the…
Coclé Province
A country restaurant in a 6.5-hectare recreational area, Icacos also has fishing, horseback riding, a working farm, a playground and an adventure park. It…
Península de Azuero
This plaza restaurant with relatively long hours has an expansive list of offerings, from sandwiches to steak and seafood. The chicken tacos will fully…
Santa Catalina
This good-vibe Argentine eatery is an original – from its menu of nachos, steak and small Argentine-style empanadas (turnovers stuffed with meat, cheese…
Santa Catalina
A Santa Catalina mainstay, this open-air rancho offers delicious thin-crust pizzas baked in a stone oven. Nightlife tends to concentrate here – perhaps it…
Península de Azuero
The relaxed, thatched-roof loft restaurant at Eco Venao resort is open to the public and caters to beach-goers with an appetite. While surfers usually…
Panama City
The creation of a Greek immigrant who once sold food from a cart, Niko’s has become one of Panama City’s most successful chains, with locations throughout…
Boquete
Our favorite of the three branches of this much-loved local institution cooks up cheap and filling Panamanian cuisine served cafeteria-style, and has…
Panama City
Nothing complements hot and humid tropical climes quite like a fiery plate of Indian curry and an ice-cold Kingfisher lager. Cozied up with floor pillows…
Bocas del Toro Town
This long-established but peripatetic establishment has had a sleek revamp with leather wall booths and imposing beams. It serves burgers, tacos and wraps…
Coclé Province
Serving better-than-average fast-food fare such as burgers, deep-fried shrimp and chicken with rice or patacones (fried plantains), this Chinese-owned…
El Valle
One of just a few Panamanian restaurants left in cosmopolitan El Valle, 'The Brothers' serves up the usual favorites (chicken with rice, ropa vieja with…
