Must-see restaurants in Panama

  • La Fortuna

    Bocas del Toro Province

    Should you need a fix of rice and noodles, La Fortuna, diagonally opposite from the Urraca bus terminal, can oblige.

  • Super Santa Fe

    Veraguas Province

    The town’s most complete grocery store is on the right-hand side as you come into town. Takes credit cards.

  • Mercado Municipal

    Boquete

    Fresh produce is sold at this enclosed market on the northeastern corner of the central plaza.

  • Super Centro El Pueblo

    Península de Azuero

    The town's principal supermarket sits on the corner of Av Central and Calle Los Estudiantes.

  • Mini Market

    Panamá Province

    Centrally located French-owned convenience store.

  • Churreria Manolo

    Panama City

    Churreria Manolo is something of an institution in Panama, famous for its delicious churros. Choose the simple sugar-coated variety or opt for churros…

  • Café Coca Cola

    Panama City

    A neighborhood institution, this old-school diner comes complete with chess-playing señoras and no-nonsense waiters. Of course, the real reason you’re…

  • Benissimo

    Panama City

    Flavors in this spacious cafe include the usual suspects, with fun additions to the menu such as guanabana, mascarpone and mojito. Benissimo also rustles…

  • Restaurante Matsuei

    Panama City

    Many feel that this longstanding restaurant is in a slump, despite its proud quarter-century tradition. Imported fish means varied offerings from unagi …

  • La Posta

    Panama City

    A bistro with seasonal menus, La Posta usually dishes up beautifully presented food – though recent offerings don't always make the grade. Organic and…

  • Restaurante Julio José

    Veraguas Province

    This little restaurant on the main road just north of Mariato is the best place for a basic Panamanian lunch or (very) early dinner. It's a simple place…

  • Restaurante L'Osteria

    Panama City

    Crowded out by a slew of newer restaurants, this Italian-run brick bistro struggles to keep up. Gnocchi with fresh ricotta and percorino cheese and…

  • Supermercado Romero

    Boquete

    One block east of the central plaza, this has Boquete's best selection of groceries. It's open round the clock in high season from November to February.

  • Super 99

    David

    Self-caterers can head to the Super 99, a large supermarket open 24 hours a day and convenient to the city's hostels.

  • Fonda Doña Lola

    Darién Province

    This cheap eatery serving rice and meat dishes with fried plantains is in the center of El Real near the church.

  • Supermercado Rey

    Panama City

    Chain supermarket with ample selection. There's another branch in the El Dorado Mall.

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