The Panama Restaurant Scene

Panama has long been a melting pot for ethnicities the world over, and as in most crossroads, these immigrants have brought some of the most down-home cuisine you can find outside their homeland. Panama City is known for several high-rate Chinese restaurants such as Madame Chang’s, a hip and trendy spot that wouldn’t be out of place in a major US city. There is fantastic Middle Eastern food served throughout the city, perhaps best represented in Area Bancaria, with restaurants Aladdin’s and Beirut. Top-of-the-line sushi can be enjoyed at a number of hotel bars as well as the infamous Sushi Itto, a staple in the Obarrio neighborhood. Similarly, French food, Italian and Spanish alike can be found throughout this metropolitan capital.  

Panama’s restaurants are not only diverse in their food though. Some of the country’s smallest, most rustic food joints can sit right next to posh establishments, creating this deliciously assorted offering for people who are hungry. The Amador Causeway offers a handful of outdoor cafes and restaurants, most of which have beautiful views of the cityline and the Panama Canal, which is in service—with its shifting boats—twenty four seven.  

A number of high-end hotels in the city have recruited experienced chefs from all over the world, bringing in the best and most innovative culinary minds. More and more nouveau restaurants are opening up in the city, catering to vacationers, investors, and most importantly the Panamanian public who can’t resist a good exotic meal.  

Meals in Panama can vary in price greatly. A full lunch at a typical outdoor café can be as little as $2 while dinner at one of the country’s top spots can be as expensive as $70 per person. On average though, meals are inexpensive enough that restaurants are always crowded and people are always happy.  

The bottom line about dining in Panama is that you can get just about anything your little heart desires. While not all of Panama’s restaurants have websites, neighborhoods like Area Bancaria, Obarrio, Marbella, and El Dorado are chock full of new food joints to explore.