Panama, a culinary hotspot in Central America, has earned its place on the international food map in recent years. Located between two oceans, Panama has become a melting pot of diverse culinary traditions, attracting food lovers from all over the world. Its rich culinary heritage blends indigenous, Afro-descendant, and European influences, making the food scene both vibrant and varied. Whether you’re a foodie or an adventurous traveler, Panama’s dynamic culinary landscape offers a unique experience with a wide range of restaurants catering to various dietary needs such as gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and kosher options.
Panama’s Culinary Evolution: Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
Panama’s gastronomic offerings are a fusion of local ingredients, such as corn, yucca, and fresh fish, mixed with global culinary techniques. The city’s restaurants have embraced international influences, with Peruvian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines gaining popularity. The result is a flavorful and innovative culinary scene that appeals to diverse palates, including those seeking vegetarian restaurants and gluten-free dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Panamanian dish or an international delicacy, Panama has something to satisfy every craving.
Must-Visit Restaurants in Panama for Culinary Enthusiasts
If you’re in Panama City, make sure to visit these top restaurants, which have earned global recognition and accolades for their unique takes on local and international cuisine:
Maito
Location: Avenida Samuel Lewis, Panama City.
Known for its focus on Panama’s local ingredients and modern techniques, Maito offers a tasting menu that celebrates Panama’s biodiversity. It has earned international acclaim for its innovative dishes that highlight local flavors.
Approximate cost: $30 – $60 per person.
Source: Huley Mantel
Intimo New Year Tasting Dinner 2022
Intimo
Location: Panama City.
Intimo offers a modern take on Panamanian cuisine, blending international techniques with local ingredients. The intimate setting and multi-course tasting dinners are perfect for food lovers looking for a memorable experience.
Approximate cost: $50 – $80 per person.
Source: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Personal Recommendation: If you’re looking for something truly special at Intimo, I highly recommend one of their intimate tasting dinners. The team is trained to guide you through each dish, explaining the ingredients and techniques behind every course. The meal consists of several courses, each complementing the next to create a cohesive and memorable dining experience.
Pulpo Croquette - La Cantina del Tigre
La Cantina del Tigre
Location: Calle 50, Panama City.
Known for its creative fusion of traditional and modern cuisine, La Cantina del Tigre has earned a spot in The World’s 50 Best Restaurants.
Approximate cost: $30 – $60 per person.
Source: The World’s 50 Best Restaurants
Personal Recommendation: Everything at La Cantina del Tigre is absolutely delicious. My personal recommendation is to try a dish from each course — an appetizer, main course, dessert, and don’t forget to enjoy their excellent cocktails. The Ceviche de Mamon Chino (one of their vegan options) is an excellent starter, served with crispy plantains, and it’s simply fantastic. The Pulpo Croquettes are to die for, and without a doubt, my top recommendation for the main course is the Catch of the Day. Everything is delicious, making La Cantina del Tigre a must-visit spot to savor the finest of Panama’s cuisine.
Pernil Sandwich and Raspao en Paila - Fonda lo que hay!
Fonda Lo Que Hay
Location: Panama City.
This restaurant brings traditional Panamanian flavors into the modern age. With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Fonda Lo Que Hay offers a relaxed dining experience with some veggie-friendly options.
Approximate cost: $15 – $30 per person.
Source: Fonda lo que Hay
Personal Recommendation: Without a doubt, Fonda Lo Que Hay is a restaurant that truly represents Panama. Taking the history and evolution of Panamanian culture as its starting point, the restaurant aims to be a global leader in both gastronomy and mixology, helping position Panama as a culinary destination. They offer some veggie-friendly options and blend traditional food with international techniques, resulting in an incredible dining experience. My top recommendations are the clams or fish empanadas as a starter, followed by the pernil sandwich for the main course, and finishing with a raspao en paila (shaved ice dessert). This restaurant takes traditional Panamanian flavors and adds a gourmet, high-cuisine twist, making it an ideal spot for tourists or visitors to experience local food with a refined touch.
Pumpkin Pancakes - Jero Coffee and Boulangerie
Gluten-Free Restaurants in Panama City
Panama is increasingly catering to dietary needs, making it a welcoming destination for travelers with specific food preferences. Whether you’re looking for gluten-free, vegan, or kosher restaurants, Panama offers a wide variety of choices that cater to different tastes and dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free Restaurants
- Avocat Organic Deli
Location: Calle 71, San Francisco, Panama City.
Enjoy gluten-free breads, empanadas, and pizzas
Approximate cost: $10 – $20 per person. - Organica Bites
Location: Locations in San Francisco, Paitilla, and Costa del Este.
A haven for gluten-free options like yucca empanadas
Approximate cost: $10 – $15 per person. - Cake Fit
Location: Calle 74 Este, Plaza 74, San Francisco.
Specializes in gluten-free sweets made with oats, almonds, and rice
Approximate cost: $5 – $15 per person.
- Jero Boulangerie
Location: Plaza Sunset Strip, Vía Israel.
Description: A café-restaurant offering a wide variety of gluten-free options, from croissants to burgers.
Approximate cost: $15 – $30 per person. - P.F. Chang’s
Location: Multiplaza Mall.
Description: Asian restaurant offering gluten-free dishes, including the Chang’s Spicy Chicken.
Approximate cost: $20 – $40 per person.
Greek Salad - Meze
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
- Natural Spice
Location: Calle José Fábrega, Bella Vista, Panama City.
Description: Offering a variety of vegan options, such as vegan sushi and “veggie bacon” made from dehydrated tomato.
Approximate cost: $15 – $30 per person. - Loving Hut
Location: Edificio Cali, Planta Baja, Calle Manuel Espinosa Batista.
Description: A vegan franchise offering delicious dishes like cold seaweed ceviche and tofu cheesecake.
Approximate cost: $10 – $20 per person. - Annie and Motts
Location: Panama City.
Description: Offering a variety of fresh, local vegan dishes, ideal for those seeking healthy options.Personal Recommendation: Without a doubt, at Annie and Motts, you’ll find not only full meals but also specialty coffee options. My top recommendation is their Apple and Walnut Salad, a refreshing and flavorful choice. Annie and Motts also offers gluten-free and keto options, making it an excellent spot for anyone with specific dietary needs.Approximate cost: $10 – $20 per person. - Sugoi
Location: Panama City.
Description: A restaurant that adapts traditional dishes to satisfy those following a vegan diet.
Approximate cost: $15 – $25 per personPersonal Recommendation: Sugoi is a Caribbean sushi restaurant that offers not only sushi rolls but also options for the whole family, including a kids’ menu. They have a variety of delicious options such as spring rolls, edamame, and tempura vegetables (vegan-friendly). For a great vegan option, I highly recommend trying the Vegan MP roll. Whether you’re a sushi lover or looking for something different, Sugoi offers a fantastic dining experience for everyone. -
The Vegan Shack
Location: Calle 4a Oeste, Casco Antiguo, Panama City.
Description: An ideal place for enjoying breakfast all day, bowls, and 100% vegan juices.Approximate cost: $10 – $20 per person. - Planticería
Location: San Francisco, Panama City.
Description: Planticería is Central America’s first plant-based “butcher shop” and deli. They offer a variety of plant-based products such as Plantiramy, Plantironi, Plantipollo, Plantiburger, Choriplanti, and Plantiham, all ideal for those seeking vegan and vegetarian alternatives.
In addition to their products, Planticería features a creative menu with sandwiches, brunch items, and dishes inspired by Latin cuisine. They also have a “Plantideli” with options for snacks like dips, mini sandwiches, and desserts, all made in-house. They support local businesses by offering locally produced brands in their deli.Approximate cost: $18 per person. - Meze Panamá
Location: Panama City.
Description: Meze Panamá offers the best of traditional Greek cuisine, carefully applying authentic recipes from its regions. The restaurant features several vegan-friendly options on the menu, making it an excellent choice for plant-based diets.Some of their vegan-friendly options include Melitzanosalata, a roasted eggplant salad with garlic, roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, basil, vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil; Skordalia, a creamy potato dip with bread, garlic, lemon, and extra virgin olive oil; and Dolmadakia, grape leaves stuffed with rice and aromatic spices, served with tzatziki. They also serve Faba, a creamy pea puree with celery, zucchini, carrots, lemon juice, and olive oil, and Vrasta Lajanika, a variety of steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, and carrots, all prepared with extra virgin olive oil and lemon.Meze Panamá’s menu offers a fantastic selection of healthy, flavorful dishes, making it a go-to spot for vegan and vegetarian options inspired by Greek flavors.Approximate cost: $15 – $30 per person.
Shakshuka - Adele's Coffee
Kosher Restaurants
- Fuego Bar & Bistro
Location: Paitilla, Panama City.
Description: Offering kosher dishes under the supervision of Shevet Ahim Kashrut.
Approximate cost: $20 – $40 per person. - Adama
Location: Paitilla, Panama City.
Description: A kosher restaurant with a variety of dishes supervised by Shevet Ahim Kashrut.
Approximate cost: $25 – $50 per person. - Aria
Location: Panama City.
Description: Offering a variety of kosher dishes under the supervision of Shevet Ahim Kashrut.
Approximate cost: $30 – $50 per person. - Yoss Burger
Location: Panama City.
Description: A kosher establishment specializing in burgers and other dishes supervised by Shevet Ahim Kashrut.
Approximate cost: $10 – $20 per person. - Adele’s
Location: San Francisco, Panama City.
Description: Offering dairy and parve dishes under the supervision of Shevet Ahim Kashrut.
Approximate cost: $15 – $30 per person.
Panama a world-class culinary destination
Panama has rapidly transformed into a world-class culinary destination, offering a unique fusion of global flavors with local ingredients. From Peruvian ceviche to Mediterranean tapas, Panama’s food scene has something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a local seeking a new dining experience, Panama’s restaurants promise to delight your senses with their diverse and innovative culinary offerings.
Explore Panama’s rich culinary heritage and modern gastronomic scene—whether you’re dining at a high-end international restaurant, enjoying a traditional Panamanian meal, or trying something new with a vegan or gluten-free menu. Panama’s diverse food culture makes it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.
If you have a passion for gastronomy and are looking to start your own restaurant, explore our commercial properties all over Panama. Contact us for more details!
