Panama City is having a serious foodie moment. With six local restaurants included in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 ranking and its extended list, the capital is stepping firmly into the spotlight as one of the most exciting culinary cities in the region.
The Authority of Tourism of Panama (ATP) celebrated the recognition of six restaurants that showcase the city’s flavor and creativity: fine dining pioneer Maito, Cantina del Tigre, La Tapa del Coco, UMI, Fonda Lo Que Hay, and Caleta. Together they represent a cross section of what makes eating out in Panama City so fun right now, from modern tasting menus to relaxed spots that reinterpret everyday Panamanian comfort food.
According to ATP administrator Gloria De León, this recognition is not just a trophy for a few kitchens. It is a sign that Panama’s chefs, producers, and entrepreneurs are turning local ingredients, cultural diversity, and disciplined creativity into a powerful draw for international visitors and locals alike. With the support of ATP and PROMTUR, food is now seen as a central pillar of tourism promotion and a point of national pride, not just something you enjoy at the end of the day.
Maito and Cantina del Tigre: Two Essential Stops In The Capital
At the top of the list sits Maito, led by chef Mario Castrellón, a restaurant known for expressing Panama’s multicultural identity on the plate. Afro, Asian, Caribbean, and indigenous influences meet local seafood, mountain produce, and ingredients from across the country to create a menu that feels both rooted and inventive. Maito has become a regular name on international rankings thanks to its focus on Panamanian products and its steady push to put the country on the global food map. Maito
Cantina del Tigre, guided by chef Fulvio Miranda, brings a vibrant, contemporary take on flavors that celebrate Panama’s two oceans, mountains, and rivers. What started as a passion project has evolved into a destination restaurant that highlights Caribbean and coastal influences with playful, shareable dishes served in a lively, informal setting. It has already earned a place among Latin America’s top restaurants and become a favorite for people who want serious cooking without losing the feeling of a casual get-together with friends. Cantina Del Tigre
Between these two spots alone, you can experience the contrast that defines Panama City’s dining scene today: one night a polished tasting menu that feels like a culinary tour of the country, the next night a table full of ceviches, seafood, and reimagined classics in a buzzing neighborhood cantina.
A City Built For Food-Lovers
The other four restaurants on the list show how wide the spectrum has become. La Tapa del Coco celebrates Afro-Panamanian heritage with music, soul food, and a warm, community feel. UMI brings a refined, Asian-influenced approach to seafood and modern plates. Fonda Lo Que Hay takes the spirit of a traditional fonda and turns it into a creative laboratory for casual, exciting dishes. Caleta adds a coastal touch with fresh products and a relaxed atmosphere that still feels very much like Panama City.
For locals, this boom means that a special night out no longer requires leaving the country. For visitors and expats, it means you can plan entire evenings, weekends, or even full trips around food, weaving meals between visits to the Canal, Casco Viejo, and the city’s waterfront.
The ATP has been clear that this kind of recognition helps position Panama not only as a hub for business and transit, but also as a place where culture, tradition, and innovation come together at the table. Every reservation supports jobs in kitchens, farms, fisheries, and small suppliers, spreading the benefits of tourism more widely throughout the economy.
Find Them On The Map
If you are planning your own culinary route through the city, here are direct Google Maps links for two of the headliners:
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Cantina del Tigre: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1efGtzZdjmVPJCM38
Panama City’s restaurant scene is changing fast, and these six names are strong proof that the capital is now a serious playground for anyone who loves good food, lively neighborhoods, and nights that revolve around the next great meal. Following best practices in modern newswriting, this piece focuses on clear, factual coverage of a milestone moment for the city’s culinary culture.
Written on December 7, 2025.
