Food & Restaurants in Panama City

Food & Restaurants in Panama City: A Local Guide to Eating Well in the Capital

Eating in Panama City is one of my favorite ways to understand the city itself. Food here tells stories—about migration, trade, tradition, and creativity. One meal might reflect Indigenous roots, while the next carries Caribbean rhythm or modern global flair. The variety can surprise you, even if you stay only a few days.

This guide is meant to help you explore the food scene without feeling overwhelmed. I’ll share what the city tastes like, how different neighborhoods feel when it comes to food, and what kinds of meals you can expect to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for traditional dishes, casual local spots, or refined dining with a view, Panama City has something waiting for you.

The Food Scene in Panama City

Panama City’s food scene has grown fast over the last decade. Chefs from Panama and abroad have opened restaurants that respect tradition while experimenting with modern ideas. At the same time, small neighborhood spots and family-run eateries continue to serve comforting, familiar dishes every day.

What makes the city special is the mix. You can eat at a seafood stall in the morning, enjoy a long lunch in a shaded plaza, and end the day at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the ocean. Food here is social, relaxed, and deeply connected to daily life.

Traditional Panamanian Food in the City

If you want to understand Panama, start with its traditional dishes. Many restaurants in the city still cook recipes that families have passed down for generations.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a classic chicken soup made with herbs, root vegetables, and corn. It’s warm, comforting, and deeply familiar to locals. You’ll find it in casual restaurants and small eateries, especially around lunchtime.

Ropa Vieja

Another favorite is ropa vieja, shredded beef cooked slowly with peppers, onions, and spices. Served with rice and plantains, it’s rich without being heavy. It’s one of those dishes that feels like home.

Rice, Beans, and Plantains

Rice appears on almost every plate in Panama City. It often comes with beans, lentils, or stewed meats. Plantains—fried, boiled, or baked—add sweetness and texture to meals.

Corn-Based Dishes

Corn plays a big role in Panamanian cooking. You’ll see it in tortillas, tamales, and bollos. These dishes connect modern city life to Indigenous food traditions.

Seafood and Ceviche Culture

Being a coastal city, Panama City has access to fresh seafood every day. Fish, shrimp, and shellfish appear on menus across all price ranges.

Ceviche

Ceviche is one of the city’s most beloved foods. It’s made with fresh fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions and herbs. The flavors are bright, clean, and refreshing, especially in the heat.

One of the best places to experience ceviche culture is the Mercado de Mariscos, where stalls prepare it fresh throughout the day. Sitting at a simple table with a cold drink and a bowl of ceviche feels like a true Panama City moment.

Fresh Fish and Shellfish

Grilled corvina, snapper, shrimp, and octopus appear on menus across the city. Many restaurants keep preparations simple so the freshness shines through.

Casual Local Restaurants

Some of my favorite meals in Panama City come from casual local restaurants. These are the places where people stop for lunch, meet friends, or eat after a long workday.

Fondas

Small eateries known as fondas serve traditional food at affordable prices. They usually offer a set menu with rice, beans, meat, salad, and soup. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the flavors feel honest.

Neighborhood Cafés

In areas like El Cangrejo and San Francisco, neighborhood cafés serve breakfast, lunch, and coffee. These spots are great for watching daily life unfold while enjoying a simple meal.

Lunch Culture

Lunch is often the main meal of the day. Many restaurants offer special lunch menus that give you a good taste of local cooking without spending too much.

International Dining in Panama City

Because Panama has long been a crossroads, international food feels natural here. Immigrants and travelers brought their recipes, and over time, those flavors became part of the city.

Italian and Mediterranean

Italian food is popular, from wood-fired pizza to fresh pasta. Mediterranean restaurants focus on olive oil, seafood, and grilled vegetables, which pair well with the coastal climate.

Japanese and Asian Cuisine

Panama City has a strong Japanese dining scene, especially for sushi and modern fusion. Fresh fish and creative presentation make these restaurants stand out.

Middle Eastern and Caribbean

Middle Eastern food—such as falafel, shawarma, and grilled meats—adds another layer to the city’s flavors. Caribbean cuisine brings spice, coconut, and bold seasonings that reflect Panama’s Afro-Caribbean roots.

Fusion Cooking

Many chefs blend Panamanian ingredients with international techniques. The result feels creative without losing its sense of place.

Fine Dining and Modern Cuisine

Panama City has become a destination for fine dining and modern cooking. Chef-driven restaurants focus on presentation, seasonal ingredients, and creative menus.

Contemporary Panamanian Food

Some chefs take traditional dishes and reinterpret them in modern ways. You might see familiar flavors served with elegant plating or unexpected textures.

Tasting Menus

Several restaurants offer tasting menus that guide you through a sequence of dishes. These experiences feel relaxed but refined, perfect for a special evening.

What Makes It Special

What I appreciate most about fine dining here is that it doesn’t feel stiff. Even upscale restaurants tend to keep a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Rooftop Dining and Views

One of the most memorable ways to eat in Panama City is from above.

Casco Viejo Rooftops

Casco Viejo has some of the city’s best rooftop restaurants. From up high, you can see the ocean, the old rooftops below, and the modern skyline in the distance. Sunset dinners here feel magical.

Waterfront Views

Along Avenida Balboa and near the Amador Causeway, restaurants offer open views of the bay. The breeze, the light, and the sound of the water add something special to every meal.

Nighttime Atmosphere

At night, city lights reflect off the water, creating a calm, romantic mood. Rooftop dining becomes an experience, not just a meal.

Street Food and Quick Bites

Street food is part of daily life in Panama City. It’s quick, flavorful, and full of personality.

Empanadas and Carimañolas

Empanadas come filled with cheese, chicken, or beef. Carimañolas, made from cassava and filled with seasoned meat, are especially popular in the mornings.

Hojaldres

Hojaldres are thin fried dough, often eaten for breakfast with cheese or eggs. They’re simple but deeply satisfying.

Late-Night Snacks

At night, food carts appear near busy areas, offering grilled meats, hot dogs, and sweet treats. They add energy to the city after dark.

Food Markets Worth Visiting

Markets are where Panama City’s food culture comes alive.

Mercado de Mariscos

The Seafood Market sits by the bay and buzzes with activity. Fishermen unload their catch, and stalls serve fresh seafood dishes. It’s lively, colorful, and full of flavor.

Produce Markets

Markets like Mercado de Abastos offer fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices from across the country. Walking through the aisles gives you a sense of Panama’s agricultural diversity.

Local Fairs

Throughout the year, food fairs and festivals pop up in different neighborhoods, celebrating local products and cooking traditions.

Best Neighborhoods for Food

Different neighborhoods in Panama City offer different dining vibes.

Casco Viejo

Casco Viejo is known for its mix of traditional restaurants, international cuisine, and rooftop dining. It’s lively, social, and full of atmosphere.

San Francisco

San Francisco is one of the city’s best areas for food lovers. The neighborhood has brunch spots, modern restaurants, bakeries, and casual eateries all within walking distance.

El Cangrejo

In El Cangrejo, you’ll find international restaurants, cafés, and family-run spots. The area feels relaxed and local.

Bella Vista

Bella Vista offers a balance of classic restaurants, newer concepts, and easy access to the waterfront.

Practical Dining Tips in Panama City

Eating out in Panama City is generally relaxed, but a few tips can help.

Prices

You can find meals for almost any budget. Street food and fondas are affordable, while fine dining costs more but still feels reasonable compared to many major cities.

Tipping

Tipping isn’t required, but it’s appreciated. Many restaurants include a service charge. Leaving a little extra for good service is common.

Reservations

For popular restaurants and rooftop dining, reservations are a good idea, especially on weekends.

Dress Code

Most places are casual. Upscale restaurants may prefer smart-casual attire, but formal wear is rarely needed.

Safety

Stick to well-lit areas and use taxis or ride-shares at night. Restaurants in popular neighborhoods feel safe and welcoming.

Why I Love Eating in Panama City

What I love most about eating in Panama City is the balance. You can taste tradition without feeling stuck in the past. You can enjoy modern creativity without losing a sense of place. Food here feels connected to people, neighborhoods, and everyday life.

Every meal becomes part of the experience of exploring the city. Whether you’re eating ceviche by the sea, sipping coffee in a quiet café, or sharing dinner on a rooftop at sunset, food helps you understand Panama City in a deeper way.

If you ever see me sitting at a small table with a plate of something warm and familiar—or trying a new dish just out of curiosity—know that I’m doing exactly what I love most: discovering the city one bite at a time.