Last updated on January 25, 2024.

There are so many great places to eat in Panama City that it was impossible for me to cover all the places I had hoped to visit. This post will cover everywhere I had a chance to eat. For my entry on Panama City’s nightlife and bars, click here.

 

In Casco Viejo

First, let’s focus on the Casco Viejo area, which is Panama City’s old town. There are some incredible places located there. There are several traditional Panamanian restaurants serving food at reasonable to touristy prices along with some international cuisine mixed in. The best restaurant we tried was Manolo Caracol (permanently closed).

 

Super Gourmet

For a great lunch of gourmet soups, salads, and deli sandwiches, Super Gourmet is the place to go. They also have all day breakfasts and free wifi. I had one of the best sandwiches I could imagine and a good drink. This is a good place to go if you’re on a budget but still looking for quality food.

 

Café Coca-Cola

A Casco Viejo classic is Café Coca-Cola. This gritty diner, complete with sassy waitresses, has been a local favorite since 1875, making it the oldest café in Panama City. It’s located in a bit of a rough area but worth a visit to get a real authentic local experience. You can get a very cheap meal there.

Café Coca-Cola in Casco Viejo, Panama City
Café Coca-Cola
Café Coca-Cola in Casco Viejo, Panama City
Café Coca-Cola
Club sandwich at Café Coca-Cola
Club sandwich

 

In El Cangrejo

The El Cangrejo area is a heavily residential area with some hotels and lots of restaurants and bars to choose from. Just up and down Via Argentina you’ll probably find the type of cuisine you’re looking for and on any budget. I wish I had more time to sample more of the restaurants in the area.

 

Sugoi

If you’re looking for sushi, Sugoi in El Cangrejo was excellent. Service was a bit slow but I really enjoyed all of the rolls I ordered. My favorite was the signature Sugoi roll (pictured on the right). It wasn’t a cheap meal.

Sushi at Sugoi in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Sushi

 

Zulé

For gourmet pasta and pizza, try Zulé. This Italian restaurant had very friendly service and even better food. I had a thick and creamy tomato soup, pasta, and a drink.

Tomato soup at Zulé in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Tomato soup
Linguine at Zulé in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Linguine

 

Del Prado

A greasy spoon 24 hour diner with a huge menu, Restaurante y Cafetería Del Prado serves up just about anything you can crave. Food quality was fair and service was slow and a little edgy, but if nothing else is open, this is pretty much the only choice.

Restaurante y Cafetería Del Prado in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Restaurante y Cafetería Del Prado

 

Niko’s Café

Niko’s Café is a cafeteria style restaurant with Greek, Panamanian, and international food. It’s open 24 hours and there are several locations around town. I ate at the one in El Cangrejo. I ate a gyro combo and rice pudding. It was ok. I’ve had much better for a lower price in Chicago.

Niko's Café in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Niko’s Café
Gyros at Niko's Café in El Cangrejo, Panama City
Gyros

 

Aires del Mediterraneo (Permanently Closed)

Aires del Mediterraneo is a Spanish restaurant near the Marriott Hotel. They have very good food, especially the paella, but avoid the ceviche.

 

Ciao

Ciao, located in the Megapolis Hotel (formerly the Hard Rock Hotel), is a tapas and pizza restaurant. Everything was excellent, but make sure you get the burger. It’s massive and succulent.

Megapolis Hotel
Megapolis Hotel

 

Mi Ranchito

Finally, Mi Ranchito, located on the Amador Causeway, is a popular Panamanian restaurant. Reasonably priced seafood and meat dishes populate the menu. Service is excellent and the food is delicious.

Octopus and patacón at Mi Ranchito on the Amador Causeway
Octopus and patacón

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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