The Best Traditional Panamanian Restaurants to Visit

El Mundo del Pan (world of bread) offers an incredible lunch special every day for an unbelievable low price. Along with the daily special, this neighborhood staple also offers a full list of sandwiches, or grab a fresh cup of coffee for one dollar. Many delectable pastries are on offer for less than a dollar, too. In fact, here it is possible to grab lunch for two and satisfy a sweet tooth for less than 10 dollars easily.

Home to authentic Panamanian cuisine, a trip to Panama is simply incomplete until you have a meal at El Trapiche. The menu is full of Panamanian staples, none of which will disappoint.

This Spanish spectacle is what fine dining dreams are made of. The dishes are delectable, with seafood, European, Spanish, and Mediterranean fare on offer—there is something deliciously divine for every palate. Supreme service and delicious wine make this intimate, beautiful restaurant the perfect place for a romantic date night.

Originally opened in 1906, Café Coca-Cola is the oldest diner still operating in Panama. It’s located on the border of Casco Viejo and Santa Ana, and is a great spot to go for an affordable, local-style breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

For a taste of the local comida tipica, which translates to typical food, Panamanian home cooking can be found at the neighborhood fonda, frequented by locals more than tourists. Come for delicious rice, plantains, and Panama’s signature sancocho.

This affordable establishment translates to “whatever’s around,” and it is a pop-up fonda featuring comfort food from Panama’s famous chef, José Carles, of his award-winning restaurant, Donde José. While the latter is far more formal, Fonda Lo Que Hay is a great place to bring kids as it is cozy and casual.

Donde José is a much talked about, extraordinary dining experience unique to Panama. Making the list of the world’s best restaurants, the meal is a 10-course, Panama-centric tasting and requires reservation as the 16-seat eatery is quickly booked months in advance. Don’t miss this.