Today, Panama is best known for three things: the Canal, the Panama Papers and its fantastic coffee. Originating from the volcanic soil on the mountains of the Province of Chiriquí, Panamanian coffee develops its unique aroma thanks to a perfect balance between humidity and sun. Discover the 10 best coffee places in Panama City and embark on a sensory journey to get to know the real treasure of Panama.
Mentiritas Blancas
Restaurant, Contemporary, Vegan, Vegetarian, Fast Food, Gluten-free, $$$
Mentiritas Blancas is a cozy café located right at the heart of El Cangrejo, a central neighbourhood of Panama City. With a wide selection of coffees, a friendly staff and good internet connection, it is the perfect location for coffee-lovers and for digital nomads who sit side by side or around the couch area and discover the many aromas of Panamanian coffee whilst catching up on some work.
Bajareque Coffee House isn’t just a café, it is an artisanal roasting business run by the Lamastus family, which produces, roasts and sells award-winning coffee beans grown on their personal estates in the area of Boquete, Chiriquí. Located in Casco Antiguo, one of the most visited neighbourhoods of Panama City, the coffee house offers a unique experience to its customers, both locals and visitors, serving freshly roasted premium Panamanian coffee.
Mika Bazar & Café is what happens when a concept store meets a coffee house. Partly café, party deli, partly market, partly bakery, partly bazar, here is a place where you could easily spend an entire day. It is the perfect location for having lunch, brunch, for trying an artisanal beer or wandering through the little crafts and designer marvels exhibited on the shelves. And, of course, to sip a delicious cup of freshly-brewed coffee.
Miranda Bakery & Café specialises in the preparation of desserts, bread and pastries. While it started with the ambition of becoming the little neighbourhood bakery, it has become one of the most popular spots of the city. All products are handmade using only natural products, with no additives. Cupcakes, cakes, macarons, biscuits and pastries are available to take away or to eat on site, alongside a cup of coffee or tea. If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to go in Panama City.
Petit Paris brings the spirit of the French capital to Panama City. Both a restaurant and a bakery, it is first and foremost the pitstop you need to make to enjoy a coffee and a real, buttery french croissant. Known for its impeccable quality and its refined service, the cafe has two branches, one in Marbella and one in Clayton.
Gran Deli Gourmet is at the same time a café and a deli, that brings international gourmet produce to Panama City. With 6 branches in Panama City and two outside the capital, Gran Deli Gourmet is a great place to share a pleasurable moment around some delicacies and a hot cup of Kowota coffee.
Kotowa Coffee is a Panamanian chain of coffee houses with numerous locations spread across the country. The name kotowa comes from the indigenous language and signifies “mountains”. Indeed, the Kotowa farms are located in the mountains of Boquete, in the province of Chiriquí. The coffee beans are grown at altitude, and benefit from a constantly and perfectly fresh climate. It is those same coffee beans that make up the different varieties of coffee which are sold wholesale directly to customers, or that can be consumed at one of Kotowa Coffee places.
Athanasiou is a family-owned Greek café and bakery chain that offers a delicious array of pastries, freshly made sandwiches, Mediterranean sweets as well as a wide selection of coffees. All eight locations in Panama City differ in their décor, all beautifully designed, to provide an international, high-end experience to their customers.
Nina Café is a bistro located inside Nina Concept Store, an artsy shop with a cosmopolitan feel that sells beautiful things for everyday living ranging from women’s fashion to home decor. The café, a little hidden gem, serves breakfast, a lunch menu à la carte, and coffee and pastries. This is a one-of-a-kind café in Panama City.
Casa Sucre Boutique Hotel and Coffee House is a boutique hotel located in the historic area of Casco Viejo, in a 1873 Spanish Colonial home. The coffeehouse features the best Panamanian coffee, produced and roasted in some of the most prestigious fincas (farms) in Panama. A must-try is the much sought-after Geisha variety of coffee from the region of Boquete. Guests and visitors of Casa Sucre will enjoy the best coffee, right at the best spot of the city.
