The Best Japanese Restaurants In Panama City

Whether you’re looking for sushi, tempura, or steaming bowls of ramen noodles, Panama City will make your dreams come true. From small authentic diners to trendy rooftop restaurants, discover the best Japanese restaurants in Panama, recommended to you by Culture Trip.

1. Makoto

Restaurant, Japanese

Makoto is a trendy rooftop Japanese restaurant and one of the best in town. Owned by Chef Makoto Okuwa, an apprentice of sushi master Makoto Kumazaki, the menu is a perfectly executed creative take on traditional Edomae-Sushi dishes. Some of his best recipes include toro tartare, wagyu filet and hay smoked albacore.

2. Hikaru

Restaurant, Japanese

Hikaru is Japan authenticity in a nutshell. The intimate, minimalist venue and traditional menu make this restaurant a little Japanese enclave in Panama City. Dishes include classics such as yasai tempura, yakisoba and maguro tataki.

3. ZN Nikkei Cuisine

Restaurant, Japanese

ZN Nikkei Cuisine is the number one restaurant in Panama City specializing in Japanese/Peruvian fare, known internationally as Nikkei Cuisine. With great expertise, the team brings the magic and fascination of the Japanese and Peruvian cultures to life, through the exceptional flavors and textures of the dishes.

5. Nacion Sushi

Restaurant, Japanese

Nacion Sushi is a modern restaurant chain mixing the flavors of Southeast Asia and turning them into modern, contemporary and tropical dishes. Nacion Sushi has three locations (Costa del Este, Albrook Field and Soho Mall) and is on its way to opening new branches in Panama City, Costa Rica and Guatemala.

6. Aki Sake Bar & Japanese Cuisine

Bar, Restaurant, Japanese

Located in the historic neighborhood of Casco Viejo, Aki Sake Bar features Japanese tapas-style dishes and a great selection of sake-based drinks. The venue is an artsy place with a great atmosphere, excellent for a night out with friends.

7. Soy (Hard Rock Café Hotel)

Restaurant, Hotel Restaurant, Japanese

The Soy Restaurant at Panama City’s Hard Rock Café Hotel specializes in sushi, fusion ceviches and sashimis. Perfect for an evening out, it’s also a great place for business lunches during the week, with a great buffet offer and background music.

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