The Best Traditional Panamanian Restaurants To Visit

Panama is full of incredible restaurants, many of which offer traditional Panamanian fare. Here is a list of some of Panama’s best restaurants if you are looking for a classic bowl of sancocho or any other Panamanian staple. These traditional Panamanian restaurants do not disappoint.

El Mundo del Pan

Bakery, Coffee Shop, Pastelaria, Panamanian, Pastries, Dessert, Coffee, Tea , Vegetarian

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.

El Trapiche

Restaurant, Central American, Panamanian

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.

Restaurante Angel

Restaurant, Spanish, Seafood, Mediterranean, European

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.

Café Coca-Cola

Cafe, Panamanian, Coffee, Tea , Fast Food, Street Food

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.

Fonda Pritty Pritty

Restaurant, Panamanian, Chinese

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.

Fonda Lo Que Hay

Restaurant, Panamanian, Spanish, Central American

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

Diner, Restaurant, Panamanian, South American

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.

About the author

Brittney Schering

Brittney is a global writer and editor fluent in wanderlust with work also published in Lonely Planet, Forbes Travel Guide, Time Out, International Living, and more. Hailing from Detroit, MI, she first moved to NYC, then LA, and from there, NOLA, before venturing overseas to Panama. Follow Brittney on Instagram at @existential_bls.