Before we talk about Panama City Restaurants, we need to consider the type of cuisine you will find.
- Tourist areas: Most restaurants in tourist areas have a menu that caters to Western tastes, with a wide variety of meats, salads, hamburgers, sandwiches, pasta, etc. You will also find food with Panamanian, Chinese, Japanese, Indian, or even Arabic influences. Prices are usually higher because they are in a tourist area.
- Outside the tourist zone: In various malls and areas of the city, you can find fast food franchises, pizza, sandwiches, and hot dogs. However, the most frequent food in popular restaurants in Panama is Panamanian, which has dishes of food and drink that are common in Central America, such as corn tortillas, tamales, rice, sancocho, fried plantains (patacones), regional fruit drinks, arepas, among others. Of course, you can also find restaurants specializing in the cuisine of other countries.
Remember that food prices vary depending on the area. Franchises are those that offer cheaper food.
Restaurants in Tourist Areas
Restaurants in tourist areas like Casco Antiguo have a regular price range of $10 to USD 15 for their most economical dishes and $20 to USD 48 for their most gourmet dishes. However, some restaurants offer food at a much higher price of USD 50 or more per person.
Take Advantage of the Executive Menu
Casco Antiguo has many hotels, offices, and public institutions that offer executive menus at lower prices that you can take advantage of. An executive menu is a set menu offered by restaurants at a discounted price, typically during lunch hours. It usually includes a choice of a main course, a side dish, and a drink.
You can find the executive menu from Monday to Friday from noon to 3 pm. Although there are restaurants that offer executive menus with smaller portions. The price of an executive menu ranges from $13 to $22 per person.
Executive menus are a great way to save money on food, especially if you are on a budget. They also offer a good opportunity to try different dishes from the restaurant’s menu.
Here is a map with some registered restaurants in the area. Keep in mind that Google Maps sometimes does not update the location and information of restaurants and may have outdated information.
Restaurants in Malls
In most malls and shopping centers throughout Panama, you will find mostly global, regional, and Panamanian franchises. Some of these franchises offer combo deals for less than USD 5 with a drink included. The regular price of these combos when not on sale is between $6 and USD 13 per person.
Of course, you can also find restaurants with different cuisines.
This map shows some of the restaurants you will find at Albrook Mall, the largest mall in the country and the most visited because it connects with the metro and the bus terminal in Panama City.
Panama City Restaurants
If you are staying in the city, depending on your hotel, some offer only breakfast and urge you to visit the gastronomic offers in the area. Prices can range from $12 to 20 dollars per person.
Beyond Malls and Casco Antiguo: Panama City’s Culinary Gems
I’m excited to take you on a culinary journey through Panama’s dining hotspots, venturing beyond the usual tourist trails. While Casco Antiguo and the malls certainly have their charm, the city’s true gastronomic diversity shines. Here, the dining experience is as authentic as it is delicious, with restaurants in San Francisco, El Cangrejo, and Costa del Este standing out for their innovative concepts and time-honored flavors.
San Francisco is a cornerstone of Panama City’s culinary landscape, home to establishments known for their long-standing reputation and unique offerings. Maito consistently ranks among Latin America’s top restaurants, celebrated for its innovative, author-driven cuisine rooted in Panamanian flavors. For authentic, long-established local dishes, El Trapiche remains a beloved spot for both residents and visitors. These restaurants highlight the diversity and quality of dining experiences you’ll find in San Francisco.
I can tell you that El Cangrejo isn’t just a culinary hub; it’s also a vibrant destination for nightlife, with a selection of bars in Panama City that cater to diverse tastes. Here, the atmosphere is more relaxed and authentic than in the more heavily trafficked tourist areas. You’ll find everything from cozy pubs serving local and imported craft beers to sophisticated cocktail bars with innovative mixology programs. Many of these establishments feature live music, creating a perfect ambiance for socializing after work or on weekends. The concentration of bars along its streets, particularly around Vía Argentina, makes it easy to hop from one spot to another, experiencing different vibes all in one night.
Cheapest restaurants in Panama
The cheapest restaurants in Panama are more oriented towards selling food to the taste of Panamanians, most of these dishes include meat, rice, and grains, accompanied by potato or lettuce salads. In Panama, these restaurants are called “Fondas” and have prices between $5 to USD 7 per person; the drinks can be Coke or drinks with tropical fruits.
For a truly local experience, seek out traditional “family-run restaurants “Fonda”. These hidden gems won’t be found on Google Maps and cater primarily to Panamanians, so be prepared for limited English or other languages. However, the delicious, authentic flavors and warm hospitality are well worth the extra effort!
The best “Fondas” with native Panamanian food can be found in the different provinces. Take advantage of your trip out of the city to look for “Fondas”.
Eating at Small Street Stalls
Most of these stalls are not for tourists, meaning that it is difficult for them to speak a language other than Spanish. The food is very cheap, ranging from $1 to USD 5 per person.
- Types of food found at street stalls:
- Empanadas: Fried or baked turnovers filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Fried foods: Fried chicken or meat, French fries, yuca fries, etc.
- Popular dishes: Sancocho, tortillas, tamales, saus (a cold dish made with cooked pig’s feet), etc.
- Arepas: Venezuelan corn cakes filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables.
- Raspao: This consists of shaved ice with flavored syrup and condensed milk.
- Tips for eating at street stalls:
- Be prepared for a language barrier: Not all vendors will speak English.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Be careful of your belongings and be aware of pickpockets.
- Use cash: Not all vendors will accept credit cards.
- Be patient: There may be a wait for food, especially during peak times.
Taxes and Tips in Panama
In Panama, a 7% tax applies to all services, including meals at restaurants. This tax is not usually included on the menu, so keep it in mind when budgeting for your meal.
Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated in formal restaurants with waiters. A minimum of 10% is recommended, and feel free to tip more for exceptional service.
Retirees and pensioners are eligible for a discount on non-sale menu items when purchasing food.
- A Small Local Tip for Dining Discounts: While the retiree discounts on restaurant meals are fantastic and widely honored, it’s worth a small note from a local’s perspective: very occasionally, some establishments might subtly adjust portion sizes when the discount is applied. This is by no means a widespread practice, and certainly shouldn’t detract from the overall value and enjoyment of dining out in Panama, but it’s something to be subtly aware of.