Best Restaurants in Panama City, Panama

Following are a list of our favorite restaurants. We go back again and again. 

Frank's Place

Cuisine Type: Italian
​Neighborhood: Obarrio
Price Range: $15 to $20 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Formaggio Fundido (appetizer): A deconstructed, cheesy lasagna-style dip served with fried lasagna chips. If you like cheese, you'll love this.
  • Pulpo Brava (appetizer): Tender bites of grilled octopus combined with crispy roasted potatoes served with a Brava sauce. Big enough to share or to eat as a light entree.
  • Linguini with Sausage (entree): We love this! They make their sausage in-house, and every bite is a delight. It's our absolute favorite.
  • Frank's Apple Pie (dessert): The best apple pie we've had in Panama.

Azahar

Cuisine Type: Seafood, International
​Neighborhood: Avenida Balboa
Price Range: $20 to $45 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Sushi and Sashimi (appetizer): The sushi is among the best in Panama. It is ultra-fresh and melts in your mouth. They offer dozens of options, so there is something for everyone.
  • Rock Prawn Sliders (appetizer): These mini "burgers" are made of large crispy jumbo shrimp.
  • Entraña (entree): Although skirt steaks aren't as popular in other countries, in Panama, Entraña is the king of steaks. This one comes with a black truffle butter. Yum!
  • Ossobuco Risotto (entree): This dish combines everything that your palate desires--cheesy Italian rice and melt-in-your-mouth meat.

Brutto's

Cuisine Type: Sushi, International
​Neighborhood: San Francisco
Price Range: $15 to $35 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Sushi and Sashimi (appetizer): This is from the same restaurant group as Azahar, so their sushi is also spectacular, but a little beat cheaper.
  • Korean Fried Cauliflower (appetizer): Tempura cauliflower in an Asian BBQ sauce, served in a soft Bao bun. Crispy, sticky and delicious.
  • Angus Sliders (appetizer): Angus beef cooked to order, gruyere cheese, sweet onion, and just the right amount of secret sauce.
  • Lobster Mac & Cheese (entree): If mac & cheese is your love language, then you've met your perfect match. This rich dish has lobster AND shrimp. 

Santa Rita

Cuisine Type: Spanish
​Neighborhood: Casco Viejo
Price Range: $15 to $25 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Patatas Bravas (appetizer): Roasted potatoes with a "Brava" sauce. Great to share.
  • Iberian Ham Croquetas (appetizer): These savory 2-bite appetizers are a must-order. Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside.
  • Beef Stew (entree): Beef stew isn't something you think of when you think of Panama, but this version is served piping-hot in an individual casserole dish. Let it cool and then enjoy the flavors.
  • Seafood Rice (entree): A brothy rice with grilled shrimp, calamari, and asparagus. One of their signature dishes.

Nacion Sushi

Cuisine Type: Sushi, Asian Fusion
​Neighborhood: Multiple
Price Range: $10 to $20 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Smoked Salmon Sushi Pizza (appetizer): Crispy rice as a pizza crust, topped with plenty of cool smoked salmon, a creamy sauce and sesame seeds.
  • Taquitos Tuk Tuk (appetizer): Sashimi tuna and avocado inside tiny, crispy taco shells.
  • Bao Buns (appetizer): Soft steamed bao buns filled with your choice of pulled pork, chicken shrimp or fish.
  • Sushi rolls (entree): There are dozens of different options, from basic to tempera fried to every topping under the Asian sun. My favorite is the "relatively" unfussy Kyoto roll stuffed with big chunks of sashimi salmon and tuna, whereas my husband who is less enamored with raw fish, likes the tempura-fried Zensacion filled with cooked salmon.

Vinoteca

Cuisine Type: Italian
​Neighborhood: Obarrio
Price Range: $20 to $40 per entree

Things to Try: 
  • Grilled Octopus (appetizer): The best grilled octopus in Panama City. A small portion, but every bite is perfection.
  • Clams (appetizer): The best clams in Panama. Served in a white wine and butter sauce that will make you want to forget your manners and wipe the bowl clean with the toasted bread.
  • Spaghetti with Clams and Prawns (entree): I have purist friends who prefer the simpler "Spaghetti with Clams" but this combination of clams and prawns checks off everything my tastebuds crave.
  • Fettuccine Boscaiola (entree): A fresh house-made fettuccine with crispy pancetta, mushrooms, and basil.