Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Panama City

It is not easy to decide between the tables set outside on the historical Plaza Bolívar or the white-cushioned leather seating inside the elegant dining room of Restaurante Casa Blanca. It is situated on the ground floor of Hotel Columbia in the old San Felipe neighborhood, where waiters in classy button-up shirts and dress pants scoot efficiently between the kitchen and the Plaza across the street carrying salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, seafood, and meat dishes. Excellent accompaniments include an extensive wine list and treats like an imported cheese platter or mushrooms cooked with mozzarella, serrano, or garlic. Performances of live acoustic music add their allure on Wednesday and Saturday nights.

The magnificent spread of vegetarian options at Casa Vegetariana, presented behind glass along a cafeteria-style counter, is easy to get carried away with; luckily, at such a cheap price per portion, your wallet will still be as full as your stomach when you walk out the doors. The choices range splendidly through proteins (tofu, wheat gluten, seitan, mushrooms, and beans), fresh vegetables cooked with traditionally Asian flavorings or chopped into avocado-topped salads, and a few simple desserts. Some items are crispy and deep-fried, others are vitamin-packed and oil-free, the sushi is rolled thick and the bao dumplings are stuffed with fillings savory and sweet. Juices are at a low price similar to all the other options, but glasses of water, cups of tea, and a bowl of soup are all complimentary with any purchase.

Just beside the Parque Andrés Bello is situated another place you might go to appreciate a bit of nature, even if only in name. Los Cedros has a bright and welcoming atmosphere boldly hued in clean silvers, oranges, and greens, plus open-air seating out on the patio with its lush leaves spilling out towards the sidewalk. There are plenty of tables inside too, and free wireless internet helps keep busy schedules on track; meanwhile, the executive set menu provides extra incentive to fit a decent lunch into even the busiest day.

Set within the Bristol Hotel, Salsipuedes Cocina & Bar seeks to offer diners a taste of Panama's colorful, energetic and joyful culture on a plate. The menu is composed of a selection of refined local dishes, created with skill and an artistic flair. Try the portobelo carpachio, crocodile in sweet and sour sauce, and the tuna with passion fruit. The ambiance is elegant, sophisticated and warm, perfect for a business dinner, or even an intimate meal with loved ones.

Named for head chef and owner, Glend Gentile, Gentile Café Gourmet is a contemporary gourmet dining destination within Zen Plaza. The Costa Del Este eatery offers an eclectic menu that features international flavors and recipes from all over the world. The modern bistro provides a distinct setting that's perfect for both, a business lunch or a relaxed family-style dinner. The offerings look and taste gorgeous, along with these, they also have a well-considered wine-list. The service is good, the food is exquisite and the ambiance is perfect, as well, all in all, Gentile Café Gourmet makes for a pleasant dine, indeed.

Tucked away on Avenida 14C Norte, BBQ Love Club is a small barbecue joint who won the 2014 Panama BBQ Fest. Their creative dry rub ribs and burgers are packed with flavor. Their smoked meat will fall off as it is tender and perfectly spiced. If you can't space to dine-in, you can definitely take out their delicious dishes. Please bring cash along as credit cards are not accepted.