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.
Steam rises from enormous fresh pita breads while smoke rises from sweet-smelling hookahs at Beirut, a Lebanese restaurant decked out in imitations of classical stonework and mosaic tables from the fountain on its shaded patio to the columns dotting the spacious interior. The menu lists treats like falafel and dolmas, dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and foul, soups, salads, meat and seafood dishes, Lebanese oven specials and pasta plates including plantain gnocchi. At the end of a delectably flavored meal, guests might be lucky enough to enjoy a complementary sweet mint tea to ideally wrap up the experience.
In the heart of Panama City's nightlife scene, the sultry scents and blissful flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine fill the dining room at Habibi's up to the white canopy-draped ceiling and spill out to the tables placed on the open-air roofed porch. Hookahs and various drinks make great accompaniments to mainly Lebanese cuisine; light fare includes treats like hummus or baba ganoush with hot pita bread or baklava for customers in the mood for a sweet. Heartier meals include falafel and shish kabobs, or more familiar fare such as pizza, pasta dishes, and Cajun chicken. Patrons are often treated to the shimmies and jingles of a talented belly dancer on Friday and Saturday nights.
Although squarely located in the oldest neighborhood in Panama City, Café Havana masterfully recreates legendary Cuban panache from the rhythms of salsa music to the very full bar. The waiters, smartly dressed in white button-up shirts and stylish jeans, are the epitome of hospitality and usher arrivals inside to enjoy hearty meat dishes, ceviche, commanding mixed drinks, and the daily special. As the night continues, they're delighted to chat about the beautiful photographs and paintings of Cuban personalities that hang on the walls under the modern hoop chandelier that serves as a centerpiece.
Patrons step into the territory of Bora Bora Bar & Grill under a sign supported by two posts dressed up like palm trees, and are promptly greeted by a disco ball dangling from the ceiling of the dining room. Before the party really begins, however, tables of tasteful diners enjoy an impressive fusion cuisine utilizing European and Asian elements to prepare traditionally Panamanian dishes. Try the lobster-stuffed patacones, various linguinis and seafood preparations, and be sure to finish the meal with a conceptually fascinating and realistically delicious dessert like cheesecake with guayaba topping or coconut-vanilla flan with peaches.
If the seafood creations at Eurasia represent a zenith of contemporary international fusion cuisine, then the pastry table usually installed near the entrance is surely the icing on top. The menu draws from typically Asian flavorings to add intrigue to favorite dishes of fine European dining and the excellent service assures a dining experience worth repeating. The elegant setting begins with marble floors, rises to opulent art gracing the walls, and climbs Spanish-styled ironwork to the high ceilings above. A small tropical garden behind the restaurant adds a lovely natural touch to the impeccable style of the establishment, open since 2002. Reservations are suggested.
Miranda Bakery & Cafe on Calle 75 is home to some of the most drool-worthy desserts in Panama Viejo area. Owned and operated by Ana Cristina Henriquez Miranda, this charming bakery offers such a gorgeous range of baked goodies that you'll feel hungry just looking at it! The shelves here are full of pretty cupcakes, puddings and creme brulees, lava cakes, pecan pies, cheesecakes, s'mores, biscuits and you-name-it - and guess what, it's all just as tasty as it looks. Apart from these decadent desserts, Miranda Bakery also serves a stellar selection of gourmet burgers, that will keep you coming back for more (and more!). Apart from these, the bakery also offers an assortment of artisanal breads as well as traditional and contemporary pastries such as challah, galleta and lots more.
With a completely unique an secret recipe which is followed world over KFC is an international chain of fast food restaurants with its base in America. Although wildly acclaimed for its fried chicken, the restaurant also serves a number of other dishes such as burgers, wraps, fries, salads and sodas. You can also get take-away or have some of the delicious chicken dishes home-delivered to you. Located withing walking distance of a couple of hotels as well as a bus stop, this particular branch of the franchise is quite accessible.
Housed within the Centro Comercial Multiplaza Pacific, on Avenida Centenario, Saquella Espresso Club is an Italian cafe, best known for their exquisite java coffees. The cafe serves a great assortment of awesome cuppas, along with a selection of equally impressive pastries, salads, sandwiches, pastas and such. Apart from that Saquella also offers a range of baked goodies, ice creams and lots more. The service is quick and efficient, while the offerings are quite delicious.
There are plenty of reasons to love Niko's Café. The list begins with the story of the owner, a Greek immigrant who started selling food from a cart, continues with around 100 snacks on sale for less than pocket change apiece, and wraps up nicely with 24-hour service at several locations. The Café serves fresh, large portions from cafeteria-style counters and maintains clean kitchens, so travelers shouldn't hesitate to enjoy tamales, eggs, gyros, sandwiches, various meats, and whatever drink they fancy! Locations include a spot next to one of the major highways through downtown, another inside the Albrook Terminal de Bus, and one on Calle 50.