Here's the thing, for those who don't know which Panama City I'm talking about, I'm writing about the most beautiful city in Central America. Panama is a country that connects both the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean and is mostly known for its Canal (which if you haven't visited you should, but one time is more than enough, trust me). With so many cultures melting together in one small country, Panamanians live in one of the most developed cities of Latin America. Now, I'm not into speaking about the history or geography of Panama, but more about the places that you should visit here during your stay. These are not listed in order of preference, they're just enumerated in a random sequence, trust me on this too.
I. Panama Brews
Beer lovers anyone? Panama Brews is the right place for YOU. On a personal note, this is my favorite place to go after a long day at work and never, ever get bored of it. What makes it so special? Well, to be honest there are many aspects of this particular place that make it very friendly but primarily because of its seemingly endless choices of local craft beers. There hasn't been a day in which I've not tried a new beer in this bar! Each and every single one of these brews can fit in to all palates, specially for those beer enthusiasts that are always looking for a new flavor to explore. Panama Brews also has its own food menu, and have live music on certain occasions. Its an ideal and casual place to go with friends and a special someone. Just make sure your first date isn't here if you're trying to impress! Keep reading and you'll definitely find more suitable options.
II. Segundo Muelle
Peru has been regarded as a gastronomical mecca for many Latin American cultures. Peruvian cuisine is very complete, with its traditional dishes using almost every single edible plant or animal it can put in a plate. In Segundo Muelle, both earth and air blend to create heavenly dishes that mix to produce the best foods of its type. Its really hard for me to decide on its top dishes because there are just way too many. To name a few of my top picks: Parmigiana Conch shells, Lomo Saltado , Cebiche Frito, etc. This is a great place to have lunch/dinner with family and friends. All of these meals will surely fill you up to your hearts content 100% guaranteed! You'll most likely come back here if you have the chance.
III. Tacos La Neta
Even if you're picky with what you eat, its pretty hard to not like Mexican food. Tacos La Neta is set in one of the most culturally important areas of Panama City: Casco Viejo. El Casco Viejo is the historic district of Panama City; It's where the second city of Panama was built after the invasion of Pirate Henry Morgan. Its a rustic restaurant that recreates the Barrio setting to make it more informal and at the same time more traditional. Must try's include: Queso fundido con chorizo, Carnitas al pastor, Mariachi Chorrillo, Cochinita Pibil, and their special guacamole dip! This is my favorite Mexican restaurant and is perfect for family and friends. I myself can't get enough from their food and lets be honest, theres no such thing as 'too much mexican food'.
IV. Brutto
If you're looking for a piece of heaven on Earth then I can tell you exactly where to find it. Brutto is located in the district of San Francisco, which is a trendy area for dining and living. Its elegant and modern façade go hand to hand with its international menu. Its one of those restaurants in which you, and your friends, date, etc. Could literally be craving completely different foods AND THEY HAVE THEM. Not only is their diverse menu their "specialty", but the fact that every single dish independent of their style and origin, BRUTTO finds unthinkable ways to reinvent them and nails it. Its mostly a restaurant where you order various entrees and maybe a main course if you're still hungry. Look, it doesn't matter AT ALL if you're craving pizza, sushi, tacos, steak whatever! They have it, and they take your food to another level. I personally enjoy drinking an Oxford Street cocktail which is excellent for all of you Gin&Tonic fanatics and having some exquisite Lobster Mac & Cheese as a main course.
I could keep on going talking about my top dishes here but it would be way too long and boring, plus I tend to write a lot if you haven't noticed yet!
V. Matsuei
Is your palate ready to taste the greatest traditional Japanese cuisine in town? Well, if your answer is yes then hop in and go to Matsuei. If you enjoy delighting yourself with the sight of an extensive variety of exotic seafood, sushi, temaki, sashimi, nigiri, this is the right place to go! Its minimalistic setting creates an ambiance of a zen temple which makes the restaurant look as if it were set in rural Japan. The place itself seems to have teleported from the far orient to our small Central American country. Matsuei is the closest you'll get to taste Japan in Panama. So if you're looking for a true experience, stop by Matsuei at El Cangrejo. It's HIGHLY traditional, so if you're expecting to order sushi pizzas, or other fusion related type of dishes you won't get them here. Speaking about Japanese fusion cuisine, there's Sushi Market which funny enough has a branch office right in front of Brutto. Moving on.
VI. Ozone Cafe
I've been dining at Ozone Cafe ever since I can remember. A hidden jewel that for some reason stays underrated in the heart of the city in Calle Uruguay. Don't let that fool you though, it's a quiet spot that brings out one of the best international/fusion dishes you'll ever have. Physically, the place is not very appealing to be honest, its pretty simple yet cozy which makes it an ideal spot to dine with family and friends. Its menu offers a very complete variety of dishes from all around the globe; To this day I still haven't tried them all! I highly recommend the Russian Eggplant and Fattoush Salad for starters, and my personal favorite main course: Thai Red Curry with Japanese Rice.
VII. Los Camisones
Roadtripping to the beach? Los Camisones is a seafood restaurant on the Interamericana Highway (which takes you to most beaches). Its a really really good restaurant to stop by if you still have to hit the road afterwards. Its pretty much a family type of restaurant but if you're looking forward to eating the typical foods of Panama, this might be your chance. Los Camisones has one of my favorite pescado frito (fried fish) with delicious patacones (fried plantains). Their excellent cooks prepare one of the best paellas I've had in Panama, and are pretty much experts with all kinds of seafood.
VIII. La Papa
Regardless of what you feel like eating, nothing beats La Papa. This top restaurant is located in Bella Vista. It's another traditional restaurant where you can choose to eat literally anything you might crave at the moment. I'm pretty indecisive when it comes to choosing what I'll eat, but La Papa is a lifesaver; Its infinite menu will surely lure you into their delicious food! It's sort of casual and ideal if you're planning to bring many friends or family with you. Why? Well, since La Papa has so many options, its really hard and painful to 'choose this dish or the other' if you catch my drift. So its always a great idea to bring a group with you so you can try the best of the best here. I personally enjoy eating empanadas, ceviche cartagenero, and baby beef. But I'm sure that whatever you choose to eat, you'll probably love.
IX. Parrillada Jimmy's
Mediterranean cuisine plays a major role in the lives of tons of Panamanians, and to be honest Jimmy's is as Panamanian as it gets. Parrillada Jimmy's is not only one of the mostly transited restaurants in the city, but is also embedded deep in many citizens as its environment is designed for families and has been running for over forty years now. Jimmy's is famous for many of its dishes, these include: Pulpo al carbón, Fried Eggplant with Tzatziki, Corvina Jimmy's (Croaker), and Greek Salad. Jimmy's has two locations with its main branch being situated in Via Cincuentenario, Atlapa.
X. Beirut
As you can probably tell by its name, this next place is a Lebanese restaurant. If you're in the mood for some Shawarma, Kibbes, Kebabs, Koftas, Hummus and tons of other Lebanese delicacies, then Beirut is the top choice for you to go to! Besides having an extraordinary menu that is sure to fill every single inch of your stomach, Beirut is a really fun place to stick around. Its main location is in the Area Bancaria, which also hosts many other restaurants and hotels that are close to the restaurant if you want to walk around a bit. Beirut has live shows on certain weekdays; Bellydancers have their own show inside the restaurant, making the experience of being in a true Lebanese restaurant a lot more interactive. They also have Hookah available for those who enjoy smoking. They have plenty of flavors to choose from; They're refreshing and truly aromatic. Saying that the food tastes good falls short as I really have no words big enough to describe the greatness of Beirut's mouth drooling seasonings.
XI. ACHA (La Casa del Marisco)
Feeling like dining in a fancy, elegant, and delicious restaurant? ACHA is a Spanish/Seafood grill located in the Area Bancaria (yes, the same Area Bancaria as Beirut), and will surely guarantee you one of the best (if not the best), tastings of Panama's seafood. This mouth watering restaurant is regarded as one of the top in the city. An exquisite cuisine that takes your palate in a flavor odyssey never experienced before! What a better place to go on a date than ACHA? I can't find any, sorry! It's very famous for its seafood grill, seafood operetta, and paella.
XII. Golden Unicorn
If you really want to walk in the shoes of the average Panamanian, then you MUST have some Chinese breakfast. Seriously, having Chinese Breakfast in Panama is the same as an American having Starbucks. Only difference is that Golden Unicorn is not a café, and it surely is greater than Starbucks (sorry, not sorry). I don't recommend this place to picky eaters, trust me, you won't enjoy it AT ALL. But for those who like Chinese/Cantonese food, you'll definitely love it. If you feel like having some Siu Mai, Dim Sum, Hampaos, etc. You're going to have a blast at Golden Unicorn. Its located at the Avenida 5 B Sur, at the Evergreen Bldg.
XIII. La Rana Dorada
Just like Panama Brews, this is a very popular spot to enjoy craft beers. Its different from Panama Brews when it comes to its atmosphere, their delicious beers, and food. It's a very attractive bar to go with friends; I enjoy going here whenever I can. Either to go with some friends and have some drinks to spend some time, or watch a game, whatever. Its always a good option if you're craving top quality pizza and beers. I mean, name a better combination than beer and pizza!
XIV. 5inco
It's actually kind of funny how I've been working already on this post for roughly a week, off an on, and I had always wanted to go to 5inco. I dined here two days ago, and I'm here, planning my next visit to 5inco. This author cuisine restaurant is filled with tempting options that are 100% guaranteed to satisfy you, and your companions. 5inco is located in Calle 69, in San Francisco. I still can't get enough from this place, I mean, the moment I stepped inside, I just knew that I was going to have one of the most magnificent dinners of my life, and I did! I think that this restaurant is highly enjoyable regardless of what you order, but I'll still give you my top choices just in case: 5inco Burger, Short Rib, Cordero a la Cuchara, Osobuco Cannolis, and their delicious Guava Volcano Cake!
Thanks for reading! I hope this post helps you if you visit Panama!