1. MAITO

«The jewel of Panamanian gastronomy»

Maito expresses Panama’s multicultural culinary identity, where a blend of Afro, Asian, and Caribbean influences is reflected in its menu with Creole flavors inspired by the sea, the mountains, and the Panamanian soil. It currently holds #18 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.

The restaurant is led by chef Mario Castrellón, who works with indigenous communities to develop native ingredients and embrace Panama’s rich cultural heritage. The à la carte menu is divided between «Tierra» (Land) and «Mar» (Sea), though the tasting menu is highly recommended for the full experience.

•  Location: Calle Eduardo Maduro Lindo, Coco del Mar, Panama City
•  Instagram: @maitopanama — 53K followers
•  Hours: Mon–Fri 12pm–10:30pm | Saturday 2:00pm–10:30pm
•  Reservations: Via OpenTable or directly at maitopanama.com
•  Price Range: High (tasting menu available)

 2. FONDA LO QUE HAY

«The most revolutionary fonda in Latin America»

Led by chef José Olmedo Carles Rojas, this restaurant offers upscale versions of traditional Panamanian dishes, served in a corrugated metal, neon-lit dining room with the energy of a cocktail bar. The menu changes regularly to highlight local produce, but the signature dish of toasted yuca with tuna carpaccio and onion ceviche is always available.

Located in Casco Viejo, it ranks at #65 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.

•  Location: Calle José de Obaldía, Edificio El Colegio, Ground Floor, Casco Antiguo
•  Instagram: @fondaloquehay — 125K followers
•  Hours: Noon until 10pm
•  Reservations: Strongly recommended, especially for dinner. Groups of 10+ or private events: eventos@fondaloquehay.com
•  Price Range: Mid-high

 3. DONDE JOSÉ

«An intimate, one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience»

Reservations at Donde José, with capacity for just 16 diners, have been coveted since the restaurant opened in 2014. Chef José Olmedo Carles uses traditional Panamanian ingredients sourced from local farmers in tasting menus that change every few months.

The restaurant is located in Panama’s Casco Antiguo, right next to the National Lottery building. As each course is served, the chefs explain its origin and story, making the visit a truly unique cultural experience.

•  Location: Calle José de Obaldía, Casco Viejo, Panama City
•  Instagram: @dondejosepanama
•  Phone: +507 262-1682
•  Reservations: reservas@dondejose.com
•  Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, seatings at 6pm and 8:30pm
•  Price Range: High (exclusive tasting menu)
•  Note: Reservations can take months to secure — plan well in advance.

4. CANTINA DEL TIGRE

«Panama’s new king of ceviche»

In 2021, chef Fulvio Miranda created a culinary space focused on ceviche, a nearly forgotten dish in his country. In 2023, Cantina del Tigre debuted on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, winning the Highest New Entry Award. It currently sits at #47.

Standout dishes include Rambutan Ceviche (Cebiche de Mamón Chino), red rice, tripe with lobster, and rice tamale with prawns. Signature cocktails feature cucumber mezcal sours and papaya negronis.

•  Location: Plaza Centenario, Calle 68 Este, San Francisco, Panama City
•  Instagram: @cantinadeltigre — 89K followers
•  Phone: +507 6436-6188
•  Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm–11pm
•  Reservations: Via cantinadeltigre.com
•  Price Range: Mid-high

5. LA TAPA DEL COCO

«The heart of Afro-Panamanian cuisine»

Inspired by the roots of Afro-Panamanian cooking, the team of chefs has created a menu featuring modern versions of the most traditional dishes of their culture, right in the heart of Panama City. Founded by chef Isaac Villaverde, it currently ranks at #61 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Its signature dish is the One Pot Colonense, and the atmosphere is casual with a vibrant, youthful vibe. Takeout orders are also available.

•  Location: Calle 68 Este, San Francisco, Panama City
•  Instagram: @latapadelcoco — 96K followers
•  Phone: 6856-5533
•  Hours: Every day 12pm–10:30pm (last order 9:30pm)
•  Reservations: Online at latapadelcocopanama.com or via OpenTable
•  Price Range: Mid

 Fun fact: Four of these five restaurants — Maito (#18), Fonda Lo Que Hay (#65), Cantina del Tigre (#47), and La Tapa del Coco (#61) — currently appear on the Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants ranking, confirming that Panama has firmly established itself as a world-class culinary destination.