1.  EL TRAPICHE

«Traditional Panamanian home cooking at its finest»

Founded in 1983, El Trapiche is a landmark of traditional Panamanian cuisine. Its founders brought family recipes from different regions of the country to create a menu that offers the full flavor of Panama in all its regional variety.

Standout dishes include the Fiesta Panameña (a sampler of sancocho, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, tamal de olla, fried yuca, carimañola, patacón, and chicharrón), the classic Panamanian Sancocho with chicken and yam, and the Mondongo al Trapiche made with achiote, chorizo, and olives.

•  Locations: Vía Argentina (original), San Francisco, Bella Vista, and Albrook Mall
•  Instagram: @eltrapichepty — 54K followers
•  Hours: Every day from 7:00 AM
•  Price: Dishes from $5.95 (Sancocho) to $13.50 (Fiesta Panameña)
•  Reservations: Via eltrapicherestaurante.com (Bella Vista location)
•  Bonus: Live folkloric performances during dinner at the Bella Vista location

2.  MERCADO DE MARISCOS

«Straight from the sea to your plate, at the best price»

At Mercado de Mariscos, freshness is the star of the show. Many visitors highlight that the fish and seafood go literally «from the sea to the plate,» with very affordable prices for the quality offered. The atmosphere is simple and unpretentious, geared more toward locals than tourists, which adds to the sense of authenticity.

A local regular notes that compared to nearby Casco Antiguo, prices here are «worlds apart — this place is for everyone.» A large whole fish typically runs between $12 and $16.

•  Location: Av. Balboa, Mercado de Mariscos, 2nd Floor, Panama City
•  Instagram: @restaurantemercadomarisco
•  Phone: 6692-4587
•  Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
•  Price: Very affordable ($5–$16 per dish)
•  Reservations: No reservation needed

3.  NIKO’S CAFÉ

«Panama’s restaurant that never closes»

A 100% Panamanian restaurant chain with nearly 800 staff members. Their motto «Tastes Like Panama» reflects their commitment to serving home-style food that is delicious and reasonably priced, 24 hours a day.

The menu includes sancocho, club sandwiches, gyros, breaded fish, daily specials, fresh juices, and smoothies. Generous portions at affordable prices, with an average of $12 per person.

•  Locations: Multiple branches across the city (Vía Argentina, Calle 50, Albrook, Los Pueblos, and more)
•  Instagram: @nikoscafe — 88K followers
•  Hours: Open 24 hours, every day
•  Price: Budget-friendly (~$8–$12 per person)
•  Reservations: No reservation needed

4.  DIABLICOS

«Traditional food with a live folkloric show in Casco Antiguo»

Located in Casco Antiguo, right in front of the Ministry of Government, Diablicos serves the most exquisite traditional Panamanian dishes alongside live folkloric dance performances, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere with attentive service.

The décor is entirely folkloric, from the waitstaff’s traditional costumes to the fabrics from Portobelo and the large Diablicos Sucios figures. Perfect for enjoying authentic Panamanian food in a family-friendly setting, with affordable prices and live music on Fridays and Sundays.

•  Location: Av. Central, House 7, Casco Antiguo, Panama City
•  Instagram: @diablicos — 12K followers
•  Hours: Sun–Thu: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM | Fri–Sat: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
•  Price: Moderate (~$10–$20 per person)
•  Reservations: Via WhatsApp (see Instagram)
•  Bonus: Live traditional dance shows on Fridays and Sundays

5.  RINCÓN TABLEÑO

«The taste of Azuero, right in the city»

Rincón Tableño, located in Centro Comercial Chanis, is a go-to spot for traditional Panamanian cuisine, rated 4.3 stars for food quality, specializing in the authentic flavors of the Los Santos and Herrera regions. Ideal for anyone craving homemade-style chicken broth, ropa vieja, guacho, and classic Panamanian comfort food at fonda prices.

•  Location: Centro Comercial Chanis, Panama City
•  Instagram: @rincontableno
•  Hours: Monday to Sunday, lunch and dinner
•  Price: Very affordable (~$6–$12 per person)
•  Reservations: No reservation needed

 Tip: If you want the best of Panamanian cuisine without breaking the bank, El Trapiche and Diablicos offer the most complete dining experiences. For the freshest seafood at unbeatable prices, Mercado de Mariscos is the place to be. And if you need to eat at any hour of the day or night, Niko’s Café never closes.