Panama City's dining scene reflects the country's Caribbean, Indigenous, Afro-Panamanian, Latin American and international influences. Because individual restaurants change frequently, this guide focuses on reliable dining districts and how to choose current options.

Best areas for restaurants

• Casco Antiguo: destination dining, rooftops, cocktail bars and historic atmosphere. Reserve ahead on weekends.
• San Francisco: one of the city's broadest selections, from casual cafés to chef-led restaurants around Calle 50 and nearby streets.
• Bella Vista and Marbella: convenient central choices for business lunches, cafés and international food.
• El Cangrejo: relaxed, diverse dining near hotels, apartments and Via Argentina.
• Costa del Este: polished restaurants and lunch options serving the corporate district.
• Amador: waterfront views and easy access before or after Causeway activities.

Panamanian foods to try

Look for ceviche, sancocho, carimañolas, ropa vieja, arroz con guandú, patacones, fresh seafood and regional cacao or coffee. Menus vary, and many contemporary kitchens reinterpret traditional ingredients.

Practical dining tips

• Check current opening hours and recent reviews before traveling.
• Reserve popular restaurants for Friday and Saturday evenings.
• Ask about dress codes, parking and accessibility when relevant.
• Tell the restaurant about allergies in advance; do not assume every menu labels them.
• Prices usually exclude optional gratuity unless clearly stated.

Frequently asked questions

Where should first-time visitors eat?

Combine one meal in Casco Antiguo with neighborhood dining in San Francisco, Bella Vista or El Cangrejo.

Is tap water generally used in Panama City restaurants?

Panama City normally has treated municipal water, but visitors with sensitivities may prefer bottled water and should follow current local advisories.