Best Restaurants Outside Panama City
As an international crossroads, Panama has a surprisingly wide variety of restaurants and styless of cuisine. The seafood is amazing- don’t leave Panama without trying the sea bass (Corvina). The tropical fruits – papaya and pineapple are the best anywhere.
El Valle
1. Casa de Lourdes:
Panamanian gourmet food by Lourdes Fabrega, one of Panama’s most famous chefs. The setting is gorgeous- a terrace in Tuscan-style mansion in a lush garden setting surrounded by mountain peaks. Great for both romance and a family gathering. Highly recommended.
2. Bruschetta’s:
Mouth watering bruschetta sprinkled with fresh herbs, and both Panamanian and international fare. The seafood and seafood soup is excellent. Both indoor and outdoor seating.
Panama’s Riviera
3. La Fogata:
Excellent seafood at reasonable prices, the owner is Swiss and the chef Panamanian. We recommend the lobster special- for $30 you get a shrimp cocktail, a salad and big platter with lobster, along with your choice of side dish and then a dessert and coffee. Good for romance. Just a few minutes walk from the Decameron Resort.
4. Pipa’s:
A simple, open air restaurant with excellent seafood. Right on the beach, so enjoy the ocean views and breezes. Located next to the Decameron Resort.
Boquete
5. The Rock:
Enjoy prime Boquete views at this open air restaurant set next to a rushing river. The menu is gourmet international with fresh local ingredients. Very popular with both the locals and tourists.
6.The Panamonte:
Located in the historic Panamonte Inn, the Panamonte Restaurant is the Grand Dame of Boquete restaurants. The menu by famous chef Charlie Collins, is both Panamanian and international. Enjoy the turn-of-the-century country decor and historic ambience. In the evening, have an after dinner drink in their cozy handsome lounge with a fireplace.
Bocas del Toro
7. Bibi’s:
One of the most beautiful places to dine in Bocas, enjoy your meal under a thatched roof with ocean and Bocas views. Both the seafood and American comfort food are excellent. Bibi’s is the creation of a talented couple from restaurateur families- Penny from Bocas and Luis from Argentina. Set on a beach, the atmosphere is casual-the shoeless are welcome. On Carenero Island a 3 minute boat ride from Bocas town. Open 7 days a week.
8. Guari Guari:
Set just outside downtown in a private home- this is the only restaurant in Bocas you need reservations for. There’s one set meal – six courses for just $23.00 and the international cuisine is creative and outstanding. You have to arrive at a set time and make time because this is a three hour feast. Good for a romantic night out.
9. El Pecado:
On main street, El Pecado is one of Boca’s longest standing fine restaurants. It serves pizza to gourmet dinners with unique and delicious appetizers.
10. Natural Mystic:
A casual dining restaurant right on Bocas main street with a view to the street- perfect for people watching. The burgers, seafood and vegetarian dishes are excellent and the prices very reasonable.
David
11. Parmigiano Ristorante & Pizzeria :
This excellent Italian restaurant is a family affair run by Italian Chef Piero and his wife Veronica. Authentic Italian cuisine with fresh local ingredients, keep people coming back her again and again.
12. Gran Hotel Nacional Restaurant & Pizzeria:
A good value choice with an international and Panamanian menu with good food and service. Their Sunday Breakfast Brunch is very popular.
Pedasí
13. Pasta e Vino: A simple and cozy restaurant with excellent Italian dishes at very reasonable prices. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Volcan
14. Cerro Brujo
People come from all around just to dine here and it has some of the best ratings in Panama. Volcan is a mountain farming community-Chef Patricia takes advantage of all the fresh local ingredients. The salads are spectacular and there are plenty of vegetarian options. All meals come with soup, salad and the entree and are superbly prepared and spiced. The decor is simple and pleasing.