Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Panama

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Panama? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Santa Rita - Casco Viejo

4.8

4.8 (209)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

Panama City

About the restaurant

Fusionamos lo mejor de la gastronomía Española y Argentina, con una propuesta exclusiva para ti! Visitanos en la entrada del Casco Viejo

Top review

ChristopherVIP

Dined on Nov 22, 2024

All of the food was great. The waiter was attentive to details and the menu wonderful. The portions are huge so a stray dog had a wonderful price of steak after dinner.

Maito

4.8

4.8 (114)

$31 to $50

Panamanian

Panama City

About the restaurant

Maito celebra la rica identidad culinaria multicultural de Panamá, donde la fusión de influencias afro, asiáticas y caribeñas se traduce en un menú que refleja la diversidad de sabores criollos, inspirados en el mar, la montaña y la tierra panameña. Maito ha mantenido su prominencia en la escena gastronómica, logrando durante siete años consecutivos un lugar destacado en Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants, llegando al impresionante puesto número 6. Además, ha sido reconocido internacionalmente al figurar en la prestigiosa lista The World's 50 Best Restaurants, ocupando la posición número 100.

Top review

Gaynl

Dined 5 days ago

The menu has an excellent selection. We had lunch on the patio, which was perfectly relaxing. The service was warm and knowledgeable. I would like to eat there again.

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Experience

Menú de degustación vegano

Azahar Panamá

4.7

4.7 (413)

$30 and under

Fusion / Eclectic

Panama City

About the restaurant

Un moderno y chic restaurant. Gastronomía única y servicio a la altura de nuestros más distinguidos y exigentes clientes. Entre la propuesta culinaria se encuentra una exquisita combinación de estilo fusión y cocina mediterránea clásica, siempre cuidando crear platillos de excelente calidad y brindar una gastronomía versátil. Se deleitará con pastas hechas en casa con los más finos rellenos, risottos, cortes de carnes, variedad de platillos a base de pescados y mariscos finamente preparados, ceviches, tiraditos, sushi, así como pastelería de primera, donde se conciben los más exquisitos postres que deleitan a nuestros comensales. Gozamos de una exclusiva bodega de vinos y espumantes con más de 90 etiquetas, permitiéndonos brindarle el maridaje perfecto para cada ocasión. Encontrará el perfecto equilibrio entre una cocina gourmet de altura, un servicio único y un selecto ambiente.

Top review

michaelVIP

Dined on Nov 26, 2024

Everything about Azahar was exceptional, from the personal attention paid to us by Franklin, to the ambiance- the terrace allowed gorgeous views of Panama bay… Mushroom risotto was mouth watering), as the food in general… an amazing, unforgettable experience… cannot wait to return for the sushi & live music !

La Tapa Del Coco

4.7

4.7 (79)

$30 and under

Panamanian

Panama City

About the restaurant

La Tapa del Coco es un restaurante movimiento gastronómico que investiga, recupera y resguarda la tradición cultural afro panameña en Panamá poniéndola a disposición del mundo a través de distintos formatos, experiencias, marcas, productos y subproductos.

Su plato estrella es el One Pot Colonense y su ambiente es casual con toques juveniles.

Top review

Sebastían

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

So, I finally made it to La Tapa del Coco. I was expecting the kind of place that serves soul food with a little flair—and they definitely delivered on that. But… let’s be real, not everything was as fabulous as I’d hoped. First, the good stuff. The clams in curry? Holy moly. If I could marry a sauce, I’d put a ring on this one. It’s creamy, spicy, and just everything you want in life. And the codfish croquettes? Perfection. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with that berry sauce that’s got this magical balance of sweet and spicy. These dishes? Absolutely worth the trip. But then… the burger. Now, I know this burger’s got a reputation. It’s been crowned “the best” at some point, and I can see why—juicy, flavorful, and with that chicharrón making an appearance. It’s like a party in your mouth, but… it’s like the cool kid at the party who doesn’t talk to you much. It’s good, but it doesn’t make you want to shout from the rooftops. Here’s the deal: La Tapa del Coco has so much potential. The food’s got heart, the flavors are on point, and you can tell they’re passionate about their dishes. But for a place that’s ranked in the 100 Best in Latin America? Some of the hits are real home runs, and some are just… okay. If you’re in it for the vibe and a few unforgettable bites, you’ll be good. But if you’re looking for the full experience? Maybe leave the high expectations at the door.

Intimo Restaurante

4.7

4.7 (39)

$31 to $50

Panamanian

Panama City

About the restaurant

Intimo Restaurant is a dining experience that takes local cuisine and traditions combined with a full beverage program. In the heart of the culinary neighborhood of San Francisco you can enjoy the small intimate mess hall with an open kitchen or enjoy the outside cozy dining experience by our outdoor garden.

Top review

juan

Dined on Nov 27, 2024

Amazing food! They have a 5 course tasting menu that was amazing. It’s about $60/person and totally worth it! The service was great and everyone was very friendly. Perfect spot for a romantic date or relaxing solo dinner at the bar

La Vespa Vistamare

4.7

4.7 (219)

$30 and under

Italian

Panama City

About the restaurant

Coming Soon!

Top review

Jason

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Good except for the first two things we order they said they didn’t have. Not a good start but the food was delicious and the environment was nice.

Atope

4.7

4.7 (15)

$31 to $50

International

Panama City

About the restaurant

Atope comienza con un concepto de menú español, que con el tiempo, fue fusionando sabores de la riqueza gastronómica panameña. Así nace su identidad, una fusión de tradición española con los sabores frescos y vibrantes de Panamá.

En nuestro restaurante, cada plato es una celebración de la diversidad de ingredientes locales y del mundo, combinados para despertar tus sentidos. Nuestro equipo se enorgullece de innovar constantemente, creando platos que sorprenden y deleitan a nuestros comensales.

Top review

ManuelVIP

Dined on Dec 14, 2024

The seafood curry special and the grilled shrimp were amazing

KAANDELA

4.6

4.6 (109)

$31 to $50

International

Panama City

About the restaurant

We invite you to join us for our playful exploration of flavour, that is equal parts: intuition and experience. With often primitive methods of concoction such as fermentation, smoking, raw dishes, curing, pickling and the magic and unpredictability of cooking over wood fire – all coming together with elegant execution in dishes designed for sharing and pairing. Purposefully a little disruptive, we take an approach to dining that is fun, and encourages looking at traditional ideas from a new angle. This can be anything from getting stuck in with your hands, to rehashing recipes with funky local produce. We never stand still and continue to evolve – just as fire refuses to hold a single form.

Top review

ShelleyVIP

Dined on Nov 30, 2024

Fantastic food. Great cocktails and attentive service. A must go in Casco Viejo!

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Experience

Christmas Eve Dinner

Krume Costa del Este

4.6

4.6 (16)

$30 and under

Organic

Panama City

About the restaurant

Somos una panadería tradicional austriaca de panes de masa madre. Utilizamos granos como: centeno Waldstaude, Emmer y Espelta de Niederösterreich una provincia boscosa al norte de Austria. Gracias a nuestra cuidadosa selección de ingredientes y énfasis en nuestros procesos de producción y elaboración. Nos hemos convertido en la primera panadería que consta con una certificación orgánica en Panamá, sumada a la certificación Demeter, otorgada por la Unión Europea a aquellos productos que cumplen estrictamente con las normas de agricultura biodinámica. Buscando maridar nuestros panes con ingredientes igualmente excepcionales, desarrollamos un menú bistro, una propuesta purista, orgánica y saludables que va desde tostadas francesas, ensaladas, sopas, “tostas” y “pastries” de masa madre. Contamos con una barra de café panameño de especialidad, que incluye variedades como el Catuaí, Caturra, Pacamara, Geisha o Maragogype. También usamos café de otras fincas para filtrados.

Top review

Luis

Dined on Dec 7, 2024

Best bread in Panama e delicious coffee. The ambience is very nice… incredible place to have breakfast or brunch!

Tomillo Steak House

4.5

4.5 (15)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Panama City

About the restaurant

Tomillo es un restaurante de estilo rústicamente elegante, con una parrilla de carbón y leña única en su estilo.

Contamos con nuestras neveras de añejamiento donde preparamos carnes y pescados.

Su amplia terraza, bar, salón principal y sala privada cuenta con todos los ambientes para las necesidades de los clientes. Brindamos un servicio de calidad para que el comensal viva una experiencia inigualable.

Top review

Annette

Dined on Dec 5, 2024

it is really good food, staff and variability. i recommend this place and plates!

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