Panama City is known as a great tourist location, and one of the tourism hubs of the Americas. It鈥檚 got lots of factors that attract visitors all year round. It鈥檚 also got lots to offer for expats, who flock to the city for many of the same reasons tourists do. And while Panama isn鈥檛 traditionally known as a culinary city (by Latin American standards), that reputation is changing quickly, and 鈥渢he cream is rising to the top鈥 so to speak, when it comes to wining and dining in Panama鈥檚 capital. Here are what we think are six, cant-miss places to eat and drink in Panama City, Panama:
Barrio Pizza
Who doesn鈥檛 love pizza? No, seriously. Think about that for a minute. Barrio Pizza is Panama鈥檚 answer to old-world, neopolitan syle, brick oven pizza; and it鈥檚 got a modern Panamanian twist to boot. Barrio鈥檚 charm is in its simplicity. It serves one size of pizza (about 10鈥), as well as some delicious small plate apps like meatballs, olives, salads, and antipasti. It鈥檚 located in Casco Viejo, at Edificio Neuman Local #1, Av Central Calle 8, 笔补苍补尘谩, Panama.
骋补耻肠丑辞鈥檚
If you鈥檙e looking for a great steak, 骋补耻肠丑辞鈥檚 is a Panamanian classic that still holds up after years of success on Calle Uruguay. The menu is largely steak, prepared Argentinian/Uruguayan style, with classic sides and a great wine list. Prices are moderate, but quality is consistent, and the value for the food/experience is incredible. Make sure to go early, or book a reservation, as this place fills up practically every day during the week. 骋补耻肠丑辞鈥檚 Steakhouse is located on Calle Uruguay, in front of the old Manrey Hotel.
Solomon鈥檚 Deli
This is truly a unique place to eat in Panama City. Why? Because there literally is no other place like it in the country. Solomon鈥檚 is a Montreal-style deli, serving traditional (and not so traditional) deli cuisine on a daily basis. Solomon鈥檚 has imported, smoked meat sandwiches, poutine, pastrami, and smoked salmon sandwiches, as well as burgers, kids plates, and a classic meatloaf plate. They also import and sell Canadian mustard and chips, as well as have an extensive beer menu. Solomon鈥檚 is located in Paitilla Mall, on Calle Ramon H. Jurado in Punta Paitilla.
Beirut
Located in the heart of Panama City鈥檚 El Cangrejo district, Beirut is truly a fun night out on the town. The food is good, Lebanese cuisine, and plated (mostly) for sharing. Portions are big, and there are many healthy options on the menu. The best part of Beirut, however, is the atmosphere. On the weekends, there is a live Middle Eastern dance show, and many large groups of diners and partygoers. If you鈥檙e looking for a fun night out, to wine and dine guests (or yourself), this is a great place. Beirut Restaurant is located at Calle Ricardo Arias, 笔补苍补尘谩, Panama.
Palacio Lung Fung
This traditional Chinese restaurant has a fantastic, classic menu, with lots of local flavors for people will all types of tastes and budgets. Their specialty though, amongst Panamanians and foreigners alike, is their dim sum. On the weekends, between 9 and 3pm, you won鈥檛 find a better 鈥渂runch鈥 in the country. Lung Fung serves traditional small plate dim sum, and a fantastic price, and fills its tables with many of Panama City鈥檚 strong Chinese community. Palacio Lung Fung is located at Carr Trans铆stmica, 笔补苍补尘谩, Panama
Aki Sake Bar & Japanese Kitchen
Aki is a great fusion addition to Panama City鈥檚 restaurant scene, and does a flawless job of combining traditional local ingredients and flavors with eastern dishes (particularly Japanese). Aki has a funky, artistic d茅cor, and a fantastic selection of Sake鈥檚 and imported beer and liquors. You can find Aki in Casco Viejo on Calle 8 Este.
