Like any port city worth its salt, Panama City has a gastronomic scene influenced by a melting pot of immigrants from around the world, and by its regional neighbors Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Foodies will be overjoyed by what's on offer in this metropolitan city: Chinese food ranked by gourmets as the some of the best on this side of the Pacific, fine European cuisine, Middle Eastern eateries, Argentine steakhouses, English-style pubs, and, of course, Panamanian restaurants influenced by Afro-Caribbeans, indigenous groups, and Spanish descendants. Panamanian food is tasty, but a lot of it is fried -- especially breakfast items like empanadas, hojaldras (fried bread), and tortillas. Most main courses are accompanied by a rice-beans-plantain combo that can become repetitive. In other words, if you're planning to visit other destinations in Panama, I say sample the rich variety of international and fusion-style restaurants here and savor Panamanian fare later.
Restaurant reviews here are divided by their individual neighborhood. The El Cangrejo district represents the area northwest of Vía España. The Financial District southeast of Vía España is included with the area "Bella Vista," which is south of Vía España and also referred to as Calle Uruguay (or Calle 48 Este, just to make it more confusing). Bella Vista is essentially a compact barrio of restaurants, shops and bars.
Don't overlook hotel restaurants. The Hotel Deville's trendy Ten Bistro serves contemporary, French-influenced food where each main course costs -- you guessed it -- $10. Monsoon, the Caesar Park Panama's Asian restaurant, has been honored almost with international culinary awards. Monsoon offers a sushi night on Tuesdays, and shellfish specials on Fridays. The Decapolis Radisson's Fusion restaurant and its hip sushi lounge is the trendiest see-and-be-seen venue in town for dining. Fusion has a reasonably priced menu and often features a fixed-price buffet lunch for around $15. The Hotel Executive serves breakfast 24 hours a day, and an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The Bristol Panama's restaurant, Las Barandas, offers the best Panamanian food in the city and is overseen by Panama's most famous chef.
For cheap Panamanian food you can't beat the 24-hour chain Niko's Café, which, in addition to basic sandwiches, serves 100 snacks and items, such as a tamale or fried egg, for less than 90¢ each. Niko's can be found at Vía España and Calle Gerardo Ortega (Calle 51B Este, near the Continental Hotel), at the Albrook Bus Terminal, or on Calle 50 (Nicanor Obarrio). There are many hole-in-the-walls and cafeterias that serve what's called comida corriente, or the cheap daily special that might include a beverage. American fast-food chains, such as Dunkin' Donuts, Bennigan's, McDonald's, T.G.I. Friday's, and Subway, are everywhere. Fast-food chains are clustered next to the Veneto Hotel and the Multicentro Mall.
Grocery &. Specialty Stores -- The supermarket chain El Rey is Panama's largest, and most branches are open 24 hours a day. You can find national products plus a large selection of imported brands from the U.S. The most convenient location is on Vía España, near El Panama Hotel; there is another in the Albrook area, on Avenida Omar Torrijos on the way to Gamboa. The premier wine store Felipe Motta, in Marbella on Calle 53(tel. 302-5555), is the most complete in Central America, and their prices are reasonable. For organic groceries and health products, try Orgánica in Marbella, at the Plaza Paitilla mall on Ramón H. Jurado (tel. 215-2400; Mon-Fri 10am-5pm).
Culinary Tours -- If you're a foodie, contact Melissa DeLeon at the Panama Gourmet for culinary tours in Panama City (tel. 225-3511; www.panama-gourmet.com). Melissa, a food writer, chef, and caterer, offers tours designed by local chefs, with bilingual guides and visits to markets and restaurants. Panama Gourmet also has cooking courses.
Casco Viejo
For a coffee and muffin, sandwich, or sweet dessert (Internet access, too), try Brooklyn Café at Calle Primera, near the French Embassy (tel. 211-0961).
