Restaurants in Panama City
3 businesses in Panama City
Panama City's restaurant scene is one of the most cosmopolitan in Latin America, reflecting the country's role as a crossroads of global commerce and culture. The city's expat-heavy neighborhoods — Marbella, San Francisco, and Bella Vista — host a dense concentration of international dining options that rival major world cities. The listings here include familiar international chains like Olive Garden in Multiplaza, P.F. Chang's, and Ajisen Ramen on Via Brasil, which serve as reliable standbys for expats craving a taste of home. But Panama City's real dining strength lies in its independent restaurants, which draw on the country's diverse immigrant communities — from Chinatown's decades-old Chinese-Panamanian kitchens to Peruvian cevicherias and contemporary fusion restaurants in Casco Viejo. Food costs vary widely: international chain restaurants run $20–40 per person, while local fondas serving rice, beans, and sancocho offer filling lunches for $4–8. The city's dining scene evolves rapidly, so staying plugged into local expat groups is the best way to track openings and closures.
Showing 1-3 of 3 businesses
Ajisen Ramen | Vía Brasil
4.7 (913)P.F. Chang's
4.6 (2318)Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best expat-friendly restaurants in Panama City? +
ExpatsList curates restaurants in Panama City rated by the expat community. Filter by cuisine, dietary options, or price range, and look for listings with Google reviews and verified badges to find the most trusted spots.
How expensive is eating out at restaurants in Panama City? +
Restaurant prices in Panama City vary widely—from budget street-food spots to upscale international dining. Browse individual restaurants listings for price range indicators, and check our Cost of Living tool for average meal costs.
Do restaurants in Panama City accommodate dietary restrictions like vegetarian or gluten-free? +
Many restaurants in Panama City catering to expats offer vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-aware menus. Check listing descriptions for dietary tags, and don't hesitate to contact restaurants directly via the details on ExpatsList.
Expat tips for Restaurants in Panama City
Explore Beyond the International Chains +
Olive Garden and P.F. Chang's offer comfortable familiarity, but Panama City's most interesting dining is in its independent restaurants. Casco Viejo alone hosts dozens of standout spots in converted colonial buildings — make time to explore this neighborhood's culinary scene early in your stay.
Eat Lunch at Local Fondas for Real Value +
Panama City has a thriving culture of small neighborhood restaurants called fondas that serve home-style Panamanian food at very reasonable prices. A full lunch with a drink typically costs $5–8 — significantly less than expat-oriented restaurants. Ask colleagues or neighbors to point you to the best ones near you.
Use Pedidos Ya or Uber Eats for Rainy Days +
Panama City's rainy season (May–November) brings daily afternoon downpours that make going out for dinner less appealing. Both Pedidos Ya and Uber Eats have extensive coverage across the city's main neighborhoods and deliver from most international restaurants, making delivery apps well worth having on your phone.
Expat guides for Panama City
-
Health Insurance in Panama: Options and Coverage for Expats
Panama health insurance: $100-200/month basic, $250-500 comprehensive. CAJA social security $50-150/month. Doctor visits $50-150 uninsured. 50-70% cheaper than US.
-
Bringing Your Pets to Panama: Complete Import Guide
Bring pets to Panama: health certificate (within 30 days), rabies vaccine (30+ days old), MIDA permit ($10-30). No quarantine. Total cost $100-300 plus airline fees.