Forget the Tourist Traps—Eat Like a Local in Panama City 🍽️

Panama City’s food scene is bold, diverse, and constantly evolving—but if you're tired of the same “Top 10” lists repeating the obvious, this one’s for you. Whether you're in the mood for hidden gems, chef-driven spots, or exclusive dining experiences, here’s where to eat in Panama like a local (without sacrificing style).

🍷 1. Intimo – For the Culinary Adventurer

📍 Location: San Francisco
💡 Why Go: A 12-seat chef’s table experience where every dish tells a story.
⭐ Must-Try: Tasting menu (changes often, always incredible).

If you appreciate artful plating, experimental flavors, and a dining experience that feels like a secret, Intimo is where you want to be. Expect local ingredients, unexpected pairings, and dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The kind of place where you trust the chef entirely—because they know exactly what they’re doing.

👉 Book ahead—seats are limited, and exclusivity is part of the magic.

🐅 2. Cantina del Tigre – Where Street Food Meets Elevated Dining

📍 Location: Coco del Mar
💡 Why Go: A modern cantina where every dish has a punch of flavor.
⭐ Must-Try: Tacos, tostadas, and craft cocktails.

Cantina del Tigre is not your average taco spot. It’s an upscale take on Latin American street food, designed for people who love big flavors and bold cocktails. The atmosphere is just as good as the food, with a laid-back but stylish vibe that makes you want to stay for hours.

🔥 Go for the tacos. Stay for the cocktails. Repeat.

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🍜 3. Maito – The OG of Panama’s New Wave Cuisine

📍 Location: Coco del Mar
💡 Why Go: A Michelin-starred legend reinventing Panamanian food.
⭐ Must-Try: The tasting menu (or anything with plantains).

Ask any local about fine dining in Panama, and they’ll mention Maito. Chef Mario Castrellón redefines Panamanian cuisine by blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. It’s innovative but unpretentious, making it the perfect intro to Panama’s evolving culinary scene.

🚀 If you want to say you ate at Panama’s best restaurant, this is the spot.

🍣 4. Oso – The Coolest Sushi Bar You’ve Never Heard Of

📍 Location: San Francisco
💡 Why Go: Tiny, stylish, and serving some of the best sushi in the city.
⭐ Must-Try: Omakase experience (trust the chef).

No flashy neon signs. No Instagram hype. Just killer sushi, intimate vibes, and the freshest fish you’ll ever have in Panama. Oso is a hidden gem—perfect for a laid-back yet unforgettable dinner.

🎌 Go with friends, sit at the bar, and let the chef surprise you.

🍕 5. Café Unido – The "Not-So-Basic" Brunch Spot

📍 Location: Multiple Locations (Casco Viejo, Costa del Este, Marbella)
💡 Why Go: Specialty coffee + a perfect all-day brunch menu.
⭐ Must-Try: The avocado toast (but make it gourmet) + a flat white.

If you’re staying at LA RÉSIDENCE, consider Café Unido your second home. It’s the go-to spot for a lazy brunch, morning meetings, or a post-flight espresso that actually wakes you up. Bonus? They roast their own coffee, supporting local farmers.

☕ This is your cue to swap that hotel buffet for something infinitely better.

🔥 1. Mai Mai – Where Every Bite is an Experience

📍 Location: Casco Viejo
💡 Why Go: Flavors that hit, ingredients that matter.
⭐ Must-Try: Anything seasonal—the menu constantly evolves.

If food is about quality and depth of flavor, then Mai Mai is a must. This intimate spot celebrates fresh, high-quality ingredients with bold, expressive flavors that leave a lasting impression. Every dish is thoughtfully crafted, striking the perfect balance between familiar comfort and unexpected brilliance.

🚀 For food lovers who appreciate the details, this is where you want to be.

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The Insider's Take: Eat Smarter in Panama 🍽️

Skip the overrated tourist restaurants and eat like you actually belong here. Whether it’s intimate fine dining, bold street food flavors, or sleek sushi bars, Panama City’s culinary scene is one of the most exciting in Latin America—you just need to know where to go.

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🔥 Want more exclusive recommendations? Stay at LA RÉSIDENCE—where great taste is just part of the experience.

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