Eat Your Way Through The Best Restaurants in Casco Viejo
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Casco Viejo has tons to offer to both Panama City visitors and locals. It’s packed with a vibrant history and local culture. The colorful colonial architecture is a feast for the eyes at every turn. Not to mention the amazing restaurants you can find here. It’s no wonder why this tangle of narrow streets keeps people coming back for more.
So what are the best restaurants in Casco Viejo? It’s hard to know where to start! In Casco Viejo, you can find Panamanian classics with a modern twist, a great place for a romantic date, or even creative Japanese food.
Read on to find out about the best restaurants in Casco Viejo. But we warn this may cause hunger by the time you finish!
Fonda lo Que Hay
Fonda lo Que Hay is a Casco Viejo favorite and for good reason. This cozy restaurant serves up beautiful plates of upgraded classic Panamanian dishes. Expertly prepared fresh fish, empanadas, shrimp with plantains, and pork with yucca are all on the menu.
Your best bet is to come with a friend or two and order many different items to share. Trust us, you’ll want to try it all. Fonda, as it is sometimes called does not take reservations or hold tables. So, if you’re planning on dining at peak hours you may be in for a wait. Anyone who’s eaten here before will tell you that the wait is well worth it, though.
Tantalo
Image via Panamacascoviejo.com
No list of the best restaurants in Casco Viejo is complete without including Tantalo. The name refers not to the restaurant, but also to the adjoining hotel. However, you don’t need to be a guest to enjoy the creative menu and stunning ambiance of Tantalo.
The restaurant’s menu combines flavors from around the world and dishes using Panama’s freshest ingredients. The beef tenderloin, the mac and cheese, and the octopus will all keep you coming back from more. Here’s a place where we recommend skipping the wine and opting instead for one of their creative cocktails.
Lazotea
Come to Lazotea for the food, and stay for the view. This hip rooftop eatery has a great vibe, and even better food and drinks. Calamari with squid ink rice, jumbo seared shrimp, and seafood fettuccini are all winners. Not in the mood for seafood? You can’t go wrong with one of their delicious cheeseburgers.
Creative cocktails feature local fruits and specialty spirits and are beautifully presented. They also host live music which makes it great for a night of dinner and drinks with friends. And you couldn’t ask for a better backdrop than the sunning Panama City skyline.
Mahalo
Mahalo is a laid-back, tropical-style restaurant tucked away in the heart of Casco Viejo, Panama. Known for its fresh, health-conscious menu and vibrant garden setting, Mahalo offers a mix of wholesome dishes, from poke bowls and smoothies to hearty brunch favorites and creative cocktails. The space is casual and inviting, with plenty of greenery and a relaxed vibe that makes it a popular spot for both locals and travelers. Whether you’re stopping by for a lazy weekend brunch or an afternoon drink with friends, Mahalo captures the essence of Casco’s charm with good food and a chill atmosphere.
Santa Rita
Santa Rita, located at the entrance of Casco Viejo, is a Spanish restaurant that combines the culinary traditions of the old and new worlds. It offers a menu featuring tapas, small plates, and entrees great for every occassion, blending Spanish Tapas and Argentine Grill styles, complemented by a thoughtfully curated wine list. Must-try dishes like pulpo, jamon serrano, and croquettas are perfect for sharing and pair wonderfully with Spanish red wine. The restaurant’s colonial-era decor reflects the historical and cultural essence of Casco Viejo, skillfully merging Panamanian flavors with modern culinary techniques.
So there you have it, the best restaurants in Casco Viejo. As this neighborhood continues to evolve, we can’t wait to see what else might pop up. But in the meantime, happy dining!
Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!
Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is a leading expert in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, he holds a Marketing Information Systems degree from James Madison University. After a successful corporate career managing multimillion-dollar inventories at Hajoca Corporation, Kent pursued his dream of living abroad, moving to Panama in 2007.
Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, he established Panama Equity to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s top properties. Known for his transparency, expertise, and market insights, Kent has helped hundreds navigate Panama’s real estate landscape. Fluent in Spanish, he frequently publishes market reports to empower clients with informed decisions.
Beyond real estate, Kent is passionate about Panama’s culture, landscapes, and surf-friendly beaches. He lives in Panama with his wife and three sons, embracing the vibrant lifestyle the country offers.
Daniel Anderson
on said
You are beyond a Real Estate Agent.
Thank You
Daniel Anderson
Kent Davis
on said
Hey cheers for that!!