Looking for the Best Brunch in Panama City? We’re giving you the Top 12 locations for top-notch food and a great atmosphere. This list really does have something for everyone and every budget but please note: these are in no particular order (we’re not picking a favorite ?)!
1. Mahalo Snack Shack
Mahalo Snack Shack is located in Casco Viejo on Avenida A and has a great breakfast menu. It’s open every day except Tuesdays from 10 am – 8 pm. Depending on what you feel like, we can certainly recommend the Bang Bang Shrimp Tostada and the Power Bowl, though you really can’t go wrong with any of their breakfast dishes. Pair it with a healthy smoothie or juice and you’ll be ready to take on the day. If you’re looking for something more substantial their lunch menu won’t disappoint and is full of healthy options too, including Vegan and Vegetarian choices. If you have a sweet tooth, do not pass up Bailey’s Banana Foster.
Check out their Instagram here – https://www.instagram.com/mahalosnackshack/?hl=en
2. Mahalo Cocina y Jardin
Mahalo Cocina y Jardin is Mahalo’s more upmarket offering located on Avenida B in Casco Viejo. It is open Sunday to Wednesday 7:30 am-10 pm and Thursday to Saturday 7:30 am-11 pm, but brunch is only serviced on Saturday and Sunday 8 am-3 pm. If you’re looking for a beautiful dining experience that won’t break the bank, then brunch here is a fantastic option. This menu offers American options such as fried chicken and waffles, and pancakes, European options such as French Toast and Sicilian Roast and so much else including Panamanian-influenced dishes such as Huevos al Montuno. They even offer delivery!
Visit their website for more information – https://www.mahalopanama.com/
3. Bruttito
Located in Multiplaza Panamá, Plaza del Sol, Bruttito is open 7 days a week. While it is described as an Asian fusion restaurant with a wide-ranging menu, the Brunch is pretty traditional. They offer Brunch all day, served from 11 am. The menu features the classics of eggs benedict, bagels, pancakes, avocado toast, and omelet. The coffee is a work of art, literally, I mean they can put your face on the coffee (see for yourself on their Insta)! Beyond brunch, if you want to stick around for dessert, there is something on the menu to suit every sweet tooth.
Check out their Instagram here – https://www.instagram.com/bruttitorest/
4. El Trapiche
El Trapiche has four locations in the City, Albrook Mall, Via Argentina, Brisas del Golf, and their newest restaurant on Calle 71 in San Francisco. El Trapiche describes its menu as authentic traditional Panamanian cuisine. If you love traditional Panamanian breakfast staples such as empanadas, hojaldres, carimañolas, tortillas, and chorizos then you won’t be disappointed. You can even buy packets to take home with you. Each of the locations opens at 7 am, except Albrook Mall which opens at 12 pm.
Check out their website here – https://eltrapiche.xpedidos.com/xpedidos/groupHome.xhtml
5. Paraiso Café Panamá
Located in San Francisco Plaza, they are open Tuesday to Saturday 8 am-5 pm, and on Sundays 9 am-4 pm. Bonus – they are pet friendly. Paraiso Café describes its food as creative cuisine with Caribbean and Thai touches meaning you get Panamanian or American-style breakfasts with fun and flavorsome twists. For example, if you like your brunch on the sweet side then the Tropical French Toast or Coconut Sesame Pancakes are a must-try! The décor is at one with their cuisine, bringing you fun, tropical vibes, and a great place to take friends and family.
Have a look at their website – https://paraisocafepanama.com/
6. Mentiritas Blancas
Mentititas Blancas (Little White Lies) is located at PH Demar, Local 2B, Calle Gaspar O. Hernández, Vía Argentina, El Cangrejo. It is between Café Monolo’s and El Trapiche, meaning that when it comes to brunch there’s a healthy level of competition right on the doorstep. But what makes this little gem stand out is its extensive coffee menu offering you, if anything, too much choice. You are bound to find the perfect coffee for you, and what goes best with coffee? Cake. Yes, we are firm advocates of cake for breakfast or brunch, and the artisanal cakes here come highly recommended. As for the atmosphere of the place, it oozes cozy and rustic charm.
View their website here – https://mentiritasblancas.com/
7. Nomada Eatery
Another great brunch spot in Casco Viejo is Nomada Eatery located on Calle 9na Este, San Felipe. Here brunch is a weekend-only affair from 8 am – 3 pm, but you can get two Mimosas for $6 as part of the limited edition menu so it’s best if you don’t have to go anywhere. Coffee is of course available too ?. You can take the time to enjoy the Central American-inspired dishes – the Tamal de Olla and Chimichanga is particularly popular- while enjoying the architecture of the nearly 120-year-old colonial mansion in which Nomada Eatery is housed.
Check out their website here – https://nomadaeatery.com/
8. Casa Sucre Coffeehouse
Casa Sucre Coffeehouse has all of the architectural and rustic charm you would expect from a boutique coffee shop in the heart of the old town, Casco Viejo. While their menu is not the most exciting of our brunch menus, this place more than makes up for that with its atmosphere and its coffee – specialty Panamanian coffee from Boquete, the aroma and the taste are divine.
Have a look at their Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/casasucrepanama/?hl=en
9. Mika Bazar Café
Mika Bazar Café has locations all over Panama City – San Francisco, Clayton, Brisas del Golf, Santa Maria, and Balboa Boutiques. Each location is open 7 days a week from 7 am til 10 pm. Mika stands out as a family-friendly option; it has a children’s menu and is pet friendly too. It also provides some gluten-free and keto menu options for those with food allergies or dietary restrictions.
Have a look at their menu here – https://www.menudigital.com/restaurante/mika-bazar-cafe
10. American Trade Hotel
If you’re looking for a luxury brunch location, then the American Trade Hotel in Casco Viejo is the ideal spot. Within the hotel you have a number of dining options; Tiempos Café which is open Mon-Sun 7 AM – 3:00 PM serves delicious pastries and world-famous Panamanian Geisha coffee; The Dining Room is open 7 days a week for Breakfast: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM and Lunch: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM, with Sunday Brunch from 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM. The Sunday brunch menu is small but outstanding – imagine eggs benedict but with short stack ribs instead of ham, Smores Pancakes covered in marshmallow fluff, and melted white chocolate, all washed down with a perfectly made cocktail. Due to the popularity of brunch here, you will need to make a reservation to guarantee your spot.
View their website here – https://www.americantradehotel.com/
11. Coffee Max
Coffee Max is located in G&G Plaza on Calle Elvira Méndez in Paitilla. It has coffee shop vibes but a menu that is all things to all people. It’s open every day from 8 am til 11 pm and is pet friendly. When it comes to the breakfast menu, the Melted Max is a must, and do add the recommended extra egg, it is worth it, and the fruit frappes are great and go with anything. Whether you order off the breakfast menu or opt for another option, the portions are hearty, the food is full of flavor and the service is good – so you won’t be disappointed.
Check out their website for the full menu – https://coffeemax.com.pa/
12. Michael’s Restaurant
Michael’s Restaurant has two locations, one in Calle 56 Este in Obarrio and one in Ocean Drive Plaza in Costa del Este. Both are open Tues-Fri from 7 am – 2 pm and on Sat-Sun from 7 am-3 pm. Essentially these are dedicated brunch restaurants so they couldn’t be missed off of our list. The menu is extensive. It is not cheap, but the quality of the food is high and there is something for everyone. There are vegan and gluten-free options (including gluten-free pancakes), and for anyone from the Southern United States, you can get your biscuits and gravy fix here too.
Have a look at their Instagram for more details – https://www.instagram.com/michaelspty/?hl=en
