Best Restaurants in Casco Viejo, Panama City

Caleta is Casco Viejo's crown jewel. Set in a restored colonial building with sea views, chef Mario Castrellón creates dishes that celebrate Panamanian ingredients with world-class technique. The tasting menu ($85-120) is a must: octopus with saffron, reimagined patacones, and a Panamanian cacao dessert that is pure magic. Book at least 3 days ahead. Dónde José is Panama's most exclusive restaurant — only 16 diners per night at an open counter where chef José Carles prepares each dish in front of you. His 10-course tasting menu ($95-130) uses ingredients from small Panamanian producers. It's an intimate, educational experience. Book at least 1-2 weeks ahead through their website.

The Day Joe Died is one of Casco Viejo's most Instagrammable restaurants, but it goes far beyond aesthetics. Its Asian-Panamanian fusion cuisine surprises: the hummus with edible flowers, avocado tartare, and crispy sushi are local favorites. The vibe combines neon signs, street art, and a charming inner courtyard. Moderate prices ($15-30 per dish). Open for lunch and dinner. Mansa offers creative cuisine with Pacific influence in an elegant space with terrace. Seafood steals the show: corvina ceviche, grilled octopus, and catch of the day with tropical sauces. Ideal for a romantic dinner or special celebration ($25-45 per dish). The cocktail menu featuring local ingredients (guava, passion fruit, Panamanian rum) is exceptional.

Criollo represents elevated Panamanian cuisine. Chef Clara Icaza works with local producers to create dishes that honor tradition with contemporary presentation. The seafood rice dishes and slow-cooked meats are must-tries. Warm, welcoming atmosphere in a colonial building ($20-35 per dish). La Casa de Lourdes is the restaurant of renowned chef Lourdes Nass, a pioneer of Panamanian fine dining. Set in a colonial mansion with an interior garden, it offers a menu blending tradition and innovation. The desserts are legendary. Perfect for a long, elegant lunch ($25-40 per dish). Intimo by Colombian chef Felipe Milanés offers a unique dining experience at his open kitchen counter. A 7-10 course tasting menu ($75-100) fusing European techniques with tropical ingredients. Only 20 diners per night — reservations required.

Casco Viejo has Panama's best bar scene. Pedro Mandinga Rum Bar is a must for sampling artisanal Panamanian rums in an authentic colonial setting — their sugarcane rum cocktails are legendary. Tantalo Rooftop offers the best views of Panama's skyline at sunset with creative cocktails and tapas ($8-15 per cocktail). For craft beer, La Rana Dorada has the best selection with decent pizzas. Bajareque Coffee House serves the best specialty coffee in Panama City — a must for coffee lovers. For something more casual, food trucks at Plaza Herrera offer quick, affordable options on weekends.

Reservations: For top restaurants (Caleta, Dónde José, Intimo, La Casa de Lourdes), always reserve — especially Thursday through Saturday. WhatsApp works better than email for local restaurants. Hours: Typical lunch is 12:00-15:00, dinner 19:00-23:00. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays. Budget: Casual lunch runs $10-18, a creative restaurant dinner $30-60 without wine, and tasting menus $75-130. A 10% tip is included on the bill at most restaurants. Getting there: Uber/taxi to the entrance of Casco Viejo (Av. Central). Everything inside the neighborhood is walkable. Parking is limited and expensive. Dress code: Smart casual is the norm. Some fine dining spots ask you to avoid flip-flops and tank tops.