2 Best Restaurants in Panama City, Panama

The Dining Room at American Trade Hotel

$$$$ Fodor's choice
Set in the high-ceilinged lobby of the American Trade Hotel, The Dining Room is an elegant venue that pays great attention to detail. The stylish decor blends antique and contemporary touches, and the cuisine is largely the work of chef Clara Icaza, a well-regarded culinary expert who was named one of the top 20 young chefs by the Spanish-language Gato Pardo magazine. Top dinner choices feature an array of meat and seafood creations, including corn-dusted filet of cobia served with spicy piccata sauce, and beef tenderloin served with a sweet potato tamale and guava sauce. The wine list is equally impressive, with varietals from regions including Argentina, Australia, Chile, Italy, and Spain.

Tántalo

$$ | Casco Viejo

This trendy tapas restaurant packs in the locals on weekend nights, but it's a fun place for a meal any time. Seating is at long, high tables, which different groups share under a tangle of wires and hanging lamps. The tapas are an international mix of flavors: from Greek salad to coconut cashew chicken to a selection of Panamanian empanadas (fried pastries stuffed with sausage and potato or beans and cheese). The portions vary in size, but the best thing is to start with two per person, and share. The atmosphere is hip, with house and other contemporary music on the stereo and original art on the walls. You may want to head up to the rooftop bar—a popular night spot with an impressive view—once you've had your fill of tapas. The restaurant's weekday lunch specials are reasonably priced and make for a nice break while touring the historic neighborhood.