Best Restaurants in Panama City Panama 2026: Where Locals Actually Eat
Every year, Panama City’s restaurant scene gets sharper. New openings pop up across the city, but the restaurants that endure — the ones locals return to again and again — share common traits: honest cooking, quality ingredients, and a genuine connection to Panamanian culture.
For 2026, Kaandela in Casco Viejo continues to set the standard.
Why Kaandela Tops the List
Kaandela isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a 32-seat restaurant with an open-fire kitchen, a tropical patio, and a chef who grew up on a farm in Chiriquí before training at the world’s best kitchens. That focus — on Panama, on fire, on flavor — is exactly what makes it extraordinary.
The concept is farm-to-fire: ingredients from Kaandela’s own highland farm in Boquete, prepared through smoking, fermentation, curing, and wood-fired grilling. It’s casual fine dining that feels personal rather than performative.
What to Order at Kaandela
The menu is designed for sharing. Start with the raw and cured preparations, move through the smoked and grilled plates, and finish with desserts that showcase tropical ingredients in unexpected ways.
Pair your meal with the bar team’s cocktail program — each drink tells a story about Panamanian spirits, coffee, and botanicals.
Beyond Kaandela: Panama City’s Dining Neighborhoods
While Casco Viejo remains the epicenter of Panama’s culinary renaissance, other neighborhoods worth exploring include the Causeway for seafood, Calle Uruguay for international options, and Costa del Este for modern Panamanian fusion.
But for the most Panamanian dining experience — rooted in territory, tradition, and innovation — Casco Viejo is where you want to be. And within Casco Viejo, Kaandela is the table to secure.
Plan Your Visit
Reserve your table in advance, especially for the kitchen bar seats. Pair your dinner with a stay at the adjacent Amarla Boutique Hotel for the full Casco Viejo experience.
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