Cheap eats can be found all over Panama City, including numerous Chinese buffets. There are quite a few excellent Italian restaurants as well, and a few slightly pricier Indian and Middle Eastern places. The trendiest restaurants are in the Calle Uruguay area, as well as around the luxury hotels of El Cangrejo.
This Cuban-influenced bar is one of THE places to party in Panama's new city. There is not much to entice you from outside, but inside the place booms to the sound of salsa as the mostly local clientele strut their stuff on the dance floor. The dimly-lit mustard walls are filled with graffiti...
If you want to try a few local dishes then El Trapiche is a good place to go. The restaurant offers tables outside on a terrace or inside in a large room with a mock-up straw hut at one side. Service is a little slow, but the menu makes up for the wait as normal fare is mixed with items like...
Caffe Per Due has excellent, reasonably priced food in the heart of Casco Viejo. Their daily lunch special is highly recommended, and a great way to recharge and take a break from sightseeing. Rates were very affordable during our visit, but a price hike is coming into effect Aug. 1. Open 8:30 a.m....
Yolata offers buffet-style Chinese food at rock-bottom prices. The food isn't spectacular, but it's not a bad value. Noodles or rice can sometimes be cold, so try to look for a dish that has just come out of the kitchen. Open from 5 a.m. to 8...
A diner-style restaurant offering basic entrees that are cheap and tasty. Most plates are of the meat-fries-salad variety, as well as a range of sandwiches and more typical Panamanian fare. Very popular among locals, they're open late and offer excellent...