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It's not quite New York or Paris, but Panama City's restaurant scene is impressive. Panamanians like to eat out, and enough of them have incomes that allow for regular dining on the town, which has resulted in a growing cadre of restaurants. Many of the best restaurants are clustered in Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, Area Bancária, a
It's not quite New York or Paris, but Panama City's restaurant scene is impressive. Panamanians like to eat out, and enough of them have incomes that allow for regular dining on the town, which has resulted in a growing cadre of restaurants. Many of the best restaurants
It's not quite New York or Paris, but Panama City's restaurant scene is impressive. Panamanians like to eat out, and eno
It's not quite New York or Paris, but Panama City's restaurant scene is impressive. Panamanians like to eat out, and enough of them have incomes that allow for regular dining on the town, which has resulted in a growing cadre of restaurants. Many of the best restaurants are clustered in Casco Viejo, El Cangrejo, Area Bancária, and nearby Calle Uruguay, which are also the neighborhoods where you'll find most of the best hotels. Java junkies will rejoice that a good cup of coffee can be found just about anywhere; even the inexpensive restaurants have espresso machines.
Cuisine selection spans the globe, from Indian and Italian to Lebanese and Panamanian (obviously). The seafood tends to be quite fresh, which shouldn't come as a surprise, since the word "Panama" means "abundance of fish," and it's relatively inexpensive, with the exception of lobster and crab. Panama produces decent beef, but the best beef is imported from the United States and can be more expensive. A typical entrée at an expensive restaurant runs about $17, whereas a main dish at a less expensive eatery averages around $9. It's customary to tip at least 10%, but some restaurants automatically add a 10% servicio charge, so be sure to have a good look at the check.
Some restaurants close Sunday, and many close between lunch and dinner (approximately 2:30 to 6:30). Reservations aren’t usually required, but are a good idea on weekends. Jackets and ties aren't necessary, but don't wear shorts and sandals unless the restaurant is outdoors.
Panama City's best Indian restaurant is also one of your surest bets for going vegetarian in a town short on options for herbivores. The shrine behind the bar shows a traditionally dressed Indian woman making the gesture meaning "welcome," and owners Koreena Bajwa and César Marín certainly make guests feel that way. Their authentic north Indian cuisine is served in cozy, colorfully decorated dining rooms, which include an area for shoeless dining on the floor on plush cushions. Just about any of the dozens of vegetarian, chicken, and lamb options on the menu are guaranteed to make your taste buds smile. A great nonmeat option is the thali, a plate that includes four hefty samplers including beans or lentils and a yogurt-based dish. This popular restaurant is small, so reservations are essential.
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