Three of the Best Restaurants in Panama City, Panama for Foodies: Maito, Intimo, and Cantina del Tigre

Brownie
Jun 3
2 min read

Updated: Jun 4

Panama City’s culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry woven from its diverse cultural heritage, and three restaurants stand out as must-visits for foodies: Maito, Intimo, and Cantina del Tigre. Each offers a unique dining experience that reflects the rich flavors and traditions of Panama.

Maito

A white bowl of colorful ceviche with greens, beside a glass of white wine on a wooden table. A vibrant flower is in the background vase.

📍 Calle 50, Coco del Mar🌐 maitopanama.com | 📸 Instagram

Helmed by Chef Mario Castrellón, Maito is a pioneer in modern Panamanian cuisine. Recognized as the 6th best restaurant in Latin America by the 2022 Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list, Maito artfully blends Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and indigenous influences into its dishes. The tasting menu, ranging from nine to eleven courses, showcases local ingredients sourced from indigenous communities, offering dishes like coconut-infused dumplings and a contemporary take on the traditional sancocho soup.

The ambiance reflects Panama’s multicultural identity, with design elements inspired by the architecture of the Panama Canal. Maito also offers a vegan tasting menu, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability and innovation.

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Intimo

📍 Calle 72 Este, San Francisco🌐 intimorestaurante.com | 📸 Instagram

Intimo, led by Chef Carlos “Chombolín” Alba, offers an intimate dining experience with only 28 seats. Embracing a 90/10 philosophy—90% local ingredients and 10% imported—the restaurant serves dishes that tell the story of Panama's culinary heritage. The open kitchen and chef’s table setting create a convivial atmosphere, akin to a dinner party among friends.

Man with glasses and beard wearing a pineapple shirt and blue apron stands pensively. "Intimo" text in the dark background window.

Signature dishes include shrimp crudo and octopus guacho, a Panamanian rice specialty. The beverage program is equally impressive, featuring cocktails crafted with local ingredients like hibiscus and an array of Panamanian rums.

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Cantina del Tigre

📍 Calle 68 Este, San Francisco🌐 cantinadeltigre.com | 📸 Instagram

Chef Fulvio Miranda’s Cantina del Tigre is a celebration of Panamanian flavors reimagined with creativity and flair. Debuting at No. 25 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants list in 2023, the restaurant offers bold, imaginative dishes like rambutan ceviche, tripe with lobster, and rice tamale with prawn.

Plate of yellow plantain chips and ceviche garnished with cilantro and diced vegetables. The vibrant dish sits on a speckled plate.

The vibrant atmosphere, adorned with tiger motifs and warm lighting, complements the bold flavors on the plate. The cocktail menu is equally adventurous, featuring drinks like papaya negronis and cucumber mezcal sours.

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Final Bites

Each of these restaurants offers a distinct perspective on Panamanian cuisine, blending tradition with innovation. Whether it’s Maito’s refined tasting menu, Intimo’s intimate farm-to-table approach, or Cantina del Tigre’s bold reinterpretations, Panama City promises a culinary journey that delights and inspires. These are our best thee restaurants.

Pro tip: Book early—these tables don’t stay empty for long.