Where to Find the Best Bread and Bakeries in Panama 🥖(Because Not All Baguettes Are Created Equal)
- Brownie
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever walked into a Panamanian grocery store hoping to find a crusty baguette or a beautiful sourdough boule, you’ve probably walked out disappointed—or at least underwhelmed. Most supermarket bread options lean soft, sweet, and overly packaged. But don’t worry: great bread does exist in Panama, and when you find the right bakeries, it’s absolutely worth the carb splurge.
Whether you’re based in Panama City, El Valle, or just passing through, here are the best places to get delicious, best handmade bread that rivals (or beats!) what you’d find in Paris or Brooklyn.
🥖 Panama City
1. Leto Coffee & Bread (San Francisco, Costa del Este)
This bakery-café is a favorite among locals and expats alike. Their sourdough is exceptional, and they also do a mean country loaf, focaccia, and sometimes bagels. The pastries are no joke either.
2. Casa Sucre Coffeehouse (Casco Viejo)
While more famous for their coffee, Casa Sucre also sells fresh artisan breads and bagels—perfect if you’re staying in the Casco area and want breakfast at home.
3. Saint Honoré Bakery (Multiple locations)
With its roots in classic French baking, Saint Honoré delivers reliable baguettes, pain au levain, and croissants. A good go-to if you want consistent quality and something more European in style.
4. Bistro & Panadería (Clayton)
Tucked into the quieter residential area of Clayton, this spot has outstanding rustic bread, including rye, sourdough, and whole grain. Very popular with the embassy and expat crowd.
🍞 El Valle de Antón
If you know, you know. This local favorite started as a small community bread project and has grown into something special. Think crunchy crusts, chewy interiors, naturally fermented doughs, and seasonal specials like fig-walnut loaves or za’atar focaccia.
They bake to order and sometimes sell out early—so get on their WhatsApp list or follow them on social media to snag a loaf ahead of time. This is true slow bread at its finest.
📍Find them at the Saturday morning market or ask around town—locals will know where to send you.
Bonus: Nearby in El Valle
L’Atelier – This French-run café and boutique sometimes offers baguettes and croissants to go with their breakfast menu. Not a bread bakery per se, but worth a stop.
🍞 Other Worthwhile Bread Stops in Panama
6. Panadería Santa Librada (Boquete)
Boquete has a few artisanal bakeries, but this one often flies under the radar. Wood-fired rustic breads, hearty loaves, and great empanadas too.
7. The Bakery (Bocas del Toro)
Owned by a European couple, The Bakery is the real deal. Sourdough, seeded multigrain, and focaccia are all made fresh daily. If you’re staying on Isla Colón, don’t miss it.
8. The Bagel Corner (David)
A surprise standout in David. They specialize in bagels but also do small-batch European-style loaves—perfect if you’re road-tripping or heading toward Chiriquí Highlands.
👎 Skip: Supermarket Bread
While Rey, Riba Smith, and El Machetazo do offer fresh-ish bread, most of it is mass-produced, soft, and lacks the character (or crust) you’re probably craving. For pan de molde or something to toast quickly, they’ll do—but for real bread, go with one of the bakeries above.
Final Tip: Ask Around
The best bread in Panama isn’t always advertised. Small towns and mountain communities often have one or two great home bakers who sell by word of mouth. Ask at the local coffee shop or market—you might just find your new favorite loaf or one of the best bakeries in Panama.
