For a small beach town, Santa Catalina has a lot to offer in gastronomy. With more than 20 places to dine, any Visitor is sure to find something they will love, and with so many options, there will always be something new to discover.
From Fishing Village to International Tourist Destination
Once a small fishing town with relatively few visitors, today Santa Catalina has become a world-renowned surfing destination for professionals and beginners alike. Located on the Pacific coast of the Veraguas province, Santa Catalina is the ideal place for those who like surfing.
Experienced surfers can be seen on the black sand beach of Playa Santa Catalina, where powerful waves that can exceed nine meters are found. Punta Brava is another must see, which has strong breakers and great tubes. Beginner surfers go to Playa Estero, where the waves are smaller. There are also surf schools to rent boards or take lessons.
However, whether you are an experienced surfer or a beginner, at the end of a great day on the waves, both end up enjoying the wide gastronomic offer that this destination in Veraguas offers.
Gastronomy Full of Flavor
If the big waves in this beach town are a challenge for every Visitor, choosing where to eat is quite the opposite, since it is relaxed and accessible, regardless of taste or budget.
In Santa Catalina most of the restaurants are outdoors, taking advantage of the sea breeze and fresh air. Visitors are amazed at the wide variety of food in both styles and provenance. The types of restaurants that are most found are Italian pasta, Argentine steaks, Italian pizza and authentic Panamanian food.
Where are the Restaurants?
Many restaurants are located along the main street of Santa Catalina, however, most are stationed along the dirt road to El Estero beach and the paths that branch off towards the sea.
Few restaurants are open all day, this is because they open at specific times. For breakfast, many open only in the morning hours, closing and opening later for lunch.
At night everything changes, as Visitors who spent the day surfing or discovering the natural wonders of Coiba and its surroundings return hungry and wanting to share their stories. For that reason, most restaurants open for dinner around 7:00 pm.
At Night: When People Enjoy Gastronomy the Most
At Santa Catalina, the night is often a combination of dinner and a social event. Visitors gather to share experiences on the day’s surfing, diving and fishing trips.
The first place people recommend visiting is Pescao restaurant, located right in front of the sea. Here you can enjoy gourmet tropical style with fresh seasonal ingredients, as well as traditional Panamanian food with European and North American Caribbean influences. Perfect for evenings with your love one or group of friends.
Another place that is popular for gathering and conversation is the Pizzeria Jamming store, where delicious pizzas are made in a brick oven accompanied by a cold Panamanian beer.
However, if you are looking for high-quality Panamanian food, Donde Viancka’s is an excellent option, especially if you like fresh seafood, and it is one of the few restaurants that stays open most of the day. It’s a great place to sit and spend a relaxing evening.
If you are looking for a generous and delicious meat cut, the Visitor can go to an argentine restaurant that is on the way to Playa Estero. Their meats and hamburgers are highly recommended. And if one day you want an Italian pizza there is a pizzeria managed by David and Sylvia, Italian brothers who are in charge of ensuring that each Visitor tastes authentic Italian pasta dishes.
Santa Catalina is more than waves and exuberant nature, it is a vibrant social life that is shared with culinary delights from Panama and the world.
