Casco Antiguo’s patron saint, San Felipe, is being celebrated this month—a great reason to explore this World Heritage neighborhood! Whether this is your first time visiting Casco Antiguo’s iconic, red-brick streets or you’ve been coming over the course of a lifetime, this part of town always surprises with new spots to discover. Following, we offer a brief Gastronomy Guide to help you indulge in a veritable smorgasbord of culinary creations.
Desserts and sweets For sweet tooths, Casco Antiguo is a cornucopia. Ay Mi Negra Exotic Dessert Bar (Av. B) specializes in the shaved ice craze. Forever Yogurt (Av. Central & Calle 1a) has soft-serve yogurt and toppings by the pound. For traditional Italian gelato try Nero Aroma Cafetería Heladería (Calle 3a) or Benissimo Gelato & Caffè (Av. A). Also fun is the selection of ice cream popsicles at PalettAmérica (Calle 8a Este), and if you want to truly indulge, check out the Tropical Chocolate Café (Calle 6a Oeste) for their locally handmade creations.
Bars Anyone seeking a bar need not look far for a tipple. The American Trade Hotel (Av. Central) is famous for its cocktails. The Blue Moon TapHouse (Plaza Herrera) pairs wonderful bites of food with its signature beer. Red Lion (Plaza de la Independencia) is known for its nonstop party vibe. For local craft beer, check out Casa Bruja (Av. B) or La Rana Dorada (Calle 9a Este). Pedro Mandinga Panama Rum Bar (Av. A) is the spot for locally distilled and blended rum, a bottle of which makes a great souvenir.Tobacco Habanos Point (Calle 1a Oeste) is a cigar club with an extensive selection of Cuban and local products. The venue doubles as a bar.
Coffee shops Casco Antiguo’s café culture is alive and well, with many options to choose from. Bajareque Coffee House (Av. Central) provides a casual place to cool off with an iced coffee. At Lumaca Coffee Shop (Av. A) you can peruse souvenirs right next door. Super Gourmet (Av. A) and Casa Sucre Coffee House (Av. B) both have attentive staff and a good selection of light fare and dessert options. For more of a sit-down experience, check out Café Dodó (Calle 1a Oeste) and Café Unido (Av. Central).
Affordable eats. Do as locals do and eat to your heart’s content at Fonda León (Calle 6a Oeste) or Fonda Pritty Pritty (Cale 11 Este). You’ll find Refresquería VIP (Calle 5a Oeste) tucked away down an Alley, full of ice-cold drinks, snacks and ceviche.
Restaurants For Asian food enthusiasts there’s Aki Sake Bar & Japanese Kitchen (Calle 8a Este) and, across the street, Boba Town, serving bubble tea and baos. Local ingredients get the star treatment at Donde José (Av. Central), considered one of the country’s top restaurants, and Diablicos (Av. Central), where you can take in folklore performances with your food. La Sexta (Calle 6a Oeste) specializes in criollo food. Seafood lovers can opt for Cascomar Tapas Bar Lounge (Calle 8a Oeste) or Finca del Mar (Calle 2a Oeste), both with relaxing views across the bay. The Fish Market (Av. A) is popular for its fish tacos and seafood curry. For fine dining, try Caliope (Av. Central), Laboratorio Madrigal (Av. A), Restaurante Tomillo (Calle Victoriano Lorenzo) or Lesseps Bistro Café (Av. A). Ever artsy, Marzola Parrilla Argentina (Av. A) and Tántalo Hotel (Av. B) are good for groups and selfies. Ramp up the fun at La Taberna de Morgan (Av. A and Calle 8a Este), a pirate-themed locale fittingly situated across from the San Jose Church and its Golden Altar. Best seating goes to Mostaza (Av. A), which allows you to eat in front of the Flat Arch, and Capital Bistro (Av. Eloy Alfaro), with breathtaking views of Panama’s skyline. Las Bóvedas (across from Plaza de Francia) is a good place to relax and take in the scenery.
By the visitor panama
