In the heart of Costa del Este, Da Stefano Trattoria is not simply a restaurant; it’s a reflection of a love story for cooking, family, and the roots that bind us together. Founded by an industrial engineer with the soul of a chef and a passion for Italian tradition, this trattoria has become much more than a place to eat; it’s a place where special moments are shared and exquisite cuisine enjoyed.
Love for Italian Cuisine and Tradition
The story began nine years ago with a need to reinvent themselves. Upon arriving in Panama, Chef Tubal la Torre and his wife brought their love for Italian cuisine from the Puglia region in southern Italy, where Antonella (his wife) has her family roots.
Over time, what began as a passion for cooking at home with family and friends transformed into a gastronomic experience with an Italian essence. Da Stefano Trattoria was born—a tribute also to their son, whose name gives life to the restaurant: “Da Stefano,” or “where Stefano is” (in Spanish).
A Restaurant That Enchanted the Heart of the Community
Da Stefano Trattoria is the journey of a dreamer who left his career to follow a passion. The story of a couple who, without formal training in gastronomy, built a restaurant that so enchanted the community that it responded with loyalty and affection.
For eight years, Da Stefano Trattoria’s first location was located in Bella Vista, where it welcomed a loyal clientele who enjoyed the restaurant’s warm and homey style. However, growth and opportunity knocked, and a year and a half ago they moved to the modern Plaza Santa Maria in Costa del Este, without losing their family spirit, and evolving toward new trends: Instagrammable spaces, a contemporary atmosphere, and a vibrant visual offering.
Da Stefano Trattoria, Passion for Italian Cuisine in the Heart of Costa del Este
In the kitchen of Da Stefano Trattoria, tradition is honored and respected, and when necessary, they fuse it. For this reason, the menu is carefully designed to keep the roots of Italian cuisine: fresh ingredients, classic recipes, and an execution that prioritizes quality over complexity.
The star of the house is the Linguini Da Stefano, a family recipe featuring prawns sauteed in oil, fresh tomatoes, white wine, and a delicate touch of cream. But the delights don’t stop there. The carbonara, made traditionally with egg, and the amatriciana are other gems that reflect Chef Tubal la Torre’s commitment to Italian tradition.
For those seeking protein, the menu includes everything from risotto and artisanal lasagna to Mediterranean prawns and steak in red wine. More recently, the contemporary Neapolitan pizzas have won over the palates of all diners. With a 48-hour fermentation, these pizzas are light, crispy, and generously topped with Italian ingredients such as prosciutto, tartuffa cream, and wild mushrooms.
A Place to Celebrate Meetings and Special Events
In addition to the delicacies enjoyed at Da Stefano Trattoria, guests can also celebrate with family or friends. Its VIP area, as well as its main dining room, have hosted baptisms, birthdays, business dinners, and even weddings. In addition, its shared terrace sometimes becomes a meeting point on weekends with live music, DJs, and special events.
An Experience Made with Love
In a world where fast and fleeting is the trend, Da Stefano Trattoria reminds every visitor that it’s a place where food is made with love and every visit is an experience, they’re sure to want to repeat, especially with the opening of new locations. Coming soon…
General Information:
Address: Santa Maria Plaza. 1st Floor.
Reservations: Phone: 303-1433
IG: @DaStefanoTrattoria