STEINBOCK

BeerSteinbock

This family-owned tavern imported the first typical German Gasthaus to Panama 12 years ago. Coasters from all  over the world decorate the woodpaneled walls. Above one of the booths, a curious stuffed raccoon-like animal peers out from behind a plastic showcase, but he starts to make a lot more sense after the third draft beer…. Read More

RISTORANTE ADAGIO

Ristorante Adagio

Located in Bella Vista, Panama’s emerging restaurant district, opened in August 2009. Chef Simone Trevisan, merges his traditional culinary background with modern techniques, making Ristorante Adagio a unique and pleasant experience. The menu is extensive and their enthusiastic staff is ready to knowledgeably guide you through their variety of dishes. We started with the Peperonata,… Read More

CAFFE POMODORO

Revista 980 #20 (Page 43)

Chef Willy Diggelmann opened Caffé Pomodoro which offers three different atmospheres for diners to enjoy fresh Italian food, a bohemian café style lounge, a unique outdoor patio, and their cozy wine bar salon. We start with the  cold appetizer section by ordering the Carpaccio di bue, thin slices of raw beef, prepared with fresh lemon,… Read More

PEPERONCINI

Revista 980 #20 (Page 42)

Opened in 2005, this is yet another creation of chef and restaurateur Giselle Borrel. The menu reflects a multicultural affair for world  cuisine pairing Italian and Japanese food, in a swanky atmosphere  designed by Germán Pinzón, featuring lively Cartooch paintings on  the wall. On this occasion we focus on their Italian culinary  expression, daughter Mercedes… Read More

LA CHESA

Revista 980 #20 (Page 39)

Restaurateur David Henesy opened La Chesa in May 2010. An early republic day posh BellaVista Mansion is the setting for a new concept of Italian restaurants in Panama. All rooms have been designed with different atmospheres, yet all  keep the same tone and elegance. A prix fixe menu of $35.00 per person becomes an adventurous… Read More

Napoli

Revista 980 #20 (Page 38)b

Originally from Napoli Italia, a region where pizza claims its birth, Brothers Enrico, Luigi and Domenico Iovane opened  their first restaurant in Panama in 1962. In 1986 Domenico decided to move to their current location in Obarrio. Their success, lies in the fact that Napoli is a family business , where the father, mother, sons,… Read More

9°80° FOOD REVIEW: Panama City’s Italian restaurants

Revista 980 #20 (Page 38)

The Italian community’s contribution to the Panamanian culture has been extremely valuable, as well as their contribution to the local cuisine. There’s no comparison among the restaurants featured in this selection; they all shine individually and have different approaches to the Italian cuisine, yet they all share one thing in common, they are all good!…. Read More

BODEGA MI AMIGA

Although not a restaurant and certainly not a purveyor of the fancy gourmet selections like Deli Gourmet, Bodega Mi Amiga must be mentioned because many locals consider this the ceviche in the city. People travel from all  neighborhoods to the downtown location on Via Porras to satisfy their ceviche cravings. In addition to the usual … Read More

DELI GOURMET

Popular with lunching downtown executives, this Deli has three locations around Panama City. Aside from the usual charcuteries, cheeses and foreign novelties, it offers a good selection of dips and party foods, which is where the  ceviches fit in. You can pick out a plastic container to eat in-house (mind the midday crowd!) or take… Read More

MARKET

Market

Ceviche at Market was a surprise. Located in the Marbella area, near Calle Uruguay, this trendy eatery wasn’t marked  on the go-to list of ceviche restaurants. But while waiting for our steaks, we ordered a regular Ceviche de Corvina for  $5 and prattled on until the waiter arrived with this mini-discovery. It is hard to… Read More