Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Panama City

OpenTable

Updated April 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Panama City? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Popino

4.7

4.7 (75)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Latin

Panama City

About the restaurant

Experience a gastronomic fine dining at Casa Popino, a refined restaurant located in the modern Wanders and Yoo building in Panama. With a contemporary culinary perspective, Popino blends signature cuisine with modern touches, selecting the finest local products to create exquisite flavors using modern techniques. The blend of jazz sounds completes an unforgettable experience at Popino.

Top review

albertVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Great experience. Super good dishes. Even better service

Harrison's Kitchen & Bar

4.6

4.6 (14)

$30 and under

Seafood

Panama City

About the restaurant

Harrison’s Kitchen & Bar, located in downtown Panama City, offers a casual Southern coastal dining experience with a nod to the Panama City Marina’s history. The restaurant’s brick construction, wood floors, and industrial accents create a warm atmosphere, while large windows frame stunning views of St. Andrews Bay. The menu blends traditional Southern flavors with fresh Gulf seafood, making it a local favorite. With weekly live music and a versatile space perfect for hosting events like baby showers, rehearsal dinners, and more, Harrison’s is the ideal spot for a memorable meal or gathering.

Top review

Alley

Dined 4 days ago

This was our first time at Harrison’s and we were thoroughly impressed. Our server, David, was friendly and attentive. The manager checked on us regularly and even gave us a free appetizer. I didn’t catch her name but she was incredibly nice. The food was delicious and the oysters were so fresh. Thank you for the great experience. Will be coming back!

Trapiche Bella Vista

4.6

4.6 (20)

$30 and under

Panamanian

Panama City

About the restaurant

For more than 40 years, El Trapiche has served the best and most traditional recipes in Panamanian gastronomy. In our brand-new location, in Calle 51 east and Federico Boyd Avenue, Bella Vista.

We are complementing our traditional cuisine with live folkloric musical shows for your entertainment, every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, starting at 7pm.

Join us for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and get a taste of authentic Panamanian food while you visit our beautiful country.

Top review

Nitzia

Dined 6 days ago

The food, services, and show was amazing. We had a wonderful time.

Salvaje - Costa del este

4.6

4.6 (91)

$30 and under

Japanese

Panama City

About the restaurant

Ubicado en el moderno y dinámico sector de Costa del Este, Panamá, Salvaje Costa del Este es un restaurante que promete una experiencia gastronómica única y sofisticada. Aunque nuestro menú es diverso y siempre está innovando, nos especializamos en ofrecer platos creativos y de alta calidad que fusionan sabores internacionales con un toque contemporáneo. Ya sea que busques una cena elegante, un almuerzo de negocios o un lugar para celebrar ocasiones especiales, Salvaje Costa del Este te ofrece un ambiente auténtico y un servicio impecable.

¡Ven y descubre lo mejor de la gastronomía en un entorno vibrante y exclusivo!

Top review

Chantelle

Dined 4 days ago

Was wonderful experience…it’s just they sat us next to the bathrooms

Umi

4.6

4.6 (27)

$50 and over

Japanese

Panama City

About the restaurant

Welcome to UMI

A refined and modern Japanese bar/restaurant offering masterfully crafted cocktails and our chef's acclaimed culinary creations. At Umi, we present an à la carte menu in an informal and welcoming atmosphere

Top review

Patricia

Dined on Apr 9, 2025

Amazing experience having dinner! The drinks were a dream and the food was delicious! ❤️‍🔥

Caliope

4.5

4.5 (134)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Panama City

About the restaurant

An adventure in gastronomy awaits you at "Caliope Steakhouse", Opened in 2015 and re-launched in a new location in 2021. International fusion that sources fresh and delicious local ingredients. Chef, Rolando Cruz to provide a unique, gastronomic adventure. (Caliope also features a New York-style artisanal cocktail menu, and an eclectic wine list.) Caliope accepts reservations and holds a limited number of tables for walk-ins.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Mar 15, 2025

Food and service was excellent!!! The apple pie dessert was amazing. Will be going back again for sure.

Cielo Rooftop

4.5

4.5 (50)

$31 to $50

International

Panama City

About the restaurant

Coming Soon! Cielo Rooftop Bar es un oasis urbano en la bulliciosa ciudad de Panamá, ubicado en una ubicación privilegiada que ofrece vistas panorámicas excepcionales de la ciudad, el mar y el encantador casco antiguo. Desde este espacio elevado, los visitantes pueden contemplar los impresionantes atardeceres mientras disfrutan de una experiencia gastronómica y de coctelería de primer nivel.

El ambiente en Cielo Rooftop Bar es elegante y relajado, con un toque contemporáneo que se combina perfectamente con la belleza natural que lo rodea. Las luces suaves y la música ambiental crean una atmósfera acogedora y sofisticada, ideal para disfrutar de una velada memorable.

En resumen, Cielo Rooftop Bar es mucho más que un lugar para disfrutar de bebidas y comida, es un destino imprescindible para aquellos que buscan una experiencia completa que estimule todos los sentidos y brinde momentos inolvidables en la ciudad de Panamá.

Top review

Annie

Dined on Apr 17, 2025

Service was great! The food was delicious. Music could be a tad lower to hear your dining partners. Would definitely recommend.

Aya la Vida Restaurante - Cocina Panameña

4.5

4.5 (30)

$30 and under

Panamanian

Panama City

About the restaurant

Aya la Vida Restaurante representa lo mejor de la cocina Panameña en un Solo lugar. Desearás volver a probar nuestra deliciosa comida.

Top review

Marina

Dined on Apr 20, 2025

Superb dining experience: amazing service, expertly prepared dishes full of flavor, terrific decor. Highly recommended!

KANIBAL

4.5

4.5 (42)

$31 to $50

International

Panama City

About the restaurant

Somos 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗟, el mejor rooftop de la Avenida B…
El momento perfecto en el lugar indicado.
Nos vemos a la hora del 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗧... Disfrutarás de cócteles y comida divina. Se vale quedarse a bailar con la luna y las estrellas.

We are 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗕𝗔𝗟, the best rooftop on Avenue B...
The perfect moment at the right place.
See you at 𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗦𝗘𝗧 hour... You'll enjoy divine cocktails and food. "It's allowed to stay and dance with the moon and the stars."

Top review

FernandoVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Seafood plates are unlike any other. Each plate we got has a unique sauce that was very flavorful. Amazing views and good music

Tantalo

4.4

4.4 (107)

$30 and under

International

Panama City

About the restaurant

Tantalo Hotel has a casually elegant food and beverage program under the supervision of Chef Gabriel Rodríguez. Chef Gabriel brings his global experiences to the Tantalo menu, fusing flavors from around the world while honoring the local dishes that are distinct to Panama.

Tantalo Roofbar is the pulsating heart of Panama City’s social life. Open 7 days a week, featuring musical performances from around the globe, the bar is an inviting space to mingle with locals and guests alike. With the sparkling Panama City skyline as the backdrop and panoramic views over the Old Quarter’s architectural gems, you’ll soon see why this is THE place to be.

Top review

Deepak

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

Wonderful rooftop bar in a great location within Casco Viejo. Excellent service, very interesting restrooms, friendly staff and great music.

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