Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Panama City is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich history. While there are many things to do and see in Panama City, one of the most important aspects of any vacation is where to eat. With a wide range of restaurants serving everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine, Panama City has something for every taste and budget. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Panama City, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
Seafood Lovers
If you’re a seafood lover, Panama City is the perfect place for you. The city is surrounded by water, and as a result, there is an abundance of fresh seafood available. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Panama City:
The Hangout
Located on the beach, The Hangout is a casual seafood restaurant that serves up fresh catches of the day. Their menu changes daily, but some popular items include their shrimp and scallop basket, grilled mahi mahi, and fish tacos. They also have a great selection of craft beers and cocktails.
Sharky’s Beach
Sharky’s Beach is another popular seafood spot in Panama City. They offer a wide range of seafood dishes, including fish sandwiches, shrimp and grits, and crab legs. They also have a great selection of appetizers, including conch fritters and fried calamari.
Firefly
Firefly is a more upscale seafood restaurant that serves up fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their menu changes seasonally, but some popular items include their seafood tower, lobster mac and cheese, and grilled swordfish. They also have a great selection of wine and cocktails.
International Cuisine
While seafood is a big part of Panama City’s culinary scene, the city also has a lot to offer when it comes to international cuisine. Here are some of the best international restaurants in Panama City:
La Bella Vita
La Bella Vita is an Italian restaurant that serves up classic dishes like pasta, pizza, and risotto. They also have a great selection of wine and cocktails, and their outdoor patio is a great place to enjoy a meal. (See Also: Where to Eat in Steveston? Top Picks)
Thai Basil
Thai Basil is a popular Thai restaurant that serves up a wide range of dishes, including curries, noodle dishes, and stir-fries. They also have a great selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
El Sabor Latino
El Sabor Latino is a Latin-inspired restaurant that serves up dishes like tacos, burritos, and empanadas. They also have a great selection of margaritas and other cocktails.
Casual Eateries
While Panama City has a lot of great restaurants, it’s also home to a lot of casual eateries that are perfect for a quick bite or a family dinner. Here are some of the best casual eateries in Panama City:
Waffle House
Waffle House is a popular breakfast spot that serves up classic dishes like waffles, eggs, and bacon. They’re open 24/7, making them a great option for a late-night snack or a quick breakfast.
Five Guys
Five Guys is a popular fast food chain that serves up burgers, fries, and milkshakes. They’re a great option for a quick and easy meal.
Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s is a popular sandwich chain that serves up fresh, made-to-order sandwiches. They’re a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Food Trucks
Food trucks are a popular trend in Panama City, and there are a lot of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best food trucks in Panama City: (See Also: Where to Eat in Mystic Ct? Best Kept Secrets)
Shrimp Squad
Shrimp Squad is a popular food truck that serves up fresh, locally sourced shrimp. They offer a wide range of dishes, including shrimp and grits, shrimp tacos, and shrimp po’ boys.
Rolling Sushi
Rolling Sushi is a popular food truck that serves up fresh, made-to-order sushi. They offer a wide range of options, including classic rolls, sashimi, and nigiri.
Big Al’s BBQ
Big Al’s BBQ is a popular food truck that serves up slow-cooked barbecue. They offer a wide range of meats, including brisket, ribs, and pulled pork, as well as classic sides like coleslaw and baked beans.
Recap
In conclusion, Panama City has a lot to offer when it comes to food. From fresh seafood to international cuisine, casual eateries to food trucks, there’s something for every taste and budget. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a romantic dinner, Panama City has a lot of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to eat in Panama City:
- The Hangout
- Sharky’s Beach
- Firefly
- La Bella Vita
- Thai Basil
- El Sabor Latino
- Waffle House
- Five Guys
- Jimmy John’s
- Shrimp Squad
- Rolling Sushi
- Big Al’s BBQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to eat in Panama City?
The best place to eat in Panama City depends on your personal preferences and what you’re in the mood for. Some popular options include The Hangout, Sharky’s Beach, and Firefly for seafood, La Bella Vita for Italian, and Thai Basil for Thai.
Are there any good food trucks in Panama City?
Yes, there are several great food trucks in Panama City. Some popular options include Shrimp Squad, Rolling Sushi, and Big Al’s BBQ. (See Also: Where to Eat in La Condesa? Culinary Delights)
Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Panama City?
Yes, many of the restaurants in Panama City offer vegetarian and vegan options. Some popular options include Thai Basil, which has a separate vegetarian menu, and El Sabor Latino, which offers several vegetarian and vegan options.
Do any of the restaurants in Panama City offer gluten-free options?
Yes, many of the restaurants in Panama City offer gluten-free options. Some popular options include La Bella Vita, which offers several gluten-free pasta dishes, and Firefly, which offers several gluten-free options, including their seafood tower.
Can I find restaurants in Panama City that are open late?
Yes, many of the restaurants in Panama City are open late. Some popular options include Waffle House, which is open 24/7, and Five Guys, which is open until 10pm or 11pm depending on the location.