Italian Food Guide in Panama City

Finding a true Italian espresso, one that captures the thick cream, toasted aroma, and balanced flavor, is easier than you think. Panama City. Although specialty coffee has grown a lot in the country, there are places dedicated exclusively to preserving the Italian coffee tradition.

Recommended coffee shops in Casco Viejo and the center

In Casco Viejo, there are several gems that you cannot miss if you are looking for an authentic espresso in Panama:

• Coffee For Two: A traditional corner with Italian baristas who follow classic methods using “moka pot” and professional Italian machines.
• The Vespa Café: More than a restaurant, they have a coffee section where you can enjoy a powerful espresso perfectly served in small heated cups.
• Little White Lies: Although not strictly Italian, its focus on quality and the choice of short, strong espresso makes it a mandatory stop.

In the city center, the following also stand out:

• Bread and Cinnamon: A European touch where they emphasize the tradition of short coffee served in Italian porcelain.
• Sucre Coffeehouse House: Inspired by the rituals of European morning espresso, yet fused with world-class Panamanian beans.

What makes an Italian espresso special in Panama?

Not only the machine and the grain are important, but the art of the barista. A true Italian espresso takes between 25 and 30 seconds to extract, weighs between 7 and 9 grams of fine ground coffee, and is served in small, preheated cups. Also crucial is the mix of Robusta and Arabica, which expert locals often manage to reproduce impeccably.

So if you were wondering Where to find places with Italian espresso in Panama, you now have several reliable options to start the morning or take a Mediterranean-style break.

When it comes to Italian restaurants in Panama Truly, one of the secrets lies in following the chefs. There's something special when an Italian chef —born and trained in Italy— brings his own family recipes to the table, and that's exactly what several places in Casco Viejo and downtown Panama City offer.

Featured restaurants with Italian chefs

• Stizzoli House: Run by a Neapolitan chef, this restaurant offers handmade specialties such as long-fermented Neapolitan pizza and fresh al dente pasta.
• Riesen: It's not exclusively Italian, but its focus on European techniques, combined with frequent collaborations with Italian chefs, make it a place of culinary innovation in Mediterranean cuisine.
• Eight and a Half: In the middle of Plaza Herrera, its menu reveals classic Italian influences, especially appetizers, pasta and signature desserts.

In addition, there are new emerging proposals that promote the concept of fresh homemade pasta in Panama City, one of the greatest Italian pleasures: freshly prepared sauces, locally produced artisanal cheeses and culinary fusions that respect the soul of Italy.

How to identify an authentic Italian restaurant?

We give you some clues when you search Where to eat Italian in Panama:

1. Look who's in the kitchen: if the chef is Italian, that's a big plus.
2. Order home-made pasta: Authentic restaurants often make their own pasta instead of using commercial brands.
3. Ask for Italian wines: a menu with an Italian selection enhances the whole experience.
4. Look at the details: extra virgin olive oil, real Parmesan (no mixes) and artisanal bread are signs of quality.

So the next time you want to meet best Italian restaurants in Panama City, you know what to look for to enjoy a truly memorable dinner.

For those looking for authentic cooking Italian food in Panama, finding quality ingredients is essential. Fortunately, in Panama City there are several well-known places to shop Fresh pasta, cured cheeses and Italian charcuterie as if you were in a market in Rome.

One of the favorites among the Italian community is Italian cuisine, a corner dedicated exclusively to handmade pasta, ravioli, and gnocchi prepared daily. Here you can find some of the best fresh homemade pasta in Panama City ready to give life to your dishes.

As for cheeses and sausages, several specialty stores offer an excellent selection:

• The Parmigiana: perfect for obtaining Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, Burrata and other DOP (Protected Denomination of Origin) cheeses.
• A taste of home: a deli renowned for its variety of prosciutto, mortadella, bresaola and, of course, for its large selection of typical Italian cheeses.

These places not only sell imported products, but they also allow for a unique sensory experience. Many offer tastings and advice on how to properly use the Italian ingredients in Panama.

In addition, for charcuterie lovers, several Gourmet deli in Panama offer high quality cuts ideal for assembling a classic Italian board. It's not uncommon to find fine capocollo, Milano salami or even guanciale to prepare an authentic carbonara.

Do you prefer to organize a full Italian evening? Some vendors even offer packs that include fresh pasta, artisanal sauce and a bottle of Italian wine, ideal for a special dinner at home.

In short, if you are wondering Where to find authentic Italian food in Panama to prepare at home, these specialty stores become mandatory stops. The next time you visit these sites, don't hesitate to ask for their seasonal products: such as truffles, porcini mushrooms or premium olive oils directly brought from Italy.

In addition to specialty stores, Panama has excellent supermarkets that sell Italian products to supply any homemade Mediterranean cuisine. From extra virgin olive oils to polenta and DOCG wines, the options are varied and accessible.

Some of the most prominent supermarkets for Italian products are:

1. Riba Smith: this emblematic supermarket offers a wide selection of well-known Italian brands, such as De Cecco and Barilla in pasta, Mutti in tomatoes and Lavazza in coffee.
2. Rey Supermarket: if you're looking for a convenient option, here you'll find basics such as dry pasta, tomato sauces and good quality Italian oils.
3. El Machetazo Gourmet: its international section surprises with sausages, fresh mozzarella and typical sweets imported from Italy such as panettone and amaretti.

There are also specialized gourmet shops that are real treasures for lovers of Italian cuisine:

Deli K in San Francisco, for example, offers a premium experience with Modena balsams, regional artisanal pasta and exclusive Italian chocolates. Visit a Gourmet deli with imported Italian products can be a real inspiration for your recipes.

A practical tip: if you are planning an Italian menu for a special occasion, it is advisable to visit these stores a couple of days in advance to get fresh products such as burrata, Pecorino Romano or homemade pesto.

It doesn't matter if you're an expat, a cooking enthusiast or just wondering Where to buy Italian ingredients in Panama, these supermarkets and stores offer the necessary quality to bring you closer to authentic Italian cuisine.

Now that you know the best places to stock your Italian pantry, it's easy to understand Why the Italian community loves to live in Panama City and how gastronomy becomes a piece of home.

The Italian community in Panama City has found much more than good restaurants, authentic espresso and Italian ingredients in Panama; has discovered a city where the Mediterranean lifestyle is perfectly integrated with Latin warmth and a constantly improving quality of life. This connection transcends gastronomy: it is cultural, emotional and even business.

For many Italians, living in Panama represents a way to stay close to their roots without giving up the modern opportunities of Latin America. Let's look at some key reasons why this community continues to grow and enjoy life in Panama more and more.

A relaxed yet dynamic lifestyle

Panama combines urban modernity with a slower pace of life, especially compared to cities like Milan or Rome. This mix is ideal for Italians who value moments at the table, gatherings with friends, and the enjoyment of good coffee without haste.

In addition, with the growing supply of Italian restaurants in Panama led by national chefs, it's easy to feel at home without having to give up the culinary innovation so appreciated by Italians.

An increasingly familiar cultural scene

Casco Viejo, for example, is not only home to European-style cafés and Trattorias authentic, but also of cultural events, art galleries and live music. This environment, together with constant cultural exchanges, allows Italian traditions to find a space to flourish.

There are even community activities organized by Italian-Panamanian associations, from cooking classes to national holidays, where families can share traditions and teach them to new generations.

Access to authentic Italian products

Find Where to buy Italian ingredients in Panama it's no longer a problem. Supermarkets such as Riba Smith, Deli K or specialty stores such as Tempo Gourmet offer everything from charcuterie to regional pasta. This availability makes it possible to keep family customs alive, such as cooking a Baked pasta on Sunday or prepare authentic appetizers for a special dinner.

Panama as a hub for business and investment

Many Italians have discovered Panama as a strategic gateway to expand their businesses in Latin America. The country's stability, dollarization, and an attractive tax regime have been important reasons to settle here, especially for gastronomic entrepreneurs looking to open their own Gourmet deli in Panama or launch imported product brands.

In addition, for those who are considering moving, there are favorable immigration options for citizens of countries such as Italy, simplifying the residency process.

A welcoming community that grows

Finally, the most valuable thing is a sense of belonging. The Italian community in Panama is close and open, which facilitates the adaptation process. Whether through social groups, family businesses or collaborations with Italian chefs in local restaurants, a friendly environment is created for Italians of all ages looking to build a new home.

So, living in Panama doesn't just mean finding a good one Italian cafe in Casco Viejo Or a fresh pasta in Panama City, but rather to be part of a community that embraces the best of Italy with the tropical flavor of Panama.