Practical information : Eating out Panama
Timetable
You can eat at any time in Panama, many informal restaurants are open continuously from 7am. In the capital, there are even some cafeterias open 24 hours a day... But in general, you can have breakfast(el desayuno) in the restaurant, or in your hotel, between 7 and 9 or 10 am, and lunch(el almuerzo) between 12 and 3 pm. For dinner(la cena), restaurants serve between 6:30-7pm until 10pm, or later in the capital. However, be careful in rural areas, it is often difficult to find a place to eat after 7pm.
Budget & Tips
In fondas or comedores, popular restaurants, you can eat a full meal with a drink for less than US$5. In more upscale restaurants, à la carte dishes run from 15-25 US$. The dishes are always hearty, and you can easily do without dessert (which is generally not extraordinary).
What costs extra
In addition to the price of the dishes displayed in restaurants, you'll often need to add 7% for taxes and 10% for service. On the other hand, it's not necessary to leave a tip in cafeterias or small informal restaurants.
The local way
You will often be served a large glass of ice water in restaurants. Don't worry, Panama is one of the only countries in Latin America where tap water(agua del grifo) is safe to drink in the capital and the major cities (not in remote areas or on the islands). Bottled water is often "purified" water that is not mineral water. If you want sparkling water, ask for agua con gas.
The cuisine is not very spicy in general, but can be on the Caribbean coast, especially in Bocas del Toro. The use of chili is common, as are coconut milk preparations.
Vegetarian options are limited, especially outside the main cities. Chinese restaurants, which are quite numerous throughout the country, often offer vegetarian dishes.
To be avoided
Gentlemen, if you have lunch or dinner in a restaurant with a Panamanian woman, do not offer to share the bill! You will lose her esteem, as the invitation is implied, especially the first time!
Kids
Children are welcome in the restaurants. Panamanians are used to taking their families to restaurants, so there's nothing to worry about. High chairs(silla de comer para niños) are often available, as are children's menus.
Smokers
Smoking is not allowed inside the restaurants, but also on the terrace.
Tourist traps
Beware of restaurants full of pushers, as this is generally not a good sign, as it is everywhere...