Bar Restaurante 1985 - is renowned for its French cuisine and seafood. Once a private townhouse, the "1985" is now a place of gentle lights, copper antiques, original paintings, candlelight and fresh flowers. Ask for the jumbo shrimps with cognac sauce, the lobster Provencal, the corvina with spinach, the filet mignon with morilles and for the exquisite wines selected personally by owner Chef Willy Diggelman. The restaurant features a dining room strictly for non-smokers, very European in decor like the rest of the restaurant and featuring posters of France and the Mediterranean area.

Address: Calle Eusebio A. Morales (next to Hotel Suites Las Vegas)
E-mail: chefwilly@1985.com
Web Address: 1985 Restaurant
Phone: (507) 263-8571

Location: Panama City Reviews: (*)

La Rioja - Step into this attractive, small restaurant and you could be in Madrid or Barcelona, so accurately have the owners  copied the décor and ambiance of  the cafes of their native country.  The food lives up to the expectations aroused by the décor. You can make a meal out of the wide variety of tapas on offer or enjoy main courses such as the excellent Spanish Rissoto or The Chicken Breast with Fresh Mushrooms. Live music from a Spanish guitar complements the meal.

Address: Calle Uruguay, Bella Vista, Panamá
E-mail: info@lariojapanama.com
Web Address: La Rioja Restaurant
Phone: (507) 264-7310

Location: Calle Uraguay Reviews: (*)

Scena - Scena is situated in the Casco Viejo, the old, colonial part of Panama City which houses a number of good restaurants. Scena, with its fine, Mediterranean cuisine, is one of the best.  Stuffed Chicken Breast with Bacon and Cheese is a winner.  The restaurant is deservedly popular.

Address: Casco Antiguo, frente al Antiguo Club Unión
E-mail: scenaplatea@cwpanama.net
Web Address: Scena Restaurant
Phone: (507) 228-4011

Location: San Felipe, in front of the Old Union Club. Contact: 221-0157 Reviews: (*)

Mar del Sur - This small, Peruvian restaurant more than lives up to Peru's fine tradition of seafood cuisine.  Situated on Boulevard El Dorado, close to Do-it-Center, Mar del Sur is informal in ambiance but its menu is gourmet, presented by a chef who obviously knows what he is doing.  Try the Peruvian version of Surf & Turf or the Corvina Thermidor, both dishes are out of the ordinary.

Address: Boulevard El Dorado, Panama.
Phone: (507) 223-1892

Location: "Boulevard" El Dorado Contact: 279-1604 Reviews: (*)

The Palms - The Palms restaurant, situated on Calle 48, Bella Vista is easily recognisable by the two grand palm trees which guard its entrance.  Inside, the dining room is elegant and inviting, easily one of the most beautiful in the city.  And the menu lives up to the decor.  The Prawn Chowder with Fish and Seafood should not be missed, assembled as it is, with flair, right at you table.  Beef Medallions in a Three Pepper Sauce is another excellent dish.

Address: Calle 48 Bella Vista
E-mail: palmsrestaurant@cableonda.net
Web Address: The Palms
Phone: (507) 265-7256
Fax: (507) 265-7256

Location: Calle 48, Bella Vista. Contact: 265-7256 Reviews: (*)

Twist - Situated on Federico Boyd Avenue, Twist has a varied menu which will satisfy any taste.  Hamburgers, Pad Thai, Pasta, Steak, Fish - they're all there, and all are tempting. Start with Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, move on to Roasted Pork Tenderloins in Mango Chutney and finish off with any of their delicious desserts.

Address: Avenida Federico Boyd
Phone: (507) 302-7997

Location: Ave. Federico Boyd. Contact: 302-7997 Reviews: (*)

Astrid & Gaston - Situated on Calle Guatemala, just off Via Argentina is the newest in  a chain of upscale Peruvian-Fusion restaurants.  There are several dining areas, dominated by a glassed-in kitchen where the diner can watch the chefs at work.  You can't go wrong with the Piqueo Criollo appetizer tray which offers a variety of delicious bites.  The Rib Eye a la Criolla is served over a potato and pepper pie with a Creole saute of mushrooms and egg - a unique combination.

Address: Calle Guatemala, El Cangrejo
Phone: (507) 209-3323

Location: Calle Guatemala, El Cangrejo. Reviews: (*)