Restaurants near Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Punta Culebra

Really wanted to love this place but just a few missed steps that make it 4/5. They open at 6:30pm, we showed up at 6:25pm and doors are closed so we decided to take a quick walk to the front by the water then turn back. We arrived again at 6:40pm and seated right away. To our surprise the entire restaurant other than 3 tables had arrived which means they must have a full seating time at 6:30pm. The reason I mention this is that when you sit that many people at once it’s difficult to be timely both for the kitchen and bar, especially in a smaller establishment. The bar is small and should only have 2 bartenders which it did, but due to sitting an entire restaurant at once we waited 25 minutes for our 2 cocktails and the apps arrived before drinks which should never happen. We ordered the Kanapachi which was 10/10, the lamb which was the best dish of the night and the pork belly lollipops but then someone came out and said they were out of them, which was very strange for a Saturday night during their first seating of the evening. We then ordered entrees which were great. The crispy pork shank was 10/10, the short rib definitely had a strong smoke flavor with the open fire which might not be to everyone’s liking and I think the dish was a little overpriced for what it was 8/10. We had one red cocktail which had way too much sour mix in and the other two were great, the cacao cocktail won’t be for everyone but incredibly unique and I enjoyed it. There was a 2 top which arrived maybe 5-10 minutes after us, assuming they were late to their reservation but I overheard him complaining as we were leaving after just short of 2 hours, asking where his food was, again I think it’s due to their seating schedule. Really unique space, good food, the host was great and knew her job well, our server didn’t speak any english which is expected of course but he was very attentive. If you’re only 2 people I would suggest a booth in the kitchen area, only 3-4 of them.

Delicious food. Great ambience. Music was a little too loud for our taste. Service was also good. We also loved the cocktails.

Best Italian place in Panama! Fantastic food and ambience!

Amazing! Steak is in my Top 10! Views were spectacular too. Sever was a little distracted wouldn’t recommend going in at last call

This place is beautiful, and I loved sitting in the outdoor patio! My server was Eric and he was wonderfully patient with me as I chatted with him so much about the food and drinks. The ceviche del dia was outstanding! The house made bread was divine with the completely unique savory hibiscus butter! The stracciatella ice cream was made with chocolate made with Panamanian cacao! And it was the best stracciatella ice cream ever! The mixed herbal tea was fantastic too! It was a mix of mint, lemongrass, rose, petals, and hibiscus. Service was outstanding overall, and the ingredients are truly farm to table. I highly recommend this place and thank my friend, the Panamanian chef from New Orleans, for recommending it to me.