Panamanian Restaurants in America: Where to Find Real Panamanian Food Near You

Key Takeaways

• Panamanian restaurants are rare in the U.S. but they exist, and they’re worth finding.
• Most authentic Panamanian food in America comes from small family-owned spots, food trucks, and pop-ups rather than sit-down chains.
• The dishes to look for: hojaldre, carimanolas, patacones, ropa vieja, coconut rice, and sancocho.
• This list spans New York to California, and it gets updated as new spots open.

Finding authentic Panamanian food in the United States is a project. I say that as someone who grew up eating it as an Afro-Panamanian woman, the flavors of Panama are woven into my earliest memories, my family’s kitchen, and honestly, my identity. Hojaldre on a Sunday morning. Coconut rice that tastes nothing like the stuff you get anywhere else. Carimanolas that require no explanation if you already know, and no substitute if you don’t.

So when I find a spot in America that actually does it right, I want to tell everyone.

This guide is that. It’s a living list of Panamanian restaurants, food trucks, and pop-ups I’ve found or been told about across the country. I’ll keep updating it as the community grows, because it is growing, and our food deserves to be found.

What Makes Panamanian Food Different

Panamanian cuisine is its own thing. It sits at the intersection of African, Indigenous, Spanish, and Caribbean influences, shaped by Panama’s history as a crossroads of the world. It’s not quite Caribbean, not quite Latin American it’s Panamanian, with its own distinct dishes, techniques, and flavors.

The hallmarks: plantains in every form (patacones, tajadas, sweet), coconut milk in the rice, fried dough that’s breakfast and comfort simultaneously, stews that take time and patience, and a general philosophy that good food is made slowly and shared generously.

Panamanian Restaurants and Food Spots Across America

NEW YORK

Michelle’s Fritura — Brooklyn, New York

Located at 2294 Bedford Avenue in Flatbush, Michelle’s Fritura is a Saturday-only takeout stall serving authentic Afro-Panamanian fried food and one of the most culturally significant spots on this entire list. Operating alongside Michelle’s Cocktail Lounge, a pillar of the local Panamanian community for over 50 years, this is what “a gathering place” actually means. The menu is traditional: carimanolas, fried yuca, chicharrones, empanadas, and hojaidas. Food goes fast so arrive early.

Location: 2294 Bedford Ave, Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY Hours: Saturdays only, starting around 9am (arrives early, sells out early) Instagram: @michelles_fritura

Casa Carimañolas y Más — Brooklyn, New York

A family-owned food truck parked at the corner of Utica Avenue and Tilden Avenue in East Flatbush, Casa Carimañolas y Más draws loyal weekend crowds for their authentic street food. The signature carimanolas crispy fried yuca dough stuffed with seasoned meat or cheese are the draw, but the full menu includes empanadas (including jerk-mushroom vegan options), anticuchos, salteados, yuca fries, and hojaldre. They also pop up at markets like the Feasting Corner on Bedford Avenue.

Location: 1051 Utica Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11203 Hours: Weekends, Saturdays from around 10am until sold out Instagram: @ggcuisinedelights

Pana’s Kitchen — Brooklyn, New York

Located at 3518 Church Avenue in Flatbush, Pana’s Kitchen is the go-to sit-down spot in New York City for authentic Panamanian cuisine. Daily-changing comfort food: cow foot soup, crispy empanadas, bistec (beef steak), and golden hojaldres. Both dine-in and takeout available.

Location: 3518 Church Ave, Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11am–9pm, Saturday–Sunday 11am–10pm (closed Monday) Instagram: @panaskitchen_

Immanuel Restaurant — Brooklyn, New York

Founded by chef Jonaika Bryan, Immanuel Restaurant at 799 Stanley Avenue specializes in Panamanian, Caribbean, and soul food in a faith-based, community-focused setting. The mangu con salami has earned particular praise. They offer dine-in, takeout, delivery, and catering.

Location: 799 Stanley Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11207 Hours: Monday–Saturday 7am–7pm (Wednesday closes 5pm), closed Sunday Instagram: @immanuel_restaurant

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Mola Empanada — Washington, D.C.

Founded as a pop-up by Taylor Volpe and J’Nae White, Mola Empanada opened its first brick-and-mortar location in Adams Morgan in July 2024. The concept is Panamanian-inspired handmade, pan-fried empanadas with bold, creative fillings — picadillo, curry chicken, pepper steak alongside patacones, hojaldra, yuca frita, and house-made ají sauces. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Location: 2438 18th St NW, Washington, DC (Adams Morgan) Website: mola-dc.com Instagram: @mola.dc

NORTH CAROLINA

Ceviche’s — Wilmington, North Carolina

Near Wrightsville Beach at 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Ceviche’s is a Panamanian-inspired restaurant that earned national attention when it was featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Women-owned and founded by Hunter and Laura Tiblier, inspired by time spent in Panama. The menu centers on fresh ceviche (including a “El Quatro” sampler and a coconut ceviche), ropa vieja, sancocho, and jerk shrimp skewers. Known for a beachy, tropical vibe with an outdoor courtyard. Reservations recommended, especially in summer.

Location: 7210 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 Hours: Lunch Tuesday–Saturday, Dinner Monday–Saturday (closed Sunday) Instagram: @wbceviche

VIRGINIA

A Lo Panameño RVA — Chester, Virginia

Founded by twin sisters Angela E. Ennett and Erika Campos, A Lo Panameño RVA is a food truck and catering business serving authentic Panamanian street food in the Richmond and Chester area. The rotating menu features carimanolas, empanadas, chicharrones, hojaldre with sausage, patacones with chorizo, arroz con pollo, tamales, and ropa vieja with coconut rice and sweet plantains. They’re also active in the broader community sponsoring the Panameños En El DMV parade and collaborating with the local Panamanian Traditional Dance Group of RVA.

Location: 4104 W Hundred Rd, Chester, VA 23831 (plus pop-ups and events) Instagram: @alopanama2025

Patty’s International Cuisine — Petersburg, Virginia

Opened in November 2025 by chef Patricia Johnson, Patty’s International Cuisine specializes in authentic Caribbean and Panamanian-inspired comfort dishes. Standouts include rich-seasoned curry chicken, slow-braised oxtails, jerk chicken, fried fish, and traditional Panamanian dishes, with classic sides like mac and cheese and peach cobbler.

Location: 3268 S. Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23805 Phone: (804) 255-8232 Instagram: @pattysinternationalcuisine

SOUTH CAROLINA

Canaleros — Gloverville, South Carolina

A women- and Latino-owned restaurant that opened in March 2024, Canaleros brings authentic Panamanian cuisine to Gloverville, SC. Standout items include ceviche de camarón with homemade plantain chips, paella, and traditional chicken soups. Casual, kid-friendly, and exactly the kind of neighborhood spot that makes a community feel like home.

Location: 2376 Augusta Rd, Gloverville, SC Hours: Tuesday–Friday 11am–8pm, Saturday 11am–9pm (closed Sunday and Monday) Phone: (803) 989-9118

GEORGIA

Qué Xopá Panamanian Food — Atlanta, Georgia

A popular Panamanian food business operating in the Atlanta metro area, appearing at local events, festivals, and pop-up locations across Gwinnett County and surrounding areas. The menu features carimanolas (beef, chicken, or cheese), arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, hojaldres, tamales, and plátanos. They also offer catering.

Pop-up Location: 4465 Mink Livsey Rd, Snellville, GA 30039 Events: Regularly at Lawrenceville Lawn, Decatur’s Salsa on the Square, A Taste of Chamblee Phone/Text: 770-648-4421 Instagram: @quexopafoods

FLORIDA

One Pot – Panamanian Roots — Miami, Florida

Located inside The Foodie Park at 3659 Grand Ave in Coconut Grove’s Little Bahamas area, One Pot is described by the local Panamanian community as a “cultural anchor.” Signature dishes include sancocho, shrimp empanadas, cod fritters, various frituras, and Muquita Panameña. The outdoor setting often features live music, and they specialize in special items on weekends and cultural events.

Location: 3659 Grand Ave, Miami, FL 33133 (inside The Foodie Park) Hours: Sundays 12pm–6pm for brunch; check Instagram for additional days Instagram: @onepotmiami

Fonda Guararé — Tampa, Florida

A 100% authentic Panamanian food truck and catering service serving the Tampa area with traditional home-style cooking. Known for arroz con pollo, pollo guisado, sancocho, tortillas, tamales, and specialty items like chicheme (a sweet corn and milk drink) and lemonade with sugar cane. Primarily catering, pick-up, and pre-orders check their Instagram for location updates.

Base Location: 5467 Friarsway Dr, Tampa, FL 33624 (pop-ups at Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters, Seminole Heights) Phone: 813-781-3545 Instagram: @fonda.guararetpa_fl

A Taste of Love Panamanian Cuisine — Tampa Bay, Florida

A Tampa Bay-area specialty food provider serving authentic, home-style Panamanian dishes at community events. Their tamales have earned a devoted following customers describe the masa as creamy and zesty with perfectly cooked chicken. They participate in events like the Fort de Soto Panamanian Picnic (August 17, 2026, Shelter #1, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S.).

Area: Tampa Bay, Florida Facebook: @atasteoflove507

A-Ram’s Kitchen — Port Orange, Florida

A scratch-cooking kitchen and specialty coffee spot just south of Daytona, bringing the flavors of Panama to Volusia County. The menu features made-to-order meals, specialty coffees, fresh juices, bowls, and daily specials.

Location: 3738 Halifax Dr, Port Orange, FL 32129 Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 11am–7pm (closed Sunday and Monday) Instagram: @aramskitchen

Pollera’s Delight — Jacksonville, Florida

A Jacksonville-based food truck specializing in Panamanian and Latin American street food with a focus on natural, gluten-free ingredients. Known for their 100% gluten-free natural corn empanadas (“Power Pockets”), homestyle plates of roasted pork with rice, beans, and salad, and fusion-style sandwiches. Platter meals typically $12–$15. Highly mobile they rotate between Jacksonville, Macclenny, and Fleming Island.

Base Location: 17360 W Beaver St, Baldwin area, Jacksonville, FL Instagram: @pollerasdelight

TEXAS

Rincón de Panamá — Killeen, Texas

Recognized as the only traditional Panamanian restaurant in Texas, Rincón de Panamá at 205A N Gray St in Killeen is a cozy, family-owned spot with room for about 24 guests. Owner Isabel Munoz, a native of Panama, serves fried red snapper, carne guisada, patacones, traditional corn tortillas, sancocho, carne frita, and empanadas. Known for accommodating vegetarian and vegan diners with custom plant-based meals.

Location: 205A N Gray St, Killeen, TX Hours: Wednesday–Friday 10am–3pm, Saturday 10am–7pm, Sunday 12pm–3pm (closed Monday and Tuesday) Phone: (254) 466-0914 Instagram: @rincondepanama_

PanJaz Panamanian Cuisine — San Antonio, Texas

Founded by chef Shaunda Hopkins, an Afro-Latina born and raised in Panama, PanJaz is re-opening in San Antonio as of July 2026, offering a non-spicy, savory alternative to the Tex-Mex dominated landscape. The menu features sancocho, ropa vieja, patacones, carimanolas, arroz con pollo, Panamanian tamales, and hojaldres. The cuisine reflects Panama’s melting pot of Afro-Caribbean, Spanish, and Indigenous influences.

Location: 17510 Judson Road, San Antonio, TX 78247 Instagram: @puropanjaz

Sugar Grill Caffe — Cleveland, Texas (Houston area)

A family-owned Panamanian restaurant in the Colony Ridge Communities of Cleveland, TX approximately 45–60 minutes northeast of downtown Houston. The menu blends authentic Panamanian home-style meals with Caribbean-style seafood: tostones with garlic shrimp, empanadas, ceviche, seafood soup, and homemade ice cream. Rated 4.6/5 stars by customers.

Location: 2870 Rd 3540, Cleveland, TX 77327 Hours: Saturday 9am–9pm, Sunday 10am–6pm (closed Monday–Friday) Phone: (347) 319-5573 Instagram: @sugar_grill_caffe

MISSOURI

Kandela’s Caribbean Food & Catering — Bridgeton, Missouri (St. Louis area)

Led by Luis Coronel, Kandela’s is a highly-rated catering service (94% recommendation rate) in the St. Louis area specializing in authentic Caribbean cuisine with Panamanian influences. Known for patacón rellenos, smoked pork, mango shrimp ceviche, empanadas, pernil, and pollo al barril (barrel-smoked chicken). Active at local markets including the Lake Saint Louis Farmers Market (starting April 2026) and festivals like Festival of Little Hills.

Location: 4200 Bonfils Dr, Bridgeton, MO 63044 Phone: (636) 389-0115 Email: kandelasquotes@gmail.com Instagram: @kandelas_food Pricing: Buffet packages from approximately $28–$44 per person

CALIFORNIA

Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA — Long Beach, California

Founded in 2020 by Chef RJ and Mercedes Squires, Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA is widely recognized as the first and only Panamanian restaurant on the West Coast. As of late 2025, they relocated from their original Miracle Mile location on Wilshire Blvd to a larger 3,000-square-foot space at 211 Pine Ave in Downtown Long Beach. The new location features a beer and wine bar and live entertainment. Signature dishes include sancocho, pargo frito (fried red snapper), jerk chicken, and their popular jerk macaroni and cheese.

Location: 211 Pine Ave, Downtown Long Beach, CA Website: caribbeansoulkitla.wixsite.com/caribbeansoulkitchen Instagram: @caribbeansoulkitla

ONLINE / SHIPPING

Baru Highlands Coffee

For those who can’t get to a Panamanian restaurant, Baru Highlands Coffee offers specialty coffee from Panama’s highlands, delivered to your door a direct connection to Panamanian terroir.

Website: baruhighlandscoffee.com

What to Order If You Find a Panamanian Restaurant

If you’re new to Panamanian food, here’s where to start:

Hojaldre — Fried dough, crispy outside and soft inside. Breakfast or snack, pairs with everything.

Carimanolas — Yuca fritters stuffed with seasoned meat, fried golden. One of the dishes hardest to find outside a Panamanian home or a dedicated spot.

Patacones — Twice-fried green plantains, smashed flat. A base for toppings, a side dish, a snack. Fundamental.

Ropa vieja — Shredded beef in tomato-based sauce, slow-cooked, served with rice.

Sancocho — A hearty chicken soup with yuca, ñame, and culantro. Panama’s national dish in spirit. If a menu has it, order it.

Coconut rice (arroz con coco) — Not just white rice with coconut milk. Real Panamanian coconut rice is made from scratch with toasted coconut, and it’s a revelation.

Know a Panamanian Restaurant I Missed?

If there’s a Panamanian food spot in your city that belongs on this list, I want to hear about it. Drop a comment below with the name, location, and what you love about it. This list grows when the community shares.

— Kisha

Posted By: Kisha Gulley · In: Culture