Kaandela Restaurant

The service was excellent! Attached to a Boutique Hotel, this fine dining spot is very intimate and thought out. The interior designer / architect really did a great job. The food is elevated and tries a new approach to food. I had the tongue, the lamb and the duck sausage. All terrific, but the like lamb ball tacos were spectacular. Tried the red cocktail and wasn’t too sweet or boozy. Really excellent experience.

Kaandela is an excellent restaurant with a nice ambiance and great wait staff, however giving 4 stars instead of 5. Because of the price point I'm holding it to a higher standard (still affordable at $50-$75 per person, but about twice the price of other surrounding restaurants and compared to other Panamanian restaurants the value wasn't as great). There was a lot of hype, having been recommended from many sources and I was expecting to be blown away but I wasn't. I ordered the "pork belly pops" appetizers and that was amazing, crispy yet juicy. If each dish was as good as the pork belly, then easily would have given it 5 stars. However the sea bass Caribbean curry I found dry, and the seafood casserole was good but nothing particularly different from other places. Also they charged me $8 for a bottle of Panama Blue water which I thought was a little excessive.

Simply wonderful. Delicious and rich flavors! It was hard to select what to order. They provide a card about the restaurant that sets the atmosphere and taste buds for a delightful experience. I would definitely return! Yenny was friendly, helpful and had a warm presence as my server. I sat at the bar and watched all the magic happen in the kitchen. It was like watching art being created. Loved the experience!

We had a fantastic dining experience at Kaandela inside the Amarla Boutique Hotel in Casco Viejo. The ambiance was warm and inviting, and the service provided by Abdiel and Juan was exceptional — genuinely friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. Every dish we ordered was outstanding. The seabass salad was fresh and vibrant, perfectly balanced with flavors. The langoustines were incredibly succulent and flavorful — a true highlight. The tamarind pork chop was bold and delicious, cooked to perfection with a rich, tangy glaze that we’re still thinking about. This was one of our favorite meals in Panama. Highly recommended for both the incredible food and top-tier hospitality. Thank you for a memorable evening!

This was the stand out experience in the old town. While the other restaurants we also fantastic, this one was the best! Abdiel, while he doesn't speak much English, he was so friendly and attentive! Luis the manager was fantastic and interesting to talk with. We have the pork belly and roasted beets applies... Both amazing, esp the pork belly for me. Then the skirt steak! Served on a sizzling hot plate! Also fantastic! Don't miss this one!

Fuego de la Tierra at Kaandela, provided me and my partner with a really great experience. In was undoubtedly an anniversary I will never forget. The food from the kitchen and chefs Jose and Andrea were superb and thoughtful, every bite was a sensation for the palate. Juan our server was great and attentive. I highly recommend to anyone especially for special occasions! 5/5

These people are phenomenal. Chef Jose came out and talked to us explaining his culinary philosophy involving local farmers and flavors. The server, Yenny, was an absolute delight. She was passionate, friendly, and funny. The short ribs melted in my mouth, and the decor was Cory and impressive. This place is one of a kind.

We had a wonderful meal at Kaandela. The food was very good but the standout was the dessert, the guava sticky toffee pudding - I have never eaten anything so fast. Very attentive and wonderful service from Abdiel and Luis. Top recommendation!