La Tapa Del Coco

Caribbean restaurant · Panama City

La Tapa Del Coco

Caribbean restaurant · Panama City

4

Calle 68 Este, Panamá, Panama

Photos

La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null
La Tapa Del Coco by null

Highlights

Afro-Panamanian cuisine, cocktails, salt-cod fritters, ox tail  

Featured in Vogue
Featured in Eater
Placeholder

Calle 68 Este, Panamá, Panama Get directions

latapadelcocopanama.com

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Information

Static Map

Calle 68 Este, Panamá, Panama Get directions

+507 6856 5533
latapadelcocopanama.com
latapadelcocopanama

$$ · Menu

Reserve

Features

payment credit card
Tap to pay
reservations

Last updated

Sep 1, 2025

Powered By

You might also like

Terms of Use • Privacy Policy • Cookie Policy
 © 2025 Postcard Technologies, Inc.
@eater

The 26 Best Restaurants in Panama City | Eater

"Chef Isaac Villaverde began celebrating Afro Panamanian cuisine and culture with a food truck, before eventually transforming his business into one of the most spirited dining spots in Panama City. At La Tapa del Coco, the menu celebrates the culinary heritage of enslaved Africans and their descendants who settled in Panama’s Caribbean region. Signature dishes include brothy octopus rice, a creative take on patty de carne (a turnover filled with spiced meat, thyme, and ají chombo), and the standout One Pot Colonense: coconut rice with pork ribs, beans, and fresh shrimp, served with green plantain chips and pickled vegetables." - Jorge Chanis

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-panama-city
View Postcard for La Tapa Del Coco
@eater

18 Food Destinations to Visit in 2025 | Eater

"An Afro-Panamanian pioneer kitchen where chef Isaac Villaverde highlights one-pot colonense — coconut, rice, pork ribs, beans, and shrimp — underscoring Panama’s Creole and coastal culinary traditions." - Eater Staff

https://www.eater.com/24317309/best-places-to-eat-restaurants-travel-2025
View Postcard for La Tapa Del Coco
@travelleisure

6 Caribbean Chefs to Know

"On any given afternoon, the patio of La Tapa del Coco in Panama City is full of both residents and tourists feasting on salt-cod fritters and clams in coconut-curry broth. Executive chef Isaac Villaverde, who also has a pop-up called Calypso Burger, explains that many dishes are riffs on those of his greatest culinary influence: his grandmother." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/caribbean-chefs-to-know-6744638
View Postcard for La Tapa Del Coco
@vogue

Where to Go in Panama: A City to Sea Escape, Just in Time for Winter | Vogue

"I took Richard’s advice and made my way to lunch at La Tapa del Coco, helmed by Chef Isaac Villaverde as one of the few Afro-Panamanian-owned restaurant in Central America. Seating included a shaded patio in the city’s San Francisco district, and seeing nearby neighbors arrive to eat was a sign that I’d made the right decision. Like all countries that have been reshaped by slavery and colonization, Panama’s history is a complicated one, with Afro-Panamanian stories and cultural impact often left out of books and tourism marketing. That overlooked legacy can be tasted in Chef Isaac’s soul satisfying food, which is very intentional." - Kristin Braswell

https://www.vogue.com/article/a-city-to-sea-escape-in-panama
View Postcard for La Tapa Del Coco

Nathan Brazil

Google
We had a large party and they accepted our reservation. We did family style/chef's choice food (they brought out multiple dishes without us ordering anything specific) and it was all very good and reasonably priced per person. By far the best food we had in Panama!

Alkyrie Zittle

Google
The food is amazing! I wish I could grow an extra stomach to be able to fit everything on the menu. Our server Edwin was fantastic, attentive but not invasive. The staff is on top of it. Even the uniforms are handsome on everyone. It's no surprise that this restaurant made the Latin American Best restaurants list.

Tiffany Choice

Google
La Tapa Del Coco is a great place for small bites. The food is satisfying and tasty. The service was impeccable with immediate seating, attentive servers and a fast turnaround for orders. They offer table fans if sitting outdoors.The atmosphere is Panama chic and the music sets the vibe.

Carlos “Ballito” Garcia

Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Recently recognized as one of the best restaurants in the world, this spot offers authentic yet creative Afro-inspired flavors right in the heart of Panama. Every dish is a celebration of culture, tradition, and innovation, delivering a truly unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming, perfectly complementing the bold and unique flavors on your plate. One must-try is their signature margarita made with a Jamaica flower base—locally known as Saril. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and the perfect pairing for your meal. Visit, indulge in the rich Afro-Panamanian tastes, and thank me later. This is culinary artistry at its finest.

Roark H

Google
This place is so good I would hop on a plane and fly halfway around the world just to eat here. Jerk chicken was fabulous, and the bbq sauce on it was the best I ever had. The sea bass was fantastic, red beans and rice… more please, not to mention the house made hot sauces. Seriously put the phone down and scoot your ass over here for one of the best meals of your life.

Adin Miller

Google
Had a fabulous dinner and wonderful service from Ismael. He made wonderful recommendations for dishes like the cod fritters and the ox tail stew. Highly recommend.

David Glover

Google
Someone said Panama City is not just a place to live...it's a VIBE! La Tapa Del Coco is a restaurant with a Vibe! This place is located in the San Francisco neighborhood of Panama City. But when I sat in there, the restaurant gave me that Miami South Beach Vibe! Being that this is burger month, I had a bacon burger on an artisan bun and it was delicious! I also tried the Salted Cod Fritters, my taste buds wanted more but my stomach was satisfied! For me the entire experience was terrific! Looking for a place to go eat, that can put you in a good mood and a nice vibe? Also good food and a top-notch staff. Visit for yourself. Thank you Kenny and Tracy for the invite! @GLOVER'S GETAWAYS

jameika stuckey

Google
The food was amazing! I got too full and couldn't finish. And that berry sauce is incredible!!! Ask for the Picante sauces if they don't give them, they are spicy but you'll thank me later.