La Tapa Del Coco

Caribbean restaurant · Panama City ·

La Tapa Del Coco

Caribbean restaurant · Panama City ·

Afro-Panamanian heritage dishes: one pot, cod fritters, ceviche

Information

Calle 68 Este, Panamá, Panama Get directions

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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

La Tapa Del Coco

@eater

391,688 Postcards · 10,991 Cities

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

La Tapa Del Coco

@travelleisure

28,641 Postcards · 5,542 Cities

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

La Tapa Del Coco

@vogue

3,763 Postcards · 1,060 Cities

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

"In the city’s San Francisco district, I went for lunch at this Afro-Panamanian–owned spot helmed by Chef Isaac Villaverde, one of the few such restaurants in Central America. Seating included a shaded patio, and watching nearby neighbors arrive to eat reassured me I’d made the right choice. Chef Isaac’s soul-satisfying food is intentionally crafted to honor the resilience and cultural contributions of Afro-Panamanians and to tell the history of the country through Afro-Panamanian cuisine, and he views the restaurant’s successful navigation of the pandemic as proof of that endurance and a call to lead by example for new generations. That often-overlooked legacy truly comes through on the plate." - Kristin Braswell

https://www.vogue.com/article/a-city-to-sea-escape-in-panama

La Tapa Del Coco

Brittany P.

Google

One of the best meals we've ever had. Staff were so friendly and attentive, we were very grateful they spoke English. Wonderful atmosphere. All dishes we had were so incredibly flavourful and had wonderful textures playing together. We had the smoked pulled pork patty, cod fritters with the berry sauce, Calypso burger, one pot Colonense, pear mamallena dessert, lemonade with cane honey and pineapple refresher. So glad we were able to get a reservation, highly recommend. We will return any chance we get to be in Panama.

Danielle F.

Google

It was our first time in Panama and a friend recommended that we go here. The food was sooooo good. We had the patties, both beef and pork. I preferred the beef, only because I'm not a huge fan of BBQ sauce. The pork tasted like it was made with BBQ sauce. If it was more savory, I would probably enjoyed it more. We also had the ceviche, the clams, and finished with a pear mamallena. The ceviche was fresh and flavorful with little surprise fried squid on top, served with plantain chips. The clams were served with a coconut curry sauce. The mamallena was a surprise I didn't know I needed. I likened it to bread pudding in pie form but I'm not a huge fan of bread pudding, but definitely a fan of this. They paired it with vanilla ice cream and a crunchy crumble. It was my favorite part of the meal. All of the flavors went well together and the crunchy crumble added a slightly salty texture. It was perfect. If we lived there, I'm sure I would eat here at least once a week.

Herman D.

Google

Had a pretty good meal. Very well prepared. Pay attention if you get the jerk chicken. It says mild and they mean it. It's a cultural choice not a bad choice. Still very enjoyable. Wasn't a big fan of the seating, but we were in good company, so no major complaints. Positive rating for service.

Tyler H.

Google

The service was outstanding. The atmosphere was very pleasing and enjoyable. I thought it was going to be hot, but the fans made sitting outdoors very comfortable..The food was totally delicious. I had the oxtail stew. Oh my, was it good. I wanted to return the next day. I tasted the jerk chicken also. It wasn’t too spicy and the seasoning was perfect. I can’t wait to return.

Leeza B.

Google

La Tapa Del Coco was absolutely one of the best restaurants in San Francisco, Panama area. The service here is impeccable - from the greeter to the waiters/waitresses. They were all extremely attentive even though it was a busy night - packed with folks from the inside to the outdoor seating area. We were celebrating our 16 year Anniversary and were delighted that we chose this place. The food is top tier here. We had the Whole Sea Bass fish with Coconut Rice and peas, Maduros (sweet plaintains) and cole slaw. We also tried the Cod fritters (dipped in their blackberry/habenero sauce) which were delectable as well. The Coconut fish soup and the pickled pig feet/pig tails were an exotic treat and did not disappoint. The coconut lime drink and the Sabril with ginger pair well with any of the dishes. They also have a nice bar for those who enjoy libations. We are definitely putting La Tapa Del Coco on our list of "must-haves" when in Panama!

Laura

Google

We went for the bacalao but my favorite was the jerk chicken. Everyone in our group tried something different but we are all family so we shared. There was not a bad dish on the table! We sat outside so it was a little warm by the time we left but the service was wonderful and, overall it is a place I would like to go back again.

M.Q. P.

Google

Chef Issac and team is amazing. This place was super exciting with its energy and top notch food choices. I highly recommend this restaurant when in Panamá city. You won't be disappointed and most importantly its one of the top restaurants in the whole Latin America!

Michelle S.

Google

I will be back! The food is full of flavor and the service is attentive and knowledgeable. The ceviche is phenomenal and they prepare a very special dish... One Pot Colonense... that is sublime. The delicious combination of flavors is hard to describe. If you're in Panama City you definitely want to stop in.