Mahalo Cocina y Jardin

I came back to this restaurant after 2 years and it did not disappoint! Their flatbreads are delicious and savoury as well as the truffle fries, the broccolini and the cauliflower tempura. Nice location in Casco Viejo, lots of options on the menu, also vegetarian / vegan ones. The outside area is surrounded by palmtrees and illuminated by fairy lights at night. I recommend the cocktail „Boquete Blossom“ with strawberries and lemongrass. Great and friendly service, would always come back:)

Beautiful restaurant hidden a bit in Casco Viejo. The breakfast food was to die for with a really wonderful Irish Coffee. The staff was more attentive than in many places in Panamá. The ambience in the garden sitting area is beautiful and pleasant. It was a nice meal with the addition of beautiful scenery and a little bit of quiet in the heart of the city.

We were looking for a breakfast place and it was great! The portions are on the smaller side but they fill you for your first meal of the day, food was very good and the place itself is nicely decorated (even the bathroom although the door wouldn’t close)

Portions are small here, but nonetheless delicious . We ordered an eggs Benedict and classic breakfast, everything was tasty, but we were still hungry after. The cappuccino was delish and smoothies surprisingly good.

This was hands-down my favorite breakfast of the trip. Everything here is light, fresh, and full of flavor, and the setting is just gorgeous. If you get a chance, ask to sit in the garden room. It’s this open-air, sunroom-style space with trees, plants, and natural light pouring in. Yes, it’s a little humid (you’re in Panama, after all), but it’s so peaceful you won’t mind. I had the lox sourdough bagel and it was perfection. My friend had the protein bowl, and we were both eyeing the pancakes on the table next to us. Honestly, everything coming out of the kitchen looked amazing. If you’re planning a food itinerary, do not skip this spot. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger over your coffee and pretend you live there.

Beautiful spot with quality food at a fair price. My steak was undercooked and service a bit slow, but they comped a cappuccino… which was a thoughtful gesture.

We came to Mahala for brunch and had a fantastic experience. The space is stylish and inviting, perfect for a relaxing weekend outing with friends or family. The brunch menu had something for everyone—a thoughtful mix of local flavors and classic favorites with a twist. I tried the eggs Benedict with local Swiss cheese, served on a Panamanian tortilla instead of the usual English muffin. That change elevated the dish in a really unique way—crispy, flavorful, and more connected to the local culinary culture. It was very good, and I’d definitely order it again. We also tried a few other items to share (including some cocktails and coffee), and everything was consistent—great flavors, fresh ingredients, and beautifully plated. The service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the pace was just right for a laid-back brunch. All in all, Mahala was a great find—perfect for a relaxed outing with delicious food that celebrates local flair. Highly recommended if you're in Panama City and looking for a quality brunch spot.

I really liked the outdoor patio. The drinks and the service were ok. The servers didn't come around enough outside and I had to flag them down more than once. But the 3-star rating is for the food. Really average. The smash burger was surprisingly dry. Not hot, greasy, and cheesy. It was kinda stale, if that's the right word to use.