Rounding out my Panama trip, I have to talk about Panama City’s rooftop scene. The city fully leans into rooftop dining, and for good reason. While Panama City is a dense, modern urban hub (not rural), it offers stunning views of both the skyline and the Pacific Ocean, especially at sunset. It’s no surprise that some of the city’s hottest restaurants are perched high above the streets. We made a point to book a few during our week-long stay.

One of those spots was Kanibal. Located atop a parking garage (yes, you’re dropped off in a garage and take an elevator up), Kanibal is unexpected and chic. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but the outdoor area is definitely where you’ll want to be for the views.

When we visited, a DJ was spinning during dinner, adding to the lively atmosphere. It’s also very much a “see and be seen” kind of place—plenty of Instagram-worthy moments here. Since we made reservations in advance, we were seated at a lovely table overlooking the Pacific and downtown Panama City.

We started with cocktails. Kanibal is known for its elaborate, visually striking drinks, some even arrive with a small flame for roasting marshmallows. While they were beautifully presented and creative, we found them slightly underwhelming in strength, especially considering the price point.

The food menu leans heavily into modern fusion, blending Central American flavors with Asian influences. Many dishes are designed for sharing, alongside the usual steak and seafood options you’d expect from an upscale rooftop venue.

For dinner, we opted to share a selection of small plates and sides. Overall, everything was tasty, though not the standout meal of our trip. This is definitely a place where the ambiance and views take center stage, with the food playing more of a supporting role.

We started with the pork belly tacos, served on nori shells and filled with pork belly, avocado cream, grilled mango, and pickles. Visually, they were stunning. Flavor-wise, they were solid—the pork belly was well cooked and paired nicely with the toppings. That said, I’m not a huge fan of nori, which slightly detracted from the dish for me.

Next were the empanadas—one of my favorite foods, especially when traveling through Central and South America. These did not disappoint. Crispy, flavorful, and filled with beef, they were served with a standout chimichurri sauce. This was easily my favorite dish of the night.

We also ordered the truffle potatoes: thick-cut fries topped with truffle oil and Parmesan. The flavors were rich and generous, though the potatoes were slightly thicker than I typically prefer. Still, a very enjoyable side.

The pork bites—crispy pieces of pork topped with ginger, cilantro, and garlic, served with avocado cream—were also solid. They reminded me a lot of chicharrón: flavorful, crispy, and satisfying.

Finally, I added an order of beef dumplings toward the end of the meal since I was still a bit hungry. These turned out to be an excellent choice. Filled with bone broth, Parmesan, and Serrano ham, they were rich and flavorful—another highlight alongside the empanadas.

Overall, our dinner at Kanibal was a fun and memorable experience. The setting, views, and energy make it well worth a visit, even if the food isn’t the main draw. It’s an ideal spot for rooftop drinks or a lively dinner, and I’ve heard the atmosphere becomes even more club-like later in the evening.

STEAL OUR DINNER

Kanibal: Avenida B, Casco Parking, Planta 6, Panama City, Panama 0801. Open Monday – Wednesday 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Thursday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Saturday: 4:00 PM – 3:00 AM, Sunday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM. Reservations necessary and can be made by calling +507 6805 7012. I did not see a dress code when we visited, but people generally dressed nicely.