Panama Dining Room image

Panama Dining Room

Restaurant Bar

Upscale bistro dishes and cocktails in a loft with large arched windows and exposed-brick walls. People often mention Panama, wedding, venue, team, staff, service, Dining, Room, night, beautiful,


Address

level 2/231 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

Website

thepanama.com.au

Contact

+61 3 9417 7663

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.30 (434 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Thursday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 5 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 5 PM to 12 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 5 PM to 12 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), Closed, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Panama (45) wedding (28) venue (28) team (22) staff (19) service (17) Dining (16) Room (16) night (14) beautiful (14)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Wally C. 4 years ago on Google
    Had a friend’s birthday dinner here. Food was good. We had a $75/pp with 3 course dinner. All the dishes was pretty good. Overall enjoyed the night. The place is upstairs slightly hidden but surprisingly busy on Saturday night. Not sure it worth that much but the overall atmosphere was good.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kaiwin Y. 4 months ago on Google • 287 reviews
    First time I've shot a wedding here, and it was Perfect :) The couple were very happy, and all their guests too. Lots of space, and before the sun goes down, there is a lot of natural light from the enormous archway windows. Very easy to get a lot of great pictures here. And the staff were all very nice to work with. Very kind, very professional :) Hope I can shoot more weddings here in the future.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Laura M. 7 months ago on Google • 7 reviews
    The Panama Dining Room is not only the best place to get married in Melbourne, but one of the best restaurants in the city. My husband and I were married here over the weekend and the venue exceeded all our expectations. It was the perfect day and night, made possible by the excellent team Panama. Julia our Event Coordinator was excellent in the lead up to the wedding. No question was too difficult and she went above and beyond to service our needs. The food and bar staff were incredible on the night, serving the most amazing food we have ever had. The fish and duck will forever be some of the best I've ever had!! The venue was beautiful appointed, with the dining tables set up beautifully and the arched windows providing the perfect backdrop, with Melbourne's skyline off in the distance. Thank you Luke, Julia and the entire team at Panama. I cannot recommend this venue highly enough for a wedding, a function or simply a midweek dinner! My husband and I look forward to returning to Panama every year to celebrate our anniversary here! I also recommend working with some of the recommended suppliers at the venue, Mottaweddings for photography and North St Botanical for flowers. Just amazing!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Two S. 5 years ago on Google
    4.3 This is a really good bar. Great upstairs space. It’s huge and complete with a shabbily attractive international decor. We tried the Panama G & T. This has wolf gin, orange and rhubarb and tonic. This is a beautiful drink. We absolutely adored it. The house made rhubarb chip on top is almost like toffee and adds interest, texture and more great flavour. We loved this place. Note is a good one for tourists. You can watch the world go by from the window. All the diversity of Smith Street. Or, look from the windows all the way to the Dandenong ranges.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kirsten M. 1 year ago on Google
    Recently attended a wedding at Panama, what a wonderful experience! Beautiful room, fabulous flowers, decorations and great food. But most outstanding was the service, staff could not have been more friendly and accommodating, and the whole event was managed with seamless perfection. Highly recommended!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert L. 5 years ago on Google
    I finally dined at Panama Dining Room and it did not disappoint. The restaurant is located in the middle of Fitzroy and it is located on the second floor of the building, away from all the pedestrian street noise. The food is amazing, we ordered 8 dishes and honestly I couldn't find issues with all the dishes. They were seasoned well and every ingredient on the plate had a purpose, even edible flowers on the dessert. Finally, the staff were amazing, polite, accommodating and constantly very friendly. In my opinion, it is an upscale restaurant but with a smart casual vibe. I recommend you check this place out. P.S. that butter they serve with salt flakes and bread is to die for.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael J. 7 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Our dream wedding party turned into a reality thanks to Panama. In the lead up we had so many people tell us how great Panama was, and it's fair to say it exceeded any and all of the lofty expectations. The atmosphere, food, the service, the vibe were extraordinary. Events coordinator Julia is an absolute star and made everything so easy for us. And we've been told over the past days just how good all the bar and floor staff were. So attentive and nothing was too much trouble. (We've even been told that a "vegetarian" changed to the duck after they read how delicious it sounded on the menu... and the staff were able to sort them out.) We've had nothing but compliments about the night, and so much of that is due to the team at Panama. Thank you so much Luke, Julia and the rest of the team. ❤️
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jemma W. 1 year ago on Google
    We just celebrated our wedding at Panama and I can’t speak more highly of the wonderful experience we had. From day one the team were attentive and helpful, we always felt like we had all the information needed to make decisions and the pricing was very transparent. Closer to the day, event coordinator Amber was available for all our needs and so helpful in making final decisions. On the day the team were absolutely phenomenal - all our guests commented on how good the food, drinks and service were and we all had so much fun. The venue is also absolutely stunning and our photos look incredible. I couldn’t recommend Panama enough!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren B. 1 year ago on Google
    We had our wedding at Panama Dining Room in October 2022 and we could not recommend this venue highly enough! The venue itself is spectacular and the team are pros! Luke was incredibly responsive over email when we were first considering Panama and answered every question and concern we had. Wes and Amber were a dream to work with in the planning stages and Wes was all over coordinating the event on the day! These guys have weddings nailed, they are friendly and easy to communicate ideas and options with, they efficiently address questions or concerns, and they have a comprehensive understanding of all the elements that go into the big day. The venue speaks for itself (couldn't be more stoked about finally having our own Panama window pic on the grid) and the food was a hit!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bethany V. 5 months ago on Google • 3 reviews
    We had our wedding in September at Panama and we couldn't recommend them more! The process throughout was effortless, always super accomodating and answered all questions with ease. The day of, the venue looked amazing and the service was so efficient. We received several comments from our guests about how great the food and service was. (Even still now) A huge shout out to Wesley, our coordinator for our wedding day- couldn't have asked for anyone better. You made not only myself feel at ease but everyone who came up into contact with you! Thank you again, especially for always topping up my vodka sodas within minutes! The venue speaks for itself, the windows and the space couldn't look bad if they tried, but the personable service and food makes it all the better. Thank you to the Panama team for all your efforts.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel F. 10 months ago on Google
    Such an incredible venue with an amazing crew; from Luke and Jason in the background to Julia, Sky and Diego making the party run to perfection. Cant thank you guys enough for making it such a memorable celebration last Saturday night. Highly Recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Anna P. 10 months ago on Google
    Venue First of all, I just wanna say how beautiful the venue looks, during the day and at night! Panama’s iconic arch windows were the perfect backdrop for our wedding. It was such a delight to work with Amber and Wes leading up to our wedding day. All communications were clear, and they absolutely killed it! Execution was next to perfection and exceeded all of our expectations. We had our first look at Panama knowing that we won’t get another chance to be alone at the venue. What can I say? As I walked through the venue towards husband (fiancé then), I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was better than what I have imagined. Panama also offers amazing food. Their menus are seasonal, so be sure to check them out! Did I mention it’s also a restaurant when there’s no weddings on the day? Definitely worth a visit!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachael A. 10 months ago on Google
    I'm a wedding photographer at Forever and Always Photography, and I recently did a wedding shoot here with planner/stylist Elizabeth at Weddings by E. Jason and Luke were incredible and so accomodating. This venue is not only absolutely gorgeous, but had such easy access for weddings with the ceremony and reception being in one big gorgeous space, with lots of options for photos nearby and views to die for you can't go wrong with this space. Highly recommend! Can't wait to come back and shoot here again and again in the future! Rach xx
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sara G. 9 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of visiting Panama Dining Room that left a lasting impression on me. From the moment I walked through the doors, I knew I was in for a treat. Everything, from the food & cocktails to the service and the venue, was nothing short of fantastic. My partner started off with a Barrel-Aged Negroni that hit the spot just right. It was perfectly balanced, with that bittersweet goodness that makes you go "mmm" with every sip. I tried their yuzu sour. Talk about a flavour explosion! The tangy yuzu mixed with just the right amount of sweetness—it was like pure cocktail magic. Alright, let's talk the food. Oh wow, every single dish that landed on my table was like a work of art. The flavours, the textures, the whole shebang—it was on point. The menu had something for everyone, and each dish was packed with flavour. We started with the Cured Mackerel - the presentation was simply stunning, with vibrant colours and artistic plating that made it almost too beautiful to eat. For mains, the succulent duck breast, cooked to a beautiful medium-rare, was perfectly seasoned and juicy. And then, oh boy, that sauce! The bitter chocolate and sour cherry sauce added a unique and tantalizing twist to the dish. The contrasting flavours of bitter sweetness and tartness danced together, and perfectly complemented the rich and tender duck. For dessert, the Pavlova was absolutely divine. The meringue was light and airy, and the dulce de leche filling was irresistibly gooey. Now, onto the service. These guys were on top of their game, no doubt. The staff was super friendly, attentive, and they knew their stuff. They genuinely seemed like they loved what they were doing and wanted to make sure everyone had an amazing time. In a nutshell, my time at Panama was absolutely awesome. The food was mind-blowing, the service was top-notch, and the whole vibe of the place was just spot-on.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claire 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Panama is the most stunning venue, with incredible food and immaculate vibes. We loved dining here so much that we got married here and it was perfect in every way. The staff are so lovely and helpful throughout the whole process. Nothing we asked for was too difficult and we had the most incredible night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maxine O. 6 months ago on Google • 6 reviews
    Panama Dining Room is a beautiful, rustic, yet modern New York loft style restaurant with the most stunning arch windows and FANTASTIC staff. My husband and I were married there two weeks ago and to say it went and looked perfect is an understatement. The wedding coordinator, Julia, is an absolute gem, who answered countless questions with pleasure and put me so at ease knowing the whole day was under her control. Julia and Jason both went out of their way to fulfil specific requests we had and brought my vision to life so wonderfully. The wait staff were also so considerate, ensuring my husband and I always had our drinks brought to us while we were mingling. The food was BEAUTIFUL (typical wedding food has absolutely nothing on this), blowing all of our guests away. We’ve been receiving non stop compliments on how beautiful the venue was and how smoothly everything went. Thank you SO MUCH, Panama!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 [email protected] r. 5 months ago on Google • 5 reviews
    The team at Panama are always a pleasure to work with. The space itself is stunning, from the choice of glassware they use, to of course stunning rounded window we love to decorate. Thank you for always recommending us to your couples and for trusting us to make your beautiful space even more beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Clarissa M. 4 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    We recently celebrated our wedding at Panama Dining Room. Our events coordinator, Julia, and the entire team went above and beyond to make our special day truly memorable, and we couldn't be more delighted with the experience. From the moment we chose Panama Dining Room as our venue, the team demonstrated unparalleled professionalism and dedication. The staff's attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the event, from the beautifully set tables to the seamless coordination of the entire ceremony and reception. We included a traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony on the day and the team had no issues with setting this up. Our guests raved about the food and drinks. We had many dietary requirements and these were extremely well catered for. If you're looking for a venue that combines culinary excellence, a stunning setting, and a team that goes the extra mile, look no further than Panama Dining Room. Our heartfelt thanks to the entire team for making our wedding day truly magical!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John H. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a Function Dining Room, NOT a public restaurant. It is for corporate functions etc. It puts on excellent meals, drinks, service, atmosphere etc. On top floor. Has xlnt views. Very good as a function room. Does everything at a high standard.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arthur M. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a wonderful experience with my partner, great service by the floor staff.. The meals were delicious... One of a few places that take me back to how restaurants used to be ...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jess B. 2 years ago on Google
    Organised my execs end of year dinner here, staff were super lovely and helpful (especially given how hard it is to get a group booking anywhere right now), and easily accommodated the dietary requirements. They gave my group the best table (lots of natural light, not too noisy!) and everyone raved about the food, drinks and service. Thanks again team and merry Christmas!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Marianne F. 9 months ago on Google
    WOW WOW WOW!!! From start to finish! My husband recently celebrated his 50th birthday better than he ever imagined!!! Panama was the perfect venue for his celebration! Starting with Luke, he was so professional & easy to deal with and nothing was to difficult. Always got back to me quickly with all my requests. Julia was absolutely brilliant and nailed everything on the evening, she is a superstar along with Diego the awesome bar tender. But really all the staff where incredible including Tess, Wes, Sky they all made sure the night went smoothly. Thankyou again!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy L. 10 months ago on Google
    Great spot for a casual drink and bite by the bar or dinner in the dining space is very enjoyable for a more formal option if you want to linger a while longer. It can get busy on the weekend, so booking in advance is a must. Ambience, service and menu are on point.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Thomas L. 1 year ago on Google
    Came here for ma boys bday even though it was #AboutAMonthAgo, and it was so good. Haven’t had food this good in so long but I got the potatoes, pork belly, lamb, duck and beef tartare. The pork belly melts in your mouth, the duck was cooked in 2 different ways, the beef tartare was so yummy yummy and you already know that potatoes never disappoints.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jennifer MacDonald - Liminal W. 11 months ago on Google
    I absolutely adore Panama Dining Room. I have shot a few weddings here and it is one of my favourite places! You definitely won't be disappointed getting married here, I can't wait to go back!! Jenny xo
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bianca D. 2 years ago on Google
    We had our wedding at Panama Dining Room in Feb 2022 and we cannot speak more highly of the team & our experience. Dan, Amber and the wider team made our experience so seamless, nothing was ever too hard & throughout the journey made us feel like absolute rock stars. Our guests have been raving about the food and the beautiful venue for weeks. We absolutely loved having our wedding here, the night went so well & we knew we were in such good hands. Panama runs weddings like a well oiled machine, the team are so professional & we already miss working with them. Thank you again for making our day so special!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarsha G. 1 year ago on Google
    Thankyou so Panama Dining Room for such a beautiful night at my engagement dinner. The staff were so professional and provided such amazing service . The team went over and above putting special touches on the table for our night which was much appreciated . 5 STAR all the way ! x
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amy D. 1 year ago on Google
    Went out to dinner to celebrate an anniversary with a large table of family members and friends young and old. The atmosphere, decor, views, food and staff service was terrific. The staff were also accommodating to elderly family who required the use of the elevator up to the restaurant, allowing other family members to join !! Great layout and space for semi-formal dining and to see views.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Evelyn X. 3 months ago on Google • 9 reviews New
    We had our wedding here after having dinner at Panama one night. The whole process was so smooth as Tessa and Julia looked after us really well - they even rushed out to buy needle and thread for us when my partner ripped his pants! Most of the communication was via email and phone, and all our questions were answered. They were able to contact and organise with our vendors without us stressing. All our guests loved the venue, the delicious food and the service. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Nick Da F. 3 months ago on Google • 7 reviews New
    As a wedding photographer, I recently had the privilege of capturing Cher and Evan's special day at the Panama Dining Room, and it was an absolute joy working in such a fantastic venue. Panama’s aesthetic is a dream for any photographer; the natural light streaming in through the large windows creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for capturing those candid moments and stunning portraits and provides an incredible backdrop. The staff were also not only professional but incredibly accommodating, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience for both the couple and their guests. Their attention to detail and friendliness were evident throughout the entire day. Panama’s proximity to the beautiful Fitzroy and surrounding city streets also offers a variety of great and unique photo opportunities. I highly recommend The Panama Dining Room to couples seeking a modern and sophisticated wedding venue. The combination of a stylish setting and a dedicated team makes it an excellent choice for creating lasting memories and hosting a big celebration. I hope to be back soon! 🥂 Nick

  • 5/5 Hey J. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a stunning venue, with beautiful atmosphere here at Panama Dining Room! The staff here are brilliant to coordinate with, and we look forward to every experience to work together. A beautiful space for our artists to perform in, can’t wait for next time!

  • 5/5 Phillip P. 2 years ago on Google
    The food this place offered was delicious, while the presentation appeared small it was far from it. Panama is a great place to hold a wedding, the staff were extremely respectful and professional.

  • 4/5 Roger B. 2 years ago on Google
    We attended a wedding. Staff were knowledgeable and skilled. Menu was well cooked and all went very smoothly. Very, very happy.

  • 5/5 Fergie R. 2 years ago on Google
    Literally the wedding venue of our dreams and the most delightful people to work with. Nothing was too much to ask for and everything was possible. Food was on point too :) Thank you team!!

  • 5/5 Laura C. 3 months ago on Google New
    We had our wedding at Panama in October, and it could not have been more perfect. Julia and the rest of the team were incredibly helpful and responsive in the lead up, and did an amazing job on the night. Panama is a perfect combination of stylish, professional, and fun. Our guest loved it and so did we!! Would completely recommend to anyone considering their wedding here.

  • 5/5 Melissa L. 2 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    We recently had our wedding at Panama Dining Room. Panama is an experienced venue that was able to deliver such a high quality dining experience despite such a large headcount. We were thrilled with the day and had such a great experience with Julia (the coordinator and absolute gem). Thanks again to Luke, Julia and Jason for their coordination and support in helping us have such a memorable day. All our guests raved about the food and if you haven't dined there, you definitely should.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +61 3 9417 7663 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ Late-night food
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Curbside pickup

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