Maito Restaurante image

Maito Restaurante

Restaurant Bar

👍👍 Really good experience. We had the tasting menu with pairing, which has 10 courses and each one comes with a different drink (beer, some types of wine, digestives, geisha coffee) and I can say it was worth it. My personal favorites were: sancocho, ceviche, langostinos and the strawberries & cream fr... People often mention menu, Panama, restaurant, service, experience, Maito, dish, dishes, good, flavors,


Address

C. 50, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama

Website

www.maitopanama.com

Contact

+507 391-4657

Price rating

$$$ $

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: (Shrove Tuesday), 12 to 10 pm, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Thursday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Friday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Saturday: 12 to 10 pm
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 12 to 10 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: menu (46) Panama (38) restaurant (37) service (33) experience (30) Maito (28) dish (28) dishes (28) good (26) flavors (21)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Andrés Z. 1 year ago on Google
    Really good experience. We had the tasting menu with pairing, which has 10 courses and each one comes with a different drink (beer, some types of wine, digestives, geisha coffee) and I can say it was worth it. My personal favorites were: sancocho, ceviche, langostinos and the strawberries & cream from the desserts. Good service and explanations for each course. Total dining time was around 3 hours. Recommended if you are in Panama.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Linda W. 2 years ago on Google
    Maito was a dining experience. Best food we have had in Panama. The sea bass was so delicate and flavorful. The corvina belly appetizer was superb. My seafood rice dish was to die for. All lived up to our expectations after reading about the restaurant online. The chocolate dessert was magnificent and still tasting that in my mind! Definitely a place to try and feels like an occasion that is special. Great service also. A must go place for lunch or dinner!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gabe K. 10 months ago on Google
    Maito Restaurante in Panama City offers an exceptional tasting menu that is a true culinary masterpiece. The experience is a delightful journey through Panamanian flavors and innovative techniques. Each dish is meticulously crafted with attention to detail, showcasing the chef's creativity and passion. The menu showcases a harmonious blend of local ingredients, resulting in unique and vibrant flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The presentation is a work of art, combining colors, textures, and aromas in a visually stunning way. The knowledgeable staff provides impeccable service, guiding guests through each course with enthusiasm and expertise. Maito Restaurante's tasting menu is an unforgettable gastronomic adventure that celebrates the best of Panamanian cuisine in an elegant and inviting setting.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 balooko31 3 months ago on Google • 281 reviews New
    Pros: The service, ambience, and the food tasted pretty good. Cons: The menu was not just limited in selections, but each item was one or two words that even my native Spanish speaking wife had no idea what they were. We had to ask our waiter what each thing was to get a better idea. I ordered a steak with onions, only to find out there was a cashew sauce all over. Thankfully I'm not allergic (the waiter did ask) and I like cashews (which he didn't mention when we asked about it), otherwise I could've been in trouble or unhappy about the choice. None of the dishes seemed particularly interesting or unique to Panama, but still we liked what we ordered.

  • 5/5 Sina thinks about this w. 2 years ago on Google
    Very chill restaurant with very friendly and comforting staff. They are flexible to adjust the menu suitable for vegetarian/vegan. Love it!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 kelli w. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome place to eat for special occasion which was my birthday. Attentive staff and those that spoke English was awesome we appreciated the effort. Bathrooms just didn't like... reapplying my lipstick in full view of dining staff no Bueno Dark parking lot full of rocks. I had on heels no choice of where we wanted to sit.. I had duck lomein and it was yummy not the best ever but decent. If this was a hotel bar/ resturante I could see why the prices were this high but such is life. Ciao
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 George A. R. 7 months ago on Google • 63 reviews
    The black rice is out of this world. Beautiful flavor mixed in with the shrimp. Catch of the day was cooked perfectly with notes of an Asian flavor. The sauce the comes with the shrimp dumpling I could drink as a soup by itself. Service here was the best in Panama City. Great attention to detail. Definitely looking forward to returning!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali T. 4 months ago on Google • 165 reviews
    Found Maito through the top 50 discovery website and it didn’t disappoint! We were able to get a table outside without a reservation during the week day. Their cocktails and food menu was really great. I would say the black squid our favorite dish out of all.

  • 5/5 Lisa T. 2 months ago on Google • 14 reviews New
    We’ve eaten at Maito before and the food has been very good but this time we tried the tasting menu and wine pairing and we thought it was spectacular. The tasting menu showcased - very succinctly- why Maito is #100 on the World’s Best Restaurant List and #6 on the Latin America list. The tasting menu was seven savory courses and two dessert courses - and every dish was fabulous. The sommelier did an excellent job of pairing the 7 courses with 6 wines and one sake and dessert was complemented by a very aromatic cup of geisha coffee. Bread and butter was first. The bread was buttery, flaky profiterole-style small buns accompanied by saril butter. The saril gave the butter a nice tartness and the combo of that tartness with creaminess of the butter and richness of the bun was excellent. The first dish was sancocho. The chicken was smoked with nance wood and that gave the soup a profound and wonderful flavor and aroma. It was superb. Next was a papaya mango salad (made with ripe and green papaya) flavored with ajo chili. This dish was a terrific sweet and spicy combo of flavors. The wine pairing was a crisp and minerally white from Spain. (See the wine picture for the specifics). Third was a kampachi dish done chombasia style - a combination of Asian, Afro, Caribbean flavors. This dish had some heat and was nicely flavored with ginger and chives. We ate it on top of the super crispy patacones that came with it - which provided a nice contrast in textures. The wine pairing was an Australian Riesling which was a perfect pairing for the spiciness in this dish. Next was a shrimp dumpling. For us this was a super star dish. It was a fusion of Afro Panamanian and Chinese cuisine. The dumpling was cooked to perfection- the shrimp was perfectly cooked and the dough had just the right amount of al dente It was served in a curry sauce that was slightly spicy and had notes of anise. The sauce was amazing. Our only suggestion here was the dish needed “a wiper” for the sauce because we didn’t want to leave a drop on the plate. This was paired with a rose from Greece that had a lovely flowery aroma. The next dish was also stellar - and somewhat of a surprise as it was ñame. It was steamed and then barbecued and served with a sauce of lychee, ají chombo and ron abuelo. This sauce was out of this world delicious. Then came a grilled langostino - once again perfectly cooked - with curry and ginger flavors. This was paired with a sake which didn’t work for me, but my husband enjoyed the combination. The final savory dish was kampachi done chombasia style; the coconut, chili and cilantro flavors were wonderful. It came with coconut rice made with coconut oil, and it had a very prominent - and quite tasty - coconut flavor that blended well with the coconut flavors in the fish. The first of the desserts was geisha focused. It included a cream of geisha topped with a thin, crispy layer of caramel. The creamy-crunchy texture combination worked very well and as did the flavor combos. The flavors and aroma from the geisha coffee (which was beautifully made table side) wrapped everything together. The second dessert I thought was another highlight of the meal. It was a corn fritter filled with a local cheese and a scoop of ice cream made from the local cheese - both served in a sweet sauce made from corn and spiced with some pepper. It was another outstanding combination. In particular I thought the sauce was fantastic. The geisha coffee also complemented this dish nicely. We dined on the terrace. There were a lot of fans so we found it comfortable. The tables are also quite far apart so and it was quiet. Service was generally quite attentive. Our only quibble was that we had to chase them in the beginning for drinks and the sometimes took a bit too long to refill water glasses. But all the servers and sommelier did a wonderful job of describing the dishes and wine pairings. We thought this was one of the best meals we’ve ever had in Panama.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicholas K. 9 months ago on Google
    Wonderful experience at Maito with my fiancé. The service was excellent. The sommelier and waitress were very knowledgeable about various wines from around the world. They let us try the wines by the glass before making a decision to pair with our meal. Their cocktails were also very nice to start with. The food came out quickly, hot, and were each delicious and unique. We came from California and the dishes were different than the food we were accustom to back home. We highly recommend this for any special occasion or date night.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kadi M. 1 year ago on Google
    Best food in Panama. Gastronomical experience! Complex, yet clean layered flavors. Very authentic yet modern. Best sangria outside of Spain!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicolás Vargas M. 9 months ago on Google
    No wonder it’s listed as one of latin america’s 50 best restaurants (#6). If you don’t mind a little heat you can sit outside. The short rib appetizer is wonderful, slow cooked for more than 24h the meat is tender and full of flavor, the corn vessel is crunchy and delicious. Also the burger (not on the main menu, you have to ask your server for it) is amazing.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gavin G. 10 months ago on Google
    We had the pleasure of dining at Maito in Panama City, the 6th best restaurant in Latin America, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. Chef Mario Castrellon has played a pivotal role in bringing a renaissance to Panama cuisine, and his culinary expertise was evident in every aspect of our meal. Upon arrival, we received excellent advice from the sommelier, who guided us through the wine selection with pride and knowledge. The sommelier's recommendations perfectly complemented our meal, enhancing the overall dining experience. We were seated in the back garden area, which had a charming ambiance. The setting was intimate and inviting, providing a perfect backdrop for our evening. Now, let's talk about the food. Every dish we tasted was a true delight. The entradas featured a variety of cold cured seafood and local fresh fish, beautifully showcasing the flavors of the region. The attention to detail and the quality of the ingredients were outstanding, making each bite a memorable experience. For the mains, we opted for the fish dishes, and we were not disappointed. The whole roasted fish was cooked to perfection, tender and flavorful. The Panamanian-style rice seafood dish was a delightful combination of textures and spices, representing the rich culinary heritage of the country. The fried fish in curry offered a unique and tantalizing fusion of flavors. However, the real star of the show was the grouper fillet. It was expertly cooked with a slight smoky influence, resulting in a dish that was both succulent and satisfying. Each main course was a testament to the chef's skill and creativity. Despite our satisfaction, we regrettably had no room left for dessert. However, we were tempted by "the geisha experience" on the menu. If time and stomach capacity had allowed, we would have eagerly indulged in this enticing offering. Overall, our dining experience at Maito was exceptional. The combination of Chef Mario Castrellon's innovative approach to Panama cuisine, the attentive guidance of the sommelier, and the delightful ambiance created an evening to remember. I highly recommend Maito to anyone seeking a remarkable culinary journey in Panama City.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elisa T. 2 years ago on Google
    The food, the ambiance and service are all of the highest quality; would rate with more stars if possible. It is pricey, not a place you would go to regularly, but you definitely get your money's worth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Avaas S. 2 years ago on Google
    Had high expectations and maito lived up to those expectations. The cechimi was decadent! And the langostonas were cooked perfectly. The food had hints of smokey-ness that hit the spot. Really wanted to try dessert but we were so full.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter D. 9 months ago on Google
    Amazing, Michelin-star quality restaurant in Panama City. (Michelin does not exist in Central America, but they are ranked as the #100 restaurant worldwide according to “50 Best Restaurants of the World.”) They had an extensive tasting menu with delicious, subtle yet powerful wine pairings. Our favorite dishes were the shrimp wonton (perfect texture and firmness, with a delicious accompanying sauce), the San Miguel soup (octopus ceviche paired with Rum Añejo and salt water), and the Geisha coffee dessert! Every dish was exceptional; we thoroughly enjoyed the chef’s take on traditional Panamanian foods and experiences. Dixie, the sommelier, was very knowledgeable and helpful. HIGHLY RECOMMEND - best meal in Panama!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shaje G. 1 year ago on Google
    If you come to Panama City and can only do one restaurant, come here. Loved the food. The service was exceptional. Every thing about this place is just right and how it should be. They offer few choices in the menu, but most of whatever they do, they do well. (Don’t go to a Panamanian restaurant and order Chinese and you’ll be fine) It’ll be a bit more expensive of a meal vs other options - but in the end it’ll be worth it. From what I understand the chef updates the menu every few months so you may not get the same options as I did when I visited.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole P. 1 year ago on Google
    What a wonderful experience. Excellent service and even more incredible food! I would consider the food to be equivalent to a 5 star restaurant in the USA. Delicious cocktails too! So glad this place was recommended for us by a local. It has a relaxing outdoor environment with good air flow.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex S. 7 months ago on Google
    Best meal we had in Panama — incredibly attentive staff with quality food to match. A must if you want modern fine dining with Panama roots.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Captain G. 2 years ago on Google
    A very nice place to have dinner by a fresh cuisine, Maito cuisine is exquisite and fresh, menu very short so you don't need to spend time looking for what to eat...direct to the spot.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenen T. 2 years ago on Google
    A fusion restaurant with Panamanian, European and Asian flavors. I went on a Thu evening without reservation, and I was able to get a seat right away since it was just me. If you come with a larger group, it's best to make a reservation. I tried the appetizer Cechimi de Corvina and the entree Guachito caribe de marisco. The sour Cechimi is a perfect appetizer in preparation for the heavier entree. But my favorite dish is the dessert Strawberry and cream. The sweet strawberry slices and candy served well with the olive oil ice cream. The only suggestion I would have is to have an English version of the menu. Even though the staff was helpful and explained the menu to me and made some good recommendation, I prefer to be able to read the menu myself.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Moniza M. 5 years ago on Google
    The ambiance of Maito is great. The outdoor patio setting is a calming space in the heat and bustle of Panama City. The food however is just okay. We had the tuna tartare, the beef empanadas, the short rib dumpling, and the fish of the day. The tuna tartare with the passion fruit sauce was the best item of the night. My only complaint is I wish it had more sauce, as most of the flavor came from the passion fruit sauce. The empanadas were good, but nothing special. They tasted just as good as anything I got off the street. I was most excited for the short rib dumplings, but ended up not impressed. Not much flavor in the dish, although the texture was great. The fish of the Day was cooked perfectly but again, it was missing that punch. More salt, pepper, lemon would have been good. For dessert we had the tres leches cake, which was very tasty but very sweet. Overall, the food was good, but not great. For a restaurant on the worlds top list, I expected more from the food. The service was fine, but at a restaurant at this level I do expect more. The server asked us what we wanted to order and then after the fact told us there were also specials of the day. I wish he had told us this before we decided what we wanted to order. Same for dessert, there was no menu describing the items and his memory wasn’t the best so we were confused as to what was being offered. I like what Maito is trying to do, but I just don’t think it’s worth the hype.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ms S. 5 years ago on Google
    This restaurant is rated in the 50 best restaurants in Latin America. It met up to our expectations. We sat outdoors in the patio and the garden was very tropical with banana plants and papaya trees We signed up for their email and got a free cocktail, made from fresh peaches, gin and cider. We had the pulled pork appetizer which was very flavorful. For the entree we had the sea bass in a sweet and sour sauce and the spare ribs that were so moist it was coming off the bone. They give you a free bread basket. For dessert we shared the lemon pie which had lemon sorbetto in it.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Naomi C. 4 years ago on Google
    We have been to Maito twice during our 2 visits to Panama and both occasions we had the Tasting Menu with pairing. I must say the first time it was great. the food and the service. The second time it was OK nothing special. The restaurant doesn't even recognize returning customers. Think they need a menu change soon. Service has gone down a lot since our first visit in March. I can clearly see why they have gone down in the Top 50 Latin American Restaurant ranking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MAHI K. 5 months ago on Google • 48 reviews
    Best restaurant in this continent.. Service, ambiance and most importantly the food; everything was just amazing. All the flavors were dancing very well synchronized in each dishes. Entire experience was like a heaven

  • 5/5 Daisy H. 3 months ago on Google • 32 reviews New
    Extremely delicious Maito is a perfect place if you want to experience a more gourmet Panamanian food. They incorporate all the traditional Panamanian flavors but with a twist. The cocktails selection are delicious as well. The restaurant atmosphere is nice and relaxed with an excellent and friendly staff.

  • 4/5 Natalie 3 months ago on Google • 16 reviews New
    The tasting menu was great, I enjoyed trying the 10 different dishes and geisha coffee. The ceviche with platanos and the langostino were amazing! The staff were helpful and friendly, although they had no record of my reservation when I had arranged this directly through the restaurant Whats App. I went at lunchtime and the atmosphere was lacking because I was dining alone in the bar section, but I imagine it’s better when busier at dinner.

  • 5/5 Mauricio C. 4 years ago on Google
    The best Carimañolas & Sancocho in town. A few dishes have a subtle smoke that accentuates the flavors. Service was superb thanks to Guillermo.

  • 5/5 Robin G. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent food. A bit pricey, but what does one expect from a high class restaurant :)

  • 3/5 Simon Finn M. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely not worthy their mention in 50 best restaurants of South America! It tries to achieve the fine dining experience but does not get there, although one can see the potential, the experience is destroyed by the lack of balance: too much salt in some dishes or too much sweetness or ceviche that tastes fishy or mayonnaise that overpowers everything else etc. Has a good service though

  • 5/5 Matt H. 2 years ago on Google
    Incredible dining experience. We did the tasting menu and our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about all of the courses (all of which were phenomenal) which really added to our dinner. The venue is very cool (be sure to sit outside!), the staff is very friendly and chatty, and the drinks were refreshing and delicious. Would recommend to anyone spending time in Panama City.

  • 3/5 P S. 2 years ago on Google
    Good food, but small portions with big prices. Drinks are also pretty expensive, even though they are the same as anywhere else at half price. Ambiance was ok, but at these prices I would expect more... Might be worth going for a special occasion, but not a regular meal.

  • 4/5 Axel C. 2 years ago on Google
    Service was good, food was below I was used to in maito, desserts were 5 stars the highlight of the night

  • 4/5 Gabriel G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great as expected. Would love to see an exciting new dish

  • 5/5 Alfredo M. 1 year ago on Google
    Maito is the best restaurant in Panama, and one of the best in Latin America. Food is delicious, ambiance is very nice, and the service is excellent. I sincerely recommend it.

  • 4/5 Redwan M. 1 year ago on Google
    This is definitely a wonderful local food tasting menu. Maito tasting menu is what I would recommend as it walk you through delicious locals flavors, the chef work to highlight the taste of great ingredients and does not overdo it. The design and decor of the restaurant is elementary and without pretension, the accent is on the cuisine. My partner and I still remember that delicious fish broth. All the plates were delicious and graduated slowly in flavors. I wish we could have come home with a little document telling us more about each plate because there was so much to know. Undoubtedly, an experience to do when going to Panama City.

  • 5/5 Alexa M. 1 year ago on Google
    Outstanding service, and food. Probably one of the best restaurants I have been too worldwide. I would recommend this spot when in panama city!! The tasting menu was to DIE for! Including the 2 desert courses. I will definitely be returning. If unsure about selecting a spot - this is not something you would want to pass up! Make sure you make a reservation!

  • 5/5 Luke L. 1 year ago on Google
    The menu was in Spanish, but a waiter helped me understand what things were without hesitation. The food was amazing. Price point was fair for quality. Great service. Those wings are next level and the noodles with duck just wow. Definitely would recommend checking out this place on your trip to Panama. You will be extremely happy, you did.

  • 5/5 Jan van den B. 10 months ago on Google
    Maito, a gem nestled in the heart of Panama, is a culinary experience that transcends the ordinary. It's not just a restaurant; it's a narrative of Panama's diverse culinary influences, a story told through the language of food. The moment you step into Maito, you're welcomed by an ambiance that is both authentic and captivating. The restaurant's atmosphere is a testament to its commitment to preserving and showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage. The decor is tastefully done, subtly reflecting the Panamanian ethos, making it a delightful place to dine. The menu at Maito is a testament to the creativity and culinary prowess of Chef Mario Castrellón. It's evident that he experiments freely, crafting dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in Panama's culinary traditions. The use of local ingredients is a highlight, showcasing the best that the country has to offer. Maito invites you on a unique culinary journey, exploring unforgettable flavors that have stood the test of time. The restaurant successfully marries ancestral delights with the sophistication of contemporary gastronomy. Each bite is a revelation, a taste of the past intertwined with the present. The service at Maito is commendable, with a team that is attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing an exceptional dining experience. They guide you through the menu, sharing stories behind the dishes that add to the overall experience. In conclusion, Maito is more than a dining destination; it's a cultural immersion. It's a place where you can rediscover the delights of Panama's ancestral roots, fused with the sophistication of modern gastronomy. If you find yourself in Panama, missing out on Maito would indeed be a culinary misstep. It's not just a restaurant; it's a celebration of Panama's rich culinary heritage.

  • 5/5 Rosario C. 11 months ago on Google
    Excellent food. Tasting menu is a must. Extremely friendly and attentive staff, eager to explain the dishes. Coconut and olive oil dessert is to die for. Must visit in Panama City.

  • 5/5 Juan Pablo M. 10 months ago on Google
    Definitely worth it and rightfully in The top 50 restaurants in LATAM. A great way to try high end Panamanian dishes with asian influences and cooking techniques A great way to try most of the dishes is by sharing them, taking into account that if your party is 4 or more you have to order 2 of each for the starters. The best for me were the desserts, the Fresas con Crema is a must

  • 5/5 Kenta O. 9 months ago on Google
    Tried the testing menu. All dishes were amazing, I especially loved the main dish (fish) and the desert with coconut. I will be back to this place again if I return to Panama. The staff were all so friendly and made good explanation of each dishes. Unfortunately I could only get the outdoor seating so it was a bit hot 🥵 but it was nothing compared to the nice dishes I had.

  • 5/5 Casey W. 8 months ago on Google
    This restaurant was suggested to us on the Plane into Panama by a local Panamanian 🇵🇦 Was told one of the best restaurants in the world. Of course we had to try it! It didn’t disappoint. We loved it so much we returned to eat again before we left the city. Been coming to Panama for 10 years and so happy we found this place. The food, atmosphere, and service was top notch!!!!!

  • 4/5 Tee S. 7 months ago on Google
    I had to try the #1 restaurant in Panama (#6 in LATAM). Maybe a tad underwhelmed, but I probably built it up in my own mind. We had an early booking and wanted the degustation, but was told they only offer for 6pm or 9pm sittings, so that was disappointing. We asked for some guidance on the menu, but the gentleman serving us was not great with the dish descriptions and ultimately, confused what dish I wanted. But - the fish dish I had, was damn good! The main prawn dish (Langostino one way) lacked a little flavour or seasoning, but was lovely. The starters were the knock outs for me… Kanpachi Tartar was amazing.. packed with flavour! And the Plantain chips… OH MY GOD!!! PLEASE BAG THEM AND SELL THEM!! The maiz and short rib was sensational… I could eat 3 more servings 😋 And the Albariño wine was a delightful surprise. We said we’d like to see the dessert menu.. twice. It never came. I will go back for the degustation… but I’ll need to book further in advance to get the 6pm or 9pm slot.

  • 5/5 Aynur N. 6 months ago on Google
    Very interesting experience. The food is delicious. The service is amazing. Eric was helping us with the menu selection and he was great, very knowledgeable and friendly. Had am amazing time there. Highly recommend 👌

  • 5/5 Eoghan L. 6 months ago on Google
    Incredible food and service from start to finish. The most amazing dining experience! I would fly back to Panama especially for this experience once again! 👌🏻👌🏻

  • 5/5 Joachim G. 7 months ago on Google
    Culinary entertainment at its best with a journey through Panamian cuisine with interesting and delicious food and a good drink pairing (including local rum, coffee and beer). The service is impeccable and the atmosphere on the terrace (well ventialed with fans) is stellar.

  • 5/5 Paolo Dal G. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing experience. Was like traveling from Panama to Asia and coming back. Erik was our somm and he was great. Gaysha coffe was unique . Grazie mille

  • 5/5 Jessica Wakauma A. 3 months ago on Google • 12 reviews New
    The food is delicious creative and surprising. We were greeted with cinnamon pepper hibiscus bread butter combo, and proceeded to order the smoked melon salad, heirloom tomato salad, squid ink dyed rice, duck chow mei and a surprise lentil dessert. This has just become one of our favorites in the city.

  • 3/5 A S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) 3 very tasty dishes. 3 inedible (Original) 3 platos muy ricos. 3 incomibles

  • 5/5 Nazareth A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A restaurant in Panama City that is considered among the 50 best restaurants in Latin America, and that was the reason for leaving the hotel. People the restaurant is like a house, the waiters are not starched and it is not full of freshness they are simple and friendly, MAITO is in a residential neighborhood not very close to the Hotel Zone The atmosphere is pleasant, without much sophistication, but FOOD is a chapter apart. Simply wonderful!!!!!. The taste of the food and the way the dishes are served is impeccable. Our orders: Cochinita Pinbil en panilla pancake Fished al horno; Calamares risotto negro conchuelas y salsa de ajo. (It's been on the menu for a long time and I hope it continues) Sensational. . We didn't order dessert because we were already very satisfied. # Panama # Panama City #maito (Original) Um restaurante na Cidade do Panamá que é considerado entre os 50 melhores restaurantes da América Latina, e foi esse o motivo para sair do hotel. Gente o restaurante é tipo uma casa, os garçons não são engomadinhos e nem é cheio de frescura são simples e simpáticos, MAITO está em um bairro residencial não muito próximo da Zona Hoteleira O ambiente é agradável, sem muita sofisticação, mas a COMIDA é um capítulo à parte. Simplesmente Maravilhosa!!!!!. O sabor da comida e a forma como são servidos os pratos é impecável. Nossos pedidos: Cochinita Pinbil en tortilla panameña Pescado al horno; Calamares risotto negro con conchuelas y salsa de ajo. (Está no cardápio a muito tempo e espero que continue) Sensacional. . Não pedimos sobremesa por que já estávamos mega satisfeitas. #Panamá #cidadedopanamá #maito

  • 5/5 Antonio Y. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Delicious food, spectacular service, relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. If I could give 100 stars I give them to you (Original) Deliciosa comida, servicio espectacular, ambiente relajado y acogedor. Si se podrían dar 100 estrellas se las doy

  • 5/5 Camila P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Delicious this site 10 (Original) Delicioso este sitio 10

  • 1/5 Marian Prieto A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) So we went to eat last night in this restaurant let's call it restaurant 😂 .. with my wife and my daughter .. .. we had booked a table .. and when we arrived we had to fight because they wanted us to sit down. Beside the oven .. because they said they had no tables .. and then during the evening most of the tables were not occupied .. Okay .. there is strength our surname was not on their VIP list. We sat down .. and they welcomed us very coldly .. and even gave us the menu after a minute they demanded .. the order of the drinks .. and they were in a hurry that we woke up to eat very hastily. .... in fact I had to call the waiter and tell him to calm down .. that we wanted a little relaxation no himself .. they propose me oysters I say ok open half a dozen .. thank goodness ... because if I had opened I should have asked more a credit line .. half a dozen 42 euro .. never seen even top restaurants in the world like Milos, never charge me 6 oysters 42 euro .. ok with my wife ask a tartar trio .. .. no we had the forks ... 😂 and the bread at the table .. ok .. there is .. the strongest disappointment are the fried squid .. of such a poor quality .. they seemed the U 3 Of Thai import .. lousy !! And fried with an oil. Very old man who knew he was in fact this morning I still had to digest them .. and then I'll let you imagine .. the rest .. of the evening .. Please !! Let's make this restaurant viral .. they are swindlers .. that after a depression we have suffered. instead of being educated professionals to offer quality they take advantage of it. You judge now I am attaching the bill ...... (Original) Allora siamo andati mangiare ieri sera in questo ristorante chiamiamolo ristorante 😂.. con la mia moglie e la mi figlia .. .. avevamo prenotato un tavolo .. e all arrivò abbiamo dovuto litigare perché volevano farci accomodare . Al lato del forno .. perché dicevano che non avevano tavoli .. e poi durante la serata la maggior parte dei tavoli non erano occupati .. Vabbene .. ci sta forze il nostro cognome non era nella loro lista VIP . Ci siamo seduti .. e ci hanno accolto molto freddamente .. e nemmeno dato il menu dopo un minuto esigevano .. l ordine delle bevande .. e avevano fretta che svegliavamo da mangiare molto frettolosamente. ....infatti ho dovuto richiamare il cameriere e dirgli di calmarsi .. che volevamo un po’ di relax no stess .. mi propongono delle ostriche dico ok me ne apra mezza dozzina.. meno male .. perché se ne avessi aperte di più avrei dovuto chiedere una linea di credito .. mezza dozzina 42 euro .. mai visto nemmeno top ristoranti al mondo come Milos , mi mai fatto pagare 6 ostriche 42 euro .. ok con mia moglie chiediamo un tris di tartar .. .. non avevamo le forchette ...😂ed il pane a tavola .. ok .. ci sta .. la delusione più forte sono i calamari fritti .. di una qualità così scadente .. sembravano gli U 3 Di importazione tailandesi .. schifosi !! E fritti con un olio. Vecchissimo che sapeva di ranginco di fatti questa mattina ancora dovevo digerirli .. e poi vi lascio immaginare .. il resto .. della serata .. Per Favore !! Facciamo virale questo ristorante .. sono dei truffaldini .. che dopo una depressione che abbiamo subito. invece di essere professionisti educati d offrire qualità se ne approfittano .. . A voi giudicare Adesso vi allego il conto ......

  • 5/5 Eliécer Torres S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent! (Original) ¡Excelente!

  • 5/5 Agny Sofi x. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing food and great customer service!!!! Thx Kathy your are awesome

  • 5/5 luisa h. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The best!!!! (Original) Lo mejor!!!!

  • 4/5 Shirley M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Only!!! My favourite (Original) Unico!!! Mi preferido

  • 5/5 MJ C. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to try when in Panama.

  • 2/5 Simon G. 3 years ago on Google
    A couple of good courses in the set menu, but the smoked meats are absolutely vile. I cannot understand how this is being served. We left before the dessert courses

  • 5/5 Gicrown .. 4 years ago on Google
    Well-known chef, awesome dishes, nica place

  • 5/5 julian andres jimenez m. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A nice experience, very good dishes and excellent service (Original) Una linda experiencia muy buenos platos y excelente atención

  • 5/5 vincent de la r. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excelent as always High altitude food Quality drinks Friendly and punctual service A beautiful location with two comfortable environments Simply a gastronomic experience that must be tried (Original) Excelente como siempre Comida de altura Bebidas de calidad Servicio amable y puntual Una ubicación hermosa con dos ambientes a gusto Simplemente una experiencia gastronómica q se debe probar

  • 5/5 Manisha V. 3 years ago on Google
    We asked for vegetarian tasting menu and it was an awesome experience. Everything that was served was full of flavour. Food was delicious and service was impeccable.

  • 5/5 Dhaval N. 3 years ago on Google
    Went to Maito a couple of days ago to celebrate our anniversary. What an amazing restaurant! My wife and I are vegetarians. the chef customized tasting menu for us. It was very delicious. Each course was exquisite. Service was great as well. Will definitely visit again.

  • 5/5 Paullette Pérez C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent meal!!! (Original) Excelente comida!!!

  • 5/5 Horacio R. 6 years ago on Google
    Wow. Great food. Very accommodating location....

  • 5/5 Kathleen M. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious food and great service. The staff was terrific at helping us order since our Spanish is very poor.

  • 5/5 paul s. 4 years ago on Google
    A kind of family style meal featuring a wide variety of Panamanian food. Because of the size of our group they brought us a variety of appetizers. The German/US/Spanish/Panamanian wine steward knew her stuff and acted as a translator with the rest of the staff who were very attentive. The food was excellent and we all had a very relaxed meal.

  • 4/5 Gabriela C. 5 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance, good food!

  • 5/5 Manuel Zárate S. 4 years ago on Google
    Simple and impressive. Great flavors and attention. First time around in Panamá and got this great surprise of flavors. Great Gin Tonics too.

  • 4/5 Enrique M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A place with a great gift of using local products and giving the diner a new dimension in food. Super recommended (Original) Un lugar con un gran don de usar productos locales y darle al comensal una nueva dimensión en la comida. Súper recomendable

  • 4/5 Cat O. 2 years ago on Google
    Not bad, we had to send one dish back. The waiters were excellent.

  • 5/5 Joshua H. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing food. As a family we had appetizers (Octopus, Short Rib Dumplings, Pork Taquitos, Tuna Ceviche), Entres (Glazed Salmos w Couscous, Filete and Mongolian Short Ribs) and Dessert (Chocolate Cake and Lemon Pie). All were amazing. There is a reason this place is ranked as one of the top restaurants in Panama City and all of Latin America. Would love to come back.

  • 5/5 Yvo B. 4 years ago on Google
    Very nice, going back in a couple days. Nice fusion of local and international dishes. Worth the visit.

  • 5/5 Elad F. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent service and rum selection. The food was interesting and well crafted. Serving sizes are small.

  • 5/5 Chiara C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Everything perfect, excellent food, service and super staff! (Original) Tutto perfetto, cibo eccellente, servizio e personale super!

  • 3/5 ANTONIO R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) With its different environments, the visit is very pleasant and the attention is very good. (Original) Con sus diferentes ambientes se hace muy agradable la visita ademas de que la atencion es muy buena.

  • 3/5 Sara P. 4 years ago on Google
    I'll start off by saying that maybe my palate is not the best when it comes to Panamanian dishes. However, I have been to a few Michelin star restaurants and all of them put this place to shame. I was disappointed, especially for the price. Paying the same price in the states for a meal would give me better food. The desserts we're good, and I liked a few of the dishes, a few others I couldn't finish eating. The first thing they served was a broth... It tasted legitimately like salty, boiled hotdog water. Huge disappointment, I would not recommend. I should add that the staff was extremely professional and helpful.

  • 5/5 Edgar Huertas C. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent place to eat (Original) Excelente lugar para comer

  • 4/5 Yas S. 4 years ago on Google
    Delicious restaurant.. great service.. amazing food (even though very greasy and a little tough to digest) and wonderful wine selection. The restaurant has a nice big outdoor area / terrace which I felt could use a bit more TLC, especially for a place that positions itself as upscale.. (garbage bins visible.. not many plants..) but still, preferred it to the AC indoors. Taste of the food well worth the visit, but maybe plan for an early dinner given the heaviness of the food?

  • 4/5 Gary R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Thanks to the Maite staff. We enjoy celebrating with all of you. Very good. (Original) Gracias al personal de Maite. Disfrutamos celebrando con todos ustedes. Muy bien.

  • 5/5 Arafat S. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely amazing! Everything was perfect! Great service! The meals were delicious and wonderfully presented!

  • 5/5 ELBA M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The food is always very rich, very painstaking in preparation. It is often difficult to book. Just suggest the weekend serve run from noon to dinner. (Original) La comida siempre es muy rica, muy esmerados en la preparacion. Muchas veces es dificil reservar. Solo sugeriria que el fin de semana sirvan corrido desde el mediodia hasta la cena.

  • 5/5 IRENE DE V. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The best‼ ️ (Original) Lo mejor‼️

  • 5/5 Luis M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Mongolian beef dish recommended and the puff pastry pies. From desserts. Smoked cocoa. (Original) El mongolian beef plato recomendado y las empanadas de hojaldre. De postres.el cacao ahumado.

  • 5/5 Jay S. 4 years ago on Google
    Great food and service. Very spacious. Easy parking.

  • 3/5 Janisse M. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I tried the tasting menu and it's ok. The attention since we arrived was not the best. There was no one to meet us once at the entrance, rather the first thing we saw was a dirty disposable plate. When explaining the dishes, the boy had no knowledge to explain them and many times I was waiting for more information. They didn't give us napkins at first, I had to order them on the third tasting plate when I realized that they didn't plan on giving it to me. At the time of giving me the cutlery they did not put them on a napkin and my place was under an outdoor tree all day and I find it a bit unhygienic. To be a tasting menu, of the 10/12 dishes (I don't remember how many they were) 3 dishes were bad, without technique and without flavor. Another 3 were very good and the remaining normal. (Original) Probé el menú de degustación y esta bien. La atención desde que llegamos no fue la mejor. No había nadie para recibirnos una vez en la entrada, más bien lo primero que vimos fue un plato desechable sucio. A la hora de explicar los platos, el muchacho no tenía conocimiento para explicarlos y muchas veces me quedé esperando por más información. No nos dieron servilletas al principio, tuve que pedirlas en el tercer plato de degustación cuando me di cuenta que no planeaban en darmela. A la hora de darme los cubiertos no me los pusieron encima de una servilleta y mi puesto estaba debajo de un árbol al aire libre todo el día y me parece un poco anti higiénico. Para ser un menú degustación, de los 10/12 platos (no recuerdo cuántos eran) 3 platos estuvieron malos, sin técnica y sin sabor. Otros 3 fueron muy MUY buenos y los restantes normales.

  • 2/5 joshua b. 4 years ago on Google
    Id give it 3 or 4 stars if it was cheaper and didn't have such a reputation for being such a great culinary experience. The wine list is very lacking for by the glass at 2 reds, 2 whites and a sparkling. If they offered a pairing option with the tasting menu they could create a situation where A- they have a tasting option, obviously, and B- you could create your own or C- again obviously, you just have more choice. Traveling around central America it's fine and expected to have less choice, especially in wine, but when your restaurant is listed in publications as the best in Panama or possibly the best in central America and occasionally even in the conversation of world lists you need options for your diners. Maybe argue that it's better to pair locally produced libations at Maito, so not wine, to go with the locally inspired menu, awesome, I would love that, but this place was lazy. The server didn't want us ordering the degustacion at 830 because it's like 12 courses, ok, then put that in the reservations programming to inform patrons. The "maître d" suggested the bottle of orange wine to pair with the degustacion that we both ordered (because it's what we came for) which was an ok pairing, it worked, but the hipster element of it he overconfidently expected to enchant us with was undermined by our experience in dining and you could tell it's the wine he commonly recommends to tables for the degustacion that look like they aren't going to spend a small fortune on a bottle. We probably would've even ordered a glass of orange wine from the non existent by the glass wine menu, but it's not what you want for 12 courses and you also don't want to get drunk trying to get through it because you want to be sober enough to properly experience the culinary journey. Of course, we did switch to the other limited by the glass options, eventually. We were the least dressed up people there and looked a bit out of place and like we would be easily impressed in this place, but we were most likely the most restaurant knowledgable clients there that night Haha. The food itself was ok. Nothing was so yummy you won't forget it and you just have to tell everyone about it. Presentation was very basic, which is fine, but then you need delicious flavors, sometimes fun presentations and interactive/creative courses can help make up for just ok food, but I prefer amazing food in these places if I have to choose, but both is best, Maito had neither. Don't try to read something into this review that doesn't exist, i.e, it's not a bitter review from someone insulted by the service (I actually enjoy the irony of being erroneously assumed that I'll be easily impressed, indeed, I have some ego when it comes to the stuff I know Haha), I intend to be fair, honest and helpful in that I hope my words could have either clients from the biz realize they can save a night like this for a different place, or, maybe Maito will try harder. Perhaps they've lost some of the magic if they ever had any. In a word, again, LAZY. There's a lot of competition popping up around Panama city. Work harder.

  • 5/5 MK 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Great restaurant (Original) Great restaurant

  • 5/5 Fedora R. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent quality in what I ate: squid risotto, meat empanadas and my octopus husband. Good service and reasonable prices in perfect relation with quality. Courtesy of patacones: spectacular! And I courtesy when paying: gourmet chocolate chip cookies..I loved it! (Original) Excelente calidad en lo que comí: risotto de calamares, empanadas de carne y mi esposo pulpo. Buena atención y precios razonables en perfecta relación con la calidad.Entrada cortesía de patacones: espectacular! Y ee cortesía al pagar: galletas gourmet chocolate chip..me encantó!

  • 5/5 Jaime R. B. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good food, good dessert, good atmosphere, good service and good wine !!!! .... Tickets are on average for $ 11.00 and main courses for $ 22.00 ...... highly recommended !! (Original) Buena comida, buenos postre, buen ambiente, buena atención y buen vino!!!!....las entradas andan en promedio por los $ 11.00 y los platos fuertes por los $ 22.00......muy recomendado!!

  • 3/5 Guillermo S. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It used to be a good restaurant. They changed the frequent menu and had innovation. Now it's the same dishes and the quality went down. (Original) Solía ser un buen restaurante. Cambiaban el menú frecuente y tenían innovación. Ahora es los mismos platillos y la calidad bajó.


Call +507 391-4657 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Plenty of parking
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Organic dishes
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Happy-hour drinks
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Kerbside pickup
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery

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