Donde José is a much talked-about, extraordinary dining experience unique to Panama. Making the list of the world’s best restaurants, the meal is a ten-course, Panama-centric tasting and requires reservation as the just 16-seat restaurant is quickly booked for as long as months on end.

José Olmedo Carles worked his way around some of the top kitchens in Australia (Attica, Iceberg’s, etc) before opening this 12-seat tasting menu only restaurant in Casco Viejo in 2015. The restaurant explores the country’s biodiversity by utilizing native ingredients like sand crabs, chayote, and ñampí. With the opening of his more casual restsurant Fonda Lo Que Hay, Donde José has become increasingly experimental, using lesser known ingredients in different plating formats.

Donde José is a culinary gem that has revolutionized the dining scene in Panama City. Known for its intimate atmosphere and a tasting menu that spins traditional Panamanian ingredients into modern dishes, Donde José provides a gastronomic experience like no other. The restaurant only serves a limited number of guests per night, allowing for a personalized service that is both memorable and exclusive.

Many say this is Panama City’s #1 restaurant, and it’s pretty easy to see why while you’re there. “Donde Jose” is the brilliant creation of Chef Jose Caries, who aims to tell a story with each meal, choosing and naming dishes based on local experiences, folklore, and his own imagination. The restaurant is reservation-only, and is truly an experience over a simple dinner.

Donde Jose is another restaurant that is considered one of the best in Panama City. It is a fine-dining establishment, so think small, inventive meals and expensive prices. This is not going to be your every-day bachelor party dining establishment, but its great wine list makes it a good choice if you want to try an upscale version of traditional Panamanian food.

If you don’t have one, I definitely wouldn’t recommend Donde José; if you do, this is the right place to go. This restaurant has a quite distinct concept from most of the other places in the city. The menu is based on the seasons, and instead of choosing a specific dish, your entire meal, comprised of numerous courses, is prearranged for you.

They serve a nightly fixed menu with optional wine pairings. Donde José offers two seating’s per night, at 7:00 pm and 9:30 pm, and it has a very intimate environment, so is one of the ideal restaurants for couples. So, if you are in the city for the first time, and you want to take someone on a date, Donde Jose is a perfect choice.

Expect a personalized gastronomic journey at Donde José, where Chef José O. Carles crafts a memorable tasting menu that tells the story of Panama through flavor. With only 16 seats available, the intimate setting ensures an exclusive dining experience. The menu changes regularly, providing you with a surprise each visit.

For many visitors, this is the most popular place to eat in Casco Viejo. It’s popular for its fish and mushroom soup, which luckily, comes with every plate. And if you love fruit or a dessert that is healthy for your body and soul, Donde Jose serves a delicious watermelon, cilantro, and ricotta salad.

DONDE JOSE (Avenida Central y Calle A – Casco Antiguo) Panamanian food with a twist. If you want to try this restaurant we suggest you to reserve with one month in advance. Try the octopus, very good.

It’s run by Chef Jose Carles, who also operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant called Donde Jose, which takes reservations months in advance.