Spanish Restaurant in Costa del Este: Santa Rita Is Coming Soon

Costa del Este has grown into one of Panama City's most dynamic hubs: residential towers, offices, family life, and a community that had long been asking for more fine-dining options close to home. The answer is on its way with a familiar name: Santa Rita, already established in Casco Viejo, is preparing a second location and will soon open as the Spanish restaurant in Costa del Este that many have been waiting for. If you are wondering where to eat in Costa del Este with an Iberian and Argentine accent, here is what the new house will bring and where to enjoy its cooking today.

Why Costa del Este Needs Santa Rita

For years, enjoying the offering of Restaurante Santa Rita has meant crossing over to Casco Antiguo, and for now that is still the case. With the future location in Costa del Este, Panama City, that experience will come closer to a district that blends corporate and residential life, and that appreciates having a place nearby to celebrate, close a deal, or simply eat well midweek.

The area offers the ideal setting: wide avenues, a modern atmosphere, and a public that values both quality and convenience. Santa Rita will arrive with a kitchen of European roots that already has a proven reputation, backed by its 4.7 on Google at the Casco Viejo house.

What the New Location Will Bring: The Same Spanish and Argentine Kitchen

The aim of the new location is continuity: to bring to Costa del Este the same Spanish and Argentine cooking that defines Santa Rita. There is no opening date or further detail about the new house yet; what is known is its starting point, the menu served today in Casco Viejo, a journey between two traditions that share the table with ease.

On the Spanish side, the tapas to share shine, along with the jamón ibérico, the croquettes, the tomato carpaccio, and, as the great protagonist, the arroz negro with langoustines. There are also characteristic touches like the tortilla gratinada with cheese grated tableside, and desserts that close on a sweet note, such as crema catalana.

On the Argentine side, the grill takes charge with char-grilled beef cuts, in the style of the great River Plate parrillas. And to accompany it all, a cellar of Spanish and Argentine wines and a signature cocktail list that round out any occasion.

Dishes You Can Already Try in Casco Viejo

• Arroz negro with langoustines: the house's seafood jewel, intense and flavorful.
• Tortilla gratinada with cheese: a Spanish classic with a twist, served tableside.
• Croquettes and tomato carpaccio: ideal starters to open the appetite.
• Grilled Argentine cuts: for lovers of well-prepared beef.
• Crema catalana: the perfect dessert to close the evening.

You can review the full offering on our digital menu and learn more about the house on the Santa Rita page.

Until It Opens: Santa Rita in Casco Viejo

Until the Costa del Este location opens its doors, the full Santa Rita experience lives in Casco Viejo, in the heart of the World Heritage neighborhood. For those who live or work in the east of the city, the trip is worth it: a Spanish and Argentine dinner with the charm of the historic center, ideal for lingering at the table or ending the night with a stroll through its plazas.

Designed for Business, Family, and Visitors

Costa del Este is an office district, and that is one of the reasons Santa Rita's arrival makes sense: business dinners, corporate lunches, a family celebration, a special date, or welcoming visitors who arrive in Panama looking for a good meal without heading to the historic center. Until it opens, all of those plans are organized in Casco Viejo.

Santa Rita is also part of the Copa Stopover program, which makes it an attractive option for those with a layover in Panama. And if your plan is a group celebration, the house welcomes events and groups at its Casco Viejo location, with group menu options (ask the restaurant about them).

And for a Change: Panamanian Flavor in Casco

If one day you feel like switching things up, Casco Viejo remains a culinary magnet. Very close to Santa Rita's original location, Aya la Vida celebrates Panamanian cuisine with national produce, live music (and, on occasion, folkloric performances: check the schedule when you book), and a pet-friendly terrace with valet parking. Between the two houses you get a perfect escape: one night of Spanish-Argentine flavor and another of Panamanian identity.

Book Today in Casco Viejo

The Spanish restaurant in Costa del Este is opening soon, and the new location is not taking reservations yet. In the meantime, Santa Rita awaits you in Casco Viejo with tapas, grill, rice dishes, and a cellar chosen to accompany them. Book by WhatsApp at +507 6629-6315 or from its website. Prefer a night of Panamanian cuisine and live music? Message Aya la Vida at +507 6588-4855. And for any question, contact us: we will help you plan the perfect evening.