Santa Rita in Panama: Casco Viejo and, Coming Soon, Costa del Este

When a restaurant finds its voice, the natural next step is to bring it to more people. That is what is happening with Santa Rita, the Spanish restaurant in Casco Viejo that has become one of the city's benchmarks for Spanish and Argentine gastronomy, and which is now preparing a second home: a new location in Costa del Este, opening soon. One address open today, another on the way, and one kitchen rooted in Iberian and pampas traditions. This guide tells you what to expect from each.

Casco Viejo: The Original Home

The original location of Restaurante Santa Rita sits in the heart of Casco Antiguo, the World Heritage neighborhood where history breathes through every facade. Here, the concept blends the flavors of Spain and Argentina with the views and unmistakable atmosphere of Casco: a terrace and the kind of setting that turns a dinner into a long evening.

It is the ideal place to travel without leaving the city. Between tapas, jamón ibérico, and grilled Argentine cuts, the menu unfolds a journey through two traditions that share the table with ease. With a 4.7 on Google, the Casco location has earned the trust of both Panamanians and visitors seeking an experience with a European accent. You can find all the details on the Santa Rita page.

Costa del Este: The Upcoming Location

The big news is that Santa Rita is preparing its arrival in Costa del Este, Panama City. This modern district — with its wide avenues, residential towers, and corporate life — will gain with this opening a reference point for Spanish and Argentine cuisine that until now has had its home exclusively in Casco.

The aim is for the new location to keep the house DNA: it will bring the same Spanish and Argentine cooking and the same care in every dish. There is no opening date yet, and details about the new location will be shared later on.

For those who live or work in the east of the city, the advantage will be clear: Santa Rita's cooking will be closer to home and the office. In the meantime, the arroz negro, the croquettes, and the tortilla gratinada with cheese are waiting for you in Casco Viejo.

One Kitchen, Today in Casco Viejo

What will unite both locations is, above all, the table. Santa Rita's offering, enjoyed today in Casco Viejo, moves between two great traditions:

• Spain on the table: tapas to share, jamón ibérico, its famous arroz negro with langoustines, croquettes, tomato carpaccio, and desserts like crema catalana.
• Argentina on the grill: char-grilled beef cuts, in the style of the great River Plate parrillas.
• Wine cellar: Spanish and Argentine labels chosen to accompany every dish.
• Signature cocktails: drinks prepared with a view of the surroundings, ideal to open or close the night.

The idea is for this repertoire to travel to Costa del Este too, so that, once it opens, the choice between one and the other depends more on where you are than on what you feel like eating.

Casco Viejo or Costa del Este?

For now, the answer is simple: Casco Viejo, the location that is open. If you want history, a terrace overlooking the colonial neighborhood, and that mix of tourism and bohemia, it is your place. Once the Costa del Este location opens, those who live or work in that modern district will have an option closer to home, with the same kitchen as its starting point.

Reservations: Today, in Casco Viejo

Reservations today are made at the Casco Viejo location; the Costa del Este location is not taking reservations yet. You can message WhatsApp at +507 6629-6315 or book directly from the Restaurante Santa Rita website.

Santa Rita is also part of the Copa Stopover program, great news for those with a layover in Panama who want to make the most of a few hours over a good meal. Its location in the heart of the historic center makes it possible to fit a Spanish and Argentine dinner into a layover itinerary. Check the full menu on our digital menu.

And in the Same Neighborhood: Panamanian Flavor

Casco Viejo is a map of flavors, and Santa Rita is not alone. Nearby, Aya la Vida celebrates Panamanian cuisine with national produce, live music from bands like Afropiano and Son Tropical (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 complete culinary escape: one night of Iberian-Argentine flavor and another of Panamanian identity. If you are planning a celebration, both welcome events and groups, with group menu options (ask the restaurant about them).

Book Your Table at Santa Rita

One location in historic Casco Viejo and a second in the works in modern Costa del Este, with one kitchen of Spain and Argentina. Today, 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. Want to alternate with 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.