Tropico
Along the beautiful white sands of North Beach sits Tropico, a new laid-back cafe that specializes in fresh, seasonal and tasty food. Playing on a coastal California vibe, the restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating. Their breakfast menu has people lining up out the door waiting for a table, but come by at night and it's more accessible but still delicious.

Il Tul
Il Tulá, known for its simple atmosphere, great service and fantastic food, is a six-table italian restaurant in the San Francisco neighborhood of Panama City. Chef Valerio himself goes from table to table recommending the daily offerings. Classic dishes include the Vitello Tonnato, in which thin slices of braised veal are covered with a tuna and caper mayonnaise; and fresh Burrata cheese, made locally, which Valerio brings to the table and prepares with olive oil, sea salt and freshly ground pepper, then serves it over thin slices of prosciutto and sweet figs. A favorite dish is the Spaghetti Amatriciana, in which pasta is prepared with a smoked bacon and tomato sauce, which he finished at the table with small pieces of goat cheese. Desserts include a Torta di Mascarpone (Mascarpone cheese torte) served with Tamarillo preserves (a local fruit related to the tomato). Reservations are highly recommended.

Donde Jose
José Carles is a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef who worked with some of the most renowned chefs in Sidney, Australia, before returning to his native Panama. Donde José is nestled in the heart of Casco Viejo in Panama City, a 16-seat restaurant that only serves dinner five times a week and is the hardest reservation to get in town. Creative and adventurous, José has set out to showcase the native ingredients of Panama and present them in themed-based menus that change every three months. The restaurant offers a tasting menu with a wine, beer and cocktail pairing option. All the dishes are prepared with local ingredients, ranging from rare-to-find snails to uncommon vegetables and modern versions of traditional foods. If you can, take a seat at the bar, where José will personally prepare and explain all the dishes for you.

Mercao
Located in the Costa del Este neighborhood, Mercao is one of the finest Panamanian cuisine restaurants in the city. Chef Francisco Castro masterfully prepares modern versions of the most popular regional dishes, like frituras (fried street food), several varieties of ceviche, ropa vieja (shredded skirt steak) stuffed ravioli, and the ever-favorite whole fried fish (Pargo Chorrillo). Sexy cocktails and live Latin music set the perfect ambience for a memorable meal at Mercao.

Maito
One of the best restaurants in the city is in the Coco del Mar neighborhood. The kitchen is led by Mario Castrellón, an internationally acclaimed, creative young chef who has given a new twist to traditional Panamanian cuisine. Modern versions of dishes of Afro-Antillean, Chinese or Criollo origin, such as the Sancocho (Chicken and Yam Soup), Arroz con Pollo (Rice and Chicken), and Saus (Pickled Pigs feet) find its way into Castrellón's continuously evolving menu. The restaurant, recently renovated and known for its urban garden where the chef grows local vegetables and herbs, is the "to go" restaurant in Panama City.

Restaurante Azafran
Chef-owner Alvaro Perrino, formerly of El Bodegón, now leads one of the best kitchens in town: Azafrán. Starters such as ceviche marinated with passion fruit juice; perfectly grilled, tender pulpo (octopus); local burrata; and the short ribs with a creamy Parmesan risotto are among my favorite dishes. A great wine list and excellent service complement Chef Perrino's cuisine prepared with local ingredients.

Toro Bravo
Get in line before they open or expect a two-hour wait at Toro Bravo, the first of many Portland establishments by celebrated restauranteur John Gorham. Serving tapas, pinchos and raciones from a menu that changes with the seasons, Toro Bravo is a go-to for most of the population.

OX Restaurant
At this friendly neighborhood restaurant with an energetic vibe and creative menu, Portland chefs Greg Denton and Gabrielle Quiñónez Denton are inspired by the wood-fired grilling tradition of Argentina and the culinary heritage of Spain, France and Italy to showcase a menu of local meats, fish and seasonal produce. Crafted with the Portland culture in mind, OX offers an amazing menu -- complete with Octopus Poke, Salmon Gravlax Tartare and an Asado Argentino for two -- that will please everyone at the table.

Salt & Straw
No line is too long when you are in the mood for the city's best ice cream. Salt & Straw serves its classic flavors -- Pear and Blue Cheese, Aberquina Olive Oil, Stumptown Coffee and Burnside Bourbon, Freckled Woodblock Chocolate, and Sea Salt with Caramel Ribbons -- year round while offering monthly seasonal flavors that keep everyone wondering what's next . What was once served one scoop at a time from a small push cart now draws crowds that wrap around the block at all three Portland locations AND the newest spot in Los Angeles.

900 Grayson
The most amazing and heavenly crisped potatoes you've ever tasted. I was riveted by the well seasoned and satisfyingly crunchy crust which I found utterly addictive.