The best specialty coffee shops in Panama City

Panama doesn’t produce the most coffee. It produces something else entirely. Influence.

Which is why Panama City is such a fitting host for World of Coffee 2026. From 23–25 October, the global coffee industry will gather at the Panama Convention Center for the first ever World of Coffee event in Latin America.

These are the coffee shops to check out while you’re in town.

Café Unido

Café Unido opened in 2014 with a simple idea: Panamanians should be drinking great Panamanian coffee too. The Coco del Mar location is the one to prioritise.

Sisu Coffee Studio

Sisu belongs to the family behind industry legends Lamastus Family Estates, producers of coffees from Elida Estate. If you want to understand why people obsess over Panama Geisha, this is where you should go. Specifically, the Casco Viejo location.

Leto Coffee Brew Bar

Leto‘s Obarrio location has the kind of clean, calm design that’ll make you want to stay longer than planned. Ask for a a pour over. And stay for breakfast.

Mentiritas Blancas

Some coffee places keep pastries as a token. Some brunch spots serve specialty coffee as decoration. Mentiritas Blancas does both to the highest standard. Go the Vía Argentina location.

Cabrera Coffee Brew House

Cabrera‘s Vía Argentina location is a filter brewing paradise. Think AeroPress, Chemex, siphon, French press, V60-style filters, nitro cold brew and more. It was the first specialty coffee shop in Panama Oeste.

Altieri Specialty Coffee

The Altieri family grows coffee in Boquete, in the Chiriquí highlands, and has spent years building a reputation for Geisha, Typica, Catuai, and Caturra. Their coffees have earned recognition in Best of Panama competitions and regularly appear on roaster menus well beyond Panama. Sample their offerings in any one of their three Panama City coffee shops: Co:Coffee by Altieri in Costa del Este and Calle 50.

Pulpa Specialty Coffee

Roasting since 2023, Pulpa is a Panamanian boutique coffee roastery, café, and coffee experience space in Panama City. Its focus is clear: small-batch roasting, Panamanian coffees, and a direct connection to local producers.

Siete Granos

Founded by chef and barista Amael Candanedo, Siete Granos has grown into one of Panama City’s most established specialty coffee brands. Visit the El Cangrejo location for Panamanian varietals, including Geisha, alongside all-day breakfast and a relaxed, plant-filled terrace.

Give yourself another day

The great thing about having coffee in Panama City is how quickly a cup can become a conversation. Ask what’s on the bar and you may hear about the producer, the plot, the process, even what happened during that year’s harvest.

Yes, you can spend serious money on Geisha, and sometimes it’s worth it. But you’d be missing out. Have a Typica. Try a Catuai.

Pick an area, sit at the bar, ask questions and let the people serving the coffee tell you where to go next.

FAQ

What are the best specialty coffee shops in Panama City?

Start with Café Unido, Sisu Coffee Studio, Leto Coffee Brew Bar, Mentiritas Blancas, Cabrera Coffee Brew House, Co by Altieri, Pulpa Specialty Coffee and Siete Granos.

Which coffee shop should a first-time visitor try?

Café Unido is the easiest introduction to Panamanian specialty coffee. Its menu usually offers several origins, varieties and processes, and the Coco del Mar location is the one I would prioritise.

Where can I try Panama Geisha in Panama City?

Start with Sisu Coffee Studio in Casco Viejo, where the coffee comes from Lamastus Family Estates. Café Unido, Co by Altieri and Pulpa also serve Panamanian Geisha, although individual lots change with availability.

Where should I go for pour-over coffee?

Cabrera on Vía Argentina has one of the broadest selections of manual brewing methods. Leto in Obarrio and Pulpa in El Cangrejo are also strong choices for carefully prepared filter coffee.

Which cafés are best for breakfast or pastries?

Mentiritas Blancas is the strongest combination of specialty coffee and pastry. Leto is a good choice for a longer breakfast, while Siete Granos pairs Panamanian coffee with an approachable all-day menu.

What is the best neighbourhood for a Panama City coffee crawl?

El Cangrejo and the Vía Argentina area make the easiest starting point. Mentiritas Blancas, Cabrera, Pulpa and Siete Granos are all in or around the neighbourhood.

Is Panama City coffee only about Geisha?

Not at all. Geisha receives the attention, but cafés across the city also serve excellent Typica, Catuai, Caturra, Pacamara and other varieties. Trying those coffees often gives you a better sense of how varied Panamanian coffee can be.

When is World of Coffee Panama 2026?

World of Coffee Panama takes place from 23–25 October 2026 at the Panama Convention Center. It will be the first World of Coffee trade show held in Latin America.

Should coffee lovers visit Boquete as well?

Yes, if time allows. Boquete puts you closer to the farms and producers, while Panama City makes it possible to taste coffee from across the country without leaving the capital. They are different experiences, and the best trip includes both.