Restaurante Pencas — Restaurant in Ancón

I have to say, I didn't think I would encounter two 10/10 restaurants during my trip to Panama. The ambience is nice. They have an indoor area and an outdoor area. I think that there's another indoor section on the first floor, but we were not seated there. For that, I'm glad. There's a really nice ambience to the entire restaurant, what with it being next to the ocean, the polite waiters, and the generally kind service.

Don't get me started on the food. The fish is excellent. I usually take a picture of my food before I eat, but for some reason, I was compelled to start eating immediately.

By the time I remembered to take pictures, I was halfway through finishing my food. If you're coming to Panama City, you're doing a disservice to yourself if you don't head over to Pencas.

10/10, I definitely have to come again because my sister...

Loved the location (right near Biomuseum), the view of the water, my mojito, and the great service from the very friendly staff. However, I ordered the Grilles Octopus ($18), one of the more expensive items on the menu, and it was not sizzling hot, not even hot. I would be hard pressed to say it was warm. I think it could be a lot better if they offered to cut it up for you, cook the pieces in a good amount of sauce to give it stronger flavor and ensure that all pieces are really crispy. And bring it out on a hot plate (like some other restaurants do) while it's still cooking. That was the only downside, but it was the only food that I ordered and the reason why I choose that restaurant, so gave it 3 stars. If prepared the way described above, definitely a 5-star place. Maybe I just choose the wrong item on...

Stopped there for a couple drinks. Waiter took the order and then disappeared. 20 minutes later we flagged down a bus person to find our waiter. He showed up looking flustered and started bringing our drinks one by one as if the order had not been turned in till then. As we had sat there waiting, we started getting hungry and the smell of garlic from the kitchen was great so we decided to order food, seafood pasta and fish fillet in garlic sauce. So the fish was kind of fishy and the sauce was just ok. The octopus in the seafood pasta was tough and chewy. To be fair, the waiter was attentive after the first snafu. I can't say I've ever written a review this negative before and I feel somewhat bad in doing it but I have to be honest. Hopefully it was just a bad day for them, but I can't...