Filomena Cucina di Mare Panamá — Restaurant in Bella Vista

Delicious, but overpriced food with small portions.

We went here for my wife's birthday dinner after a family member recommended the place. There were six of us and we sat outside on the terrace. Undoubtedly, the view is amazing. It has a beautiful view overlooking the bay. If you go, make sure you request seating outside, especially at night, since during the day it can be hot and humid.

The food was admittedly delicious, but overpriced and the portions were ridiculously small. The best description of this place is that it's a fancy shmancy restaurant that is trendy. But, the small food portions that they do serve is good.

We ordered a lot of different dishes.

For appetizers, we ordered the tuna carpaccio, cheese stuffed mushrooms, fried squid and octopus, prosciutto di parma and genoa salami.

The mushrooms were the best appetizer, with fantastic flavor. However, the portion was very small. It was just five small mushrooms and there were six of us, so we had to split one in half between my wife and I.

The prosciutto and salami were good, but again small potion.

The tuna carpaccio was ok, nothing to write home about.

The fried squid and octopus was actually fried well. It was light and crispy, paired with a great sauce. However, again, small portions.

I ordered the gnocchi with guanciale; the flavor was good and paired well with a glass of red chianti. However, the portion of gnocchi was ridiculously small. The gnocchi was served in this massively large looking plate with a small bowl-like dip in the center. Honestly, I understand it is a fancy restaurant, but gnocchi is not something you need to skimp on. The pieces of guanciale were also tiny. If you are feeling hungry, this is not the dish to order because it will NOT fill you up.

My wife ordered the skirt steak. She liked it and said it was soft. She also liked the risotto it came paired with. However, again as the gnocchi, it was a small piece of steak, especially one that cost $37.

The rest of the other ordered pasta dishes that all said were good, but the portion was again, small.

The drink menu was ok. The wine list was decent, but most of the wines were bottle service only, meaning, if you wanted a glass of wine only, you were limited to a small selection.

For dessert we ordered the pistacchio profiteroles and tiramisu.

The pistacchio profiteroles was flavorful, but the cookies were a bit hard that day.

The tiramisu was one they "made" on the spot. They mixed the ingredients together in front of you as a show. While it was fun to watch, it was a fail in practicality. The tiramisu ended up turning into liquid soup in less than 5 minutes. It would have been better to just have the tiramisu prepared traditionally and served to be enjoyed, as it should traditionally be done. I understand they want to impress the dining guests, but it was pointless. Tiramisu, done well, is already impressive enough in itself. There is no need to try tricks with it.

Overall, this is a good place to come for a fantastic view, some pretty good and delicious food, and a great atmosphere. However, it ultimately comes off as trendy, fancy shmancy, and overpriced. This place is good to go for the experience and atmosphere, but it is not a place to go if you are actually hungry with the ridiculously small portions. Though you may get full, it will take a lot of appetizers to...

As tourists, we found the restaurant a bit challenging to locate. It’s situated on the 6th floor, but the lack of clear signage meant we had to ask for directions. A few more signs would definitely help!

Once inside, we were greeted by a trendy and sophisticated ambiance, complete with a stunning skyline and sunset views. The background music featured ambient synth rock, adding a modern touch to the atmosphere. Filomena Cucina di Mare truly offers a memorable fine dining experience in the heart of the city.

The service started off a little slow and slightly confusing, but the waitstaff quickly found their rhythm. Dressed in matching white shirts, suspenders and bow ties, the team was not only stylish but also exceptionally friendly and attentive.

We decided to trust our waiter’s recommendations, and here’s what we tried:

5/5 Melanzane Alla Parmigiana An eggplant millefeuille layered with tomato passata, mozzarella, and Pecorino Romano DOC. This dish was incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor—an absolute standout.

4/5 Broccolini Rostizado Roasted broccolini with pancetta, garlic, lime, and breadcrumbs. A fresh, tasty, and healthy option that balanced richness with brightness.

4/5 Ravioli Tondi de Hongos y Escargots Stuffed with mushrooms and escargots, served in a creamy fontina cheese sauce. The flavors were subtle and well-balanced, without being overly salty, and it felt like a wholesome yet indulgent choice.

4/5 Pesce Aglio e Olio A white catch of the day served with lime butter, garlic, broccolini, fennel, pepper, and baked tomato. The fish was fresh and tender, though the sauce could have been a bit more flavorful to elevate the dish further.

5/5Tarta de Chocolate Piemontesa A giant slice of hazelnut chocolate cake, rich and decadent—perfect for sharing. It was the ideal sweet ending to our meal.

Overall, Filomena Cucina di Mare delivered a delightful dining experience with its chic ambiance, attentive service, and thoughtfully crafted dishes. A few minor tweaks could make it even better, but it’s undoubtedly a gem...

From the moment we arrived at Filomena Cucina di Mar, we knew we were in for something special. The ambiance is stunning, with a gorgeous view that perfectly complements the warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re dining inside or enjoying the fresh air outside, the setting is nothing short of breathtaking.

The service was impeccable—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming. Our server took the time to walk us through the menu, offering thoughtful recommendations and ensuring every detail of our meal was perfect. It’s rare to find a place where hospitality feels so effortless, but Filomena truly delivers.

Now, let’s talk about the food—because wow. Every dish was crafted with the highest quality ingredients, bursting with flavor and authenticity. You can taste the care and precision in every bite, from the perfectly cooked pasta to the freshest seafood. And the Negroni selection? Absolutely unmatched. Whether you love the classic or prefer a creative twist, their variety is a dream for any Negroni enthusiast.

But the highlight of the night? The tableside tiramisu. Watching it come together in front of us was an experience in itself, and the end result was pure magic—light, creamy, and the perfect balance of sweetness. It was the kind of dessert that leaves you thinking about it long after the meal is over.

Filomena Cucina di Mar isn’t just a restaurant; it’s an experience. From the breathtaking views to the outstanding service and exquisite food, everything here is done with excellence. If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience, this is the...