Best gluten-free restaurants in Panama City

Avocat Organic Deli - Aeropuerto - Gluten Free

Panamá ·

This is a 100% dedicated gluten-free kitchen. The owner states that no one, including employees, may bring gluten-containing food into the kitchen, and all ingredients used are certified gluten-free. Multiple coeliac and GF diners confirm it is the only safe option at Tocumen Airport, with dedicated fryers, knowledgeable staff, and zero reports of cross-contamination.

Vegano-O-No

Panamá · Vegan · Vegetarian · €⁠€

The venue's own website and owner statement on FindMeGlutenFree confirm the kitchen is 100% dedicated gluten-free: 'we EXCLUSIVELY only do GF and Vegan', 'Chillin Sin Carne Kitchen is fully taking care of our items and cooking procedures. We make sure everything is certified GF'. Multiple coeliac reviewers across FindMeGlutenFree and HappyCow report zero reactions, and the dedicated fryer only fries potatoes and plantains. No gluten is on the premises.

Sano Pecado

Panamá ·

A small dedicated gluten‑free bakery. Every item on its menu is explicitly gluten‑free, and multiple community reviews refer to it as a dedicated gluten‑free facility. The bakery has not obtained independent accreditation from a recognised coeliac body such as Coeliac Australia or Coeliac UK. Its own menu mentions gluten‑free items but does not describe cross‑contact protocols. Oats used in some items, such as apple crumble, could pose a risk depending on their sourcing. Staff knowledge on non‑gluten allergens is described as basic.

Restaurante Santa Rita

Panamá · Steak · Spanish

The menu marks which dishes are gluten-free (often labelled 'celiac safe'), and the kitchen can adapt some items when asked, for example changing fryer oil for chips. Multiple coeliac diners report feeling safe after clearly stating their needs. However the site disclaimer warns this is not a dedicated gluten-free facility and reviews disagree about whether a dedicated fryer is always used. Staff are described as knowledgeable and attentive. Call ahead to confirm current cross-contamination protocols for your level of sensitivity.

Mahalo Cocina y Jardin

Panamá · · €⁠€

Gluten-free items are marked on the menu. Staff are generally knowledgeable, but the kitchen is not dedicated and the default fryer is shared. One symptomatic coeliac review notes that the shared fryer is considered GF unless a separate one is requested. Most celiac reviewers report no symptoms. The venue's website states they cater to special diets but provides no specific allergen protocols.

Restaurante Makoto

Panamá · Japanese · Sushi · €⁠€⁠€

Marked gluten-free menu (items reported as marked by a symptomatic coeliac diner) but not a dedicated kitchen; shared prep area and no dedicated fryer. One symptomatic coeliac reviewer reported staff knowledge and good cross-contamination handling, but the venue is not dedicated.

Sassy Cafe

Panamá · · €⁠€

Menu items are clearly labelled as gluten-free, and staff are reportedly knowledgeable about coeliac needs. The kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free, and the venue acknowledges a risk of cross-contamination. One symptomatic coeliac reviewer reported receiving regular bread instead of the gluten-free order, though the mistake was corrected. Another review notes a dedicated toaster and waffle grill, but shared prep areas remain. No formal accreditation or owner-led allergen practice is noted.

Lucca El Cangrejo Panamá

Panamá · Italian · €⁠€

Multiple reviews report gluten-free pizza and pasta options, including wood-fired GF pizza and GF pasta. The venue offers GF pizzas as a standard option and GF desserts. However, there is no evidence of a dedicated kitchen, fryer, or allergen-marked menu, and no accreditation. Cross-contamination risk is unaddressed.

Vitali | Paitilla | KOSHER

Panamá · Vegan · Vegetarian · €⁠€

Gluten-free items are marked on the menu, and staff are aware of coeliac needs, but the kitchen is not dedicated. One coeliac reviewer was told by the venue that most GF options were not safe due to gluten traces in flours; another coeliac diner reported no issues. A listing carries a warning that this is not a dedicated GF facility. Cross-contamination risk is present.

La Scarpetta Ristorante

Panamá · Pizza · Italian · €⁠€

Listed on FindMeGlutenFree with a GF Menu offering gluten-free pasta. No information on dedicated equipment, cross-contamination protocols, or staff training. No owner/insider with coeliac reported. Cross-contamination risk unknown.

Lilia's Deli

Panamá · Brunch · Cafe

Reported to have a gluten-free menu (sandwiches, salad) but the kitchen is not dedicated; non-GF items are available and cross-contamination is possible. The sole community review confirms GF items but states 'es ist kein reiner GF Laden' (it is not a pure GF shop). FindMeGlutenFree displays a warning that the facility is not dedicated and may not be safe for coeliac disease.

Lucca Multiplaza Mall

Panamá · Italian · €⁠€

FindMeGlutenFree lists Lucca with a GF menu (pizza, pasta, ice cream) and a celiac diner reports GF pasta and celiac-friendly ice cream. No evidence of a dedicated kitchen or fryer, and the venue's own menus (Uber Eats, official site) do not mark GF items. Shared kitchen risk is presumed.