Guide to Eating and Drinking at Tocumen Airport

Tocumen Airport boasts a wide and varied gastronomic offer, ranging from international fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants. However, the traveler's experience is marked by one dominant factor: high prices. This guide, based on the analysis of hundreds of reviews, will help you navigate the options, know what to expect in terms of cost and quality, and make the best decisions for your palate and your wallet.

Frequently Asked Questions about Food at Tocumen

Is eating at the airport as expensive as they say?

Yes, without a doubt. It is the most recurrent and consistent complaint from travelers. Be prepared for prices that can be double or triple what you would pay in the city for the same product. A bottle of water can cost between $5 and $7, and a fast-food hamburger can exceed $20.

Will I find anything open if I have a layover in the middle of the night?

It is very unlikely. Most places close between 9:00 pm and 11:00 pm. Travelers with overnight layovers report that the airport becomes a "food desert," with no options available until 5:00 or 6:00 am.

Are there options for special diets, like gluten-free?

Yes, and this is one of the highlighted positives. Avocat Organic Deli in Terminal 2 is highly praised for offering a full 100% gluten-free menu, making it a safe haven for celiacs and people with intolerances.

Do restaurants display their prices clearly?

Not always. Several users warn that some places, especially smaller kiosks, do not have prices in plain sight. This can lead to very unpleasant surprises when it's time to pay. The recommendation is to always ask for the cost before ordering.

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Pros and Cons: The Overall Dining Experience

✅ The Positives:

  • ✔️ Great Variety of Options: The offer is wide and diverse, covering everything from international fast food to Italian, Asian, and Panamanian cuisine restaurants.
  • ✔️ Quality Havens: There are "safe options" like Olive Garden or Avocat Organic Deli that consistently receive praise for their good food and service, allowing for a reliable experience.
  • ✔️ Options for Specific Diets: The presence of establishments dedicated to healthy and gluten-free food is a major plus for travelers with particular dietary needs.

❌ The Negatives:

  • ⚠️ Exorbitant Prices: This is the main and most unanimous complaint. The costs are considered abusive by most travelers in almost all establishments.
  • ⚠️ The "Nighttime Desert": The lack of 24-hour options is a serious problem for those with long layovers during the night or early morning.
  • ⚠️ Inconsistent Quality: Even at well-known chains, the quality can be disappointing and not up to the standard of other branches outside the airport.
  • ⚠️ Lack of Transparency: Some places do not display prices visibly, which creates mistrust and unpleasant surprises when paying.

*NOTE: the following list, availability, and schedules may vary at any time without prior notice.

Options in Terminal 1

User Experience: Terminal 1 concentrates a wide variety of options, although the general perception is of inconsistent quality and very high prices. It is the epicenter of fast-food chains and some sit-down restaurants that are rated as reliable.

🥩 Restaurants

  • Olive Garden: Italian cuisine. ⏰ 6:30 am - 9:00 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Consistently receives good reviews. Users praise the fast service, generous portions, and food quality, considering it one of the safest and most recommended options in the terminal.
  • Barú Bar & Grill: Variety of Panamanian and international dishes. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Bistró Vibes: Fresh and healthy food. ⏰ 5:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Bruttito: Gourmet fusion restaurant. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Café Unido: Specialty coffee shop. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Chela Capira: Cheeses, sandwiches, empanadas.
  • Delicias Ojuee: Typical Panamanian meals.
  • Hangar Sport Bar: Cocktails and bar food. ⏰ 11:00 am - 7:00 pm.
  • La Paila: Typical Panamanian meals. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:30 pm.
  • Lucca Italian Bakery: Italian cuisine.
  • Toño's Cafe Bakery: Artisan bakery and coffee. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.

🍔 Fast Food

  • Carl's Jr.: Burgers and fries. ⏰ 7:00 am - 9:00 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Reviews are very negative regarding quality. Travelers report that the food is not fresh and does not meet the brand's standards, in addition to charging extra for items that are usually free at other branches.
  • 770 Bar: American-style bar. ⏰ 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Praised for its well-made cocktails and attentive service from its bartenders, making it a good option for a drink.
  • Air Popcorn: Snacks.
  • Flying Dogs: Hot dogs, wings.
  • Quiznos: Sandwiches. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Royale: Sweets. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Subway: Sandwiches. ⏰ 7:00 am - 10:00 pm.

Options in Terminal 2

User Experience: The offer in the modern Terminal 2 is varied, standing out for having more specialized and healthy options. However, it shares the problem of exorbitant prices and lack of nighttime options with T1.

🥩 Restaurants

  • Avocat Organic Deli: Organic restaurant. ⏰ 5:30 am - 10:00 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Highly recommended and celebrated by the celiac community. It offers delicious, fresh, and 100% gluten-free food, being a relief for travelers with dietary restrictions. The friendly service is also a plus.
  • Birra Pizza Bar: Italian restaurant. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:30 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Generally positive. Users consider it a quiet place with good service and good quality pizzas, making it a reliable option while waiting for a flight.
  • Olive Garden: Italian cuisine. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:30 pm.
  • Bruttito: Fusion restaurant. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Chela Capira: Cheeses, sandwiches.
  • Delicias Ojuee: Typical meals.
  • Merkato & Bar: Varied cuisine. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Nación Sushi: Asian cuisine.
  • Naturally Fast: Healthy options. ⏰ 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
  • Prima Classe Pizzeria: Pizzas. ⏰ 6:00 am - 10:00 pm.
  • Vista Corona: Pub. ⏰ 6:30 am - 10:30 pm.

🍔 Fast Food

  • Chao Baby: Smoothies, fast food.
    Featured Opinion: Notorious for extremely high prices, with reports of water bottles being sold for $7.00.
  • Flying Dogs: Hot dogs.
  • Frankfurt: German sausages. ⏰ 7:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Mr. Rooster: Panamanian fast food. ⏰ 11:00 am - 11:00 pm.
  • Petit Gourmet: Hot dogs.
  • Pita&Pie: Empanadas. ⏰ 5:00 am - 10:30 pm.

☕ Coffee Shops and Drinks

  • Maison Kayser: French bakery. ⏰ 5:00 am - 9:00 pm.
    Featured Opinion: Very mixed reviews. While some praise the breakfasts and service, others report exorbitant prices and very poor quality food (greasy, poorly prepared).
  • 770 Bar: Bar and restaurant. ⏰ 7:00 am - 8:00 pm.
  • Café Unido: Specialty coffee shop. ⏰ 6:00 am - 9:00 pm.
  • Toño's Cafe Bakery: Bakery. ⏰ 5:30 am - 9:00 pm.

The information on panamatocumen.com is based on external sources and experiences to assist travelers; it may change and should be verified. Panamatocumen.com is NOT the official website of Panama Tocumen International Airport nor is it affiliated with the Official Airport Administrative Authority.