(Panama Gringo) I usually shy away from chain restaurants and cafeteria style spots for sheer lack of taste and quality. Niko’s Cafe in Panama City is one of the only places that will cause me to make exceptions to my typical dining rules. I really enjoy eating at Niko’s. The prices are great, the food is good and the staff is actually somewhat friendly. Niko’s not only serves meals, but they have a bakery that puts out tons of different breads and pastries that are to die for. I love their pan de leche and coffee for a sweet breakfast or snack.
I have tried almost everything at Niko’s from the pizza to the burgers to the arroz con pollo. They always make good traditional Panamanian staples like friend bananas, patacones, chicken, tamales, bollos and sauteed meats with onions and peppers. They also do catering and bake specialty cakes, breads and pies for any occasion. Travel books like Lonely Planet have ranked Niko’s at #19 of 100 things to do in Panama City, Panama.
If you’re looking for a quick lunch or inexpensive dinner then Niko’s is ideal. If you have the time to wait in a cafeteria style line, pick and choose what goes on your plate, pay and enjoy then Niko’s will do the trick. I recommend trying the traditional chicken soup with yucca and other root veggies with rice and patacones. A plate such as this will only set you back around $5. Panama always boasts a plethora of affordable eats, and Niko’s cafe is one of the best. Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat, coffee or a full meal, Niko’s is definitely worth checking out.