Repeat visitors seldom resist the French Onion Soup. Salmon is a frequent daily special, the service is top-drawer, and the wine list is extensive. The Casually Memorable Center Street South, an eclectic mix of bright lights, great music and imaginative Panamanian food, attracts visitors like a magnet. The mood, lively yet relaxing, is a tonic. Ermilio's, bursting from a cozy renovated residence on the Historic Loop, offers hearty Italian dishes distinguished by home-grown fresh herbs and excellent service.
Some visitors come specifically for the baked garlic cloves served with every dinner.
The roasted red and yellow peppers, any pasta dish with tomato-basil sauce and the shrimp Povencale are spectacular. The new owners of Local Flavor offer what may be the best dinner bargain in the city, with no discernible sacrifice of quality. The best omelette maker in town will serve you up an omelette or quick de jour at lunch. The generous prime rib cut is the ticket at dinner. Autumn Breeze, tucked into a stand of towering pines, provides a woodland view with every table.