Lazotea Panama is the gateway to the emblematic Casco Viejo and its exuberant gastronomic scene. This authentic restaurant lights up the evening of diners with an incredible signature culinary proposal that harmoniously blends Latin American flavors with world influences on a spectacular terrace.
Upon arriving in Panama on our journey throughout the country, this rooftop terrace provided a wonderful evening for travel weary patrons.
Lazotea Restaurant and Rooftop is located on Avenida Eloy Alfaro and Calle 11, right before the ramp that leads you up into Panama’s old quarter. Its style is raw with exposed materials, including beams and old colonial walls. This old mansion was built with an internal patio in the middle of the building. Plants abound and there are many areas ideal for relaxing.
Lazotea is a clever play on words, since “azotea” means rooftop in Spanish. So the translation would literally be the rooftop. To get to this rooftop you can take the elevator or go up some flights of stairs. There is a wonderful pool on the top with a grassy deck that has comfortable couches and high top tables and stools. The pool is mostly for guest, although they do pool parties during the summer (December through April).
It is the perfect place to watch the sunset from Casco Viejo. Panoramic views of Panama City’s skyline and the bay of Panama can be observed from this location. They have a special open cocktail promotion for happy hour from Monday through Friday that they call “Happy Sunsets”. Commonly they have live DJs and bands, with different musical styles.
Led by renowned Executive Chef Jorge Rausch and his impressive gastronomic background, each dish is designed to impress and raise the standards of local cuisine to the levels of any cosmopolitan city. Chef Rausch, hand in hand with the Sous chef, works tirelessly to ensure the success of each dish while creating an innovative and surprising gastronomic experience.
Among the specialties of the house, the delicious Fricassee of Mushrooms stands out, as well as the refreshing Octopus Ceviche, Shrimp Tacos of Jicama Shells (unique in Panama), the original Salmon Tartar with Oriental sauce, and more. Some of the dishes designed to share with friends and should not be missed in this gastronomic experience designed to take you on a journey through the most authentic flavors of the world.
The menu has several salad options, including burrata caprese and salad with goat cheese and orange and ginger vinaigrette. Many options are to share, which are ideal for those who want snacks. The most popular ones are the tuna tiradito with ponzu sauce, truffled mac n cheese, ceviche in leche de tigre, and the spring rolls with chorizo from Las Tablas and shrimp. Rice options include truffle mushroom risotto and Korean fried rice.
Some seafood dishes include salmon fillet on top of a pumpkin puree and sautéed linguine frutti di mare. They have several burger options, apart from other carnivore options like pork knee, pork rib glazed in passion fruit teriyaki and entrails. Dessert options include explosive mango with passion fruit foam and berry cheesecake with lemon ice cream. Lazotea Restaurant and Rooftop’s dessert menu also includes tasty coffee and liquor options.
This journey is enhanced by a great menu of main dishes, where each creation bears the signature of Chef Rausch. Among these, the delicious Burrata Stracciatella with tree tomato emulsion stands out, as well as the Pork Knuckle with Boronia puree or the Lamb Stew with green banana puree, coastal serum, avocado emulsion, onions, pickled shallots, and crispy beet.
Lazotea’s kitchen blends in perfect harmony with the original signature cocktails prepared by renowned mixologist Raymundo Frías. The magical nights of Lazotea are created behind the bar by mixing innovative recipes with local products, making each cocktail a unique experience. Among Ray’s exclusive creations we can highlight Lazotea Sunset, Peach Moon and Camino al Cielo. You just need to ask for the Signature Menu and be amazed!
Lazotea has the privilege of featuring large spaces, as well as two areas that guarantee great versatility. From the Rooftop you can enjoy an incredible view of the city and the amazing bay, being the ideal place to enjoy a Panamanian sunset. This space has a VIP area and a swimming pool. Inside, the restaurant offers an exclusive room suitable for corporate and social events. Always complying with biosafety standards to offer safe spaces for everyone.
In short, Lazotea offers the best ambiance with live music, DJs, incredible mixology by Raymundo Frias, and a high-level gastronomic proposal prepared by Chef Jorge Rausch.
