On my last trip to Panama I decided to head to Las Bovedas, a restaurant that I had been hearing about for quite some time, as it is considered to be one of the landmark restaurants in Casco Viejo. Las Bovedas fits right into the ambiance of Casco Viejo, Panama City’s traditional sector of pastel homes and jazz clubs.

The restaurant is built into a seawall that used to serve as a dungeon, although the narrow walls and curved vaulted ceilings, and the low intimate lighting, and warmly finished wood surfaces combine to make it feel more like a castle.

The menu is written on an oversized chalk board, and not all items are listed, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, ask. The wait staff is fantastic; make sure and ask about the history of the dungeon, where prisoners used to be hung out over the water during high tide for hungry fish to nip at their flesh. It may seem a bit creepy, but the atmosphere is extremely chill, and very enjoyable, and the food is excellent as well.

Las Bovedas is located on Plaza Francia in Casco Viejo, and it is open for dinner Monday through Saturday. Jazz shows featured on the weekends, 9pm-1am. Phone: 507-228-8068. Reservations recommended.