Umi

Panama, Panama

• No.72 Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025

The unfussy mall exterior betrays the sleek glamour of the modern izakaya within. In the heart of Panama City, what began in 2024 as a late-night cocktail bar – the kind of dimly lit spot where chefs gather after service – quickly evolved into a dining destination. Here, find a broad variety of Japanese sushi, simple comfort food, as well as the occasional celebrity chef takeover. The kitchen's deep relationships with local fishers and suppliers shape a pared-down, Japanese-inspired menu of nigiris, hand-rolls and precise, product-driven preparations. With just eight tables and 20 bar seats, the experience is intimate by design. A creative cocktail menu inspired by Japanese painter Yayoi Kusama features impressive presentation and flavour pairings. Infinite Nets Yellow takes inspiration from the eponymous 1960 oil painting, interpreting the dot pattern as a sesame wafer garnish over a silky cherry liqueur cocktail.

Key Information

• Average price per person $36
• Lunch and dinner: Mon – Sat
• 507 6675 6277
• Visit Umi's Website

Location

Plaza 54, Av. Samuel Lewis, Panama,