4.3 This is a really good bar. Great upstairs space. It's huge and complete with a shabbily attractive international decor. We tried the Panama G & T. This has wolf gin, orange and rhubarb and tonic. This is a beautiful drink. We absolutely adored it. The house made rhubarb chip on top is almost like toffee and adds interest, texture and more great flavour. We loved this place. Note is a good one for tourists. You can watch the world go by from the window. All the diversity of Smith Street. Or, look from the windows all the way to the Dandenong ranges. read more

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Neatly tucked away from the sometimes raw energy that is Smith Street, the Panama Dining Room offers food that you'd be likely to find in any one hat restaurant yet provides a more relaxed atmosphere. The Panama is located on level three and is large. It is great to have a quiet cocktail or two at the bar and then wander over to the adjacent dining rooms afterwards (although the meals served in the bar area look great too). If you can, grab a table near one of the big windows. It can be fun to watch the activity on the street below or take in city views. The menu really does, to use an old cliche, offer something for everyone. Whether you're after Spanish "Jabon" or Zucchini flowers stuffed with cheese (although beware if blue cheese is not your thing), quail cigars, slow roasted lamb or wagyu beef, there will be plenty to tempt you at the Panama dining room. This place is ideal for dinner whatever the occasion, be it dinner with a group of close friends or even a special date. read more

The Panama - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

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The Panama is one of those all-occasion, crowd-pleasing kind of venues. A restaurant serving modern dishes with a European slant that you could bring anything from a date to your parents to. A bar for getting rowdy with cocktails and casual dining. Functions and large group friendly. $1 Oysters every night. Huge windows overlooking the North side of town. That's a lot of boxes for one venue to tick. But then there's one more than I have to add after visiting on Monday night. Mondays in the bar at Panama is burger + beer night. $10 for their Wagyu burger with bacon, pickles & Jack cheese (normally $15) and add in a Dos Blockos beer for an extra $5. $15 burger and beer is good value, but more so because it's the best damn cheeseburger I've put in my mouth. I don't want to incite any fights over who does the best burger in town, but for my tastes, Panama's is right up there. My husband and I ate in near silence except for happy grunts and mocking the amount of mayo on each other's faces. If I could add jalapenos to it, I'd 100% give up my current fav burger in town. I really want to check out the rest of the menu, especially since I'm currently on a mission for a new favourite steak tartare...but it's going to take a bit of will power to not eat that burger every time...or maybe force myself to eat in the restaurant where the burger isn't on the menu. read more

The Panama - Monday night burger special in the bar. Probably the best cheeseburger in Melbourne. So good. - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

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I love this place! The NZ king salmon, if a tad on the salty side, may just be the best salmon I have EVER had, and the spinach/porcini pastry is also delicious. All the sides I've tried here are a bit uninspiring, but still good. As to drinks, the Panama libre is a favourite. Great mix of people, and friendly staff. A beautiful, beautiful space for a drink or a meal or both. read more

The Panama - Beautiful windows. - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

Having been to Panama many times over the years and always found it bustling and busy, it didn't deter me at all that we pretty much had the place to ourselves on a quiet Sunday evening. In fact, we loved it. We took full advantage and made ourselves at home, shuffling a few seats in a row facing out one of the beautiful big windows and people watched out onto Smith St. The staff were so relaxed, and didn't mind us reorganising some furniture, and also provided some great drink tips and fantastic overall service. The cocktails were all winners, some weirder than others, but all tasty and perfectly refreshing. Recommend the G&T (comes with with fresh slice of grapefruit to add to the bitter zest) or the Osama Gin Laden (which we ordered based on the pun alone). Gin was locally sourced also, which was cool. Also found a new favourite with Solerno Blood Orange liqueur on ice with a slice of lemon. The bartender gave me a sample first, which wasn't something I had experienced with the hard stuff before (beer maybe, but not spirits). The layout is classy, and cool. Will enjoy myself next time I'm there among the crowd no doubt, but it was nice to have it to ourselves for one night (even if we got politely shuffled on after 9pm). read more

The Panama - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

This must be one of the busiest restaurant-bars in the whole of Melbourne on Valentine's Day. The way this restaurant looks and the breathtaking views of the city through those magnificent arched windows don't so scream romance as sexily whisper it in husky tones. The French-inspired food is unpretentious yet definitely of restaurant quality, and it's good value. The long wine, beer and cocktail menu means you can pretty much guarantee you'll get the drink you want. It has never been too crowded in here when I've been, having said that, it is advisable to book ahead if you're planning on the full wining and dining experience as demand for the dining tables is great. read more

The Panama - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

Panama - a splendour in Fitzroy. Once it was a secret, barely noticeable as you passed the front door. With the popularity of this area - it's not a secret anymore - especially since the wonderful Messina opened below and the ice-cream fanatics hide the doorway. Still to the uninitiated - what greets you after 3 flights of stairs will surprise. The warehouse style open room with a dining room at one end, a pool table in the middle and a bar area at the other - all is a delight. Floor to ceiling windows adds to the grace of the venue. Although not recently, I've eaten here several times over the years, both in the dining area and from the bar menu and neither have left me wanting. Such a cool place, except on really hot summer days when the lack of AC becomes apparent. read more

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Dear Panama, I came to you for a mid-week Yelp Happy Hour and you did your stuff. I tasted the $1 oysters, I chatted with fellow Yelpers, I sipped on a Red Snapper, and I took it all in. I love the way your bar is stretched out along the wall yet your drinking area is separated from your dining area. I like that you are on the third floor and that it's cozy and romantic inside with dim lighting. I like that looking out the window we were besides, you saw a big ol' tree. I like that a host seats you at your table and that the bartender is friendly. I like your different seats, high tables or cushioned couches or dining tables, intimate or open. You've got a lot to give and I'm grateful. read more

The Panama Dining Room is one of the nicest restaurants I've been to in a while. I was so impressed by their decor, style of food and good service where they seemed a class above the rest. This is a great venue on Smith St and is fairly popular these days. Panama seems to attract a young but not ratty crowd, which is a relief when places become popular. The menu is fantastic offering dishes such as the Zucchini flowers filled with three cheeses on a grape and walnut salad, amazing! I love that it's a little bit different where the last time I went there was live jazz entertainment used as background music and the place was a buzz. If you're lucky enough to head down there and see some of the live music and get some dinner, you will definitely not be disappointed. I have been constantly impressed by the high quality of Panama. read more

The Panama - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

$1 oysters between 6-7pm! Yes. Standard dinner menu is pretty meh though. Tiny portions. Quite expensive. Service was slow (had to re-order drinks twice). Nothing too awful but I wouldn't bother going out of my way to come back. read more

The Panama - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

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The Panama is a brilliant bar and restaurant tucked away three flights (or is it only two?) of stairs up, and the climb is fully worth it. Considering its location, there's nothing exactly Hipster about it as the Panama oozes class and respect but isn't hoity toity at all. You get a good mix of trendy kids, Hipsters, Yuppies (do people still use that term?) thirty something professionals so this place is hardly polarised. The dining room is separate area from the bar, but because it's all open plan, you get a great view of the entire place. And boy that view out from the large arched windows onto the plane trees outside which are lit from below, you'd be forgiven to think you were perhaps in a New York loft and not Smith Street, with "Dangerway" a few doors down. Noise levels are unbelievable. There's music playing in the background but you can hardly hear it above the din of diners and the crowds of people there for a drink or plenty. It is a very loud place so not so good for talking. The last couple times I was there, you just get sore from yelling and shouting to one another. It gets PACKED on the weekends, so be warned. And yes, the stairs is torture after a few too many. read more

I'm going to go ahead and claim this place as Melbourne's best date venue! Not that it isn't a great place to go with a bunch or friends - or to just meet up with a single friend. It's just that Panama Dining Room has the perfect mix of laid back bar, fancy dining room and classy but unpretentious establishment. Panama is situated on the second floor overlooking the oak trees of Smith St with large glass windows and luscious curtains. The drinks list is expansive and very very well thought out - and the staff are all knowledgeable and happy to help. There are two menus at Panama - a very tasty restaurant menu which is approaching the level of fine dining (at an average price of about $25) or a small bar menu (where everything cost a measly $14), both of which are very well priced considering the quality of the food. So if you are looking for a meal where you have the laid back atmosphere of a bar and the quality of food like a four star restaurant then Panama is the place to go. It's not so bad to go for just a drink either. read more

Oh Panama with your Play School arched windows, city views, sexy mood lighting, delicious cocktails and mouth watering morsels - I think it might be love. I've been to Panama many times. Sometimes for a drink. Sometimes for a bite on a weeknight in the lounge bar area. And this last time, with a couple of girlfriends visiting from interstate for a delicious meal, which they absolutely LOVED! Half the table wanted an entree and the other half wanted dessert so that's exactly what we did. The two that had entrees had the burrata mozzarella with grilled Turkish toast and tomato salsa and the goat cheese tortellini. There was lots of "mmm yum" noises coming from that side of the table so I take it that the entrees were good. Really good. And oh so affordable at only $15!?! Whaaaat?! Amazing. For mains, two of us had the kingfish and two had the steak. My kingfish was delicious. And the steaks were perfectly cooked with duck fat chips on the side. We also had a side of broccoli with lentils for the table to share. And then dessert. We shared the flourless chocolate cake with strawberry balsamic sauce (I die) and the classic apple tarte tatin (oh my). They were both equally delectable. We all had a different cocktail each before our meal and had lovely service across the course of our evening - even to the point where we got an extra bottle of sparkling water because the waitress accidentally filled the half empty sparkling glasses with still water. A nice gesture! Panama is a great place for whatever mood you might be in - and they take reservations which is always a win in my book, especially for groups! Will definitely be back... read more

Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum. I could stop there, but I won't. The Panama Dining Room and Bar is so classy and cool that you kind of want to talk about it. Effusively. And a lot. This is what Yelp was made for. A truly expansive and beautifully decorated restaurant and bar three floors above street level on Fitzroy's Smith Street, The Panama Dining Room and Bar offers a beautiful drinks list alongside a scrummy looking bar menu and quite an incredible restaurant menu which is what my date and I opted for. We ordered a starter of 'Quail cigars with Mount Vikos feta in vine leaf and baked fig' at $14 with a chaser of roast pork belly as a main, which came in at around $28. Staff are hugely knowledgeable and professional and the whole operation just reeks of awesomeness. Next time I'm hitting the bar for a glass of one of The Panama Dining Room's incredible wines and stab at the bar menu numbering Wagyu burgers at a very fair $14 and some frankly incredible sounding Chickpea chips with eggplant relish at $10.00. One of my favourite Melbourne restaurants. read more

Walking along smith st with a spare half hour, we sighted the sign "$1 oyster hour 6-7pm". Well is there really a better way to kill half an hour than $1 oyster? Maybe a few but not a lot are better than this! Without this sign I would've walked past Panama not realising that its there. Despite the big sign hanging from the Broadway ceiling, the entrance is a small glass door. Revealing only a flight of stairs. Not a lot of giveaway of the gorgeous bar and dining up stairs. Once up stairs, the entrance to Panama is classy yet casual. It is a sexy set up. Dark wall and big flowers, old school seatings, arched windows overlooking the bustling Smith st, pool table in the middle of the room. The bar and dining area is comfortably distanced and it gives you just the right vibe whether you are there for a friendly drinks, or an intimate dinner. As for food, well, we only had the oysters (serves with lemon wedges and Tabasco on the side) so I can't comment on anything else :( however Panama is now on my after work drinks venue list. It's fun, casual, classy sexy and fits the bill for almost any outing occasion. read more

We went in on a Saturday night for date night and it was my first and last time there. My partner and I were excited to finally check it out, but the food and atmosphere fell flat. Our waitress was lovely but incredibly slow. Both glasses of wine we ordered tasted off and the food was very average. We ordered the market fish (snapper) and it was so dried out, it had the consistency of chicken. Our side of carrots was so sweet we couldn't even eat them. Seemed to be a good place for group sit-down dinners as we were surrounded by 4 large parties no less than 15 people each. There are better places in the neighborhood to enjoy a nice meal. read more

Please note: this review is for the lounge only, was not lucky enough to eat at the restaurant. Panama offers a great atmosphere to compliment a solid drinks list and knowledgeable bar staff. The layout is solid, split between large group tables, small booths and open areas including the pool table. BY FAR the best (and most under appreciated) aspect was the volume level. You don't realize how nice it is to have a simple conversation sometimes. Go. Relax. Win. read more

I'm a big fan of the Panama Dining Room for the following reasons: 1. Layout: I don't know if it is by luck or design but every time I come here it seems to have the perfect level of patronage- enough to be fun and lively but not so packed that you can't find a spot to sit and have a great conversation over a delicious wine. 2. Choice: An extensive wine list, plenty of cocktails and a top-notch food menu makes Panama a great choice for a no-fuss night out. 3. Prices and Service: The prices are super reasonable for the quality on offer here and even when the place is busy you won't be left hanging at the bar without being served. I heart Panama! read more

Service was good although we were told even though we got there at 6.30 that we couldn't order certain dishes as we had to be out by 8 (even though we thought it was 8.30) We felt rushed and finished our meal quickly and finished drinks at the bar The food is tasty enough although the sides are expensive and we paid $30 for 4 small potatoes, 4 baby carrots and 5 cauliflower florets We also noticed our table was still vacant 20 mins after we left read more

What best describes The Panama Dining Room? Even though the food and wine is decidedly European, with excellent service and passionate staff, the feel - the music, the attitude, the vibe - is certainly more latino in nature. We shared a goats cheese and beetroot tart, quail cigars, flank steak and an amazing chicken dish and 'she' was certainly impressed. If you're into wine, the list shows the sommelier's wide ranging knowledge and experience, with drops from Italy, France, Spain as well as local varieties, and staff that 'know' the wines make finding the ideal one a pleasant experience. It's only failing is that most people I know who've been there have only thought of it as a 'bar that you can dine at'. Think of it the other way around, and you're bound to be impressed. Destined to become an institution :) read more

Nice place lots of space and tables, good food I had the pork and it was large enough to fill me up but not too much, the food is really focussed on the one item, if you order fish you get fish if you order pork it's just the pork on the plate not too much else. A small salad or option for fries would be great. Had the happy hour oysters and they were alright small and salty, $1 each between 6-7pm every night. Would go there again would be good for a group have some larger tables. read more

Awesome again, I freaking love the cocktails here. Meet up with the ladies and had a bootle of french bubbles. Thank god the week finished on that note. Also best falafel I have had ever, and it was a bar snack great idea can other bars copy this.... read more

Being the second time I have been to The Panama (The first being the Yelp Elite Event) I had high expectations, as the food was great, and the atmosphere better. I was seated at 8:00 for a booking of 6 people, and asked the maître d if I could add another person. I was advised this was not possible as there is no way they can fit them on the table. A little disappointed this could not be accommodated, I rolled him to the table, where upon looking at it, one side was on a bench seat clearly made for 3 people, but set with only 2 plates. I bit my lip and sat down. I was then offered a drinks menu (there were 2 of the 6 of us there at that point) We ordered a glass of wine and a beer, and also asked for another table setting to add another person. The waitress was more than happy help out, and even set the spot for us. We then waited 20 mins for our Drinks, yes 20, after asking 3 times we finally got them. The restaurant was not overly busy at this stage, and the bar even less busy. By this stage the other guests had arrived and we helped ourselves to food and drinks menus, as it seemed no one wanted to help us. We ordered drinks and all our food after we got someone's attention. The time at this point was 8:45. I write this time, as the drinks from this order did not arrive until 9:30, but at least (not really) this was before the food, that did not arrive until 10:15. That's an hour and a half wait for meals for 7 people. I could not understand what the kitchen was doing. What has gone wrong out there for it to take so long? If there was an issue, why did they not advise us? And why did the not serve the mash (which the waitress recommended we order) not turn up with the food, well that one I know the answer to, the chef was apparently still mashing it. that's great and all, but when it arrives after the meals, there's really no point now is there. I ordered the gnocchi, which although had good flavour, was very watery, rather than creamy as the menu had described. The gnocchi itself was well made, and cooked well, light ad firm to the bite. I must say this has been one of my worst dinning experiences in a little while, and they have most definitely lost a customer in me. There are too many amazing options in Melbourne, to receive service like that. Hopefully ya'll have a better experience than me. read more

This place has great ambience. Large open floor plan with large windows, pool table, vintage feel and great cocktails. read more

The Panama - Oyster on the half shell! Champagne dressing on the side - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

Great bar on the dodgy end of Smith st. This place is usually really busy and you can see why; cool music, amazing views and interesting interior. The staff seem to have a bit of attitude on every trip I've been there but still worth checking out for a Friday night drink. read more

Food here is pretty good. The servings are big. I had the chargrilled baby chicken which was really tender and flavoursome. Did have order envy of my friend's steak. Looked really good with yummy looking chips. The place is really loud. We were thinking it was great to be sitting at a round table, but we were all leaning in to try and have a conversation. The low tables didn't help the situation. Would definitely come back for drinks at the bar. Big selection of cocktails. read more

The Panama - Chargrilled chicken - Modern European Near Me - Fitzroy Victoria, VIC

This place is a great date spot because its intimate yet open setting allows for easy conversation even when it is busy. There is a pool table, tables for dinner or drinks, and lots of plants. Come to people watch or for a nice meal. A friend recommended the food although we just had a drink. Prices are high but worth it, so is the long walk up the stairs. I will be back to sample the menu and enjoy the bar again! read more

Stepping into the Panama Dining Room made me feel like I was going into the Great Gatsby - great decadent layout and a large area with both bar and dining area. To top off the great experience, there is approachable staff who provide great costumer service. The saganaki entree is delish and main snapper with fennel provided great flavour and was reasonable sized. Good drinks menu and no guilt needed for having cocktails and wine as you work it off by climbing up and down 3 stories of stairs! Only negative is that it is very loud when busy and you have to yell in conversation BUT the positives far outweigh the overly loud atmosphere! read more

Hmmhmmm! I love me a Red Snapper! I don't know how they did it, but they bettered the original Bloody Mary! The ones served here come with a slight kick and fuller flavor. Yum! There were a lot of other drinks I wanted to try as well, but figured the Red Snapper would pair better with the happy hour oysters (which are only $1 each, by the way!). I am definitely making it a point to come back to try some of those gin cocktails! This is an ideal place to catch up with friends for a few drinks and a classy view. :) read more

A cool atmosphere in the heart of smith street. I hadn't heard of Panama bar before I arrived but Im really glad I got to check it out. Its a nice bar with a nice relaxed vibe. Its really a little gem as it's not your typical fiztroy hipster bar. Its a nice place to go for a dinner with the family or catch up with friends. I recommended it as a kind of place for the "fortnightly catch up with the girl". read more

A very classy bar indeed...I haven't tried the food but that is meant to be great as well.

The Panama Dining Room is a venue that looks far more classy and exclusive than are reflected in its prices. It has beautiful giant windows that cover one wall, looking over Smith Street, that make the already large space feel even more expansive and opulent. It also has many couches and booths to sit at, making it a really nice venue for gatherings with friends, like Birthday get-togethers for example. On Tuesday nights, there is a specials menu that includes a very cheap wagyu beef burger, which is insanely good! read more

What a fun find! Would have never seen this from the road, but my mate took me there. Drinks were great, food was amazing. Had the rabbit which was well garnished. My mate had the wagyu, always a good pick. read more

Really good modern European cuisine in a cool bistro area attached to a bar area. Great atmosphere and service! The goat between 2 was brilliant read more

Love this pace! I was here for a special event last night but have been before for drinks with friends a few years ago. Staff are friendly and I really like the layout. Tasty fuds! read more

The Panama would have to be my favourite restaurant and bar in Melbourne. The ambiance is always great, food is always devine, some of the best cocktails I have had anywhere and the service is always great. I have had many great memories there and can't wait to have many more. read more

Venue feels great. Food very disappointing for the price. Pork was all fat for one of us.

Love the Wagyu here, highly recommended. Parking is plentiful and a great view to boot from inside the restaurant.