Lunarossa: The #1 Italian Restaurant Experience in Coronado, Panama

Founded by Italian chef Elisabetta 'Lisa' Cappelli in 2012, Lunarossa quickly established itself as the premier Italian dining destination along Panama's Pacific coast. After over a decade of culinary excellence, Lisa has passed her legacy to Jonathan Schneir, CEO of Grupo Zena and Grupo Schneir, ensuring that the restaurant's authentic Tuscan traditions continue uninterrupted.

The menu features signature dishes that have earned Lunarossa its reputation, including the famous Burrata Focaccina with arugula and balsamic vinegar, and the original Tagliolini al Granchio featuring fresh crab from Bocas del Toro. According to TripAdvisor data, Lunarossa maintains a 4.8-star rating with over 90% of reviewers rating it as 'excellent,' making it the highest-rated restaurant in the Coronado area.

Positioned perfectly for those traveling between Panama City and popular expat destinations like El Valle de Antón, Lunarossa serves as an essential stop along the Pan-American Highway. The restaurant's location in Coronado, approximately 90 minutes from Panama City, makes it accessible to the growing expat community in the Pacific coastal region.

Coronado itself has become increasingly popular with North American retirees, with property values in the area increasing by an average of 8% annually over the past five years. The presence of high-quality dining establishments like Lunarossa contributes significantly to the area's appeal for international residents seeking a taste of home with authentic international cuisine.

The transition from Lisa Cappelli to Jonathan Schneir represents more than just a change of ownership – it's a commitment to preserving authentic Italian culinary traditions. Chef Diana Rodríguez, handpicked by Lisa herself, serves as the guardian of the original recipes, ensuring that signature dishes maintain their authentic Tuscan character.

The restaurant continues to offer personalized dining experiences, accommodating special dietary requirements and creating custom dishes for guests. This attention to detail has made Lunarossa a preferred venue for special events, including weddings, baptisms, and corporate gatherings, with the restaurant hosting an average of 15 private events monthly.

Lunarossa's menu reflects the authentic flavors of Tuscany, with each dish prepared using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients. Beyond the signature Burrata Focaccina and Tagliolini al Granchio, the menu features Beef Tagliata and Chicken Marsala as emblematic offerings that showcase the depth of Italian culinary tradition.

The restaurant's philosophy centers on using passion and devotion as essential ingredients that cannot be purchased. This approach, established by Lisa and continued under the new management, ensures that each dish represents not just authentic Italian flavors but also the emotional connection to traditional cooking methods.