Dining & Food Expat Life Panama Panama City Casco Viejo RestaurantsMarch 31, 20235 min read2,014 views

MASA Restaurant: Authentic Italian Cuisine in Historic Casco Viejo

DoPanama Team

MASA Restaurant: Authentic Italian Cuisine in Historic Casco Viejo

MASA is an authentic Italian restaurant located at Plaza Santa Ana in Casco Viejo, Panama City, offering traditional handmade pizza, pasta, and bread prepared fresh daily in a historic UNESCO World Heritage setting. According to Panama's Tourism Authority, Casco Viejo attracts over 2.5 million visitors annually, making it Panama's premier dining destination for both tourists and expats seeking authentic international cuisine.

Prime Location at Plaza Santa Ana

MASA occupies a coveted position directly facing the emblematic Plaza Santa Ana, one of Casco Viejo's most historic squares. The restaurant offers two distinct dining experiences: an intimate indoor space featuring marble tables positioned in front of the large wood-fired oven where guests can watch the pizzaiolo craft traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas, and an outdoor terrace with tables overlooking the plaza where diners can enjoy the refreshing evening breeze.

The location places MASA at the heart of Panama City's cultural district, surrounded by colonial architecture dating back to the 17th century. Plaza Santa Ana serves as a gathering point for both locals and the growing expat community, with property values in the immediate area averaging $3,500 per square meter according to recent real estate data.

Over 2.5 million annual visitors to Casco Viejo

Source: Panama Tourism Authority

Traditional Italian Gastronomy

MASA's kitchen specializes in the most traditional recipes of Italian gastronomy, utilizing fresh and organic products in all preparations. The restaurant's signature items include hand-prepared pizza, bread, and pasta doughs made fresh daily. The menu features authentic dishes such as beef Carpaccio, Tonnarelli Cacio & Pepe, homemade meatballs, eggplant Parmigiana, lasagna, and gnocchi.

The dessert selection showcases traditional Italian sweets including tiramisu and artisanal gelato made in-house. Weekend visitors can enjoy MASA's unique brunch offerings, which have become increasingly popular among Panama City's international community.

15% of Casco Viejo residents are international expats

Source: Panama Immigration Department

Expat Dining Destination

For expats and retirees living in Panama, MASA represents the type of authentic international cuisine that makes relocation comfortable and enjoyable. The restaurant's location in Casco Viejo puts it within walking distance of many expat-favored residential buildings and hotels. With average meal costs ranging from $15-25 per person, MASA offers European-quality dining at prices significantly lower than comparable restaurants in North America or Europe.

The outdoor dining experience is particularly appealing during Panama's dry season (December through April), when evening temperatures in the historic district average 78°F (26°C) with pleasant trade wind breezes.

Average dining cost $15-25 per person

Source: Local restaurant pricing analysis

MASA Restaurant exemplifies the international dining scene that makes Casco Viejo one of Panama's most desirable expat destinations. For those considering relocation to Panama or investment in the historic district, contact DoPanama Real Estate & Relocation at +507 6443-3341 for personalized guidance on living in this UNESCO World Heritage area.

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Expert Insights

“Authentic Italian restaurants like MASA are exactly what draw expats to neighborhoods like Casco Viejo. The combination of historic charm, walkability, and international cuisine creates a European-style lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.”
— Austin Hess, COO of DoPanama

“When we help clients relocate to Panama, access to quality international dining is always a top priority. MASA's commitment to traditional Italian techniques and fresh ingredients makes it a standout choice in the historic district.”
— Nalini Navarro Guardia, President of DoPanama

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is MASA restaurant located in Panama City?

MASA is located directly facing Plaza Santa Ana in Casco Viejo, Panama City's historic UNESCO World Heritage district. The restaurant offers both indoor dining and outdoor terrace seating overlooking the historic plaza.

What type of cuisine does MASA restaurant serve?

MASA serves authentic Italian cuisine featuring traditional recipes with handmade pizza, pasta, and bread prepared fresh daily. The menu includes classic dishes like Tonnarelli Cacio & Pepe, eggplant Parmigiana, and homemade tiramisu.

How much does it cost to dine at MASA restaurant?

Average meal costs at MASA range from $15-25 per person, offering European-quality Italian dining at prices significantly lower than comparable restaurants in North America or Europe.

Does MASA restaurant take reservations?

Yes, MASA accepts reservations by phone at +507 202-6899 or +507 6954-9191. They also maintain social media presence at @masa.panama on Instagram and Masa.panama on Facebook.

What makes MASA popular with expats in Panama?

MASA's authentic Italian cuisine, prime location in walkable Casco Viejo, and affordable luxury dining appeal to the area's growing expat community. The restaurant represents the international lifestyle that draws many retirees and foreign residents to Panama's historic district.

Does MASA serve brunch?

Yes, MASA offers a unique brunch menu during weekends that has become increasingly popular among Panama City's international community and visitors to Casco Viejo.

What is special about MASA's pizza preparation?

MASA features a large wood-fired oven with marble tables positioned where diners can watch the pizzaiolo (pizza maker) prepare traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas using hand-made dough prepared fresh daily.

Is MASA good for outdoor dining?

Yes, MASA offers outdoor terrace dining overlooking Plaza Santa Ana, which is particularly enjoyable during Panama's dry season (December-April) when evening temperatures average 78°F with pleasant trade wind breezes.