Lula

Between Books, Pita, and a Table That Makes You Want to Stay

Walking into Lula feels a little unexpected. Instead of finding just another dining room, you are surrounded by shelves filled with books, wooden tables, and cozy corners that almost feel like a library that also happens to serve really good food.

The space even invites you to pick up a book while enjoying your meal with a coffee. Panama also appears in the details: a mural blends local symbols and cultural references with images of the city, making it clear that Lula is not trying to recreate Israel exactly as it is, but rather to let both cultures meet in the same space. That contrast is part of what makes the experience special. You may arrive simply looking for lunch and end up discovering a restaurant that feels intimate, curious, and refreshingly different.

Israeli Hummus With a Panamanian Twist

The menu starts with Israeli and Middle Eastern flavors, but often plays with Latin ingredients and influences. Hummus may come with shawarma, kebab, falafel, or even chipotle-seasoned meat, while the pitas can feature combinations as distinctive as ropa vieja with fried plantain. You will also find falafel, eggplant with tahini, kebabs, and house-made sourdough bread. The menu is kosher and includes several vegetarian options, which makes Lula especially appealing to travelers with different dietary preferences.

What makes Lula memorable is that it does not rely on formality. Its charm appears when several dishes land in the middle of the table and the meal turns into a mix of hummus, pita, sauces, conversation, and the irresistible urge to try “just a little” of what someone else ordered. Lula is a great stop for travelers who want to step away from the more predictable flavors of Casco Antiguo. Here, you can travel toward the Middle East without completely leaving Panama behind: just open a pita, share the hummus, and maybe pull a book from the shelf before asking for the check.