Santa Rita: Spanish and Argentine Cuisine in Casco Viejo

Is there anything better than ordering chinchulines and Padrón peppers at the same table? This combination sums up Santa Rita’s concept: a natural blend of Argentine and Spanish cuisine, served in a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Located on Avenida Eloy Alfaro, right at the entrance to Panama City’s Casco Antiguo, the restaurant welcomes diners looking to share flavorful starters, grilled meats and a bottle of wine. Santa Rita feels particularly warm, thanks to its lighting, attentive service and inviting dining room. We especially like the long curtains framing the windows, which create a sense of intimacy, and the handwritten menu board reminiscent of the traditional neighborhood restaurants of Buenos Aires.

A Menu Between Spain and Argentina at the Entrance to Casco Viejo

The menu reflects the roots of its owners: Geraldina Marcos, from Argentina, and Spanish chef Nino Muñoz. To begin, diners can alternate between classics such as patatas bravas, Ibérico ham and Andalusian-style calamari, alongside beef empanadas, morcilla, sweetbreads, provolone and choripán. The grill naturally takes center stage, with cuts including skirt steak, flank steak, picanha and ribeye. The menu also features slow-cooked dishes, fish and rice dishes. The wine list is an excellent match for this generous cuisine designed for sharing, whether you choose a bottle with dinner or simply enjoy a glass alongside several starters.

Santa Rita and the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes

Nino opened his first restaurant near Barcelona at the age of 19. Geraldina had worked in the restaurant industry since she was 18. They met in Spain when she was managing public relations for Nino’s restaurants and, while working together, they fell in love. In 2014, they moved to Panama with their children and opened Santa Rita two years later. At the time, setting up a restaurant on the edge of Casco Antiguo seemed like a risky bet. This is where the name came from: Saint Rita of Cascia is known as the patron saint of impossible causes. What many initially considered a difficult location ultimately became a strategic advantage. The restaurant’s identity grew from the story of a couple and two culinary traditions united by their appreciation for quality ingredients, grilling and long conversations around the table. Santa Rita is a place to arrive hungry, order several dishes to share and discover how naturally Spain and Argentina can come together at the same table.