
Restaurante Makoto
A chic rooftop Japanese restaurant in Panama City, renowned for Chef Makoto Okuwa's creative take on Edomae-sushi and stunning city views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Restaurante Makoto

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A chic rooftop Japanese restaurant in Panama City, renowned for Chef Makoto Okuwa's creative take on Edomae-sushi and stunning city views.
"Easily the best dining experience I’ve had—simply EPIC."
Reserve in Advance
Ensure a good table arrangement by making reservations ahead of time.
Outdoor Seating
Consider sitting outside for a pleasant experience, even during rain.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Phone
+507 830-2736
Address
Obarrio, Kenex Plaza, C. 59 Este, Panamá, Provincia de Panamá, Panama
Website
makotopanama.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trendy Rooftop Dining
Experience a vibrant atmosphere with stunning city views from this trendy rooftop Japanese restaurant.

Creative Japanese Cuisine
Savor unique dishes crafted by Chef Makoto Okuwa, blending traditional Edomae-sushi with innovative flair.

Exceptional Appetizers
Indulge in standout starters like grilled octopus and wagyu wontons, praised for their perfect execution.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
Ensure a good table arrangement by making reservations ahead of time.
Outdoor Seating
Consider sitting outside for a pleasant experience, even during rain.
Inquire About Pricing
If budget is a concern, ask about menu costs to avoid surprises.
Explore Wine List
The diverse and well-crafted cocktail and wine list is a significant highlight.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
Ensure a good table arrangement by making reservations ahead of time.
Outdoor Seating
Consider sitting outside for a pleasant experience, even during rain.
Inquire About Pricing
If budget is a concern, ask about menu costs to avoid surprises.
Explore Wine List
The diverse and well-crafted cocktail and wine list is a significant highlight.
Visit Off-Peak
Visiting during less busy times might lead to better service.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Makoto offers a high-end Japanese dining experience with excellent food, impeccable service, and a great atmosphere, making it a top choice in Panama City. While the price is considered high, most diners find it justified by the quality and overall experience. However, a few reviews noted issues with food quality, service speed, and value for money, with one reviewer describing a disappointing experience with smell, service, and dish presentation.
"Great vibes. Fresh ingredients and nice presentation. It’s not too comfortable to have a small table. A bit pricey but nice experience. The Miso Sea Bass is highly recommended!"
Jaz LEE
"Easily the best dining experience I’ve had—simply EPIC. The ambience was warm and inviting (9/10), and the service was flawless (10/10).
The appetizers, featuring grilled octopus and wagyu wontons, were both outstanding (10/10). Our entrées—branzino and skirt steak—were perfectly executed (10/10), and the desserts continued the high standard (10/10).
Cocktail options were diverse and well-crafted (9/10), and the servers’ knowledge of the menu was exceptional (10/10).
Highly recommend for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience."
Dwain Donaldson
"Only speaking about the sashimi and sushi platters for 50 USD. Best sushi placec in Panama. A very business, classy place. I came during the weekend. Amazing experience, some of the best sushi I've had (coming from Toronto and Vancouver). Very fresh and flavour packed. I think I liked the sashimi better for taste but the nigiri fills you up more (it comes with a salmon roll too). Expensive but worth trying if you like high quality sushi."
jeff cw
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Makoto offers a creative take on traditional Edomae-sushi dishes, blending classic techniques with innovative flair.
Yes, many reviewers highlight Makoto as an excellent choice for celebrations like birthdays and anniversaries.
Standout dishes mentioned include toro tartare, wagyu filet, hay smoked albacore, grilled octopus, and wagyu wontons.
It is recommended to make reservations in advance to ensure a table, especially during peak times.
Makoto is considered an upscale restaurant, with prices reflecting the high quality of food and service.
Yes, the restaurant is on a rooftop and offers great city views, especially at night.
Yes, delivery is available, and while the food is well-packaged, one reviewer noted it wasn't exceptional for delivery.
Mentioned in
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Makoto is a trendy rooftop Japanese restaurant and one of the best in town. Owned by Chef Makoto Okuwa, an apprentice of sushi master Makoto Kumazaki, the menu is a perfectly executed creative take on traditional Edomae-Sushi dishes. Some of his best recipes include toro tartare, wagyu filet and hay smoked albacore.
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Book Now Restaurants in Panama Chef Makoto Okuwa has developed his own take on Japanese cuisine, where traditional Edomae-Sushi meets innovative flair. Chef Makoto’s introduction to the intricacies of Japanese cooking, especially sushi, began in his hometown of Nagoya, Japan. At the age of 15, Makoto began an apprenticeship with Sushi Master Makoto Kumazaki; his study continued under th...
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With two oceans, Panama has access to a spectacular array of fish and shellfish. This is why Japanese chef Makoto Okuwa decided to open his second restaurant (after the one in Bal Harbour, Florida) in Panama City. The menu combines traditional Edomae sushi with contemporary techniques, making it the city’s premier destination for Japanese food.
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Stellar restaurants like Makoto, Segundo Muelle (Balboa Ave. location), and hidden-gem Azahar offer incredible views from high above the bustling streets of the banking district. You’ll find nearly every cuisine imaginable in this city, not to mention some of Latin America’s most talented chefs. Want to see what’s new or trending?.
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For lovers of Japanese cuisine, Makoto provides an upscale sushi dining experience. Located in Balboa Boutiques, it stands out for its artful presentation and fresh ingredients. The restaurant combines traditional Japanese techniques with a modern twist, offering dishes that are both visually stunning and delicious.
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Makoto is a Japanese restaurant located in the Obarrio neighborhood of Panama City. If you’re craving sushi, fish filet, a steak, rice or noodle dishes, or a variety of hot or cold appetizers, you’ll satiate your craving here. Sushi-lovers can select between sashimi, nigiri and maki rolls.
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Makoto atmosphere blows guests away, this restaurant in Obarrio has an elegant look and its very attractive. The hospitality and the service are of high standards. Makoto has a great dining environment, which is on the 11th-floor rooftop of Kenex Plaza, surrounded by a charming garden.
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Recommended by a local friend and visited here with 2 of my associates last Sunday- gotta admit that it was way greater than what I expected. Awesome view, clean and modern interior and amazing vibes. We started off with Sushi sampler ($75) …
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Makoto is run by its owner, chef Makoto Okuwa, who since the age of 15 began to delve into the world of sushi, allowing him to develop his own version of Japanese cuisine.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit