Italian

Tre Scalini Ristorante (Calle 52 in Bella Vista, tel. 269-9951 or 269-9952, www.trescalinipanama.com [1], noon–3:30 p.m. and 6–11 p.m. daily, US$12–15) offers decent Italian food and friendly service in a cozy faux-Italian atmosphere. It’s been around for more than two decades and is an old standby for many a Panama City [2] dweller. There’s a second Tre Scalini in the El Dorado district (Boulevard El Dorado and Calle Miguel Brostella, tel. 260-0052 or 236-5303), if you happen to find yourself out that way. Avoid the house wine at either place.