The strip mall offered several restaurants to choose from, with options that included Indian, Spanish, Japanese, Italian, a steakhouse, rotisserie, and more. On this hot day, we were drawn to the restaurants with indoor seating. Almeria, a Spanish restaurant, intrigued me the most. It already had diners, a good sign when you’re unsure where to eat. The atmosphere was inviting, and they had a lunch special that caught our eye.
The special included creamy bean soup, a choice of Alfredo noodles or beef, a glass of juice, and a shared dessert. All this for less than ten dollars! We both opted for the strawberry juice, which was absolutely delicious. When the creamy soup arrived, the presentation was impressive. For a lunch special, it was nice to see that Almeria cared about the presentation. The orange soup contrasted beautifully with the square black bowl, and the taste was incredible.
Next came the entrees. The beef option featured dense ground beef in a sauce reminiscent of the flavors in ropa vieja. It came with a salad and french fries. The noodle dish was served with two slices of bread. Both dishes were flavorful and well-presented, maintaining the high standard set by the soup.
The final course was a shared dessert, part of a special addition to the normal lunch menu. It was a small bowl of rice pudding. While it was delicious, rice pudding isn’t typically my first choice for dessert. Nevertheless, it was a satisfying end to our meal.
Our waitress spoke English and helped us navigate the menu. Despite the restaurant getting busier after our arrival, she ensured we had everything we needed. Her attentive service added to the overall great experience.
When we travel, we rarely return to the same restaurant, preferring to explore new places. However, we would consider revisiting Almeria. It was a delightful discovery, offering delicious food, excellent service, and great value. Great job, Almeria!
If you prefer to cook your own meal while you are in Panama, check out my Cooking Class post! Overview of our three-day trip to Panama!