A new kosher dessert spot has officially joined Panama City’s growing kosher food scene. Emilia Gelato e Caffè has opened its doors at the Pacific Center Food Hall in Punta Paitilla, bringing freshly made gelato, soft serve, and in-house waffle cones to one of the city’s most active kosher-friendly neighborhoods.
This opening adds a dedicated kosher gelato and dessert concept to Panama, expanding local options beyond restaurants and cafés and offering travelers and residents a new place focused entirely on sweet treats. Emilia is currently operating under a soft opening schedule and is already drawing attention for its hands-on preparation and customizable dessert experience.
Freshly Made Waffle Cones and Small-Batch Gelato
One of Emilia Gelato’s defining features is its freshly made waffle cones, prepared on-site rather than brought in pre-made. The cones are produced throughout the day and served warm, offering a crisp texture that pairs directly with both gelato and soft serve. This detail sets the shop apart from standard ice cream counters and reflects its emphasis on preparation and freshness.
The gelato program focuses on small-batch production, with flavors rotating regularly. Customers can choose between gelato or soft serve, served either in a cup or a waffle cone, then finish their order with a wide selection of toppings. The concept prioritizes customization, allowing each guest to build their dessert rather than ordering from a fixed combination menu.
A Kosher Dessert Addition to Punta Paitilla
Located inside the Pacific Center Food Hall, Emilia Gelato fits naturally into Punta Paitilla’s kosher dining ecosystem. The area is already a central destination for kosher restaurants, supermarkets, and cafés, making Emilia a convenient dessert stop before or after meals or while shopping nearby.
The shop also positions itself as a flexible café-style destination. Branded as “Gelato e Caffè,” Emilia is designed to accommodate daytime visits as well as evening dessert runs, especially for visitors staying nearby or passing through the food hall.
Soft Opening Schedule
During its soft opening phase, Emilia Gelato is operating on a structured weekly schedule. The shop is open Sunday through Thursday from 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Fridays from 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, closed on Saturdays, and reopens on Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:30 pm. These hours align with kosher operations in the city and are expected to continue as the business settles into regular service.
Location, Hours, and Kosher Information
Emilia Gelato e Caffè is located at Pacific Center Food Hall, Punta Paitilla, Torre C, Local 219, Panama City.
Hours of operation are Sunday 11:00 am to 8:30 pm, Monday through Thursday 12:30 pm to 8:30 pm, Friday 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, and closed on Saturday.
Kosher certification is under local kosher supervision in Panama: Shevet Ahim.
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