A Journey to the Golden Age
Some of the most important qualities of our restaurant are its warm, welcoming atmosphere, inviting conversation with friends and family, and the incredible aroma of garlic, oregano, and tomato sauce emanating from the kitchen. On the table, a heaping plate of Spaghetti & Meatballs or a Lasagna with bubbling mozzarella, or perhaps a traditional Caesar Salad.
These dishes are more than just food; they’re an experience. They are the delicious result of a beautiful story about Italian immigrants who traveled to the United States with their family recipes in tow. This story is also the origin of Frank’s Place, a culinary offering featuring family recipes that have been passed down through generations.
From the Hollywood Set to Your Table
When Frank Sinatra performed at the finest clubs in Los Angeles, when Marlon Brando filmed The Godfather, when Hollywood’s elite gathered after the show there was always an Italian table waiting for them. A table with handmade pasta, slow sauce, generous wine and conversations that lasted for hours.
That is the cuisine that inspires Frank’s Place. Not a
museum kitchen but the living food that fueled a golden generation.
Chef Robert Santomenno Wallace took those signature recipes, brought them to Panama City and made them his own: dishes that honor the legacy without copying it.
Here, Spaghetti & Meatballs are not just pasta they are a nod to an era when dining well was part of the show. Every plate tells a story. Every dinner is a performance.
It’s more than food, it’s a feeling
Frank’s Place was created by Chef Robert Santomenno
Wallace in honor of his grandfather. What we seek to
capture is that feeling of warmth, glamour and timeless
elegance that defined a golden era. We are proud to offer
a one-of-a-kind dining experience in Panama City, with
the Chef’s unique creative vision that honors tradition
while pushing boundaries.
This cuisine is not pretentious or complicated. It’s
cinematic. It’s the kind of place you come to for a
casual weeknight dinner or a grand special occasion and leave feeling like a star.
The food is the star
You can’t discuss about culture without imagining a movie scene and the artists of the 50s era who created great cultural classics
Think of the romantic spaghetti dinner from Lady and the Tramp or the famous line “Leave the gun, take the cannoli” from The Godfather. Film and television fell in love with this food, making it a star.
Others, such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Perry Como, and Tony Bennett, mastered music and sang songs with special themes, often photographed in restaurants of the era. These artists not only made their food not only delicious, but also glamorous and with a “cool” factor that endures to this day.
Why will you love experience at Frank’s Place?
At our Old Hollywood restaurant in Panama, you can:
- Savor a story: Each dish tells a rich story of immigration, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive.
- Enjoy comfort food: The rich, savory flavors feel like a warm hug on your plate. It’s food that makes you feel good.
- Share with your friends and family: This is a social meal, made for sharing dishes, sharing stories, and making memories with loved ones.
- Find something for everyone: From rich and creamy pastas to light and fresh salads, incredible pizzas, and vegan options, the menu is always diverse and delicious.
Evolving cuisine
Today’s chefs continually find new ways to honor the classics, adding their own creative twists. The spirit of adaptation that started it all remains alive. At Frank’s Place, we take pride in being part of that ongoing story.