Level 2 in T1, Olive Garden is the “real meal” option
Up in the Level 2 food court of Terminal 1’s central departures zone, Olive Garden is one of the only full-service, U.S.-brand sit-down spots at PTY. It sits among the usual fast-food counters, so you get table service while everyone else hovers for trays. You’re still in the thick of departures, not by a quiet gate, so expect noise and steady foot traffic.
All seating is post-security in T1, a short walk from most Copa gates in the low teens to 30s. Menus track U.S. Olive Garden standards: pasta plates, soups, salads, and breadsticks, with mains often landing in the USD 15–25 range once converted from balboas. Portions run big by airport standards, so a single entrée and shared starter can work for two light eaters between flights.
Food quality is exactly what frequent flyers on FlyerTalk describe: middle-of-the-road chain Italian at international-hub prices. You’ll recognize dishes like fettuccine Alfredo, spaghetti with meat sauce, and minestrone soup, which helps if you’re landing late from the U.S. and don’t want to think. Expect a standard bar list as well, with beers and basic wine by the glass rather than anything local or special.
Watch out for pricing: Skytrax reviewers call out PTY in general for poor price signage and “sticker shock” at the register, and Olive Garden gets lumped into that pattern. Scan the menu carefully and ask the server to confirm prices in balboas or dollars before you order a second drink or extra appetizer. Service pace can slow during evening Copa banks around 18:00–21:00, so budget at least 60 minutes for a full meal.
Practical tip: if you just want something quick before a T1 departure, head up to Level 2, grab soup, salad, and breadsticks at Olive Garden, and tell your server your flight time so they keep the check ready.