Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera — Restaurant in Santa Ana

During my recent trip to Panama, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Mercado de Marisco Cinta Costera, and it was an absolute delight for a seafood enthusiast like myself.

Nestled along the picturesque Cinta Costera, this vibrant seafood market offers an authentic and bustling atmosphere that immediately draws you in. The array of fresh seafood on display is impressive, with stalls brimming with everything from shrimp and lobster to octopus and a variety of fish. The quality and freshness of the seafood are unmatched, making it a haven for both locals and tourists alike.

What sets Mercado de Marisco apart is not just the selection but also the experience. After choosing your seafood, you can have it prepared on-site by skilled cooks who transform your selection into mouthwatering dishes. I highly recommend trying the ceviche – it’s simply the best I’ve ever had. The freshness of the fish, combined with the perfect blend of citrus and spices, creates a flavor explosion that’s truly unforgettable.

The market also offers an array of food stalls where you can sample a variety of local dishes. From fried fish to seafood stews, every dish is prepared with care and bursting with authentic Panamanian flavors. The prices are reasonable, making it an excellent value for such high-quality seafood.

The lively ambiance, with vendors calling out their daily catches and the sound of the sea in the background, adds to the overall charm of the market. The location along the Cinta Costera provides a beautiful setting, allowing you to enjoy your meal with a view of the ocean and the Panama City skyline.

The staff and vendors are friendly and eager to share their knowledge about the different types of seafood and how best to enjoy them. Their passion for their trade is evident and enhances the overall experience.

In conclusion, Mercado de Marisco Cinta Costera is a must-visit for anyone who loves seafood or wants to experience a slice of Panamanian culture. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and unforgettable destination that will leave you craving more. I can’t wait to return and indulge in the fresh, delicious...

There are many food stalls with at least 25-30 booths ALL offering almost the same dishes.

I posted a review for booth Ceviche Loco but wanted to add my review for Mercado del mariscos because it’s hard to find the individual reviews for each booth.

You will likely be approached by dozens of staff members representing each food stall and it’s quite overwhelming or annoying but just thanks and keep walking and look at every menu before coming back to the one you like.

Some reviewers had a bad experience with the food but that is just one food stall out of like 30. They also charge different amounts.

I wanted to try the lobster (Langosto). I was quoted anywhere from $35 to $45 for a whole lobster. So look around.... don’t be lazy and go to the first stall that approaches you.

This place is a tourist trap in terms of price but not necessarily in terms of quality.

Most tourist traps around the world works the same scam. Over-priced food for below average quality and sometimes cheating on the bill or portions or a complete fraud altogether.

I chose this place because the lobster tail was just $21. I didn’t want to eat a whole lobster by myself and wanted to try 2 plates, so I also got the langostinos for $14.

The girl next to me got a bowl of clams which I regret because it would’ve been a better combination then lobster and shrimp.

The lobster(Langosto) in garlic sauce and shrimp (langostino) in garlic sauce both came with fried plantains and a small salad. The tiny cup of ceviche was free but I did not like it.

The price would be considered comparable to most American cities. Quality is also good.

Total: $40.50 including tax, tip (10%) and bottle water

Booth name: ...

Panama isn’t an island, but with such a high proportion of coastline to land, it might as well be.

So it’s only natural that seafood figures prominently in Panamanian cuisine.

Panama City’s seafood market, the Mercado de Mariscos, lies at the foot of the historic Casco Viejo district and is, as you would expect, bustling.

It consists of two parts.

To the left is the market proper, where you can buy freshly caught seafood fresh off the fishing boats you see in the bay.

This part of the market opens early–around 5 am, as the fisherman arrive in with their overnight catch. Fresh fish, lobsters, and shellfish are all laid out on ice or swimming in buckets of water.

But unless you have your own kitchen to cook your own feast, chances are that the other part of the market is more useful to you. That’s where the restaurants are, where the freshly caught seafood is served up for your dining pleasure.

The local specialty is ceviche, served in cups, where the raw fish is “cooked” in citrusy juices. A cup of ceviche fish or octopus (pulpa) will set you back a dollar or two, and you can order fries on the side of you like and wash it down with a cold Panama beer.

Platters, which are generally fried fish or fried something else like mussels or prawns, are more expensive.

While there’s not the same variety as somewhere like the Santiago de Chile’s Mercado Central, which has an incredible variety of shellfish thanks to the country’s endless shoreline, all the basics are covered, from fish to...