Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera
Mercado De Marisco Cinta Costera things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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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 offerings once again.
Claudia CollierClaudia Collier
20
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: Ceviche Loco
Rnaqwa OoausRnaqwa Ooaus
30
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 octopus to prawns.
Karin S.Karin S.
10
Tl;rd : market is great, restaurants a bit expensive The restaurants : I first went to eat to the restaurants that are all around the market. It's hard to distinguish which one is which. The waiters were quite pushy, everybody tries to grab your attention when you walk by, i found that annoying. I finally settled at a random one, the waiter gave me some helpful informations. There were some toilets, quite clean, costs 25ct. I had the free beer plus a full plate (in photo) for 15usd+1.5usd of tip. The place is noisy with competing music from restaurants, multiple people tried to sell me stuffs and doesn't have A/c so it's surprisingly expensive imo. It feels like a very popular place, with regular tourist prices. The beers however were the cheapest i'v seen so far (balboa can of 33cl, 1.25usd). Some people definitely noticed and were just here to have a drinking afternoon. Overall it was ok, the food was good but the atmosphere is not super nice. I felt safe, some people even had their laptop out. It didn't smell like fish. I don't think I'll come back, because the atmosphere is not nice enough. The market : I just passed by, everything looked very fresh, nobody tried to catch my attention, the floor seemed clean (very wet, go with proper shoes), it smelled like fish but eh, it's a fish market. I'll definitely come back there if i want to buy some fish.
Renan LCRenan LC
20
This market was a memorable experience. I only wanted to try some seafood and was totally unprepared for what was to come when strolling in here. The level of harassment from the salespeople I have only experienced once before in Egypt. Absolutely smothering. Loads of them shouting at you, trying to get you into their restaurant, waving menus in your face. It was frantic like Wall Street. It seemed there was no escape. It was 7pm so packed with people. Lots of restaurants in the market. We eventually chose Restaurante La Perlas, because they were the only ones that took 'no' for an answer, and backed off. It's about 3 quarters way down near the bend. I had to try the famous cerviche in a Styrofoam cup. It was great. Then I got the Red Snapper. So fresh and tasty. The crowd ebbed away and it turned out to be a grand spot to chill and have some Panamanian drinks. I can see why this market is on the places of interest list. Worth a visit.
Alan EganAlan Egan
10
This is probably the cheapest place to have seafood in Panama City. The food is fresh and good. Also, we asked for ' mucho picante' when we ordered so that the sauce was was spicier. We ordered the sea bass and clam with garlic and chili. Every meal is served with a small bowl of cerviche. On the hse. Each stall have almost the same dishes but there are alot of stalls to chose from. I tried a few and was stuck to the 3rd shop from the entrance, where I had both lunch and dinner..including a group dinner. The ambience was also relaxing and open, like hawker style and they have roofing so although it does rain alot in panama city..the seating was comfortable. Also lots of local music and also a good place to catch the world cup games. A must visit!
Farrah ShameenFarrah Shameen
10
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Reviews
Overview
4.2
(5.2K reviews)$$
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