Mercado de Mariscos - The Panama City Seafood Market

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Mercado de Mariscos sits the Bay of Panama in Panama City, Panama
As fresh fish markets go, the one in Panama City, Panama, is a gem. Not only are there dozens of stalls where fishmongers sell fresh seafood and shellfish, but the prices are jaw-droppingly low for many items.

The Mercado de Mariscos is easy to get to. It's on Avenida Balboa, which is a waterfront promenade called the Cinta Costera. It sits at the mouth of old town Casco Viejo, which is another area you'll want to explore.

Go early to get the best selection... and the freshest fish. The seafood market closes at 4pm, so it's best to go in the morning, or in the early afternoon at the very latest. Take cash, as no one accepts credit cards.
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Mercado de Mariscos is the big fresh seafood market on the Cinta Costera
What can you buy at the seafood market in Panama? The list is long but it includes:
  • Corvina (the local white fish that's quite delicious)
  • Red and black snapper
  • Shrimp and prawns
  • Octopus
  • Local lobster
  • "Red" Ahi tuna & yellowfin tuna
  • Blue marlin
  • Crab
  • And much, much more!
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Corvina Ceviche, one of dozens of different flavors of Ceviche available at Mercado de Mariscos
No trip to the Mercado de Mariscos is complete without a fresh ceviche. You can choose from dozens of different ceviche options, including:
  • Lobster (langosta)
  • Octopus (pulpa)
  • Shrimp (langostino)
  • Corvina (the national white fish)
  • Mixto (mixed seafood)​

​The seafood market ceviches are served in disposable cups with a disposable spoon and a packet of crackers. They're a bargain, starting at just $1 per generously-filled cup! Find a bench and enjoy this no-frills fresh treat, or get a to-go container and enjoy it at home.
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Fresh Ahi Tuna being sold by a fishmonger at the Panama Seafood Market
I like to buy the red Ahi tuna for $3.50 per pound. The fishmongers will clean it up for you, removing the skin and unwanted brown portions of the fish. When I take it home, it's a snap to grill or to make my own deconstructed tuna tower (photo to the right). It's easy to prepare, and the price is so low, you can enjoy this treat several times a week.

If you love fresh fish, no trip to Panama is complete without spending a bit of time at the best seafood market in Panama!

For this and other great fish recipes, check out MelissaDarnay.com. 
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Deconstructed Ahi Tuna Tower made with brown rice and fresh avocado