The Best Restaurants in Cartagena: My Secret List
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The restaurants in Cartagena sum up everything that makes this city irresistible: its colonial past, the sea, the Caribbean rhythm, and the flavors born from centuries of African, Spanish, and indigenous blending.
On the tables, traditional recipes sit alongside the bold creations of a new generation of chefs.
From la posta negra in a historic home to the arepa de huevo grabbed on the go, this guide brings together the must-try dishes, practical tips, and my favorite tables — the ones I love to return to, having lived in Colombia since 2015.
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RESTAURANTS IN CARTAGENA: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Between homemade recipes and new and refined notes.
THE DISHES TO DEVOUR IN CARTAGENA
Cuisine from the heart, Caribbean style.
Shrimp, squid, fish, clams — all simmered in coconut milk until the broth becomes creamy and rich in flavor. One of the great dishes of the Caribbean coast, served with white rice and crispy patacones.
Where to taste it in Cartagena: La Cocina de Pepina (Getsemaní — “Sopa Caribe” on the menu) for the comforting version; Alma for a more refined version; or head to the Mercado de Bazurto if you want to enjoy it like the locals.
Beef stewed for hours in a dark and shiny sauce, sweetened with Kola Román — a local Colombian soda that acts as a natural caramel — until the meat becomes tender and almost black.
Bold, spicy, deeply flavorful. Served with coconut rice. The city’s iconic dish.
Where to try it in Cartagena: La Mulata, in the historic center near the Clock Tower; Candé, in the Centro.
The essential side dish. Rice cooked in coconut milk and panela, white or dark — the black version, called arroz con titoté, owes its color to caramelized coconut. It is found alongside most dishes in practically every restaurant in Cartagena.
Where to taste it in Cartagena: La Mulata, in the historic center, near the Clock Tower; El Curato, in San Diego.
Tilapia, or red snapper, just out of the pan — crispy skin, tender flesh — served with coconut rice, patacones, and a simple salad. The perfect lunch, ideally with your feet in the sand, on the islands or at the beach.
Where to try it in Cartagena: La Mulata (Getsemaní) is a reliable spot to find a good version.
Shrimp or fresh fish, marinated in lime juice with red onion, tomato, and cilantro. Lively, tangy, and refreshing — the kind of dish that condenses the taste of the Caribbean in a bowl. Usually served with plantain chips on the side.
Where to try it in Cartagena: Lobo de Mar (historic center), Ostreria Sincejelo (near La Torre del Reloj), El Beso (Getsemaní), and Buena Vida Marisquería (Getsemaní) are all reliable addresses for a good version.
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DISHES TO DEVOUR IN CARTAGENA
A few other dishes not to miss.
A thick and comforting soup from the Caribbean coast, made with ñame (a local yam) and generous chunks of Costeño cheese, enhanced with onion, garlic, and a splash of lime. Simple, warm, and deeply local.
Where to try it in Cartagena: La Cocina de Pepina, in Getsemaní, where it is considered one of the best versions in the city.
Think of the Caribbean cousin of paella — rice cooked with shrimp, squid, clams, and whatever the sea offered that day, with a more liquid texture and a more generous sauce. A true evocation of the coast, to be devoured on the same plate.
Where to try it in Cartagena: La Mulata and Buena Vida Marisquería are good options for a well-executed version.
Shrimp cooked and served cold in a glass, with red onion, tomato, lime, cilantro, and a ketchup-mayo sauce. Fresh, simple, and usually accompanied by saltines — those little salty crackers you dip between bites. A classic appetizer in Cartagena.
Where to try it in Cartagena: Ostrería Sincejelo (near La Torre del Reloj), as well as at street food stalls and mobile stands along the beach, a bit everywhere in the city.
Green plantain, sliced, fried once, flattened, then fried again until golden and crispy. Add some queso costeño and hogao — a simple tomato-onion sauce — and you have one of the most delightful bites on the Caribbean coast. Enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or a complete meal with toppings.
Where to try it in Cartagena: Palito de Caucho and the street food stalls near the Torre del Reloj, or as a side dish in practically every Caribbean restaurant in the city.
A fried corn patty, stuffed with a whole egg — and sometimes ground meat — then plunged back into hot oil until perfectly golden. Simple in theory, delicate to master. To be eaten with suero and fresh cheese, as any good costeño would do. It’s impossible to leave Cartagena without having tasted this Caribbean street food.
Where to taste it in Cartagena: Palito de Caucho and the street food stalls scattered throughout the city — ideally enjoyed in the morning, freshly out of the fryer.
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EATING IN CARTAGENA: A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Before you sit down.
It’s the high tourist season almost all year round, and the best restaurants in Cartagena — Celele, Carmen, Candé, Alma, Buena Vida — fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak dinner hours. For the most sought-after tables, like Celele, which is now among the 50 best restaurants in the world, booking two weeks in advance is not an exaggeration.
As a rule of thumb, if you have a specific place in mind in Cartagena for a special evening, leave nothing to chance.
Some of Cartagena’s most chic restaurants have a dress code. Save the flip-flops and swimsuits for the pool — long pants are required in the evening at most upscale places, and many bars refuse entry to those in tank tops, sandals, or beachwear.
Colombians love to dress up for a night out — and Cartagena is no exception.
Restaurants in Colombia automatically add a propina voluntaria — a voluntary tip of 10% — to the bill. The server must ask you “¿Desea incluir el servicio?” before you pay: you can say yes, no, or choose the amount based on what you consider fair (5% to 15%).
This does not apply to street food, where there is no formal receipt. In any case, always check the bill before handing over your credit card.
Most good restaurants in Cartagena accept credit cards, but small cafes and more local places often prefer cash. Always keep some small bills on you for street food, tips, and market stalls — cash is still king in many places.
Lunch in Cartagena can linger — the locals take their time. Evening service usually reaches its peak between 7:30 PM and 9:30 PM, so if you arrive at 6 PM, you’ll often have the restaurant to yourself.
During the week, most local restaurants in Cartagena offer a menú del día — a complete menu at a very affordable price with soup, main dish, rice, plantains, and a drink. You won’t find it in the more upscale places, but everywhere else, just ask: “¿Hay menú del día?”
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EATING IN CARTAGENA: A FEW LITTLE THINGS TO KNOW
What you don’t always find on the menu.
The cuisine of Cartagena is rooted in three elements: the Caribbean sea, African culinary traditions, and centuries of coastal cooking.
The result is a table built around fresh fish and seafood, caught every day by local fishermen, coconut in almost all its forms — rice, cazuelas (slow-cooked stews) — and tropical fruits found nowhere else. Let yourself be carried away; you won’t be disappointed.
The best restaurants in Cartagena are concentrated in the old town and in San Diego, while Getsemaní offers a more bohemian alternative, just as tasty — creative cafes, street food stalls, and a Plaza de la Trinidad that comes alive at nightfall.
Bocagrande is a more modern neighborhood of Cartagena, but less interesting in terms of cuisine.
And then there’s Bazurto — the massive wholesale market where the chefs of the best restaurants in Cartagena do their shopping in the morning. Raw, chaotic, and totally authentic, ideally visited with a local guide.
The old town and Getsemaní are generally safe during the day and evening, but keep an eye on your belongings — pickpockets operate in busy areas, and it’s best to avoid deserted alleys at night.
Leave your valuables at the hotel before going out. At the beach, be wary of vendors who inflate prices for tourists: always agree on the price before ordering.
Many of the best restaurants in Cartagena close one day a week — but it’s not necessarily the same day, and the information is not always easy to find in advance.
Celele, open only in the evening, is closed on Sunday; Carmen is supposed to be open every day (Monday, dinner only), but for others the online information is often incomplete or outdated.
Don’t rely solely on Google or restaurant websites. A quick message on WhatsApp or Instagram, before going, remains the most reliable way to avoid a bad surprise.
Many of the best restaurants in Cartagena play the view card — and the reservation slots at sunset go quickly.
The rooftop of Buena Vida offers one of the most famous views of the walled city, in a festive atmosphere. Mar y Zielo takes a more intimate approach, with a tropical rooftop overlooking the historic rooftops and the cathedral.
Both are worth the trip — book in advance and arrive thirty minutes before sunset.
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The Best Restaurants in Cartagena: My Secret List
Cartagena offers a culinary palette that reflects its image, colorful and mixed.
Some restaurants in Cartagena, like La Cocina de Pepina, seem untouched by time, perpetuating recipes passed down from generation to generation. Others, like Celele or El Curato, surprise the palate with their contemporary interpretation of local ingredients.
I love to start my day with a pan de bono on a street corner, then end it in an intimate courtyard in Getsemaní with a freshly caught grilled fish — or with a romantic dinner on a rooftop in the historic center, savoring a delicate ceviche as the sun sets behind the cathedral.
To delight your taste buds, here are my favorite restaurants in Cartagena: their cuisines, specialties, ambiance, and practical details.
TOM’S ADVICE
Discover the pearl of the Caribbean with our guide on Cartagena, and if you are a fan of good cuisine, take a look at our guides on Colombian food and street food — a whole world of flavors to explore.
Exploring Colombia is not just about admiring its breathtaking landscapes — it’s also about understanding its culture. Let us help you organize your adventure.
My Favorite Restaurants in Cartagena
Traditional tables, bold cuisine, street snacks, chic, unpretentious – a gourmet way to discover Caribbean culture.
Important: The opening hours and days are valid at the time of this article’s publication, but things change very quickly in Cartagena. I STRONGLY recommend checking the hours on Instagram and Google Maps (or even writing to them directly).
1. La Cocina de Pepina
La Cocina de Pepina is the place I recommend to anyone who wants to discover the real taste of Colombian Caribbean cuisine.
Founded by María Josefina Yancés — Pepina —, a culinary historian who spent decades collecting ancestral recipes from the Colombian Caribbean coast, this small restaurant in Getsemaní became a reference well before the rise of Cartagena’s gastronomic scene. The spirit of the place endures, faithfully preserved by her nephew Christian and the cook Rosi.
Few tables, a menu on a chalkboard — and a mote de queso among the best in the city, alongside the posta cartagenera and the boronía. As popular with locals as with travelers, no reservation, no fuss. Just very good food. Gabriel García Márquez was a regular.
Calle Larga, Getsemaní · Open every day for lunch (12pm–4:30pm); dinner Tuesday to Saturday (7pm–9:30pm). No reservation. Google rating: 4.5/5. No website. · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
2. El Beso
El Beso is one of the favorites in Getsemaní. The concept is alta cocina callejera — elevated street food — and it works: shrimp birria tacos, fish ceviche, crab nachos, and creative cocktails that highlight Colombian tropical fruits. Convincing both in seafood and vegetarian options.
I particularly love the rooftop terrace in the evening — small, airy, and perfectly in tune with the neighborhood’s bohemian spirit — with a small courtyard below that gives the whole place a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Luis and Leandro, in the dining area, are part of those teams you remember long after the meal.
Few tables, good reputation — reserve in advance.
Calle San Antonio, Getsemaní · Open every day from 12pm to 11pm. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.9/5 · No website · Google Maps · Instagram
3. Arrabal
The chef Fabián Gómez Vélez, trained internationally and recognized for his creative and modern touch on Caribbean seafood, was born in Cartagena and returned there to cook what he knows best.
Arrabal, a gastrobar focused on seafood, nestled in Getsemaní, hides behind a narrow entrance and colorful graffiti — easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.
The pulpo a la brasa, served with a creamy potato sauce and roasted macadamia nuts, is one of those dishes that makes me want to come back. L’arroz a la palenquera — shrimp, mussels, octopus, calamari — deserves just as much attention. Order the mazorcas despelucadas to start — the Tamarindo Sour pairs beautifully with almost everything on the menu.
Good value for money, limited number of tables — book in advance.
Calle de San Juan, Getsemaní · Open Monday to Thursday from 12 PM to 10:30 PM, Friday-Saturday from 12 PM to 11:30 PM. Closed on Sunday and holidays. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.8/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
4. Salón Tropical
Salón Tropical, the Cartagena branch of the famous Bogotá restaurant, has settled in Getsemaní in a secret garden, a bit out of time, planted with palm trees—a patio that live Cuban music fills at nightfall.
The chef Andrius Didziulis, of Colombian-Lithuanian origin, trained in two Michelin-starred establishments in London before refining his style in Paris, offers a creative fusion cuisine that combines Colombian products and bistronomic influences, going against the grain of more classic culinary codes.
I recommend the ceviches, the tiradito de atún, as well as the crudo de guayaba for its surprising freshness, along with the grilled grouper T-bone and the octopus. At the bar, try the margarita al tomate de árbol and the clarified piña colada.
Excellent service — book in advance.
Cra 10C #28-36, Getsemaní · Open every day, from 12pm to 11pm. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.8/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
5. Pascal
Pascal is the must-visit spot in Cartagena for breakfast and brunch — no evening service here. The establishment is run by chef Alejandro Ramírez, who made a name for himself at María before opening this more casual spot in Getsemaní – you often see him in the dining area.
The dishes are inspired by Colombian coastal cuisine, focusing on local products, slow cooking, and encurtidos (homemade pickles).
The chicharrón “sous vide” (slow-cooked in a sealed bag) with cayeye de suero and queso costeño is the best-seller at this Cartagena restaurant. The Benedict eggs are also good choices, and for lunch, the sourdough toast with beet-marinated fish is worth a try. Great vegetarian options, and I’m a big fan of the corozo juice.
Calle 30 #8B-108, Getsemaní · Open Mon-Tue 8am-3pm, Wed-Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 8am-2pm. Breakfast and brunch only — no evening service. Reservation recommended. Google Rating: 4.7/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
6. Sambal
Sambal is a Caribbean bistro with Asian touches, discreetly located in a lively area of Calle Media Luna in Getsemaní — easy to miss, yet spotted by the New York Times. Tiny and intimate, with an open kitchen and elegant decor, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
The shrimp-kimchi tacos and the gochujang chicken are the stars of the more experimental side of the menu. For something more familiar, opt for the chicharrón, crab croquettes, coastal fish, or the coconut dessert. I particularly appreciate that the staff takes the time to explain each dish.
One of the true hidden gems of Getsemaní — book in advance.
Calle Media Luna, Getsemaní · Open Mon-Sat, 12pm-10:30pm. Sun 2:30pm-10pm. Reservation recommended. Google Rating: 4.9/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram
7. Ostrería Sincelejo
Ostrería Sincelejo is located on Avenida Venezuela, just outside the walled city, near la Torre del Reloj — an informal street stand that has been around for several decades, serving seafood cocktails since 1953 and is just as popular with locals as it is with visitors.
The shrimp is the star here, served in seven sizes and mixed right in front of you. I’m a big fan of the cóctel de camarón, often considered the best in the city, and the ceviches are just as good.
It’s less of a restaurant and more of a street ritual, but the quality matches or even surpasses what you’ll find inside the walled city, at half the price. A must-visit for seafood lovers.
Avenida Venezuela, Edificio Caja Agraria, near the Clock Tower, outside the walled city · Open Mon-Thu and Sun, 9am-8pm; Fri-Sat, 9am-9pm. No reservations, on-site only. Google Rating: 4.6/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
8. Celele
Celele is the flagship of contemporary Caribbean cuisine in Cartagena, the work of chef Jaime Rodríguez, located in a historic building with rustic charm in Getsemaní.
It is widely considered the best restaurant in Cartagena, ranked 5th in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants. The menu navigates between land and sea — lamb, crab, lobster — and is built almost entirely around the ingredients of the Caribbean coast.
Order the Celele de cerdo, the dish that gives the restaurant its name — a terrine of confit pork with Caribbean beans and a pork broth — then trust the staff’s recommendations for the rest.
The setting of this Cartagena restaurant is intimate and unpretentious — exposed stone walls, wooden details, handcrafted tables — a space that evokes dining at someone’s home.
Very popular – book well in advance.
New address in the historic center · Open Mon-Sat, 6pm-10pm. Closed on Sunday. Reservation required, to be made well in advance — often prepaid and non-refundable in case of delay. Google rating: 4.6/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
9. Palito de Caucho
Palito de Caucho is an institution in Cartagena, immediately recognizable by its green roof, in La Matuna — a bustling commercial district just outside the walled city, on the way to Getsemaní — near Plaza de los Coches.
This patacones stand has been around since 1944, founded by Juana Ramírez Barón and now run by her descendant, Hamilton Ramírez Contreras — a true pillar of the city’s local culinary scene, whose business supports six families.
I always order the patacón con suero y queso — smashed and fried green plantain — as well as the egg and meat arepas. It’s less a restaurant than a piece of history of Cartagena; you eat standing, a Kola Román (a soda that’s sweet and pink) in hand. Ask for your patacones nice and hot.
La Matuna, near Camellón de los Mártires and Plaza de los Coches · Open every day, 8am-6pm. No reservations, on-site only. Google Rating: 4.2/5 · Google Maps
10. Lonchería Polo Norte
Lonchería Polo Norte is the oldest family-run street food cantina in Cartagena. Descendant of a family originally from China, Muñol now runs the establishment; he is a well-known figure in the city.
It’s a tiny counter without a sign in the Centro, near Santo Domingo, where you eat standing or take out. The place is always swarmed by locals, which says a lot about its authenticity.
I always get the empanadas, especially chicken — the best of their stay according to many travelers — and the pastelitos. The service is fast, and the prices are very reasonable.
Calle 33 #4-24, near Santo Domingo · Closed on Sunday. No reservations, on-site only. Google Rating: 4.5/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
11. Rabo de Pez
In the historic center of Cartagena, inside the Edificio Andian, chef Alejandro Ramírez uses contemporary cooking techniques to give new life to local ingredients. The place exudes calm and refinement, with warm lighting, soft music, and attentive staff who take the time to explain each dish.
The Rabo de Pez menu draws from green mango, lulo, yuca tapioca, the artisanal catch of the day — jack mackerel, octopus — ancestral corn, and aged meats.
I have a particular soft spot for the grilled octopus, but the catch of the day and the braised beef are just as worth trying. For dessert, go for the enyucado — a sweet cake made with yuca.
It’s one of the best restaurants in Cartagena inside the walled city. Book in advance.
Calle 32 #5-09, Local 3, Edificio Andian, El Centro · Closed on Sunday. Open Sat-Fri, 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.8/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
12. Gelateria Tramonti
Gelateria Tramonti, in the historic center, is a true Italian artisanal ice cream shop, run by brothers Matteo and Davide Eldi, originally from Liguria, Italy, who fell under the charm of Cartagena over several vacations before deciding to settle there for good.
The fruits are picked the same day and turned into ice cream ready for the display in less than half an hour — anything not sold after three or four days is thrown away. The shop itself is small and colorful, takeout only, with very few seats.
I’m a big fan of pistachio, but the níspero, coconut, and lulo are all worth the trip, and there are also many vegan and sugar-free options. The flavors are well balanced and never too sweet. Many consider it the best gelateria in Colombia.
Small drawback: paying by card often comes with an extra charge, so plan to have cash.
Calle de Ayos #4-50, El Centro · Open every day, 9am-1am (Sun until midnight). Takeout only, no seating. Google rating: 4.6/5 · Google Maps · Instagram
13. Buena Vida
Buena Vida is a seafood paradise on three floors, in the Centro Histórico, with a rooftop offering one of the most beautiful views of the walled city at sunset. The lower floors offer brunch from 8 a.m., then switch to the full seafood menu from 11:30 a.m., while the rooftop takes over in the afternoon and evening.
The menu of this restaurant in Cartagena draws its flavors from the entire Caribbean coast. I love the ceviche ají coco — fish, shrimp, coconut milk, ginger, marinated onions, and chicharrón — and the seafood tacos are just as successful.
The atmosphere is lively, whether you’re there for a sunset dinner or a weekend brunch.
The place is very popular, so book early — especially if you want a table on the rooftop; the service can be a bit slow during peak hours.
Calle del Porvenir, corner, Centro Histórico · Open every day — brunch from 8am, seafood menu from 11:30am; the rooftop opens at 2pm on weekdays, and at noon on weekends. Reservation recommended, especially for the rooftop. Google rating: 4.8/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
14. La Esquina del Pan de Bono
Since 1991, La Esquina del Pan de Bono has been an essential bakery for street food in Cartagena, known for its fresh pan de bonos made with yuca starch, as well as its pasteles, empanadas, and local fruit juices like lulo and níspero, all at very low prices. Perfect for breakfast or a snack at any time of the day.
The historic location in Centro, right across from the Universidad de Cartagena, closed in 2025 after 34 years of operation, as the owners reclaimed the premises.
The brand has announced its return to the historic center, although no address has been confirmed yet. Several other locations exist in various neighborhoods of Cartagena (Las Ramblas, San Agustín, Mamonal).
Calle San Agustín #35-78, El Centro · Open every day, 6am-10pm. Google Rating: 4.6/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
15. Roman
Roman is a new spot in the Centro Histórico, right across from Plaza Fernández de Madrid, where chef Rodrigo Roman blends the culinary traditions of Cartagena with the cuisine of the Greek islands.
The colonial architecture of this restaurant in Cartagena meets a Mediterranean aesthetic, with hints of oregano, olive, and lemon in the air, and a menu designed for sharing, mezze-style — small dishes to share, as is the Greek tradition — with live music and signature cocktails.
My favorites: the moussaka, the lamb, and the crème brûlée to finish. The setting is elegant, the wine list solid, and the service always warm and attentive. More than a dinner — a true experience.
Calle 37 #7-12, Centro Histórico · Open every day, 12pm-10pm. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.8/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
16. Lobo de Mar
Lobo de Mar, in the Centro de San Diego, celebrates the city’s close ties with the sea — elegant yet unpretentious, with local live music on weekend evenings. This Cartagena restaurant emphasizes fresh and local ingredients.
Order just about anything from the sea. The ceviche never disappoints, the grilled whole fish is a success, and the shrimp taco — corn tortilla, avocado, rocoto aioli, cilantro — is one of the best dishes on the menu at this restaurant in Cartagena.
An excellent seafood spot to eat fresh without paying the bill of a gourmet restaurant.
Calle del Santísimo #8-15, Centro · Closed on Monday. Tue-Wed, 6pm-11pm. Thu-Fri, 12pm-3pm and 7pm-11pm. Sat, 12pm-3pm and 6pm-11pm. Sun, 6pm-11pm. Google Rating: 4.6/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
17. El Curato
One of the most notable newcomers in Cartagena, El Curato, is the creation of chef Álvaro Clavijo — from El Chato, in Bogotá — and his partner Maurizio Mancini, located in an old mansion in San Diego, right next to the former home of García Márquez.
The kitchen occupies the center of the room, entirely open, turning the preparation of dishes into a true theater scene — the sizzling, the smoke, everything plays out before your eyes.
The menu of this restaurant in Cartagena draws from Caribbean ingredients like corozo, casabe, suero costeño, and crab claws, all served in a contemporary and casual Latin bistro setting, designed around sharing dishes and a friendly atmosphere.
Among the standout dishes: the eggplant and tamarind chicharrón, snapper with lentils, rib-eye, and crab with coconut rice. The place has already gained international recognition as one of the best new restaurants in the world, so book in advance — seats go fast.
Calle del Curato, San Diego, Centro Histórico · Open daily, 12pm-midnight. Reservation required. Google rating: 4.7/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram
18. Jardín Santa Clara
Jardín Santa Clara is located in the former refectory of the convent, within the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, in San Diego, and was named best hotel restaurant in Colombia at the World Culinary Awards 2022.
It is a green oasis, supported by a sustainable cuisine highlighting local ingredients and a menu designed for sharing.
Among the standout dishes: the ceviche, grilled pargo platero with cherry tomatoes, and the braised beef.
The atmosphere is romantic, and the service is unanimously well-rated — it’s also a great spot to enjoy a cocktail in the shade of the garden.
It’s the more casual version of 1621, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, located right next door.
Calle del Torno 39-29, San Diego, inside the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara · Open every day, 12pm-11pm. Google Rating: 4.7/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
19. La Mulata
Near the Torre del Reloj, in the Centro Histórico, La Mulata is a popular and colorful spot, serving authentic Caribbean cuisine in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere, with an open kitchen.
Order la posta negra, one of the city’s most renowned versions — beef marinated for at least two days before diving into the dark and sweet sauce — which pairs well with garlic shrimp and arroz con coco. Everything is prepared from fresh and local ingredients.
Excellent value for money and a true immersion in the flavors of the region. A safe choice for classic costeños dishes without breaking the bank.
Cl. del Quero #9-58, Centro Histórico, near the Torre del Reloj · Closed on Monday. Tue-Sat, 12pm-10pm. Sun, 12pm-6pm. Google Rating: 4.6/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
20. Espíritu Santo
Locally known as a true “BBB” address — bueno, bonito, barato (good, nice, cheap) — this restaurant in Cartagena has two locations, one in Centro, the other in Getsemaní, both constantly full of locals.
The concept is simple: a soup to start, then the choice of three sides. The mojarra frita (fried tilapia), the sancocho, the costilla (pork rib), and l’ubre (offal) are all worth trying, with generous portions and prices hard to beat.
It’s open only at lunchtime, and bring cash, as cards are not always accepted. A perfect choice for a typical and hearty lunch in Cartagena.
Centro: Calle del Porvenir · Getsemaní: Calle Larga · Open every day, lunch only, around 11:45 AM-3:45 PM. Cash recommended; cards are not always accepted. Google rating: 4.5/5 · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
21. Carmen
Located in a beautifully restored colonial house in San Diego, Carmen is among the most remarkable fusion restaurants in Cartagena. It was founded by chefs Rob Pevitts and Carmen Angel, both trained at Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco, who bring a contemporary touch to Colombian flavors while staying close to their Caribbean roots.
The reimagined dishes of red snapper, crab, and lobster are the ones to order — Caribbean classics reinvented with a contemporary touch.
An intimate and elegant atmosphere, a menu of artisanal and inventive cocktails, and a carefully chosen selection of wines.
An excellent spot for a romantic dinner or a special evening. A smart dress code is recommended, and it is advised to book in advance.
Calle del Santísimo, Cl. 38 #8-19, San Diego · Closed on Sunday. Monday, dinner only, 6:30 PM-9:30 PM. Tue-Sat, 12 PM-3 PM and 6:30 PM-9:30 PM. Reservation recommended. Google rating: 4.6/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
22. Mar y Zielo
Located in Casa La Escribana, a historic mansion in the Centro, Mar y Zielo connects past and present — the team traveled across Colombia, learning from market vendors and local cooks, and the result is a menu as deeply rooted as it is boldly creative.
The space extends over several rooms, including a rooftop terrace offering views of the rooftops and the bell towers of the old town.
The signature dish of this restaurant in Cartagena is the Titoté Mar y Tierra — octopus, prawn, pork belly, and crispy chicharrón in a tamarind barbecue sauce, served with titoté rice, plantain, and costeño cheese.
An excellent choice for traditional Colombian flavors reinvented with contemporary techniques, served in a refined setting.
The service is impeccable, and the prices remain fair.
Casa La Escribana, Cra. 5 #34-63, Centro Histórico · Mon, 12pm-4pm and 6pm-10:30pm. Tue, 6:30pm-10:30pm. Wed-Thu and Sun, 12pm-4pm and 6pm-10:30pm. Fri, 6am-11pm. Sat, 12pm-4pm and 6pm-11pm. Reservation recommended. Google Rating: 4.6/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
23. Candé
Established in a colonial house in San Diego, Candé is a fully Cartagenero restaurant, boasting over 11 years of history, and built around culinary traditions passed down from generation to generation.
The experience is as much cultural as it is gastronomic, with live music and traditional dance performances — mapalé, cumbia — at lunch and dinner, in an atmosphere that celebrates Colombian culture with authenticity and elegance, supported by warm and efficient service.
The sancocho de pescado (fish, yuca, coconut sauce) and the posta cartagenera (beef slowly stewed in a dark and sweet sauce) are the dishes to order at this restaurant in Cartagena. Save room for a dessert like the coconut pie with its corozo ice cream — a house specialty.
Ideal for families, groups, or couples looking for ambiance as much as good cuisine.
Cra. 10, Calle de la Serrezuela #39-02, San Diego · Open every day. Mon-Tue, 7am-11pm. Wed-Sat, 7am-11:30pm. Sun, 7am-10pm. Reservation recommended, especially for dinner. Google rating: 4.6/5 · Website · Google Maps · Instagram · Facebook
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