Best Restaurants in Cartagena to Suit Every Craving

Cartagena, the jewel of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is a city steeped in colonial charm, tropical beauty, and vibrant culture. From the colorful streets of the walled Old Town to the scenic shores of Bocagrande and the historic Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Cartagena is a destination that dazzles at every turn.

In this article, we’ll uncover the best places to eat in Cartagena, exploring a diverse culinary scene that blends coastal Colombian flavors with international innovation. Whether you’re seeking affordable street food, elegant vegetarian options, romantic oceanfront dinners, or top-rated fine dining, this guide has something to suit every appetite.

And while you’re enjoying the city, let your luggage take a break too. With Qeepl, you can conveniently store your bags at secure locations around Cartagena and explore its culinary delights without any extra weight on your shoulders.

What Should You Know About Food in Cartagena?

The best food in Cartagena is a celebration of the Caribbean. Drawing from Afro-Colombian heritage, coastal fishing traditions, and tropical produce, Cartagena’s cuisine bursts with bold spices, fresh seafood, and hearty street dishes. Expect vibrant flavors that come from ingredients like coconut milk, plantains, yuca, lime, and chili.

Local staples include arepas de huevo (cornmeal patties filled with egg and fried), ceviche with shrimp or white fish marinated in citrus, and mojarra frita, a whole fried fish typically served with coconut rice and patacones. You’ll also find dishes like posta negra cartagenera, a slow-cooked beef in sweet and savory sauce, and sancocho, a rich soup made with meats and root vegetables.

While traditional flavors still dominate, Cartagena’s restaurant scene is evolving rapidly. You’ll discover fusion spots, plant-based menus, upscale bistros, and international chefs creating menus that respect Cartagena’s roots while pushing culinary boundaries.

Best Affordable Restaurants in Cartagena

You don’t need to spend a fortune to eat well in Cartagena. The city is full of flavorful street eats and low-cost local gems that deliver an authentic taste of the coast.

1. La Mulata

Located in the San Diego neighborhood, La Mulata is a lively and colorful spot serving elevated Caribbean dishes at approachable prices. It’s especially popular with locals and travelers seeking an affordable, sit-down experience with great service.

Dishes like catch-of-the-day with coconut rice, shrimp curry, and empanadas range from COP 30,000–50,000 (€7–12). The friendly staff, eclectic art-covered walls, and refreshing limonada de coco make it an ideal lunch stop after visiting Las Bóvedas market nearby.

2. Café Stepping Stone

This social enterprise café in Getsemaní offers breakfast and brunch dishes with an international twist. Created to provide training and employment to local youth, Café Stepping Stone is popular for its eggs benedict, granola bowls, and avocado toast.

Prices range from COP 25,000–40,000 (€6–9). The leafy courtyard, relaxed atmosphere, and ethical mission make it a standout. It’s a perfect stop before exploring Callejón Angosto, the city’s most photographed street.

3. La Cocina de Pepina

A tiny gem hidden in Getsemaní, La Cocina de Pepina is a must-visit for traditional home-style Colombian food. The cozy space features just a few tables, and dishes rotate based on seasonality and market availability.

Try the lentejas con cerdo (lentils with pork), ajíaco, or guandú con coco—all priced around COP 25,000–35,000 (€6–8). Located close to Plaza de la Trinidad, it’s great for dinner before catching local musicians or dancers in the plaza.

4. El Boliche Cebichería

For a more refined but still affordable seafood experience, El Boliche delivers small but stunning ceviche plates with ingredients sourced from local fishermen. Its chef, Oscar Colmenares, is celebrated for creative use of citrus, spice, and Caribbean flair.

Ceviches and mains are COP 40,000–65,000 (€9–15). This cozy Old Town eatery is steps from Calle del Santísimo, one of Cartagena’s most elegant and photogenic streets.

5. Arepas Pues

This casual spot in Getsemaní specializes in arepas, Colombia’s beloved cornmeal street food. Whether filled with cheese, chorizo, beef, or egg, the arepas here are golden, crispy, and deeply satisfying.

Prices are extremely friendly—around COP 10,000–18,000 (€2–4). Open late into the night, it’s a favorite among backpackers and night owls. Nearby, explore Calle del Guerrero, full of murals and local hangouts.

Top Vegetarian Restaurants in Cartagena

Cartagena’s vegetarian scene is growing fast, with fresh, creative options for plant-based travelers. Here are the top spots for delicious meat-free meals.

1. Girasoles

A local institution in the Centro district, Girasoles offers a daily rotating vegetarian lunch menu, including soup, main dish, juice, and sometimes dessert—all at a modest price.

For around COP 20,000 (€4.50), you’ll enjoy traditional dishes like vegetable stews, lentil patties, coconut rice, and fresh salads. The space is small and simple, but the flavors are comforting and wholesome. It’s also near Plaza de los Coches, ideal for a post-lunch stroll.

2. Mar y Zielo

Stylish and serene, Mar y Zielo is a vegetarian and vegan-friendly rooftop restaurant in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. With breezy décor and lots of greenery, it feels like a tropical garden oasis.

Mains such as plantain gnocchi, mushroom ceviche, and vegan risotto range from COP 45,000–70,000 (€10–15). The restaurant is within walking distance of Plaza Santo Domingo, where you can see Botero’s iconic reclining sculpture.

3. Alma Café

Not far from the iconic Torre del Reloj, Alma Café serves plant-forward breakfasts and lunches with Colombian coffee and fresh smoothies. Their vegan pancakes, tofu scramble, and mango açai bowls are hits among digital nomads and eco-conscious travelers.

Most dishes are under COP 35,000 (€8). It’s a quiet, shaded spot perfect for working or unwinding before heading to Museo del Oro Zenú.

4. Oh! La La

Located in Getsemaní, Oh! La La is a French-Colombian bistro with an inventive vegetarian and vegan menu. Chef Celine brings together ingredients like cassava, beetroot, and coconut with French sauces and presentation.

Plates like stuffed eggplant, vegan ratatouille, and mushroom mille-feuille cost between COP 35,000–60,000 (€8–13). After your meal, walk to nearby Parque del Centenario, a peaceful spot with iguanas and sloths.

5. Demente

Although not fully vegetarian, Demente in Getsemaní offers numerous veggie-forward tapas and wood-fired flatbreads in a beautiful colonial courtyard with modern flair.

Shareable plates like roasted carrots with goat cheese, grilled mushrooms, and chickpea hummus cost COP 20,000–40,000 (€4.50–9) each. Its romantic setting under string lights makes it a favorite among both vegetarians and omnivores.

Romantic Restaurants in Cartagena

Cartagena’s ambiance is already dreamy, and these restaurants elevate romance with candlelight, Caribbean views, and unforgettable meals.

1. Carmen Cartagena

Inside the chic Anandá Hotel, Carmen is one of the city’s most celebrated fine-dining restaurants. Chef Rob Pevitts offers modern Colombian cuisine with international influences, using ingredients like tamarind, coconut, and fresh seafood.

Tasting menus start around COP 220,000 (€50) per person. The lush courtyard setting, elegant service, and impeccable wine list make it ideal for anniversaries or proposals. It’s a short walk from Iglesia de Santo Toribio.

2. Restaurante 1621

Set within the luxurious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, 1621 serves French-Colombian fusion in a 400-year-old convent. The ambiance is unparalleled—dim lighting, stone arches, and garden views.

Expect to spend COP 300,000 (€65) per person for a tasting menu with wine pairing. It’s a must for history-loving couples and located near Las Murallas, where you can take a romantic post-dinner walk.

3. Marea by Rausch

With spectacular waterfront views, Marea is helmed by Colombia’s celebrity chef Jorge Rausch. Its menu highlights seafood and Caribbean flavors, with dishes like lobster risotto, tuna tartare, and ceviche trilogy.

Dinner for two with wine is around COP 250,000–350,000 (€55–80). Located by the Convention Center, it’s perfect for sunset dining and close to Muelle de los Pegasos.

4. Candé

If you want a truly local romantic experience, Candé delivers with live music, traditional dance, and authentic cuisine served in a colonial house. Try posta cartagenera, fried green plantains, or coconut milk seafood stew.

Meals cost around COP 150,000 (€35) for two. The atmosphere is lively and intimate, and it’s right near Plaza Fernández de Madrid.

5. Restaurante Interno

Housed inside Cartagena’s women’s prison, Interno is run by inmates who prepare gourmet meals as part of a rehabilitation program. The experience is meaningful, emotional, and surprisingly romantic.

Expect to pay COP 120,000–160,000 (€30–40) per person. The restaurant is close to Calle de las Sombrillas, one of Cartagena’s most Instagrammable corners.

Are There Michelin Star Restaurants in Cartagena?

According to the Michelin Guide official website, Cartagena currently does not have any Michelin-starred restaurants. However, several venues in the city operate at a Michelin-worthy level in terms of innovation, service, and quality.

Here are three standout restaurants that are often mentioned in the same breath as Michelin-caliber dining:

• Carmen Cartagena: One of the city’s most refined culinary experiences, offering creative tasting menus in a romantic courtyard setting. Chef Rob Pevitts uses high-end local ingredients and modernist techniques. Price per person: COP 200,000–300,000 (€45–65). Located near Iglesia de Santo Toribio.
• Restaurante 1621: A landmark for luxury dining, housed in a centuries-old convent. Chef Dominique Oudin blends French methods with Colombian ingredients. Price per person: COP 250,000–350,000 (€55–80). Set within the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel.
• Marea by Rausch: A waterside restaurant that brings elegance and local flavor together. Known for its Caribbean-style seafood and signature desserts. Chef Jorge Rausch brings his star power and precise technique to the menu. Price per person: COP 200,000–300,000 (€45–65). Located by Centro de Convenciones.