A Foodie’s Paradise: Guide to the Best Restaurants in Cartagena (2023)

When it comes to flavor, Cartagena doesn’t disappoint. From traditional Colombian cuisine to international fusion dishes, this city has a vast gastronomic offer that pleases all palates. In Cartagena’s food you’ll find the echoes of all our history, european, indigenous and afro flavours get together, with a bit of Magical Realism, and they create a culinary capital in Colombia (or even the world).

1. Carmen: This fine-dining restaurant in the Getsemani neighborhood offers modern cuisine inspired by Colombian flavors and ingredients.
2. La Vitrola: This iconic restaurant is located in the Old City and features live music and classic Cuban dishes.
3. Cande: Located in the trendy San Diego neighborhood, Cande offers creative Colombian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
4. Don Juan: Don Juan is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the Old City that serves up fresh ceviches and grilled dishes.
5. Maria: This charming restaurant in the heart of the Old City offers authentic Colombian cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients.
6. El Cielo: This upscale restaurant in the Getsemani neighborhood offers an innovative tasting menu of Colombian cuisine with a molecular twist.
7. Restaurante 1621: Located in the luxurious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel, Restaurante 1621 offers fine French cuisine in a beautiful setting.
8. Marea by Rausch: This seafood-focused restaurant in the Bocagrande neighborhood is known for its fresh catches and stunning ocean views.
9. Celele: This contemporary restaurant in the San Diego neighborhood offers creative Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
10. La Mulata: La Mulata is a casual restaurant in the Getsemani neighborhood that serves up delicious Caribbean dishes.
11. Agua de Mar: This seafood-focused restaurant in the Old City offers fresh catches and stunning ocean views in a romantic setting.
12. Quebracho: This Argentinean steakhouse in the Bocagrande neighborhood offers delicious cuts of meat and a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
13. La Perla: La Perla is a charming restaurant located in the Old City that offers traditional Colombian dishes made with fresh ingredients.
14. Restaurante Interno: This one-of-a-kind restaurant is socially conscious, located in the heart of Cartagena’s old city. It’s set within the San Diego district’s female penitentiary, where female inmates run and operate the restaurant. The menu consists of a variety of Caribbean-inspired dishes, such as coconut rice and seafood, and the food is prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.
15. El Boliche Cebicheria: This casual restaurant in the Getsemani neighborhood is known for its fresh ceviches and Peruvian-inspired dishes.

As you can see, Cartagena’s culinary scene has got you covered. I hope that my list of the top 15 restaurants in Cartagena will help you discover some hidden culinary gems and make your visit to this beautiful city even more memorable.