If you’re heading to Cartagena to eat (and let’s be real, why wouldn’t you be?), consider this your bucket list of the city’s most unforgettable dining experiences. I’ve personally tried every single one of these Cartagena restaurants, so trust me—these are the real deal.
From high-end dining to laid-back rooftop eateries, these are the spots that will completely change the way you think about Colombian cuisine.
Short on time? Check out my One Day Itinerary in Cartagena (For First-Timers). And when you’re tired of eating see my picks for the 42 Top Things to Do in Caragena 😉
My Top Picks for Places to Eat in Cartagena
Carmen
Tucked inside a beautifully restored colonial house, Carmen is where contemporary Colombian cuisine meets impeccable technique. The setting is intimate—think candlelit courtyard and hushed conversations—but the food speaks volumes. Here, ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen are transformed into something both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in tradition.
What to order: The ceviche is non-negotiable. Follow it with the tacos al pastor, made with pressed ossobuco, pineapple, pickled onions, purple corn tortilla, and aioli. And don’t miss the empanadas with crab, shrimp, lobster, soursop relish, and Colombian vanilla bean aioli.
Calle 38 # 8-19, Calle del Santísimo
Celele
This is the kind of place that makes you rethink what Caribbean food can be. Chef Jaime Rodríguez spent years exploring Colombia’s coastal communities, gathering forgotten ingredients and techniques, and the result is a menu that is as educational as it is delicious.
Rated one of the World’s Best Top 50 Restaurants and it’s easy to see why. Every dish is a piece of art. It’s one of the more expensive restaurants on this list, but totally worth it.
What to order: The Caribbean flower salad with pickled cashew fruit, Emperor’s cane flower, and gulupa dressing was one of the prettiest things I’ve ever eaten—and tasted just as good as it looked.
Tip: Reservations are essential (FYI: I booked mine two weeks in advance).
Calle del Espíritu Santo, Cra. 10c #29-200, Getsemaní
Buena Vida Marisqueria
Buena Vida is a three-story seafood paradise that offers everything from a stylish restaurant on the first two floors to a rooftop with a killer sunset view of the Walled City. The menu is a love letter to the Caribbean, blending coastal flavors from across the region with a deep respect for Cartagena’s own culinary traditions. It’s also a hotspot for a ladies’ brunch!
What to order: The AJÍ-COCO ceviche with fish, shrimp, citrus sauce, coconut milk, ginger, pickled onions, and pork cracklings. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Also, the seafood tacos are a must.
Centro histórico, Cl. del Porvenir #Esquina
If you like tasting the local cuisine, check out this Street Food Tour that will have you trying 10 different types of dishes!
Donjuán Cartagena
Classic yet effortlessly cool, Donjuán is where the city’s food lovers and industry insiders gather. The menu is an ode to Cartagena’s seafood, with a European touch that elevates every dish. Chef Juan Felipe Camacho is known for his mastery of simple ingredients—fresh fish, local vegetables, perfectly executed sauces.
What to order: The grilled octopus or any of the fresh seafood platters.
Av Carlos Escallon 34-01, Centro histórico
El Burlador Gastro Pub
The term “gastrobar” doesn’t quite do this place justice—this is a restaurant that takes food as seriously as it does its wine list. Located in the heart of the Walled City, El Burlador blends Mediterranean flavors with Cartagena’s finest ingredients. I loved this place so much, I had to go back on my last night in the city for my final meal.
What to order: The truffle eggplant chips and beef carpaccio. Just trust me.
Calle Santo Domingo, Cra. 3 #33-88, El Centro
Gran Inka Gastrobar
When I was traveling through Cusco I fell in love with Peruvian flavors, so it was a treat to find Gran Inka. From the moment you step inside, the vibrant decor and warm hospitality set the tone for a meal that’s as much about experience as it is about flavor. The menu features a modern take on Peruvian classics, each plated like a masterpiece.
What to order: The ceviche tres ajíes or chicharrón de calamar—both are fresh and bold. I also highly recommend the Beef Tenderloin with zucchini, Creole potato, cherry tomato, and chimichurri.
Carrera 5 #33-55 Portal de Los Dulces
Lobo de Mar
A seafood lover’s dream, Lobo de Mar celebrates Cartagena’s connection to the ocean with a menu that lets the ingredients shine. Fresh, locally sourced, and full of flavor, this is the place to indulge in the city’s best ceviche.
What to order: Anything seafood-based, but the grilled whole fish is particularly memorable. My top pick? The shrimp taco with corn tortilla, avocado, rocotto aioli, and coriander.
Centro, Calle del Santísimo #8-15
Mar y Zielo
Mar y Zielo is a restaurant that bridges the past and present, fusing traditional Colombian recipes with modern techniques. The kitchen team has traveled across the country, gathering knowledge from market vendors and home cooks, and the result is a menu that feels deeply authentic yet wildly creative.
What to order: The Titote Mar Y Tierra, a beautifully composed dish featuring octopus, shrimp, langoustine, and pork belly in a tamarind sauce. It’s an explosion of flavor.
Cra. 5 #34-63, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias
Montesacro
With its prime location overlooking Plaza Bolívar, Montesacro is as much about the atmosphere as it is about the food. The menu leans heavily on seafood, but the cocktails and wine selection are just as impressive. Sit on the balcony with a drink in hand, and let Cartagena work its magic.
What to order: The seafood cazuela—a rich, soul-warming stew packed with the day’s freshest catch.
Pezetarian
A great spot for lunch or a quick, casual dinner, Pezetarian is the go-to place for sushi, ceviche, and vibrant plant-based dishes. The menu is entirely pescatarian and vegetarian, making it a great option for those looking for something light yet satisfying.
What to order: The dish that was so good I went back twice? The Sushi Kausa—a tower of sushi rice, salmon, and tuna tartare, crispy shrimp with panko, and avocado, finished with teriyaki sauce, Pezetarian sauce, and crispy beetroot. Yummy!
Centro Histórico, Calle San Agustín #6-80, El Centro
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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