Last updated: March 2025
As you stroll through the vibrant streets of Cartagena, the air fills with the tantalizing aromas of spices, fresh seafood, and the unmistakable essence of Caribbean culture. This coastal gem, with its rainbow-colored colonial buildings and cobblestone streets, offers not just Instagram-worthy backdrops but a culinary paradise waiting to be savored.
Cartagena’s food scene is a delightful fusion of traditional Colombian flavors, Afro-Caribbean influences, and innovative culinary techniques. From humble street food carts to elegant rooftop restaurants, each dining experience tells a story of the city’s rich heritage and diverse cultural tapestry.
Table of Contents
- Key Highlights: Culinary Favorites in Cartagena
- 1. La Cevicheria: A Seafood Lover's Paradise
- 2. Carmen: Fine Dining with a View
- 3. Alma: A Fusion of Colombian and Mediterranean Flavors
- 4. Ana: Traditional Colombian Cuisine with a Modern Twist
- 5. La Mulata: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Caribbean Dishes
- 6. Candé: Regional Colombian Cuisine in a Historic Setting
- 7. Restaurante Celele: Innovative Research-Based Cuisine
- 8. El Gobernador by Rausch: Contemporary Luxury with Caribbean Flair
- 9. La Esquina del Pandebono: Essential Local Breakfast Spot
Key Highlights: Culinary Favorites in Cartagena
- Experience the freshest seafood at La Cevicheri, made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain for its vibrant ceviche
- Enjoy innovative fine dining with panoramic views at Carmen, located in the luxurious Anandá Hotel Boutique
- Savor the unique fusion of Colombian and Mediterranean cuisines at Alma
- Taste traditional Colombian dishes reimagined with modern flair at Maria
- Discover authentic Caribbean flavors at the beloved local favorite, La Mulata
Price Guide:
- $ = Budget-friendly (under 40,000 COP / $10 USD per person)
- $$ = Moderate (40,000-80,000 COP / $10-20 USD per person)
- $$$ = Upscale (80,000-150,000 COP / $20-40 USD per person)
- $$$$ = High-end (150,000+ COP / $40+ USD per person)
*Note: Prices are approximate and may vary based on menu selections and seasonal factors.
1. La Cevicheria: A Seafood Lover’s Paradise
Why visit: Made famous by the late Anthony Bourdain, this iconic spot serves the city’s most celebrated ceviche in a vibrant setting.
Price: $$ (Upscale)
As you step inside La Cevicheria, the colorful marine-themed décor and energetic atmosphere immediately transport you to a coastal paradise. The restaurant’s popularity has soared since the late Anthony Bourdain’s visit, but it maintains its authentic charm and commitment to quality.
The menu celebrates the ocean’s bounty with an impressive array of ceviche options featuring the day’s freshest catch. Start with their classic ceviche de camarones, where plump shrimp marinate in zesty lime juice with red onions, cilantro, and a touch of local chili. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of acidity, spice, and the sea’s natural sweetness.
For the adventurous, try the ceviche mixto combining various seafood textures—from tender fish to slices of octopus—all harmoniously united in their signature marinade. Pair your meal with a cold Aguila beer or a refreshing coconut lemonade for the ultimate Cartagena experience.
Insider tip: Visit during mid-afternoon to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the lively atmosphere.
2. Carmen: Fine Dining with a View
Why visit: Exceptional creative cuisine featuring local ingredients in an elegant rooftop setting with panoramic views.
Price: $$$$ (High-end)
Perched atop the luxurious Anandá Hotel Boutique, Carmen offers a sophisticated dining experience that elevates Colombian cuisine to artful new heights. The restaurant’s elegant setting features panoramic views of Cartagena’s terracotta rooftops and the Caribbean Sea beyond, creating the perfect backdrop for a special celebration or romantic dinner.
Helmed by chefs Carmen Angel and Rob Pevitts, the menu reflects their international training while honoring local ingredients and traditions. Their signature dish, the grilled octopus with crispy green plantains and mango-chili sauce, exemplifies their approach—technically perfect preparation meeting bold Colombian flavors.
Each plate arrives as a visual masterpiece, showcasing the kitchen’s commitment to both flavor and presentation. The thoughtfully curated wine list features selections from around the world, with knowledgeable staff ready to suggest the perfect pairing for your meal.
Insider tip: Reserve well in advance and request a table on the terrace for the most breathtaking sunset views over the walled city.
3. Alma: A Fusion of Colombian and Mediterranean Flavors
Why visit: Innovative fusion cuisine in a sophisticated courtyard setting within a beautifully restored colonial building.
Price: $$$ (Upscale)
Alma represents the perfect marriage of Colombian traditions and Mediterranean influences, creating a dining experience that feels both familiar and excitingly new. Located in a stunning colonial building in the historic center, the restaurant’s courtyard seating offers a tranquil oasis after a day of exploring Cartagena’s busy streets.
The menu showcases this unique fusion through thoughtfully crafted dishes like their coconut-crusted fish fillet served with Mediterranean herbs and Colombian tubers. The balance of local ingredients with international techniques creates unforgettable flavor combinations that tell the story of Cartagena’s multicultural heritage.
Save room for dessert—their reinterpretation of the classic Colombian tres leches cake infused with Mediterranean spices and orange blossom water provides a sweet finale that perfectly encapsulates Alma’s innovative approach.
Insider tip: The cocktail program deserves special attention, with drinks incorporating local fruits and herbs—try the house speciality, a passionfruit mojito with fresh mint from their garden.
4. Ana: Traditional Colombian Cuisine with a Modern Twist
Why visit: Authentic Colombian classics reimagined with contemporary presentation and techniques in a stylish setting.
Price: $$$ (Upscale)
At Ana, the vibrant spirit of the Caribbean meets the refined techniques of Asian cuisine, creating a unique fusion experience in a modern, eclectic setting. The restaurant’s stylish interior features warm, dim lighting and thoughtful decor that sets the perfect backdrop for both intimate dinners and celebratory meals.
The innovative menu showcases this cross-continental blend through dishes like their exquisite salmon tartare and signature gyozas. The Caldereta and Lomo Chonto come particularly recommended, with every plate artfully presented with haute cuisine precision. Each dish tells a story of cultural exchange while honoring the fresh ingredients of Cartagena’s local markets.
Adding to the enchanting atmosphere is a live trio of musicians—keyboardist, percussionist, and vocalist—who elevate the dining experience without overwhelming conversation. The restaurant’s success is built not just on its creative cuisine but also on its exceptional service, with staff working as a synchronized team to ensure every detail is perfect.
Insider tip: Request a table near the live music for the full experience, and don’t hesitate to ask your server for personalized recommendations—the knowledgeable staff can suggest perfect pairings from their creative cocktail menu.
5. La Mulata: A Hidden Gem for Authentic Caribbean Dishes
Why visit: Beloved local favorite serving unpretentious Caribbean cuisine with warm hospitality in a cozy setting.
Price: $$ (Moderate)
Tucked away from the main tourist thoroughfares, La Mulata remains a cherished spot among locals for authentic Caribbean cuisine without pretense. This casual eatery welcomes guests with friendly service and a commitment to honest, flavorful cooking that celebrates Cartagena’s coastal heritage.
The kitchen sources ingredients daily from nearby markets, ensuring peak freshness in dishes like their coconut rice with local fish and patacones (fried green plantains). Their sancocho, a traditional hearty soup, exemplifies Caribbean comfort food—rich with yuca, corn, plantains, and your choice of fish or chicken.
Don’t miss their refreshing house-made fruit juices featuring tropical offerings like lulo, maracuyá (passion fruit), or zapote—the perfect complement to the bold flavors of their dishes.
Insider tip: Visit during lunch for their excellent daily special (known as “corrientazo“), which offers tremendous value and a true taste of local dining customs.
6. Candé: Regional Colombian Cuisine in a Historic Setting
Why visit: Comprehensive exploration of Colombian regional cuisines served in a beautifully preserved colonial house.
Price: $$$ (Upscale)
Set within a carefully restored 17th-century home, Candé offers a culinary journey through Colombia’s diverse regions. The restaurant’s multiple dining areas, from the intimate courtyard to the charming balcony overlooking the street, provide varied atmospheres within a single venue.
The extensive menu serves as an educational experience, with dishes representing Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Andean highlands, Pacific region, and Amazon basin. Try their cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew) for a taste of coastal traditions or sample the ajiaco santafereño (potato and corn soup) from the Bogotá region.
Live music on select evenings enhances the experience, creating a festive atmosphere that complements the bold flavors and regional specialties.
Insider tip: Ask your server about the history of specific dishes—the staff are knowledgeable about the cultural context behind the food.
7. Restaurante Celele: Innovative Research-Based Cuisine
Why visit: Award-winning restaurant focusing on investigative cuisine that showcases Colombia’s Caribbean biodiversity.
Price: $$$ (Upscale)
Chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón have created something truly unique at Celele—a restaurant born from their “Proyecto Caribe Lab” research initiative. This culinary laboratory explores indigenous ingredients and techniques from Colombia’s Caribbean region, resulting in a dining experience that’s both educational and exceptional.
The tasting menu tells a story of the region’s biodiversity, featuring lesser-known ingredients sourced directly from small producers. Dishes might include crab enhanced with native roots, locally harvested honey, or ancient grains prepared using both traditional and modern techniques.
The restaurant’s minimalist design keeps the focus squarely on the food, while the open kitchen allows diners to observe the careful preparation that goes into each plate.
Insider tip: Opt for the full tasting menu with beverage pairings to experience the breadth of their research and creativity.
8. El Gobernador by Rausch: Contemporary Luxury with Caribbean Flair
Why visit: Sophisticated dining from celebrity chefs Jorge and Mark Rausch, offering refined Caribbean cuisine in an elegant hotel setting.
Price: $$$$ (High-end)
Located within the Bastión Luxury Hotel, El Gobernador presents the Rausch brothers’ interpretation of Caribbean cuisine through a contemporary fine-dining lens. The restaurant’s elegant interior, with its colonial architectural details and modern furnishings, creates an atmosphere of refined luxury.
The menu demonstrates technical precision while celebrating local ingredients. Their lobster served with coconut rice and local herbs has become a signature, perfectly representing the marriage of luxury ingredients with regional traditions. Desserts receive equal attention, with tropical fruits transformed into sophisticated sweet finales.
The impeccable service matches the refined cuisine, making this an ideal choice for those seeking a premium dining experience in Cartagena.
Insider tip: Their cocktail program is exceptional—start your evening with their signature rum old fashioned infused with local spices.
9. La Esquina del Pandebono: Essential Local Breakfast Spot
Why visit: Authentic Colombian breakfast experience featuring the city’s best pan de bono (cheese bread) and coffee in a casual setting.
Price: $ (Budget-friendly)
No culinary exploration of Cartagena would be complete without experiencing a typical Colombian breakfast, and La Esquina del Pan de Bono offers the perfect introduction. This unpretentious corner bakery has been serving locals for decades, attracting a loyal following with its perfectly executed basics.
Their signature pan de bono—warm, cheesy bread rolls with a slight tang and pillowy interior—pairs perfectly with a cup of locally grown Colombian coffee. For a complete breakfast, add their arepa con huevo (corn cake stuffed with egg) or calentado (traditional breakfast plate with rice, beans, and protein).
The no-frills setting and affordable prices provide a refreshing contrast to Cartagena’s more upscale dining options, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into everyday local life.
Insider tip: Visit early (before 8:30 am) for the freshest bread and to dine alongside locals before they head to work.
Embracing Cartagena’s Culinary Magic
Cartagena’s dining scene reflects the city itself—colorful, diverse, historically rich, yet constantly evolving. From street food to fine dining, each meal tells a story of cultural exchange, local pride, and culinary passion. As you explore this enchanting city, allow your taste buds to guide you through its narrow streets and wide plazas, discovering flavors that will linger in your memory long after your visit.
Whether you’re savoring fresh ceviche at a cozy local spot or enjoying innovative cuisine with panoramic views, Cartagena’s restaurants offer something for every palate and budget. The city invites you to slow down, indulge, and embrace the Caribbean approach to dining—where food is not merely sustenance but a celebration of life, community, and cultural heritage.
Additional Resources
- 🔗 Cartagena Tourism Official Site
- 🔗 Colombia Travel Food Guide
- 🔗 Spanish Phrases for Ordering Food in Colombia
Disclaimer: Restaurant hours, menus, and availability may change. We recommend checking their official websites or calling ahead to confirm details before visiting. This guide was last updated in March 2025.