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Cartagena: Best Restaurants Where to Eat and Drink.

Updated: Jan 7


Typical Delicious Caribbean

Food You Won’t Want to Miss: A Foodie's Guide to the Top Restaurants

Photo: San Valentín Restaurant
Photo: San Valentín Restaurant

Cartagena is a culinary paradise, blending Caribbean flavors, fresh seafood, and international cuisine into an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether you're searching for fine dining, a casual meal, or a lively atmosphere, this guide will take you through the best restaurants in three of the city’s most vibrant areas: Centro Histórico, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande. Each of these neighborhoods has a unique character, offering diverse dining experiences ranging from authentic street food to gourmet delicacies in elegant settings.



The Ultimate Food Lover’s Guide



WALLED CITY - CENTRO


✦ MISTURA

Cartagena is an excellent gastronomic hub, considered by UNESCO as a laboratory of flavors, and this restaurant is a prime example of this, combining Caribbean flavors and ingredients, traditional recipes, and fused with exquisite Peruvian and Asian culinary universes.


The restaurant is enlivened with tropical music that sets the mood and accompanies your best moments.


📍Location: Plaza Fernández in Madrid,

Hours: Lunch starts at 12 noon and closes at 11 pm.




✦ Monte Sacro:

Looking for the perfect place to enjoy authentic Caribbean cuisine in Cartagena? Monte Sacro is a must-visit! Nestled in the heart of the Walled City, right in Bolívar Park, this charming restaurant offers a delightful mix of local flavors, a cozy atmosphere, and affordable prices — perfect for a special lunch or dinner with friends, family, or even a romantic date.


With a menu inspired by Colombian Caribbean flavors, Monte Sacro serves up mouthwatering dishes like fresh seafood, coconut rice, and tropical delights. Whether you're exploring Cartagena by day or soaking in the city’s magical nightlife, this spot welcomes you from 11 AM to 9 PM (closed Sundays).


Great location in the Old Town

Authentic Caribbean food at a good price

Perfect for gatherings & special meals. Don't miss out on this hidden culinary treasure in Cartagena!


📍 Location: Find it in Bolívar Park




✦ La Vitrola

As one of Cartagena's most iconic restaurants, La Vitrola offers Cuban-inspired cuisine accompanied by live music in an elegant setting.




✦ Restaurante San Valentin

San Valentín is a charming restaurant located in Cartagena’s historic center, perfect for a delightful lunch. It offers a menu rich in Caribbean flavors, along with other options, including delicious vegetarian dishes. The atmosphere is enhanced by live music, making it a great spot to enjoy good food and a lively experience.








GETSEMANI


✦ La Cocina de Pepina

For an authentic taste of Cartagena's culinary heritage, La Cocina de Pepina is the place to be. This cozy spot serves traditional Caribbean dishes bursting with flavor. Don't miss the mote de queso, a local cheese soup that's both comforting and delicious.


📍Location: Callejon Vargas # 9A-06,



✦ Di Silvio Trattoria

Nestled in the heart of Getsemaní, Di Silvio Trattoria brings a slice of Italy to Cartagena. With its rustic ambiance and wood-fired pizzas, it's a haven for those craving authentic Italian fare. The handmade pastas and extensive wine list make it a must-visit.


📍Location: Calle de San Juan #25-60, Getsemaní, Cartagena



✦ La Casa de Socorro

A staple in Cartagena's culinary scene, La Casa de Socorro is renowned for its seafood and traditional Colombian dishes. The lively atmosphere makes it suitable for both lunch and dinner.


📍Location: Calle Larga #8B-112,



✦ El Arsenal: The Rum Box

This establishment combines gourmet cuisine with an extensive selection of rums. Its waterfront location and innovative menu make it a standout choice.


📍Location: Calle del Arsenal #8B-137, Getsemaní, Cartagena



✦ Celele

Celebrated for its contemporary Caribbean cuisine, Celele offers a unique dining experience that showcases local ingredients in creative dishes.


📍Location: Calle del Espíritu Santo #29-139, Getsemaní, Cartagena





BOCAGRANDE


📍 Nami Sushi Bar

For those craving Japanese cuisine, Nami Sushi Bar provides fresh sushi and a variety of Asian dishes in a modern and intimate atmosphere.


📍 Location: Cra.2, Cra #5-100, Bocagrande, Cartagena de Indias.


The Best Value-for-Money Options in Cartagena’s Gastronomic Scene



✦ Restaurante Quero Arepa

Their stuffed arepas have that irresistible homemade touch and some of the best prices in the area. It’s the perfect stop to satisfy an authentic craving while exploring Cartagena at any time of day. Best of all, prices start from COP 11,000.


📍Location: Street 37 # 9-130, San Diego Neighborhood – Historic Center, Cartagena



✦ El Gramo Cevichería Express

A must-stop to enjoy top-quality ceviche bites and authentic seafood. Experience Cartagena’s gastronomy at its best with fresh seafood, ideal for sharing while enjoying the Caribbean nautical season, at excellent prices ranging from COP 17,000 to COP 40,000.


📍Location: Carrera 4 # 5-166, Bocagrande




✦ Restaurante Tenderete Café Restaurante


Perfect for enjoying a complete experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also an ideal spot to enjoy good coffee and a variety of cocktails in a friendly, human-centered setting, offering excellent quality at affordable prices of up to COP 35,000 per person.

📍Location: Carrera 10 # 25-174





Cartagena Is Also Vegetarian: Restaurants That Prove It.



✦ Restaurante Lunático Experience


If you’re looking for vegetarian food in Cartagena, Lunático Experience is a vegetarian restaurant well known for its plant-based proposal, perfect for enjoying healthy vegetarian cuisine in the historic center.


📍Location: Pedregal Avenue # 29-225, Getsemaní, Cartagena



✦ Restaurante Gokela


Its menu lets you choose fresh ingredients to create dishes tailored to your taste, making it an ideal spot for enjoying healthy vegetarian food in Cartagena is perfect for lunch, dinner, or brunch, this restaurant is a great option for anyone looking for fresh, plant-based meals in the city.


📍Location: Calle 8, between San Martín Avenue and Carrera 3, Bocagrande, Cartagena.






Each of these restaurants offers a unique culinary experience, reflecting the diverse gastronomic landscape of Cartagena. Whether you're seeking a casual lunch spot or a romantic dinner venue, these establishments cater to all preferences, ensuring a memorable dining experience in this enchanting city.


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