The 35 Must-Try Restaurants in Cartagena

This laid-back, family-friendly pizzeria is located 15 minutes north of downtown Cartagena, where Italian chef Pietro Bramato and Colombian chef Judith Florez blend classic Italian fare with local flavors. The menu features dishes like grigliata di pesce (grilled fish), pasta carbonara, and ensalada maestro (salad with shrimp, avocado, and cherry tomatoes). They also cater to local tastes with a calzone topped with caramelized pineapple, a creamy chicken pasta, and fries garnished with chorizo. Don't miss their popular seafood pizza, loaded with shrimp, squid, clams, mussels, and more. []

The merging of two families from Bolivia and Austria resulted in this sophisticated restaurant located near the walled city. Housed in a historic building with a charming interior courtyard, Pomarossa specializes in upscale tropical dishes that feature smoking, curing, pickling, and preserving techniques. For instance, their empanadas are filled with smoked toyo (shark), Bolivian ají peppers, and suero costeño (similar to sour cream). Be sure to enjoy the live reggae and calypso music that fills the restaurant on Saturdays. [$$ - $$$]

Renowned local chef Leonor Espinosa, famous for her fine-dining establishment Leo in Bogotá (which ranked No. 8 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list and No. 49 in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019), brings her talents to the more casual Misia. With chalkboard menus and placemats adorned with playful cartoons, Espinosa showcases traditional and beloved recipes from the Colombian Caribbean coast, serving simple breakfasts, fried treats, and comforting dinner plates. [$$ - $$$]

No trip to Cartagena is complete without trying fritos Cartageneros (traditional fried snacks), and Plaza de San Diego is the ideal spot. Dora Gaviria began serving her renowned fritos from a street cart in the square 57 years ago. Today, she has largely passed the frying responsibilities to her son Jorge Luis del Valle and three granddaughters: Andry Paola, Anyela Juliana, and Dora Viviana Ríos. Locals flock here for carimañolas (fried cassava filled with meat and vegetables), chicken or beef empanadas, and the famous arepa de huevo, which is an arepa filled with a mix of egg, meat, chorizo, and/or cheese. Visit between 5 p.m. and midnight, and don’t forget to complement your meal with a tropical juice or a local soda. [$]

Situated on the first floor of the Bastión Luxury Hotel, El Gobernador features a menu crafted by renowned Bogotá chef Jorge Rausch. Using haute French techniques, he transforms local ingredients into exquisite dishes such as creamy coconut milk arroz cremoso with achiote (annatto) and cilantro, sea bass topped with Gruyere crust, fondue, and “leeks cappuccino.” Be sure to indulge in dessert, where you might encounter a pistachio dacquoise paired with corozo compote and cotton candy. The restaurant boasts a main dining area and a serene mezzanine for intimate meals, plus an outdoor patio ideal for lunch. [$$ - $$$$]

Moshi celebrates pan-Asian cuisine through the lens of Colombian ingredients and local seafood. The brainchild of chefs Carmen Ángel and Rob Pevitts, who also run Carmen next door and other establishments across Colombia, Moshi's menu showcases fusion dishes influenced by Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. Enjoy bao filled with fried fish, corn nuts, cabbage, and a leche de tigre enriched with hogao sauce, or savor temaki packed with shrimp, salsa rosada (a blend of mayo and tomato sauce), lime-pickled red onion, and cilantro. Dine in the restaurant’s modern yet cozy setting or at the chef’s counter with the omakase experience, and don’t forget to complement your meal with one of Moshi’s signature craft cocktails. [$$$ - $$$$]

Situated in the vibrant heart of historic Cartagena, Carmen emphasizes ingredient-focused cuisine that highlights Colombia’s rich biodiversity. The atmosphere is both warm and elegant, with dining spaces arranged around a stunning central courtyard. Choose to sit outdoors or inside, and indulge in the seven-course tasting menu (a la carte options are also available), where chefs Carmen Ángel and Rob Pevitts emphasize at least one local ingredient in each dish. Be sure to explore the thoughtfully curated wine and craft cocktail selections, which reflect the same creativity and attention to detail. [$$$ - $$$$]

With its trendy ambiance, this unique comfort food Mytoury serves some of Cartagena’s finest traditional Colombian dishes, crafted from ingredients sourced from local producers. The menu offers simple yet delicious options like seafood presented on plantain leaves, ceviches, refreshing agua frescas, and other delightful creations made with indigenous produce. Open for breakfast and lunch, La Mulata is an excellent choice for both tourists and locals with flexible schedules. [$$ - $$$]

The Townhouse generously welcomes non-hotel guests to its rooftop bar, where locals flock to enjoy happy hour cocktails as the sun sets over Cartagena’s stunning skyline. The lively atmosphere continues from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., and if cocktails aren’t your preference, the bar offers a solid selection of wines and beers. Snack options like nachos, sliders, and rich chocolate fudge cake are perfect for sharing, making it an ideal spot to come with friends or meet new ones. [$$]

When the heat rises and the beach beckons, visit this gelateria close to the shore. They prepare all their offerings from scratch, free of preservatives and hydrogenated fats. Choose from over 100 flavors, many reflecting Caribbean inspirations like lulo, Kola Román, corozo, sour guava, coconut-lemonade, and soursop. Other flavors include basil, white chocolate, and stracciatella. They also provide juices, milkshakes, coffee, tea, and brownies. [$ - $$]

When Lars Brurein relocated El Bistro from Popayán to Cartagena in 2002, he began with dishes from his native Berlin but eventually embraced Caribbean flavors. Today, the kitchen serves a delightful fusion of cuisines influenced by Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Cuba, and Colombia. The menu features tropical vegetables, game, local spices, house-made charcuterie and mustard, along with fresh German breads and European pastries from the local bakery. Sourcing ingredients from farmers’ markets and his own organic garden, Brurein has created a relaxed atmosphere in a historic house with a lovely balcony. [$$]

Chef Álex Quessep established the original Zaitún in Barranquilla to celebrate his Colombian-Lebanese heritage, offering an equal focus on kibbehs and carimañolas. Mary Stella Zapa and her husband Fabián Cerro brought this unique fusion to Cartagena with their franchise. Collaborating with Quessep, the menu showcases seafood, falafel, hummus, stuffed cabbage and grape leaves, as well as a distinctive Cartagena-style sirloin simmered in a sauce of beef stock, cane sugar, vegetables, and clover. The ambiance is warm and slightly kitschy, complemented by an excellent selection of spirits and cocktails. [$$$$]

Chefs Juan Felipe Camacho and Alejandro Ramírez blend the culinary style of a classic bistro with the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine. The result is an enticing selection of fresh fish and seafood, traditional Colombian meats, and an abundance of local fruits and vegetables. Highlights include crudo de róbalo (raw sea bass with cilantro, tapioca, and lulo) and tender pork ribs served over a lentil and arracacha stew (a local root vegetable), complemented by tropical desserts for a complete neo-bistro experience. [$$ - $$$]

With two locations in the heart of the walled city, Época focuses on capturing the bold flavors and aromas of specialty coffee beans from regions such as Quindío, Risaralda, Santander, and Sierra Nevada. Alongside their coffee offerings, the menu features a delightful selection of eggs and omelets, pancakes, French toast, Mexican and Colombian specialties, and freshly baked pastries. Creative cocktails infused with cardamom, rosemary, coffee, or cacao, along with syrups made from beets or cantaloupe, round out the experience. It’s an ideal spot for work, socializing, or a quick respite while exploring the city. [$ - $$]

This lively restaurant is a hub of activity day and night, showcasing chef Alejandro Ramírez’s seasonal, seafood-centric cuisine. Seven years ago, Ramírez established María, collaborating with local farmers to curate a contemporary menu filled with exceptional dishes. Seafood takes center stage, with offerings based on the daily catch from fishermen in the nearby village of La Boquilla. The menu refreshes three times a year to highlight seasonal produce, while the cocktail selections feature tropical fruits crafted using techniques such as smoking and homemade bitters. [$$ - $$$]

This gastrobar, nestled in a charming old house, is helmed by Peruvian chef Mariano Cerna, who delights discerning palates with a fusion of his Peruvian roots, Colombian ingredients, and modern techniques. He presents exquisite dishes featuring lobster, duck, crab, and chicharrón, among other specialties. The venue includes a main dining room, terrace, and two bars, but wherever you choose to sit, be sure to try the ceviche del viajero (fresh fish marinated in a leche de tigre with aromatic herbs, unripe mango pickles, and cilantro sauce). [$$$$]

Founded by Diana Herrera, her sister María Carolina Herrera, and their mother Magaly Ordosgoitia, Malagana Cafe & Bar was one of the pioneering Mytouries in the now-thriving Getsemaní neighborhood. Known for their delectable fish tacos, the compact menu also features ceviche in coconut milk, dishes with shrimp and octopus, and refreshing fruit-based cocktails. The charming rooftop often fills with the vibrant sounds of zouk, salsa, compas, kizomba, reggae, and merengue. [$$]

This trendy nighttime bar offers inventive cocktails that push creative boundaries. Choose from whimsically named drinks like El Laboratorio, Inquisición, or Basilico Punch, or opt for a cocktail inspired by Colombian cities such as Cali, Riohacha, Bucaramanga, or Bogotá. The food menu focuses on fresh, healthy, and tropical flavors, featuring a variety of chicken, seafood, beef, fish, and vegetarian dishes, along with traditional Colombian favorites like arepas, carimañolas, and tortas de choclo (corn cakes). [$$]

Portal de los Dulces, a beloved candy shop, has become a symbol of Cartagena, situated in the iconic Plaza de los Coches. With stunning views of the Clock Tower, patrons can savor a variety of traditional regional sweets. Highlights include cocadas (coconut macaroons filled with guava or pineapple), cabellito de ángel (spiced syrup-soaked shredded papaya), tamarind balls rolled in sugar, muñequitas de leche (milk caramels shaped like dolls), and casabe filled with ripe plantain puree. [$]

Founded by three Australians in the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood, this cafe serves as a stepping stone for local youth in need, offering training in social and technical skills. Embracing the country’s Creole heritage, the restaurant features nutritious dishes, including gluten-free and vegan options, as well as global favorites like falafel and Thai corn fritters. Their all-day breakfast menu caters to both sweet and savory palates. [$ - $$]

Having opened just over a year ago, Celele has quickly risen to prominence, receiving the Miele One to Watch Award for 2019 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Renowned chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón spent four years researching local flavors before establishing this restaurant, which highlights handicrafts from indigenous and rural communities. Their menu features contemporary tasting options and daily à la carte dishes, including a traditional stew with cured duck, pineapple vinegar, sweet ají peppers, and sour oranges served over casabe. For dessert, indulge in the traditional mingui, a blend of cooked plantain and pumpkin with whipped coconut cream, local seed and nut granola, and coconut lemonade sorbet. [$$ - $$$]

Nestled in the stunning courtyard of the elegant Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, this is the sole restaurant by acclaimed Colombian chef Harry Sasson outside the capital. The menu mirrors that of the famous Harry’s Bar in Bogotá, blending hearty steakhouse options with generous tapas-style share plates. Guests can enjoy traditional regional dishes such as arepa de huevo, posta Cartagenera (meat stewed in a cane-sugar sauce), rice with crab or shrimp, and fried plantains, among other local delights. [$$$ - $$$$]

This delightful bar and tapas spot in Getsemaní is filled with quirky decorations and twinkling lights, offering a diverse selection of Spanish dishes, including cochinillo (suckling pig) and octopus. Small plates are infused with local flavors, such as cassava gnocchi paired with chicharron and pico de gallo. They also feature a cheeseburger topped with manchego and caramelized onion preserve, as well as a vegetarian burger made with pumpkin and lentils. Brunch is served daily, complete with an open mimosa bar. [$$ - $$$]

In 2013, Cartagena lacked good cocktail bars, prompting the founders of El Barón to create a sanctuary for classic and innovative mixology. They meticulously craft every detail, from ice cubes to glassware and decor, with a focus on exceptional cocktails. Try the fruity Pintor de Anécdotas, featuring rye, oloroso sherry, banana-strawberry shrub, and blackberry-soy reduction, or experience the refreshing Arquitecto de Inviernos with eucalyptus-infused vodka, Fernet-Branca, aloe vera, and citric acid. Their tapas menu reflects this commitment with offerings like spicy fried chicken, lamb kofta, ceviche, shrimp rolls, and pork samosas. Nestled in the charming plaza of San Pedro Claver, it’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring the walled city. [$$]

Inspired by the iconic ’80s film The Blue Lagoon (and styled accordingly), this cozy, unpretentious restaurant features around ten refreshing ceviches alongside a selection of cocteles. Much like ceviche, cocteles mix raw seafood with lime juice but are enhanced with tomato sauce, salsa rosada, spicy salsa, or avocado drizzled with olive oil. [$$]

Café del Mural strikes a balance between mediocre, overly sweet coffee chains and elitist specialty cafes, making quality brews accessible to all. Owner David Arzayus enthusiastically welcomes diverse customer preferences, stating he aims to showcase “the real coffee world instead of the perfect one.” Alongside the café, Arzayus has established a coffee lab where staff continually experiment with various machines, filling the café with delightful aromas, and they also host educational tastings. [$ - $$]

For those yearning for coastal comfort food without the travel, this is the place to be. Although founder María Josefina Yancés has passed the reins to her nephew Christian Sepúlveda, the restaurant continues to honor her dedication to traditional local cuisine, celebrating the Caribbean's rich biological and cultural diversity. Key ingredients include cassava, plantain, eggplant, chiles, beef, pork, poultry, and a variety of fish from both rivers and the sea. Look out for dishes like mote de queso, boronía (a puree of eggplant and sweet plantain), pasteles and hallacas (types of tamales), gallina monteriana (a chicken stew from Montería), and viuda de carne salada (salt-cured meat with garnishes). Seating operates on a first-come, first-served basis. [$$]

Founded by the passionate chef Charlie Otero, Kazabe is a heartfelt homage to the traditional culinary heritage of the Bolívar region, home to Cartagena. The restaurant highlights the rich flavors of Colombian ingredients and the country’s exceptional geography with dishes like ceviche, carimañolas, rice and eggplant tamales, and mains that feature pork, fish, shrimp, and hen. For dessert, indulge in tropical treats such as pie de mongo mongo (a pie made with unripe fruit conserve), cassava and coconut cake with anise seeds, and unripe mango cheesecake. [$$ - $$$]

Situated in the bustling Bocagrande neighborhood, close to key hotels and the beach, Ely Café is a popular spot not just for tourists but also for locals. Residents often gather here for breakfast, afternoon coffee, or simply to escape the midday heat. The laid-back café features a mix of eclectic music, shelves of books for leisurely reading, and an inviting atmosphere. The breakfast menu offers everything from light bites to indulgent treats, while the all-day selection includes salads, hearty sandwiches, pastries, pressed juices, and a well-stocked bar serving local coffee and tea. [$ - $$]

Located in Bocagrande, a bustling area for tourists, M Cocina Árabe is a charming Lebanese-inspired Mytoury adorned with elegant, gold accents. Established by Mónica Espinosa a decade ago, the restaurant features recipes passed down from her Lebanese mother-in-law. Patrons particularly enjoy Espinosa’s kibbehs, tabbouleh, almond rice, stuffed grape leaves, ‘pharaoh’s beef loin,’ fatay (savory empanadas filled with spiced ground beef), labneh, and hearty lentil soup. [$$ - $$$]

This beloved kiosk, established in 1975 and owned by former Olympic boxer Bonifacio Ávila, is now managed by his wife Rosa Aurora Castaño along with their family. Castaño specializes in traditional Cartagena dishes such as seafood cazuela (stew), fried fish, and arepa de huevo, served with coconut rice, crispy green plantains, and vibrant tropical salads. The beverage selection includes refreshing fruit juices and classic cocktails like coco loco, piña colada, and margarita. [$$ - $$$]

For a hearty weekend breakfast, look no further than Dunia’s chicharrón paired with bollo limpio (steamed corn cake) and suero costeño. The café also serves a variety of fried snacks, such as arepas de huevo, empanadas, fried dumplings, and palitos de queso (cheese sticks wrapped in pastry), all accompanied by refreshing tropical fruit juices. [$ - $$]

Reaching this enchanting destination requires a 15-minute boat ride from Cartagena, but it's a journey that leads to a slice of tropical paradise. The island resort caters to both tourists and local sunbathers with an extensive menu to satisfy any craving. Enjoy light fare like ceviches and tiraditos alongside refreshing cocktails, or opt for hearty mains such as paella, Valencia’s fideua, and a vegan rice feast. Don't miss the whole fried fish served with coconut rice and patacones (fried plantains), as well as the delicious posta negra Cartagenera (a rich Colombian beef dish). [$$ - $$$]

Just under an hour from downtown Cartagena lies the vibrant city of Turbaco, home to this popular Mytoury renowned for its specialty: chicharron. On busy days, the kitchen may prepare 10 to 15 pigs to satisfy demand. The meat is fried in its own fat and served with options like boiled cassava, soft corn cakes, or fried plantains, complemented by suero costeño and queso costeño (fresh salty cheese). For those who prefer alternatives to pork, the fish sancocho (soup) and fried fish are highly recommended. [$$ - $$$]

After spending many years in the Cote d’Azur, Portia Hart launched this charming 10-room boutique hotel and beach club, drawing inspiration from the sophisticated ambiance of this renowned seaside destination. Situated on Tierra Bomba Island, just a 30-minute boat ride from Cartagena, the restaurant's menu blends Caribbean flavors with influences from southern France and the Mediterranean. Led by Italian chef Elena Stoico, the kitchen embraces a slow-food philosophy, crafting seasonal dishes from scratch and sourcing ingredients from local producers. Notably, the staff consists of both professional Colombian chefs and local individuals seeking to build careers in the culinary field. [$$ - $$$]