The 10 Best Restaurants of Cartagena

Cartagena, the colorful Caribbean city of Colombia has its vibrant nightlife culture that attracts tourists from all over the world. The picturesque views of the Caribbean sea and the blend of colonial architecture with the modern city make it a spectacular destination. Cartagena is a gastronomic heaven, and if you are a food lover, you must explore the flavors of the city. We have compiled a list of the ten best restaurants in Cartagena that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

1. La Cevicheria

La Cevicheria is one of the best seafood restaurants located in the heart of the historic district of Cartagena. The restaurant specializes in preparing traditional Colombian seafood dishes with a modern twist. The menu includes Ceviche, fried calamari, and grilled octopus.

2. Carmen

Carmen is a fusion restaurant offering a combination of Caribbean and European flavors. The restaurant has a romantic ambiance, and the food is prepared with fresh ingredients. The menu features dishes such as Lobster tail, Shrimp tacos, and Beef Tartare.

3. El Boliche Cebicheria

This restaurant is famous for its Peruvian cuisine and its welcoming ambiance. The restaurant’s unique menu includes various dishes such as Tiradito, Seafood Rice, and Ceviche Mixto. The staff is friendly, and the restaurant is recommended for those who want to try unique flavors.

4. Don Juan

Don Juan is known for its delicious meat dishes, which are grilled to perfection. The menu includes dishes such as steak, lamb chops, and pork ribs. The restaurant has a rustic ambiance, and the service is excellent.

5. La Vitrola

La Vitrola is one of the oldest restaurants in Cartagena, which dates back to the 1940s. The restaurant has a colonial ambiance and has hosted celebrities such as Bill Clinton and Julio Iglesias. The menu features traditional Cuban dishes such as Ropa Vieja, Paella, and Cuban Sandwiches.

6. Maria

Maria is a garden restaurant located in the heart of Cartagena’s walled city. The restaurant is known for its unique Latin American cuisine, which includes dishes such as Tacos, Arepas, and Empanadas. The restaurant has a casual atmosphere, and the service is excellent.

7. Marea by Rausch

Marea by Rausch is a fine dining restaurant located in the heart of Bocagrande. The restaurant specializes in seafood dishes, and the menu features dishes such as Lobster, Tuna Tartare, and Octopus in Guajillo chilies. The restaurant has a spectacular view of the Caribbean sea.

8. Restaurante 1621

This restaurant is located in Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, which is a colonial-style hotel in Cartagena. The restaurant is known for its French cuisine with a touch of Colombian flavors. The menu includes dishes such as Foie Gras, Rack of Lamb, and Beetroot Risotto.

9. Juan Del Mar

Juan Del Mar is one of the popular seafood restaurants located in Cartagena’s old town. The restaurant has an extensive menu, and the dishes that are must-tries include Traditional Fish Soup, Seafood Paella, and Crab Arepas. The restaurant has a casual ambiance and is perfect for families.

10. La Mulata

La Mulata is known for its traditional Caribbean cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant is located in the historic center of Cartagena and has a lively atmosphere. The menu includes dishes such as Fried Plantain, Seafood Soup, and Chicken Creole.

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to Cartagena, don’t miss out on its gastronomic delights. The city has some of the best restaurants that offer unique flavors and a blend of international cuisine. From seafood restaurants to romantic fine dining, Cartagena is a food lover’s paradise. We hope this list of the ten best restaurants in Cartagena will help you in choosing the right place for your next dining experience.

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Cartagena

Welcome to Cartagena, Colombia’s Caribbean jewel! This is a city of culture, history, and tradition that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. As a local, I’m excited to share some lesser-known attractions, dining spots, and cultural experiences that will make your trip truly special.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Tourist Spots

While the Old Town, the San Felipe Castle, and the Rosario Islands are popular sites worth visiting, there are some exclusive spots that only the locals know. Take a stroll through Manga, a residential neighborhood with a unique blend of modern and colonial architecture. Visit Getsemani, a bohemian barrio with colorful street art, live music, and street food. Discover the beauty of the Cerro de la Popa, a hilltop convent with stunning views of the city and the sea.

Dining Spots: Taste the Authentic Flavors of Cartagena

Cartagena’s cuisine is a fusion of African, Spanish, and Indigenous influences, with an emphasis on fresh seafood and tropical fruits. To taste the real Cartagena, head to La Cocina de Pepina for the famous fried fish and coconut rice or to La Mulata for the flavorful cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew). Try the arepas rellenas de huevo (corn cakes stuffed with eggs) at La Cevicheria, a favorite of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Enjoy a sunset cocktail at Cafe del Mar, overlooking the sea, or have a fruity mojito at Alquimico, a funky bar with a speakeasy vibe.

Cultural Experiences: Vibrant Festivals and Art Galleries

Cartagena is a city of music, art, and folklore, with a lively cultural scene throughout the year. If you visit in November, don’t miss the colorful and exuberant Festival of Independence, celebrating the city’s liberation from Spanish rule. For art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art, located in a renovated colonial house, showcases the works of local and international artists. Swing by the Teatro Heredia, a stunning 100-year-old theater, to catch a live performance of traditional music or dance.

Local History: Tales from the Past

Cartagena has a rich and complex history, from its pre-Columbian roots to its role in the slave trade and Spanish colonization. Learn about the life of the heroic Afro-Colombian leader Benkos Bioho or the legend of the cursed emerald, narrated by a local guide at the Emerald Museum. Visit the Cartagena Inquisition Palace, once a notorious tribunal that persecuted heretics and now a museum of religious art and history.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Alternative Adventures

If you want to experience a more unusual and adventurous side of Cartagena, there are plenty of options. Take a horseback ride through the mangroves of La Boquilla, a fishing village that preserves its African heritage. Visit the Totumo Volcano, an oddity where you can bathe in a mud bath that’s said to have therapeutic properties. Explore the urban murals of Ciudad Movil, an industrial district that has turned into an open-air art gallery. Or simply get lost in the streets of Cartagena, where every corner holds a surprise.

Conclusion

I hope this insider’s guide has inspired you to discover the hidden gems, the local flavors, the vibrant culture, the intriguing history, and the off-beat adventures of Cartagena. This city has a colorful and eclectic spirit that will capture your heart and leave you with unforgettable memories. Bon voyage!