Photo: San Valentín restaurant
Cartagena is a culinary paradise that blends Caribbean flavors, fresh seafood and international cuisine. Whether you want an elegant dinner, a casual meal or a lively atmosphere, this guide takes you through the best restaurants in three of the city’s most vibrant areas: the Historic Center, Getsemaní and Bocagrande. Each neighborhood has its own character, from authentic street food to gourmet dining in elegant settings.
A food guide to the city’s best restaurants, for every taste.
Walled City
Mistura
Cartagena is a gastronomic hub, recognized by UNESCO as a creative city of gastronomy, and this restaurant is a good example: Caribbean flavors and ingredients, traditional recipes, and a fusion with Peruvian and Asian culinary worlds. Tropical music sets the mood.
Location: Plaza Fernández de Madrid.
Hours: from noon for lunch, closing at 11 p.m.
Monte Sacro
Looking for the perfect place to enjoy authentic Caribbean cooking in Cartagena? Monte Sacro is a must. In the heart of the Walled City, right on Parque Bolívar, this charming restaurant offers a delicious mix of local flavors, a welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices, perfect for a special lunch or dinner with friends, family or a romantic date.
Its menu is inspired by the flavors of the Colombian Caribbean, with dishes such as fresh seafood and coconut rice. Open from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays).
Location: Parque Bolívar.
La Vitrola
One of Cartagena’s most iconic restaurants, La Vitrola serves Cuban-inspired cuisine with live music in an elegant setting.
Location: Calle Baloco #2-01, Centro, Cartagena.
San Valentín
A charming restaurant in Cartagena’s historic center, perfect for a good lunch. The menu offers Caribbean flavors and other options, including vegetarian dishes, and live music adds to the experience.
Location: Calle Vicente García # 10, Cl. 37 # 2886, Centro Histórico, Cartagena.
Getsemaní
La Cocina de Pepina
For the authentic culinary tradition of Cartagena, La Cocina de Pepina is the place. This cozy restaurant serves traditional Caribbean dishes full of flavor. Don’t miss the mote de queso, a comforting local cheese soup.
Location: Callejón Vargas # 9A-06, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
Di Silvio Trattoria
In the heart of Getsemaní, Di Silvio Trattoria brings an Italian touch to Cartagena. With its rustic atmosphere and wood-fired pizzas, it is a haven for authentic Italian food. Homemade pasta and an extensive wine list make it a must-visit.
Location: Calle de San Juan #25-60, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
La Casa de Socorro
A classic of the Cartagena food scene, La Casa de Socorro is known for its seafood and traditional Colombian dishes. Its lively atmosphere makes it ideal for lunch or dinner.
Location: Calle Larga #8B-112, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
El Arsenal: La Caja del Ron
Gourmet cuisine paired with a wide selection of rums. Its seaside location and innovative menu make it an exceptional choice.
Location: Calle del Arsenal #8B-137, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
Celele
Known for its contemporary Caribbean cuisine, Celele offers a unique dining experience that combines local ingredients with creative dishes.
Location: Calle del Espíritu Santo #29-139, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
Bocagrande
Nami Sushi Bar
For Japanese cuisine, Nami Sushi Bar serves fresh sushi and a variety of Asian dishes in a modern, intimate setting.
Location: Cra. 2 #5-100, Bocagrande, Cartagena de Indias.
The best value in Cartagena dining
Quero Arepa
Its stuffed arepas have an irresistible homemade touch and the best prices in the area, ideal for an authentic bite while you explore Cartagena at any time of day. Prices start at around 11,000 COP.
Location: Calle 37 # 9-130, San Diego, Centro Histórico, Cartagena.
El Gramo Cevichería Express
A must-stop for ceviche and authentic seafood. Fresh shellfish, ideal for sharing, at prices from about 17,000 to 40,000 COP.
Location: Cra. 4 # 5-166, Bocagrande.
Tenderete Café Restaurante
A complete experience with breakfast, lunch and dinner in a warm setting. It is also a great spot for good coffee and a variety of cocktails, with excellent quality at affordable prices of up to about 35,000 COP per person.
Location: Cra. 10 # 25-174.
Cartagena is vegetarian-friendly too
Lunático Experience
If you are looking for vegetarian food in Cartagena, Lunático Experience is known for its plant-based menu, perfect for healthy vegetarian food in the historic center.
Location: Av. Pedregal # 29-225, Getsemaní, Cartagena.
Gokela
Its menu lets you choose fresh ingredients and build dishes to your taste, which makes it ideal for healthy vegetarian food in Cartagena at lunch, dinner or brunch.
Location: Calle 8 between Cra. San Martín and Cra. 3, Bocagrande, Cartagena.
Each of these restaurants offers a unique culinary experience that reflects the diversity of Cartagena’s food scene. Whether you want a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, they cover every taste for an unforgettable meal in Cartagena de Indias.
Prices and opening hours are approximate and can change. Check each restaurant’s Instagram before you go.
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Registered tour operator · RNT 74577
