Best Restaurants & Cafés in Cartagena: Where to Eat (Local Food, Fine Dining & Coffee Culture)

Your ultimate guide to Cartagena’s vibrant food scene. Cartagena is one of Colombia’s top culinary destinations—a city where Caribbean flavors meet Spanish heritage, African influences, and modern gourmet innovation. From street arepas and ceviche bars to elegant fine-dining restaurants inside colonial mansions, the food scene here is unforgettable.

This guide covers the best restaurants, cafés, and foodie spots in Cartagena, organized by budget and style, plus insider tips for reservations, what to order, and where to avoid tourist traps.

Why Cartagena Is a Food Lover’s Paradise

• A mix of Caribbean, Afro-Colombian, and Colombian coastal cuisines

• Plenty of fresh seafood (ceviche, fried fish, shrimp)

• Street food culture in Getsemaní & Centro Histórico

• Upscale dining led by award-winning chefs

• A growing specialty coffee and brunch scene

Best Restaurants in Cartagena (2025 Guide)

1. La Cevichería – The Most Famous Ceviche Spot

Location: Centro Histórico
Price: $$–$$$
Best For: Seafood lovers, lunch

Made famous by Anthony Bourdain, La Cevichería remains Cartagena’s go-to ceviche restaurant.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Ceviche clásico

• Arroz de mariscos

• Shrimp in coconut milk

Tip: Go early or expect a queue—no reservations.

2. Carmen Cartagena – Fine Dining with Colombian Flavors

Location: Centro Histórico
Price: $$$$
Best For: Romantic dinners, special occasions

Housed in the luxurious Ananda Hotel, Carmen offers one of the city’s top fine-dining experiences.

What to Expect:

• Tasting menus

• Molecular + traditional fusion

• Award-winning cocktails

Reserve a few days in advance.

3. Celele – Innovative Caribbean Cuisine

Location: Getsemaní
Price: $$$$
Best For: Foodies, unique dining

Ranked among Latin America’s top restaurants, Celele highlights regional Caribbean ingredients in original ways.

Signature Dishes:

• Celele’s signature Caribbean tasting menu

• Coconut-smoked meats

• Tropical desserts

A must-book experience.

4. Alquímico – Not Just a Bar, Also Great Food

Location: Centro
Price: $$–$$$
Best For: Cocktails + dinner

Famous for cocktails and nightlife, Alquímico also serves creative farm-to-table dishes.

Great spot for starting a night out.

5. La Mulata – Local Food, Great Vibes

Location: Centro
Price: $$
Best For: Casual lunch and traditional plates

A favorite among locals and expats.

Must-Try:

• Pescado frito

• Coconut rice

• Patacones

Affordable and authentic.

Best Budget & Street Food in Cartagena

6. Arepas de Huevo (Street Stands)

Colombia’s iconic fried egg arepas—must-try street food.

Where to Find:
Getsemaní, Bazurto Market, Centro streets.

7. El Kilo

One of the best-value seafood restaurants with large portions.

Top Picks:

• Cazuela de mariscos

• Grilled fish

• Coconut rice plates

8. Bazurto Market (With Guide Recommended)

The cultural belly of Cartagena. Food is incredible, but only go with a guide for safety.

Best Foods:

• Sancocho soup

• Fresh juices

• Stews and seafood

Best Cafés & Coffee Shops in Cartagena

Cartagena’s specialty coffee scene is growing quickly. Here are the best cafés for digital nomads, breakfast lovers, and coffee enthusiasts.

9. Epoca Espresso Bar

Best For: Specialty coffee, brunch
Highlights: Cold brew, flat white, avocado toast

Popular with digital nomads.

10. Café San Alberto

Premium, award-winning Colombian coffee.

Try:

• Coffee tasting experience

• Signature affogato

11. Libertario Coffee Roasters

Minimalist, modern, and consistent.

Great for remote work or a cool coffee break.

12. Café del Mural (Getsemaní)

A quirky, artistic coffee lab.

Why Visit:

• Experimental drinks

• Fun tastings

• Great barista culture

Best Brunch Restaurants in Cartagena

13. Federal Resto Bar

Popular brunch spot with large portions.

Try their pancakes or chilaquiles.

14. Ely Café Bocagrande

Trendy brunch and dessert café.

Great for pastries, coffee, and light meals.

Best Rooftop Dining in Cartagena

15. Mirador Gastro Bar

Classic rooftop views over the walled city.

16. Townhouse Rooftop

Brunch, cocktails, and casual eats with great ambiance.

Best Romantic Restaurants in Cartagena

17. Mar y Zielo Gastro Bar

Romantic vibe with creative Caribbean dishes.

18. 1621 Restaurant (Sofitel Legend Santa Clara)

Historic setting + gourmet tasting menus.

Best Healthy & Vegan-Friendly Restaurants

19. Gokela

Smoothies, wraps, bowls.

20. Beiyu

Health-conscious Caribbean-inspired café.

What to Eat in Cartagena: Local Must-Try Dishes

• Pescado frito (fried fish)

• Arroz con coco (coconut rice)

• Patacones (plantain chips)

• Ceviche

• Arepas de huevo

• Mojarra frita

• Posta negra caribeña

Practical Eating Tips for Cartagena

✔ Many restaurants require reservations, especially in Centro.
✔ Tipping is optional but 10% is customary if not added automatically.
✔ Beware of overpriced restaurants in touristy areas—check menus before entering.
✔ Hydrate—a lot. Cartagena is hot and humid year-round.
✔ For street food, choose vendors with high turnover (freshness = safety).