Cartagena, Colombia, is one of the most popular destinations in Latin America. The city combines the Caribbean atmosphere with a cosmopolitan tone. It also exudes a rich Afro-Colombian culture that makes it even more interesting to explore. If you are thinking to plan a visit the country soon, indulging in the cuisine of Cartagena is sure to add a little flavor to your trip. That’s why we’ve rounded-up these 10 best restaurants you should visit in 2024.
What Food Is Cartagena Known For?
Cartagena, Colombia is known for Cartagena, Colombia is known for different types of foods, such as seafood dishes, stews, and street food. However, it is best known for its Ceviche! Ceviche is extremely popular in Cartagena and is easily found on any and nearly every menu in the city. For those of you not familiar with Ceviche and its ingredients – its base recipes is: fish (bite-sized bits), salt, lime and/or lemon juice, and sometimes a few fresh veggies (onions, peppers, cilantro).
Is It Expensive To Eat In Cartagena?
The culinary scene in Cartagena remains relatively affordable, even at the city’s top restaurants. While meal prices in Cartagena can vary, the average cost of food in Cartagena is $9.82 (CO$38,221) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Cartagena should cost around $3.93 (CO$15,288) per person.
1. Carmen
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Carmen offers a tasting menu and à la carte dishes that show the diversity in Colombian food. Its wine and cocktail lists express the same appreciation for tradition and good vibes.
2. Celele
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Chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón spent years exploring the Caribbean coast, meeting indigenous peoples, discovering new flavors and ingredients and documenting recipes that were in danger of being lost.
In 2021, Celele earned the Gin Mare Art of Hospitality Award.
3. Mar y Zielo
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Located in the historic center of Cartagena, Mar y Zielo Gastro Bar is a contemporary restaurant inspired by the journey through Colombian lands and the history of its products.
It has a lounge with an à la carte menu, a dining room, and a rooftop to enjoy Cartagena afternoons and nights with local cocktails.
4. Harry Sasson
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Located in the interior patio of the Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa, Harry Sasson offers what is considered the best of Colombian Caribbean cuisine with other flavors from different regions of the world.
The menu combines Mediterranean tapas like serrano ham, patatas bravas, fried eggs and fried squid, with traditional dishes of the region like arepa de eggs, posta from Cartagena, grilled fish and seafood, soupy rice dishes, and steakhouse-style meats.
5. La Cevichería
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La Cevichería is a restaurant with a beach vibe. The restaurant offers fifteen types of ceviche, paellas and dishes with octopus, lobster and seafood. Don’t forget to try the traditional Cartagena shrimp cocktail.
6. Alma Restaurante
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Alma, located in the Hotel Casa San Agustín, mixes tradition and avant-garde with ingredients from different regions of the Caribbean and the Colombian Pacific.
The menu includes glazed pork rinds, lobster patties and chicken spring rolls. The bar offers a rich list of cocktails and drinks, with a special section of gin and tonics, mojitos and martinis.
7. DKP
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DKP Restaurant is an incredible place with unique charm. The restaurant features traditional Caribbean food from Cartagena.
8. Buena Vida Marisqueria y Rooftop
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With a fancy Caribbean design and relaxed atmosphere, Buena Vida offers an innovative experience for those who want to enjoy the flavors of Cartagena.
Its menu is inspired by the Caribbean coast, with carefully selected fresh local ingredients. On its first two floors there is the seafood restaurant and on the third is the rooftop.
9. Candé Restaurante
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Awarded several times for its quality, Candé is an authentic Colombian restaurant, with music and dancers, local and traditional dishes.
