Cartagena’s food scene blends coastal Caribbean flavors, indigenous traditions, and modern technique—all plated against the backdrop of a luminous walled city. If you’re mapping out where to eat, this guide rounds up the best Cartagena restaurants, plus where to find the best breakfast in Cartagena and the best Colombian food in Cartagena. You’ll also find pro tips on reservations, what to order, and where to stay so you’re a short stroll from every great table.
Before diving into the restaurant short list, a few ground rules help you eat better (and happier):
These kitchens anchor Cartagena’s reputation as one of Latin America’s most exciting food cities, weaving local produce, coastal catch, and heirloom recipes into modern plates.
A love letter to the Caribbean pantry—heritage chilies, tropical fruit, and day-boat seafood—interpreted with contemporary finesse. Expect bright, layered flavors and artful plating. It’s a must for travelers hunting the best Cartagena restaurants with a sense of place.
What to order: Catch of the day with coconut-laced sauces; green plantain iterations; seasonal ceviches.
Tip: Book well in advance; ask about tasting menus if you want the full tour of the region in bite-size chapters.
A refined “tour of Colombia” on a plate. The cooking blends technique with regional storytelling—think native tubers, cacao, and coastal herbs meeting precise sauces and impeccable service.
What to order: Tasting menu or market-driven à la carte; look for local cacao accents and aromatic broths.
Good for: Celebrations, date nights, and anyone who loves elegant dining with deep Colombian roots.
Alma revives classic Cartagena recipes—coconut, passion fruit, and local tubers—through a polished lens. The dining room is as evocative as the menu, a perfect stage for flavors that taste both nostalgic and new.
What to order: Cartagena-style seafood stews; coconut rice; house takes on traditional desserts.
Why it matters: A masterclass in the best Colombian food in Cartagena, executed with grace.
Candé is unabashedly cartagenero—a full sensory snapshot of the city’s culinary heritage. Expect live music on some nights, generous portions, and a menu anchored in the city’s family recipes.
What to order: Coconut rice with fried fish; mote de queso (creamy yam and cheese soup); artisanal sweets.
Vibe: Lively, celebratory, and proudly local—ideal for groups.
Author cuisine that wanders Colombia’s regions, spotlighting small producers and matriarchal kitchen traditions. Plates feel intimate and intentional, with storytelling baked into each course.
What to order: Rotating seasonal dishes led by native ingredients; ask for staff picks.
Best for: Curious eaters who want to travel the country’s flavors in a single evening.
Morning in Cartagena is pure magic—cooler streets, quiet plazas, and the scent of fresh arepas. Here’s how to find the best breakfast in Cartagena, whether you’re craving something light or a hearty coastal start.
Pro tip: Beat the heat and the lines by arriving when doors open; then wander for golden-hour photos before the city fully wakes.
If your mission is the best Colombian food in Cartagena, aim your appetite at these cornerstones:
Dulce de coco and enyucado (cassava cake) to pair with after-dinner espresso or a late-night stroll.
Day 1 – Heritage & Haute
Day 2 – Market to Modern
Cartagena’s top tables cluster in the Old Town and San Diego, with inventive cafés in Getsemaní. To keep everything walkable, consider:
Staying central means sunrise breakfasts in quiet plazas, lazy strolls to lunch, and unhurried walks home after dinner—no taxis, no stress, just flavor.
Cartagena’s dining scene is a tapestry: ancestral recipes, market-fresh seafood, and chef-driven creativity. Whether you’re chasing the best Cartagena restaurants, plotting the best breakfast in Cartagena, or hunting the best Colombian food in Cartagena, the city is ready to feed your curiosity—beautifully. Bring an open mind, a flexible itinerary, and an appetite for stories told on a plate.
Celele, Carmen, and Alma are top choices for gourmet dining, showcasing local ingredients with modern techniques.
Try Candé or Mary Zielo for authentic Colombian flavors, plus street food like arepas de huevo and patacones.
Traditional breakfasts include arepas de huevo, fresh tropical fruit, carimañolas, and high-quality Colombian coffee.