Cartagena, a fascinating city situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, is well-known for its rich colonial culture, architecture, and delicious food. The food scene in Cartagena is as varied as it is excellent, with everything from elegant restaurants serving fine dining to cozy diners selling traditional Colombian fare. If you’re looking to explore the culinary delights of Cartagena, you’ll find a plethora of options among the vibrant Restaurants in Columbia. Let’s investigate some of Cartagena’s best restaurants that provide must-try meals.
Fine Dining Experiences in Best Restaurants in Cartagena
Carmen Restaurant
Situated at the centre of Cartagena’s Old City, Carmen Restaurant is a hidden culinary gem that blends modern flare with classic Colombian flavours. Under the direction of Chef Carmen Angel, this classy restaurant serves a menu of inventive meals produced with ingredients that are acquired locally. At Carmen Restaurant, each dish, ranging from the ceviche tasting menu to the charcoal-grilled octopus, is a culinary masterpiece that showcases the vivid tastes of Colombia.
Restaurante 1621
Restaurante 1621, housed within the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel’s ancient walls, provides a sophisticated dining experience rich in elegance and history. This Michelin-starred restaurant, named for the year the convent was established, serves French-inspired food with a Colombian touch. Every item at Restaurante 1621, from the foie gras terrine to the grilled sea bass, is expertly cooked and exquisitely presented, ensuring a posh and wonderful dining experience.
Vera Restaurante
Mediterranean-inspired food is served at Vera Restaurante, which is perched atop the Tcherassi Hotel + Spa and offers panoramic views of Cartagena’s skyline. Under the direction of Chef Daniel Castaño, this chic rooftop restaurant features an open kitchen where patrons can observe the meticulous preparation of their food. Every item at Vera Restaurante, from the grilled octopus to the homemade pasta, is created using the freshest ingredients and cutting-edge methods, guaranteeing a sensory-pleasing culinary experience.
Traditional Colombian Cuisine
La Cevichería
Renowned for its lively ambience and delicious fish, La Cevichería is a popular institution in Cartagena’s Getsemaní area. Enjoy a wide selection of ceviche dishes prepared with octopus, shrimp, and fish that are harvested nearby and marinated in zesty citrus juices and flavorful spices. La Cevichería offers a savoury, enjoyable, and traditional Cartagena eating experience with its vibrant décor and relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurante Interno
Restaurante Interno, which is housed inside the San Diego Women’s Prison, provides patrons with a distinctive dining experience that has a social impact. This creative restaurant, which is part of a rehabilitation program run by female prisoners, offers classic Colombian cuisine with a contemporary twist. Every dish at Restaurante Interno, from the lechona to the arepas con hogao, is made with passion and talent, offering not only wonderful food but also a sense of hope for the future.
La Vitrola
La Vitrola is a vibrant restaurant in Cartagena’s Old City that honours the full taste of Colombian food and is a favourite among both locals and tourists. La Vitrola creates a lively ambience for customers to savour traditional cuisines like sancocho de Pescado, pargo frito, and arroz con coco with its retro décor and live music. La Vitrola offers a unique eating experience that embodies Cartagena, whether you’re enjoying a full dinner at a table lighted by candles or sipping on a mojito at the bar.
Seafood Specialties
El Boliche Cebichería
El Boliche Cebichería, a quaint seafood eatery in the centre of Bocagrande, is well-known for its fresh ceviche and seafood platters. A variety of ceviche types are available for patrons to select from, such as shrimp, octopus, and mixed seafood that is marinated in spicy citrus liquids and served with plantain chips. Cartagena’s abundance of fresh seafood is best enjoyed in El Boliche Cebichería, which offers a laid-back environment and views of the ocean.
Club de Pesca Restaurant
The Club de Pesca Restaurant provides diners with an exquisite waterfront location for savouring delicious seafood meals while perched on a pier overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Every meal at Club de Pesca, from the seafood paella to the grilled lobster, is created with the best ingredients and skillfully cooked to bring out the natural tastes of the sea. Club de Pesca provides a pleasant and delicious eating experience with its perfect service and beautiful environment.
Restaurante Don Juan
Restaurante Don Juan is a hidden gem in the picturesque Manga area, well-known for its delectable seafood specialities and cosy setting. Indulge in a range of seafood specialities, such as fried calamari, seafood stew, and grilled fish, all of which are paired with typical Colombian sides like patacones and coconut rice. Taste of real Colombian food without breaking the budget is provided by Restaurante Don Juan, which has a laid-back atmosphere and reasonable costs.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Restaurante Candé
Nestled in the quiet Getsemaní area of Cartagena, Restaurante Candé is a local favourite known for its hearty Colombian food and friendly service. Patrons can savour an array of culinary creations crafted from locally sourced, fresh ingredients, such as empanadas, cazuela de mariscos, and lechona. Restaurante Candé offers a comfortable setting for enjoying the delicacies of Colombia’s culinary heritage with its rustic décor and warm atmosphere.
El Santísimo
El Santísimo, a stylish restaurant in Cartagena’s Old City, is housed in a tastefully remodelled colonial estate and is well-known for its inventive drinks and modern Colombian fare. A wide range of creative delicacies, all packed with vibrant flavours and eye-catching presentations, are available for diners to sample, including grilled octopus, tuna tartare, and coconut shrimp. El Santísimo provides a refined dining experience that’s ideal for a memorable night out, with its chic décor and lively environment.
La Mulata
Nestled in the centre of Cartagena’s Old City, La Mulata is a quaint restaurant that residents love for its delectable Caribbean food and laid-back atmosphere. A wide range of foods influenced by Caribbean and Colombian cuisine is available for diners to savour, such as conch fritters, coconut shrimp, and jerk chicken, all of which are served with rice, beans, and plantains. La Mulata offers a relaxed atmosphere for sharing substantial and delectable meals with friends and family thanks to its vibrant décor and welcoming staff.
Recommendations by Location
Old City (Ciudad Vieja)
Explore the quaint alleyways of Cartagena’s Old City for exquisite dining experiences and authentic Colombian cuisine. Here, you’ll find well-known eateries including Carmen Restaurant, Restaurante Interno, and La Vitrola.
Getsemaní
Explore the bohemian area of Getsemaní, which is home to well-liked restaurants like La Cevichería, Restaurante Candé, and El Santísimo, for hidden gems and local favourites.
Bocagrande
Head to the lively district of Bocagrande for waterfront eating and fresh seafood delicacies. There, you’ll find eateries like El Boliche Cebichería, Club de Pesca Restaurant, and Restaurante Don Juan that serve wonderful food and have breathtaking views.
Tips for Dining in Cartagena
Reservations and Timing
It is important to book reservations in advance, especially for fine dining venues and popular eateries, due to the popularity of many restaurants in Cartagena, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Currency and Tipping
The Colombian peso (COP) is accepted as payment in Cartagena, and it is typical to tip servers in restaurants between 10% and 15% for excellent service.
Safety and Hygiene
It’s crucial to put safety and hygiene first when dining in Cartagena. To do this, pick respectable establishments with spotless surroundings and take simple safety measures like washing your hands before and after meals.
Conclusion
To sum up, Cartagena, Colombia, is a gastronomic journey that honours the vivid tastes and extensive legacy of Colombian cooking. Every appetite and preference may be satisfied in Cartagena’s restaurant scene, which features everything from elegant restaurants offering cutting-edge cuisine to undiscovered treasures serving classic favourites. Indulge in the mouthwatering culinary treats that Cartagena has to offer whether you’re strolling through the Old City’s ancient streets or lounging in the Bocagrande sun.
