Where to Find the Best Food in Cartagena, Colombia

Nestled on the northern coast of the Caribbean, Cartagena is a vibrant, colorful city whose rich history and tropical allure intertwine to create an enchanting atmosphere. At once a testament to Colombia's cultural heritage and a modern, thriving metropolis, Cartagena offers the perfect blend of old-world charm, contemporary allure, and of course, plenty of incredible food.

Just a short flight away from most North American metropolitan cities, this is an easy getaway for those seeking a romantic Caribbean vacation off the beaten path. There is something here for every couple, whether they are history lovers seeking to get lost, hand in hand, among the cobblestone streets of the old walled city, a UNESCO world heritage site, or partygoers looking to salsa the night away. With its stunning colonial architecture, picturesque streets, and quaint cafes serving Colombia's famous coffee, Cartagena seamlessly mixes adventure, relaxation, and indulgence.

Here’s where to find the best food in Cartagena so you can relax while sharing a cocktail or a romantic dinner as the sun sets over the rooftops of the Caribbean’s most enchanting city.

Celele

If there’s one restaurant you should book before you even search for flight tickets on Google, it’s Celele Restaurante. The atmosphere here alternates between party and romance, with soft lighting, exposed brick walls, and beautifully crafted murals, setting the stage for a meal meant to take you on a tasting tour of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

The menu is a love letter to the region, featuring innovative interpretations of classic dishes that highlight the freshest local ingredients. Couples can indulge in the shared pleasure of Caribbean crab, with its array of flavors that dance on the tongue, or marvel at the artistry of the flower salad, a visual feast that blooms with vibrant colors and textures. Order any drink that has corozo, a unique local berry with a tart flavor. 

Mar y Zielo

Mar y Zielo is a several story-high gastro-bar located in a heritage building in the heart of Cartagena's Old City. On the first floor, several artfully decorated rooms offer a menu blending local flavors and modern gastronomy. Standout dishes include the eggplant and carimañolas, little local fritters of yuca stuffed with cheese. For a main, try the fish of the day or the Titote Mar y Tierra, the signature dish combining seafood with pork belly and Cartagena’s fabled coconut rice. For wine lovers, head to the cava, where you can taste wines from all over the world. 

As you ascend to the top floor, you'll find yourself in Zielo, the restaurant's rooftop bar. This space offers panoramic views of the city, creating an ideal setting for an evening of drinks and conversation. The bar menu features unique cocktails, perfect for enjoying as you take in the stunning views, and a selection of plates from the kitchen. After dark on the weekends, this area becomes one of the city’s hottest party locales, so come with your dancing shoes on.

Carmen Cartagena

Carmen Cartagena is an elegant yet relaxed restaurant located in a traditional colonial hacienda in Cartagena’s historic downtown. It is the second outpost of Medellín's celebrated flagship restaurant, considered one of the top in Latin America. You can step into the inviting dining room, adorned with leather-backed metal chairs, or the romantic open-air courtyard, surrounding a massive tree, and prepare for a meal you won’t soon forget.

Carmen Cartagena features a seven- and nine-course tasting menu and à la carte dishes, each highlighting the finest local ingredients, farms, and artisans. Standout plates include the seafood chorizo, or “chorizo de mar,” a sausage made with locally sourced seafood, and Don’t Call me a Cazuela, or “no me llames cazuela,” a playful take on the locally famous seafood stew with lobster, octopus, and mussels in a white fish and plantain bisque that encapsulates the flavors of Colombia in every bite. If you want to be spoiled, opt for the tasting menu and let the skilled chefs take you on a journey through the country's diverse regions.

La Mulata

For a break from the starched white tablecloths of haute cuisine, head to La Mulata, a charming restaurant that offers a true taste of Colombia's Afro-Caribbean food scene. The servings here are plentiful, the napkins are a printed paper placemat, and the flavors are unassuming but outstanding in every way. This cozy eatery, with its antique floor tiles, shuttered windows, and whirring ceiling fans, creates a welcoming atmosphere that instantly transports you to Colombia in the 1950s and ’60s.

La Mulata specializes in coastal cuisine, with dishes that are brimming with the tropical flavors that define Cartagena's gastronomic identity. The restaurant's signature dish is the sancocho de pescado con coco, a hearty fish stew simmered in a fragrant coconut milk broth. Each spoonful of this comforting stew is filled with tender fish, yuca, and plantains swimming in a rich, creamy broth that will warm your soul. Or try a posta Cartagenera, the local take on black beef roast cooked with Coca Cola and served over dark, sticky sweet coconut rice.

What sets La Mulata apart is that it succeeds in offering genuine Colombian fare at affordable prices, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Head here to explore a lesser known part of Colombia’s Black history. 

Alquímico Bar

If you’re looking for a place to party, then forget Cartagena’s sit-down restaurants and book a cab to Alquímiíco. Ranked among the World’s 50 Best bars for several years in a row, this space boasts high ceilings and three floors of themed bars equipped with incredible drinks, plus a side of flare bartending, loud music, and small tropical bites. The bar doesn’t take reservations and is open at 6 p.m. daily, so come early to get a spot or risk waiting in line for hours.