Best 10 Restaurants in Getsemani
The Authentic Caribbean Soul
The Getsemaní neighborhood is a must-see when you travel to Cartagena. It’s located just steps from the historic center, right across from the clock tower monument. Is a vibrant mix of history, culture, is where colonial charm merges with bohemian essence, and where adventurous flavors merge in every dish.
Get lost in streets where every wall tells a story through street art. Watch locals play dominoes in Plaza de la Trinidad. Walk in the Calle de la Media Luna, stop at corner tiendas for cold beer and impromptu conversations.
The beauty of dining in Getsemaní extends beyond the food itself. You can find nice dining restaurants and businesses serving dishes that preserve the culinary traditions of their ancestors. In this guide, I would like to recommend diverse options to go when you are in Getsemaní.
Recommendations Quick List
- La cocina de pepina – A soulful tribute to Caribbean coastal cooking, beloved by locals and food lovers alike.
- Di Silvio Trattoria – Authentic Italian flavors in the heart of Cartagena, where fresh pasta and crispy pizzas steal the show.
- Terraza Municipal – The go-to sunset spot in Cartagena, where sea views meet casual street food.
- La Casa de Socorro – A beloved Cartagena institution where the freshest seafood meets generations of Caribbean tradition.
- Celele – World-class Caribbean cuisine that turns local ingredients into an unforgettable fine dining experience.
- Arepas Colombitalia – Where Colombia meets Italy — a fun, affordable twist on two beloved food cultures.
- Restaurante Vive – A no-frills neighborhood gem serving honest Colombian comfort food at unbeatable prices.
La Cocina de Pepina
Image via instagram / Trattoria Di Silvio
A small restaurant in Getsemaní that preserves traditional Colombian Caribbean recipes with the soul of home cooking. Chalkboard menu, no reservations.
- Mote de queso, the signature soup made with local coastal cheese
- Posta cartagenera, beef slow-cooked in a traditional sauce with red wine and sugarcane
Di Silvio Trattoria
Image via instagram / Trattoria Di Silvio
A cozy, intimate Italian trattoria with locations in Getsemaní and Bocagrande. Freshly made daily pasta and ultra-thin crust wood-fired pizzas.
- Pizza Didi (bacon, mushrooms, and blue cheese)
- Pasta Di Silvio, praised for its unmistakable flavor
Terraza Municipal
Image via instagram / Terraza Municipal
An open-air waterfront food court with trucks offering varied cuisine — Mexican, burgers, sushi — perfect for watching the sunset with the family.
- Skirt steak with chimichurri
- Burrito and taco, the most ordered items by visitors
La casa de Socorro
Image via instagram / Trattoria Di Silvio
A Getsemaní classic specializing in fresh seafood sourced directly from Santa Marta and La Guajira. Authentic Caribbean cooking with decades of tradition.
- Cazuela de mariscos (seafood stew), prepared with the secret touch of its specialist cooks
- Gratinéed shrimp with coconut rice and coastal sour cream
Celele
Image via instagram / Trattoria Di Silvio
Ranked No. 6 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024, it offers contemporary Caribbean cuisine rooted in the biodiversity of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
- Caribbean flower salad with pickled cashews, described as “truly fabulous”
- Celele de Cerdo: confit pork terrine with peppers, Caribbean beans, and pork broth
Arepas Colombitalia
Image via instagram / Arepas Colombitalia
A creative concept fusing the Colombian arepa with the spirit of Italian pizza. Relaxed atmosphere and very affordable prices in central Cartagena.
- Arepa siciliana, a surprising fusion with pizza-inspired filling
- Traditional arepa with coastal cheese, a local favorite
Restaurante Vive
Image via instagram / Restaurante Vive
A hidden gem in Getsemaní serving traditional Colombian food at very affordable prices, known for its generous portions and laid-back vibe.
- Fried chicken, the most praised dish by diners
- House ceviche, fresh and well-seasoned according to frequent reviews
