The 12 Best Restaurants in Cartagena (2026): A Food Lover’s Guide

Updated: October 4, 2026 · 12-minute read

Cartagena de Indias is not only Colombia’s most photographed walled city — it is also one of the most exciting places to eat in the Caribbean. Grandmothers’ Cartagena recipes, the African heritage of San Basilio de Palenque, fish landed in the bay every morning and a new generation of chefs who now appear on international rankings all share the same cobbled streets.

For this guide we cross-checked Tripadvisor’s current ranking (more than 222,000 reviews of around 1,300 restaurants in the city) with the Latin America’s 50 Best and The World’s 50 Best awards. The result: 12 restaurants worth booking, grouped by type of experience, with what to order, which neighborhood they’re in and what they cost.

At a glance: the 12 restaurants compared

Restaurant	Neighborhood	Cuisine	Price*	Tripadvisor	Best for
Celele	Getsemaní	Creative Colombian Caribbean	$$$$	4.6/5 (939)	World-class dining
Restaurante 1621	San Diego	Contemporary French-Colombian	$$$$	4.8/5 (3,150)	Anniversaries and honeymoons
Carmen	Old Town	Contemporary Colombian	$$$$	4.5/5 (3,587)	Tasting menu
Erre de Ramón Freixa	Anillo Vial (Hotel Las Américas)	Mediterranean-Caribbean	$$$$	4.7/5 (2,121)	Oceanfront fine dining
Buena Vida Marisquería y Rooftop	Old Town	Caribbean seafood	$$–$$$	4.9/5 (7,638)	Groups and a lively vibe
Mar de las Antillas	Old Town	Caribbean and seafood	$$–$$$	4.9/5 (5,163)	Fresh fish
Candé	Old Town	100% Cartagena cuisine	$$–$$$	4.6/5 (4,880)	Culture and live music
Marea	On the bay	Caribbean, seafood	$$$$	4.6/5 (1,935)	Sunsets over the water
Ana Restaurante Bar	Getsemaní	Caribbean-Asian fusion	$$$$	4.9/5 (2,147)	Dinner with music
El Arsenal: The Rum Box	Getsemaní	Caribbean + rum tasting	$$–$$$	4.9/5 (6,475)	Colombian rum experience
Pezetarian	Old Town	Asian-Caribbean, fish and vegan	$	4.8/5 (3,409)	Eating well on a budget
Época Café Bar	Old Town	Specialty coffee, brunch	$$–$$$	4.9/5 (2,593)	Breakfast

How we chose these restaurants

This isn’t one person’s opinion. We started with Tripadvisor’s ranking for Cartagena (which blends ratings, review volume and popularity), compared it with two lists voted by expert panels — Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and The World’s 50 Best Restaurants — and with Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” awards. Then we grouped the places by type of experience so you can find the one that fits your trip.

Good to know: there is no Michelin Guide for restaurants in Colombia yet. When a Cartagena restaurant is described as “Michelin”, it usually refers to its chef’s track record abroad or to the Michelin Keys awarded to some hotels — not to a star given to the restaurant itself.

The 12 best restaurants in Cartagena

Fine dining and tasting menus

1. Celele — the best restaurant in Cartagena according to the experts

If you only have one special dinner in Cartagena, make it this one. Led by chef Jaime Rodríguez, Celele grew out of a research project into the pantry of the Colombian Caribbean and is now the city’s most awarded restaurant: No. 5 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025, No. 48 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 (the only Colombian restaurant in the top 50) and winner of the 2025 Sustainable Restaurant Award.

Most of its ingredients are local and many are foraged, so the menu changes often. It’s chef-driven cooking, yet the flavors are ones any Cartagena local would recognize.

• What to order: Tasting menu; native flower and fruit salads; fish salpicón.
• Where: Getsemaní.
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 · 939 reviews · rank 9 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Book several weeks ahead, especially between December and March.

2. Restaurante 1621 — the most romantic dinner in town

Set inside the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a former Poor Clares convent in the San Diego neighborhood, 1621 pairs French technique with Colombian produce in a colonial dining room with more than 400 years of history.

It’s one of the Colombian restaurants most celebrated by the Tripadvisor community: it entered the global top 25 of the Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best” in 2023 and reached second place in its category in 2024. Travelers especially praise the tasting menu, the service and the setting.

• What to order: Tasting menu with wine pairing; Caribbean fish with French-inspired sauces.
• Where: San Diego, Old Town (Sofitel Legend Santa Clara hotel).
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.8/5 · 3,150 reviews · rank 20 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Ask for a table in the courtyard and have a drink at the hotel bar first.

3. Carmen — Colombian fine dining in tasting-menu form

Carmen is one of the classic names of Cartagena fine dining. It celebrates Colombia’s biodiversity with beautifully plated dishes and international techniques, in an elegant but relaxed room.

The tasting menu is the best way in: several courses that travel from sea to coast to mountains. With more than 3,500 Tripadvisor reviews, it’s a safe bet for a special night.

• What to order: Tasting menu; the “Pez negro” with truffle ravioli and tamarind-glazed pork.
• Where: Old Town.
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.5/5 · 3,587 reviews · rank 12 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Mention any allergies when you book — the menu can be adapted.

4. Erre de Ramón Freixa — fine dining by the sea

Catalan chef Ramón Freixa, who holds Michelin stars for his restaurant in Madrid, signs the menu at Erre, inside Hotel Las Américas. The cooking blends the Mediterranean with Caribbean produce: rice dishes, seafood and Spanish technique applied to local ingredients.

A good option if you’re staying in the Anillo Vial hotel zone or want a quiet dinner away from the bustle of the Old Town.

• What to order: Rice dishes and seafood; the chef’s menu.
• Where: Hotel Las Américas, Anillo Vial (about 15–20 minutes by taxi from the Old Town).
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.7/5 · 2,121 reviews — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Arrive at sunset to enjoy the sea before dinner.

Seafood, Caribbean flavor and atmosphere

5. Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop — the travelers’ favorite

This is Tripadvisor’s No. 1 restaurant in Cartagena, rated 4.9/5 with more than 7,600 reviews. It occupies a three-story house in the walled city and ends in a terrace overlooking colonial rooftops — perfect at sunset.

The food is creative Caribbean seafood and the mood is festive, with a DJ or live saxophonist several nights a week. Ideal for groups of friends.

• What to order: Octopus toast, shrimp-stuffed arepas and ceviches.
• Where: Old Town (walled city).
• Price: $$–$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.9/5 · 7,638 reviews · rank 1 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Head up to the rooftop before 6 p.m. to grab a good sunset table.

6. Mar de las Antillas — fresh fish, no fuss

Rated 4.9/5 with more than 5,100 reviews, Mar de las Antillas is one of the best-rated restaurants in the city. Its formula is simple: fresh fish and seafood with Caribbean seasoning, warm service and well-made cocktails.

It’s where you’d take someone who wants to taste Cartagena’s sea without the ceremony of a tasting menu.

• What to order: Catch of the day, seafood casserole (cazuela de mariscos) and a house cocktail.
• Where: Old Town.
• Price: $$–$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.9/5 · 5,163 reviews · rank 4 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Ask about the catch of the day — it’s usually the best thing on the menu.

7. Candé — 100% Cartagena cooking with music and dance

Candé is Cartagena in its purest form. The menu is devoted to the city’s traditional recipes and, while you dine, musicians and dancers perform Colombian Caribbean rhythms. It ranks No. 3 on Tripadvisor in the city, with nearly 4,900 reviews.

It may sound touristy, but the food delivers: it’s one of the best ways to try well-made local dishes in a single evening.

• What to order: Posta negra cartagenera, coconut rice, fried snapper, ceviche in coconut milk and seafood rice.
• Where: Old Town.
• Price: $$–$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 · 4,880 reviews · rank 3 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Book for showtime and come hungry — portions are generous.

8. Marea — sunsets over the bay

Marea looks straight out over Cartagena Bay, with a terrace that glows gold in the late afternoon. The cooking is Caribbean and Latin American, with fish and seafood in the spotlight.

Rated 4.6/5 on Tripadvisor, it’s an excellent choice for a special dinner with a water view — something few Old Town restaurants can offer.

• What to order: Grilled seafood and fish with tropical sauces.
• Where: On the bay, a short walk from the Old Town.
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.6/5 · 1,935 reviews · rank 6 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Ask for a terrace table and book for 5:30–6 p.m.

Getsemaní, fusion and experiences

9. Ana Restaurante Bar — Caribbean-Asian fusion in Getsemaní

In Getsemaní, the city’s most bohemian neighborhood, Ana mixes the Caribbean with Asia: spicy tuna rolls, Vietnamese-inspired rice dishes and coconut ceviches. There’s live music and English-speaking staff.

With 4.9/5 from more than 2,100 reviews, it’s a favorite among travelers staying in Getsemaní.

• What to order: Spicy tuna rolls, coconut ceviche and the salmon bowl.
• Where: Getsemaní.
• Price: $$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.9/5 · 2,147 reviews · rank 5 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Pair dinner with a stroll through Plaza de la Trinidad, which comes alive at night.

10. El Arsenal: The Rum Box — Caribbean food and rum tasting

On Calle del Arsenal in Getsemaní, this spot is both a restaurant and a temple to Colombian and Caribbean rum. Rated 4.9/5 with almost 6,500 reviews, it’s among the best-reviewed places in town.

Alongside Caribbean food, it runs guided tastings where you learn to tell rum styles and ages apart.

• What to order: A rum tasting and Caribbean sharing plates.
• Where: Calle del Arsenal, Getsemaní.
• Price: $$–$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.9/5 · 6,475 reviews · rank 24 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Book the tasting ahead if you travel in high season.

Budget-friendly and daytime picks

11. Pezetarian — eat very well for little money

Pezetarian proves you can eat well in Cartagena without spending much. Its Asian-Caribbean kitchen focuses on fish and vegan options: bowls, salads, noodles, sushi and a ceviche many travelers rank among the best in town.

Rated 4.8/5 with more than 3,400 reviews, it’s one of Tripadvisor’s top-rated budget picks.

• What to order: Ceviche, crispy salmon and rice bowls.
• Where: Carrera 7 #36-19, Calle Segunda de Badillo, Old Town.
• Price: $
• Tripadvisor: 4.8/5 · 3,409 reviews · rank 10 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Perfect for lunch between museums and plazas.

12. Época Café Bar — the best breakfast in the Old Town

Época is the place to start your day: Colombian specialty coffee brewed in a Chemex, French press, AeroPress or siphon, plus a brunch menu with gluten-free options.

Rated 4.9/5 with more than 2,500 reviews, it’s the best-reviewed café in the Old Town. Travelers recommend the gluten-free pancakes, the cayeye (a mash of green plantain typical of the coast) and the cardamom coffee.

• What to order: Filter coffee, cayeye and gluten-free pancakes.
• Where: Carrera 5 #34-52, Old Town.
• Price: $$–$$$
• Tripadvisor: 4.9/5 · 2,593 reviews · rank 7 — See on Tripadvisor
• Tip: Come early — after 9 a.m. there’s often a wait.

Classics that are still worth it

Some names have lived in visitors’ memories for decades. They’re not at the very top of today’s rankings, but they remain good choices:

• La Vitrola: 1950s atmosphere, live Cuban music and Caribbean cooking — a classic for an elegant Old Town dinner.
• Alma (Hotel Casa San Agustín): the restaurant of a hotel that rose to two Michelin Keys in 2026; Caribbean rice dishes and signature cocktails.
• Club de Pesca: in the Manga neighborhood, next to the Fuerte del Pastelillo, with tables beside the marina; grilled fish and coconut rice.
• La Cevichería and El Boliche Cebichería: two small ceviche temples in the Old Town; La Cevichería became famous after appearing on Anthony Bourdain’s show.

What to eat in Cartagena: dishes and fruits you must try

Cartagena’s cooking is the sum of Indigenous, Spanish and, above all, African influences. These are the flavors not to miss:

• Arepa de huevo: fried corn arepa stuffed with egg (and sometimes beef) — the quintessential street breakfast.
• Posta negra cartagenera: beef slow-cooked in a dark, sweet sauce of panela (raw cane sugar), cola and spices.
• Coconut rice (arroz con coco): rice cooked with caramelized coconut; it goes with almost any fish.
• Fried fish with patacón: whole fried mojarra or snapper with patacones (fried green plantain) and salad.
• Cazuela de mariscos: a creamy seafood stew made with coconut milk.
• Ceviche and shrimp cocktail: sold everywhere from street carts to chef-driven restaurants.
• Traditional sweets: cocadas, alegrías and tamarind sweets at the Portal de los Dulces, facing Plaza de los Coches.

Try the tropical fruit too: green mango with salt and lime, níspero, zapote, soursop (guanábana), lulo, passion fruit (maracuyá) and corozo (drunk as juice). Palenqueras sell them freshly cut in the plazas; agreeing on the price before buying avoids misunderstandings.

Where to eat in Cartagena by neighborhood

Old Town (the walled city)

The highest concentration of restaurants, from fine dining to cafés and rooftops. Carmen, Candé, Buena Vida, Mar de las Antillas and Época are here.

San Diego

The northern part of the walled city, quieter and more residential — perfect for romantic dinners such as 1621.

Getsemaní

The bohemian neighborhood, with street art, lively plazas and slightly lower prices. Home to Celele, Ana and El Arsenal.

Bocagrande and Castillogrande

The modern hotel and beach district, with seafront restaurants and family-friendly options.

Manga

A residential area with marinas, ideal for eating fish beside the sailboats (Club de Pesca).

Beyond the restaurant: food experiences

• Sunset on the walls: before dinner, climb the wall between the San Francisco Javier and Santo Domingo bastions to watch the sun sink into the Caribbean.
• Walking food tour: Tripadvisor lists 3–3.5-hour street-food tours of the Old Town and Getsemaní from about US$59–79 per person.
• Bazurto Market: the city’s chaotic, authentic popular market — best visited with a local guide.
• Rosario Islands: on a boat trip, the classic lunch is fried fish, coconut rice and patacón by the sea.

Practical tips for eating out in Cartagena

• Reservations: essential at Celele, 1621, Carmen and Candé, especially December–March, Easter week and June–July.
• Meal times: lunch runs from noon to 3 p.m. and dinner from 7 to 10 p.m.; some restaurants close one weekday.
• Tipping: in Colombia the bill usually includes a suggested 10% tip, which is voluntary; you can ask for it to be removed or adjusted.
• Payment: almost everywhere takes cards, but carry cash for street food and fruit.
• Dress code: smart casual for fine dining; always light clothing — it’s hot even at night.
• Water: tap water in Cartagena is generally safe to drink, though many travelers prefer bottled water.
• Rough budget: street food from about COP 10,000; mid-range restaurants COP 60,000–120,000 per person; tasting menus from about COP 300,000 per person without drinks.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best restaurant in Cartagena?

According to expert panels, Celele (Getsemaní): No. 5 on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 and No. 48 on The World’s 50 Best 2025. According to Tripadvisor travelers, the No. 1 in October 2026 is Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop, rated 4.9/5 with more than 7,600 reviews.

What is the most romantic restaurant in Cartagena?

Restaurante 1621, inside the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, a former 17th-century convent in the San Diego neighborhood. Marea and the Old Town rooftops are also great for sunset.

What local food should I try in Cartagena?

Arepa de huevo, posta negra cartagenera, coconut rice, fried fish with patacón, cazuela de mariscos, ceviche and the sweets of the Portal de los Dulces, plus tropical fruits such as mango, níspero, zapote and corozo.

Are there Michelin-starred restaurants in Cartagena?

No. The Michelin Guide does not rate restaurants in Colombia. Some chefs who cook in Cartagena, such as Ramón Freixa (Erre), hold stars for their restaurants abroad, and hotels like Casa San Agustín and Casa Pestagua hold Michelin Keys.

Do I need reservations in Cartagena?

Yes for fine-dining and the most popular restaurants, especially in high season. For cafés, street food and casual spots you usually don’t.

Where can I eat cheaply in Cartagena?

Getsemaní and the Old Town side streets have budget options. Pezetarian is among the best-rated for value, and street food (arepas de huevo, ceviches, fritters) starts at about COP 10,000.

How much does it cost to eat in Cartagena?

A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs COP 60,000–120,000 per person. Fine dining with a tasting menu starts at about COP 300,000 per person, without drinks.

Conclusion

Cartagena is explored on foot and remembered through the palate. Combine one great chef-driven dinner (Celele or 1621), a night of traditional food with music (Candé), a sunset with seafood (Buena Vida or Marea) and a couple of street stops for arepa de huevo and fresh fruit — that’s how you really get to know the city.

Staying in the center? See our guide to where to eat in Cartagena’s Old Town and our Getsemaní restaurant guide to keep discovering where to eat.

Sources

• Tripadvisor — Best Restaurants in Cartagena (checked 10/04/2026)
• Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 — full list
• La República — Celele on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025
• La República — Restaurante 1621 in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice
• La FM — Restaurante 1621, second in the world in Travelers’ Choice 2024
• La República — 2026 Michelin Keys in Colombia (Casa San Agustín)