When talking about where to eat great food in Colombia, Cartagena is usually mentioned as one of the hotspots in the country.
The culinary offering in Cartagena is so good that it’s a reason to visit this charming city alone. From simple eateries to chic restaurants, here are some of the best places to eat delicious Colombian food in Cartagena.
Coroncoro – A Local Favorite
Located on one of the main streets in Getsemani, the alternative, bohemian area of Cartagena, you’ll find this, usually crowded, local favorite. Once you enter, you’ll feel far away from the touristic center. Most of the guests are Colombians, and you can tell by their specific orders that they come here often.
Even though Coroncoro’s local vibe is charming, it’s the food rather than the simple venue that is the main attraction. Once I’m seated, it doesn’t take long until one of the waiters is with me. You share big, round tables with other guests, and instead of giving you a menu, the staff walks you through the options of the day.
You’ll find most of the common lunch classics here, such as Sobrebarriga (a tender meat dish), grilled fish, and Cazuela (a typical soup with either seafood or meat). All of the dishes are served as traditional Colombian lunches; with rice, salad, and hot soup of your choice as a starter. I order carne asada (grilled meat) with coconut rice as my plato principal. By the look of the other plates that come out while I’m enjoying mine, you’ll be full and happy with whatever alternative you pick.
Address:
Cra. 10 #39-22, Cartagena
Cafe PAVIA – Where You Can Spend Hours
While Cafe PAVIA doesn’t look that special from the outside, it’s the cute little patio and the great service that makes it a place to come back to. This is your lovely green escape in the middle of the city, where you easily can spend hours. Order one of the lunch specials, such as the local fish prepared in coconut milk (it’s delicious), and a tropical, fresh Guanabana juice (one of my favorites) to go with it.
PAVIA has been around for about 10 years, but the lunch concept was introduced 2 years ago. The menu consists of a mix of Colombian classics such as meat, fish, fried chicken, and arepas that have been described as some of the best in town. Different live musicians take turns playing acoustic versions of popular Latin songs you most likely have heard before.
From 7 pm onwards, the Italian owner, who also is a musician, takes over. The dinner menu is all about Italy with generous portions of pasta and pizzas which, as far as rumors go, are delicious, as well.
Address:
#29- a, Cra. 10
#29186, Cartagena
Celele – A Culinary Masterpiece
If you only visit one restaurant during your stay in Cartagena, make sure it’s Celele. I ended up at this culinary masterpiece, which is a more accurate description than a restaurant, thanks to a recommendation from a local friend who is a chef. My friend works with several gastronomy projects in Colombia, and if he says that a place is good, it is.
The menu at Celele includes starters such as crispy crab empanadas and creative mains such as rabbit and goat, all prepared to perfection. Celele is the result of a project called Caribe Lab, where local chefs have been researching foods from the Caribbean and based on those insights, created fabulous dishes you haven’t seen before.
My friends and I ordered several different plates to share. Everything, from the appetizers to the deserts, was delicious and so beautifully presented that you can’t help by taking photos.
The service is personal and authentic. All of us agreed on that this was the best food we had in Cartagena. I could, in fact, imagine going back to Cartagena just to eat here again.
Adress:
Carrera 10c #29-200 Calle del Espíritu Santo
Cartagena, Bolívar
Restaurant bar 1533 – Authentic and Quick Service
I was recommended this restaurant by a Cartagenera when I wanted to have something local, good, and fast. Located at Calle Soledad in the charming, colorful old town, 1533 is a small eatery with two floors named after the year Cartagena was founded. Expect it to be crowded, but don’t let it put you off since service is quick and you usually won’t have to wait more than 10 minutes.
My friend ordered the fish filé, while I tried the Sobrebarriga (a flap steak, thin and delicious). The food at 1533 isn’t gourmet and might not be best out of all dishes when summarizing your Colombia trip, but it’s tasty and authentic.
If appetizing, local, and quick is what you’re looking for, 1533 is a great option.
Address:
Calle la Soledad 5-38, Cartagena,
Marea by Rausch – Chic and Elegant
Set by the convention center next to the water, elegance describes Marea best. Managed by the two Raush brothers, it has earned its reputation for excellence with a menu that combines local flavors with influences from the Peruvian cuisine. There are enough delicious options to make it hard for any foodie to choose, no matter if you prefer seafood, meat or something else.
Don’t miss the mushroom risotto, it’s so creamy and savory that you’ll have to practice self-discipline to not finish it all at once (especially if you’re supposed to share it). Posta Cartagenera, one of their signature meat dishes, is best enjoyed prepared medium rare and served with some of the best coconut rice I’ve had so far in Colombia. Do also try the mixed dessert plate, Postre Marea. It’s a well-balanced combination of their best desserts, because why pick one when you can have it all? You won’t be disappointed.
The views from the outdoor seating are beautiful and even better when enjoyed with a glass of the refreshing white wine of the house. Marea is a great place to start your night before heading out.
Address:
Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias
La Mulata – Delicious and Affordable
I visited Cartagena for the first time two years ago, and one memory that still is as strong as if it happened yesterday is my dinner at La Mulata. Back then, I went with a group of about 10 people and the food was so good that someone still always mentions it if we’re talking about that trip. This is where I fell in love with Limonada de Coco (an addicting Caribbean drink that you’ll find around Colombia, that is extra common along the coast) for the first time.
La Mulata specializes in the Caribbean cuisine. A few days ago I brought a friend here and the food was still as heavenly and beautifully presented. Starting with the delicious soup you get to tease your appetite, to the Posta Negra that was served with mashed Yuca done so well that I know that I’ll be thinking about it sometimes. We liked the Filete Marinero (fish filé served with a seafood salsa), which the waiter presented as one of their signature dishes, but I personally preferred the meat. The menu is short so I think that every dish can be considered a specialty. Every plate that came out while we were sitting there looked amazing.
A minus is the very limited dessert options. Dessert isn’t even on the menu and when we asked, they were only offering banana cake and ice cream. Apart from that, you’ll be very happy here. The place is small so you might have to wait for a little while but trust me, it will be worth it. I can’t wait to go back.
Address:
Calle Quero 9-58
Cartagena de Indias
El Pescadito Cevicheria – Fresh and Innovative
A few different people recommended me to visit El Pescadito. On a Tuesday night, we made our way to this little gem. Located a block from the main plaza in the charming neighborhood of San Diego, one of my favorite areas in Cartagena, this cute place is as the name suggests all about Ceviche.
Start with a glass of the house white wine (it’s delicious), a cold or hot ceviche, followed by at least one main plate. We ordered the Ceviche Cartagenero and the Ceviche Salmon as appetizers, so fresh and tasteful. We then shared a hot Pescado a la Cartagenera, after having seen the neighbor table’s plates. It was incredible. I feel like having one again when I’m thinking about it…
The only regret I have from that night was that we didn’t try the hot ceviches since my friend had some food allergies. Next time – it’s at least a good reason to come back.
The place is small and full of personality, with a team that balances being attentive with giving you privacy just right.
Address:
Calle Cochera Del Hobo # 38- 26 |
Cartagena, Colombia
More delicious Colombian food in Cartagena
Cartagena is known for its amazing culinary offering. If you’re here to eat, you could literally stay for weeks and be in paradise every day.
Here are a few extra tips that my friends have recommended but I didn’t get the chance to try this time.
- Juan Del Mar: Some say that you’ll find the best seafood in Cartagena here
- Rancho Grande: Good meat restaurant
- Da Tony’s: While the focus isn’t on Colombian food, you will get great pastaYou might also want to check out some of my favorite cafés in Cartagena.
Have you discovered any other great restaurants in Cartagena? Then I’d love to know about them. Comment or feel free to reach out to me directly.
You might also want to check out my post about where to stay in Cartagena.
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