Colombia, South America

The 9 Best Restaurants in Cartagena: Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the City’s Flavor

Cartagena isn’t just about colourful colonial streets, salsa beats, and Caribbean sunsets, it’s also a serious foodie destination. From fine dining behind centuries-old walls to buzzing street-food stalls in Getsemaní, this city has it all. Whether you’re after a seafood feast, a lazy brunch, or a casual bite between mojitos, here are some of the best restaurants in Cartagena to check out on your next visit.

If you’re looking for more Cartagena recommendations, check out my full Colombia Travel Guide.

Colorful breakfast plate with scrambled eggs, avocado mash topped with radish, grilled sausage, arepa, and a side of tomato salsa, served at a bright café in Cartagena. Text overlay reads “The 9 Best Restaurants in Cartagena” with a subheading “Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up the City’s Flavor,” promoting top places to eat in the city.

Alma Restaurante-Bar ($$$$)

Opening times: Lunch 12:00 PM–3:00 PM; Dinner 7:00 PM–11:00 PM

My friends and I came here on a whim to escape a downpour outside and even though we looked like sweaty drowned rats, we were welcomed with open arms. That’s what I loved most about this place, it’s luxury without an ounce of pretentiousness. You’ll find the Alma tucked inside the boutique hotel Casa San Agustín, it’s the kind of place that feels instantly special – from the courtyard arches and soft lighting to the impeccable service. The menu celebrates the Caribbean coast with a modern twist, featuring ultra-fresh seafood and locally inspired flavours. It’s ideal for a nice cocktail before dinner or that one “treat yourself” night of the trip.

We sat in the bar area and ordered a few glasses of wine and were served complimentary fresh dip and plantains on the side.

Warmly lit bar with wooden beams and hanging woven light fixtures, featuring a well-stocked liquor shelf and two women seated at the bar. The space blends rustic charm with upscale decor.
A small basket of crispy plantain chips next to a black bowl filled with chunky green dip, likely guacamole or a green salsa, on a white plate.

Bonche Gastrobar ($$)

Opening times: Daily 8:00 AM –11:00 PM

The perfect spot for a quick snack and cold beverage in between sightseeing in Getsemaní. It’s equal parts restaurant and cocktail bar, ideal for a laid-back mid afternoon snack and drinks.

When we were visiting, they were running a special of Nachos and Aperol Spritz which of course isn’t the local delicacy but definitely hit the spot.

A black bowl of loaded nachos topped with jalapeño slices, sour cream, diced tomatoes, onions, and fresh herbs on a wooden table with a blurred cobblestone street and yellow-trimmed buildings in the background.
Two Aperol Spritz cocktails in branded glasses with white straws sit behind a veggie-topped pizza on a wood table under an umbrella. The scene is set outdoors in a colorful courtyard.

Café San Antonio by Casa Jaguar ($$)

Opening times: Daily 8:00 AM–3:30 PM

Not only is this the perfect brunch spot, but this will also be the best limonada de coco you ever taste in your entire life. I’m not exaggerating. This is where I had my first limonadade coco and I was ruined after that. The bar was set so high!! What exactly is a Limonada de coco you might be asking? It’s a local Colombian drink made with fresh lime juice, coconut milk, sugar, and ice, all blended together until it’s creamy and frosty, kind of like a tropical lime smoothie.

For brunch I’d highly recommend the Desayuno Criollo (Traditional Colombian Breakfast) of eggs, chorizo, arepa, cheese, tomato, and avocado. The tuna tartare was also delicious as a starter.

Bright cafe interior with rustic exposed brick walls, patterned floor tiles, and natural light streaming in through large windows. Tables are set with minimalist place settings and a small floral centerpiece.
classic colombian breakfast plate with eggs, sausage, and avocado at Café san Antonio by casa jaguar cartagena
Café san Antonio by casa jaguar ceviche cartagena colombia
Café san Antonio by casa jaguar limonada de coco in a pineapple shaped glass

Manna Breakfast & Lunch ($)

Opening times: Mon–Sat 8:30 AM–3:00 PM; Closed Sunday

Tucked along a quiet street in Getsemaní, this breakfast-and-lunch café has a relaxed, friendly vibe that’s perfect for lingering over a cappuccino. Expect great coffee, smoothies, and hearty plates like their huevos rancheros or French toast with tropical fruit. The décor is simple but stylish, and they’re even dog-friendly. If you’re looking for a chill brunch or a spot to squeeze in a bit of remote work between sightseeing, Manna hits that sweet spot between café comfort and local charm.

A layered yogurt parfait in a glass cup with granola, kiwi, strawberry, blueberries, and dragon fruit purée, served on a pale green plate with two lattes in the background on a café table. Croissant Breakfast: A golden croissant sandwich with ham and melted cheese sits on a light green
A modern coffee shop with a high wooden ceiling, green patterned floor tiles, and a long espresso bar. Customers are chatting and ordering near the bright glass-paneled entrance.
Croissant Breakfast: A golden croissant sandwich with ham and melted cheese sits on a light green

Plaza de la Trinidad ($)

Opening times: Open all day; street food from 9:00 PM onward

Technically not a restaurant, but it deserves a place on any list of the best restaurants in Cartagena because this is where the city comes alive at night. Plaza de la Trinidad, in the heart of Getsemaní, transforms after dark into a vibrant street-food scene filled with sizzling grills, cold beers, and live music.

Locals and travellers mingle around makeshift food stalls serving everything from arepas de queso to grilled skewers and fresh juices. Grab a bite, pull up a plastic chair, and soak up the energy that defines Cartagena’s nightlife.

If you’re lucky enough to find her, there’s a lady selling a local favourite from her wheeled cart called picadas. A picada is a small sausage topped with salt, pepper, hot sauce, and lime. Don’t forget to peel off the casing of the sausage before eating. She also does eggs for veggies.

A man in a black cap and gloves prepares plates of street food on a hot griddle in a lively nighttime plaza. The plates are topped with a mix of meat, fries, cheese, and sauces.
A street food vendor grills skewers of meat, peppers, and sausage on an open flame at night. He wears a vibrant shirt with food graphics and stands next to a “Free Tours” sign with a QR code.
A woman prepares street food from a cart filled with boiled eggs, lime, chorizo, and various sauces. She wears a red Bart Simpson shirt and gloves, standing on a colorful street with red leaf murals.

Quebracho Parrilla Argentina ($$–$$$)

Opening times: Mon–Thu 12:00 PM–3:00 PM & 6:00 PM–11:00 PM; Fri–Sun 12:00 PM–12:00 AM

This place was recommended to us by our walking tour guide and I’m so glad we tried it! If you’re looking for a nice hearty steak, obviously the Argentinians have got you covered. Quebracho is the kind where bottles of wine disappear over perfectly grilled steaks, conversations stretch late into the night, and no one’s in a rush to leave.

The vibe is warm and lively, with dark wood interiors and an old-school charm that feels timeless. There’s even live music to set the mood. The Bife de Chorizo or the Vacio Argentino (Argentinian Flank Steak) are both excellent choices but you really can’t go wrong with a menu full of fresh meats grilled over an open fire and endless options of Argentinian red wine.

A warmly lit dining room with white tablecloths, vintage decor, and a waiter in a light blue vest serving guests. A large decorative stained-glass style piece hangs above the entrance to the bar area.
A plated dish featuring two portions of beef covered in dark gravy served alongside a generous scoop of mashed potatoes. The setting appears to be a fine dining restaurant with wine glasses and water on the table. Cozy Cafe Corner: Bright cafe interior with rustic exposed brick walls, patterned floor tiles, and natural light streaming in through large windows. Tables are set with minimalist place settings and a small floral centerpiece. Modern Coffee Shop: A modern coffee shop with a high wooden ceiling, green patterned floor tiles, and a long espresso bar. Customers are chatting and ordering near the bright glass-paneled entrance. Croissant Breakfast: A golden croissant sandwich with ham and melted cheese sits on a light green plate, accompanied by an iced coffee and a glass of juice in a casual cafe setting. Let me know if you want SEO-optimized versions and what keyword you’re targeting.
A woman plays guitar and sings into a microphone while a man accompanies her on accordion in a cozy venue. Colombian and other flags hang above them with vintage decor on the walls.

Restaurante Coroncoro ($)

Opening times: Daily 7:30 AM–9:00 PM

Coroncoro is a Cartagena institution. It’s not fancy – plastic chairs, tiled floors, and handwritten menus – but that’s exactly why locals love it. Here, you’ll find home-style Colombian cooking at unbeatable prices. I’d highly recommend either the local Fried mojarra (mojarra frita) or Fried Shrimp both served with rice, salad, and Fried plantains (tostones or patacones).

Portions are generous, service is brisk, and everything tastes freshly made. If you want to eat like a local (and pay local prices), skip the tourist traps and head straight here.

Restaurant coroncor mojarra with rice and salad cartagena colombia
inside of Restaurant coroncor cartagena colombia
Restaurant coroncor shrimp cartagena colombia

Restaurante Sambal Bistro Caribeño ($$–$$$)

Opening times: Daily 12:00 –10:30 PM

From the outside, this tiny restaurant is very unsuspecting and you might simply walk by if you didn’t know any better. But luckily I’m here, so you know better! This was one of my favourite meals in all of Colombia. It’s a fresh, modern twist on Caribbean and Colombian flavours. Think beautifully plated seafood, coconut rice, and creative cocktails, all served in a laid-back, cosy space. It’s one of those restaurants that feels a bit special without being pretentious. Perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or a date night in Cartagena.

I’d highly recommend the Croquetas de Cangrejo (craab croquettes) or Ceviche Caribe to start and the Mar Caribe or the Arroz meloso de Mariscos for mains. The service is attentive but relaxed, making it ideal for a leisurely dinner with friends. Book ahead, especially on weekends, as this local favourite fills up fast.

A gourmet seafood rice dish topped with sliced avocado, shrimp, herbs, and grilled vegetables served on a stone-gray plate. A wine glass and a second plated meal are visible in the warmly lit restaurant background.
A vibrant bowl of ceviche featuring cubed mango, avocado, red onions, edible flowers, and herbs in a bright yellow sauce. The background shows a softly lit, modern restaurant interior.
A plated appetizer of crispy golden croquettes topped with pink radish slices and edible flowers, arranged in a circle around a crab shell filled with sauce and garnished with fresh dill.

Sophia Hotel Rooftop ($$–$$$)

Opening times: Daily 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Just steps from Plaza de la Aduana in Cartagena’s historic centre, this elegant boutique hotel boasts one of the city’s most scenic rooftops – complete with a plunge pool, open-air bar, and views across the old town’s pastel skyline.

It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand before easing into dinner. Expect refined but unfussy plates – fresh ceviche, grilled seafood, and light bites. Whether you’re staying at the hotel or just stopping by, the rooftop at Sophia feels like a hidden oasis above the bustle below.

A smiling woman in a white polka-dot dress sits at a rooftop bar with a drink in hand. The background features the historic domes and skyline of Cartagena under clear blue skies.

Final Thoughts on the Best Restaurants in Cartagena

Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Alma or tucking into street food at Plaza de la Trinidad, Cartagena’s dining scene will not disappoint.

So go hungry, be adventurous, and enjoy every bite. Because when it comes to finding the best restaurants in Cartagena, this city truly delivers.

Looking for more?

Don’t forget to check out the full Colombia Guide!

Read the guide
Posted In: Colombia, South America

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