Oh how I love thee, Cartagena. You’re a foodie, shopaholic and photographer’s dream come true. Travelers are absolutely spoiled for choice here, so finding something to eat in Cartagena is not difficult by far. However for those short on planning time, I thought it would be helpful to share some recommended eats sorted by budget. Enjoy!
Browse List by Budget
Cheap Eats
Restaurante Coroncoro
If you’re looking for the ultimate affordable, local Costeño (coastal) meal, this is it. Do not be deceived by the low prices, the portions are all HUGE. I’d recommend ordering the Cazeula Mariscos seafood stew. This bowl is packed with a mix of mussels, squid, shrimp and fish in a savoury broth. But if you aren’t a seafood person, I found the Sanchoco de Costillas beef rib soup very tasty too. FYI, if you are in a small group, you may get seated with other tourists/locals at the same table. All part of the experience!
Address: Cra. 10 #39-22, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Goyurt
Funny story….ended up here by accident. I was looking for La Paletteria (which turned out to be next door) and ended up buying a popsicle here without realizing I was in the wrong shop. But I have zero regrets. The Queso con Bocadillo (cheese and guava jam, a local snack) popsicle I chose seemed odd but turned out to be pretty good. If you like the idea of a rich, slightly savoury cheese ice cream paired with fruit jam, give it a try!
Address: Cl. 35 #3124, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
La Pateletteria
As per the story above, I did find this store in the end because it was just next door. The prices turned out to be cheaper than Goyurt for a non dairy popsicle. I still had a little room left, so I thought why not? The popsicles here are just as good! I got a corozo popsicle, which is a local red berry. Its sweet, tart refreshing goodness was much appreciated in the early afternoon. Honestly if you had the stomach for it like I did you can just hit up both popsicle shops. 🤷 I certainly won’t judge.
Address: Cl. 35 #03-86 local 2, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Cocteleria La Moderna
This street cart is honestly the f***ing bomb. One of the best cheap eats in Cartagena hands down (for me at least). The little shrimp ceviche cups here make for an amazing snack. While the shrimp itself wasn’t bad, the tomato based sauce here actually tasted better than the ones I had at Cancho and Alma. Yes, it’s that good. To top it off, it’s also a little cheaper than other carts- only few dollars Canadian for the smallest cup.
Address: Carrera 8ª B, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia (next to Hotel Monterrey)
La Esquina Del Pandebono
It’s namesake, the Pandebono, is a must try at this bakery. A pandebono is basically a salty sweet cheese, chewy mochi-like bun with a crispy top. Grab a Nispero Juice while you’re at it too. It’s a unique, saccharine sweet, almost slightly caramel-y local fruit, also known as Sapodilla. I paid under a dollar CAD for the pandebono, and a bit more for the juice. Great option for a light, affordable breakfast in Cartagena. Do watch out for pigeons coming in from the square outside if you’re scared of that kind of thing. It’s also real busy in the morning so order quick!
Address: Calle San Agustin #35 – 78, Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Exito
Yes, it’s just a local grocery store. I always like checking them out when I travel. You never know what you’ll find. Come here for your locally priced cookies, chips and fizzy drinks (under 2k COP a bottle at the time) and save your $$$ for a snorkel tour. Not much else to say really.
Address: Multiple locations
Mid Range
La Taperia
Besides the downright adorable bull mascot (don’t fight me), this place also offers a super amazing deal on tapas. You can’t go wrong with the Mix de Tapas here- a platter of 6 tapas of your choice on bread. My friend and I ordered the octopus (pulpo), shrimp (camarones), meatballs (albondigas), omelette, salmon and meat pastry. It was all delicious, and more than enough for two small-average eaters. The tapas platter was already quite filling, but we spent a little extra on some sangria and chocolate cake and ended up with bill for two for under $30 CAD. The owner is also a super nice guy! While I didn’t see any lines out the door, the place is pretty tiny so I’d try to a little before or after prime mealtime. We went a bit later in the evening.
Address: Cra. 2 #no 31 46, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Cancha Cevicheria
I did not want to bother lining up at the more famous ceviche spot in Cartagena so I ended up here. Don’t think I missed out on too much, because it turns out the 3 ceviche El Gran Combo here is excellent. While all the ceviches are pretty good, make sure to include the Palenquero Ceviche with squid, shrimp and tropical fruits in your order. There was also a second Ceviche with Japanese Mayonnaise that was very good, but unfortunately I don’t remember the name. The service is a little on the slow side but in my opinion, it’s worth the wait. Maybe don’t come here on your first night in town if you’re still trying to fight off some jet lag like I was…
Address: Cra 7 #32-25 Piso 2 Centro, Portal De los Dulces, Plaza De Los Coches, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Caffe Lunatico
Pardon the horrible photo, but believe me, this is easily one of the best meals I had in Colombia. The Yucca Gnocchi here is exceptionally well made- one of the most pillowy soft pastas I have ever had the pleasure of eating. Paired with a light green sauce, it’s a pleasant change from the food coma inducing cream gnocchis I am used to. The Cheese Croquette with tomato jam is also a must try!
Address: Av. Pedregal #29-225, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
High End
Buena Vida Marisqueria
Great option for seafood with a chic interior and nice live music upstairs. You can’t seem to go wrong with any seafood on their menu, but their Miniature Crab Claw appetizer really knocks it out of the park. The sauce is filled to the brim with seafood flavour. I really wish offer some bread to dip it in, I felt a profound sadness watching the waitress take the leftover sauce away after we were done with crab, lol. Also, the Obleas dessert here is a fancy, modern take on a traditional Colombian dessert that you shouldn’t miss. Think big waffle sandwich of crispy, creamy coconut whipped cream and dulce de leche deliciousness.
Address: Esquina, Centro histórico, Calle del Porvenir, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Alma
Alma is one of the most popular fine dining spots in Cartagena, and for good reason. The thing to get is the heavenly Braised Ox Tail Marmalade with Lobster Risotto. The ox tail is out of this world tender and lobster risotto just so good. Despite it being on the higher end price wise food in Colombia, when I compare the prices in Vancouver this it’s an extremely good deal. Must try if it’s in your budget. Also love the cute little candy bag they gave us. PS. dinner reservations are a must- and not same day mind you. Maybe 2-3 days ahead?
Address: Calle #36, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Cafe Del Mar
Just drinks and a sunset, but just about every tourist does this so I’m throwing it in. I don’t remember exactly how much I paid, but the pricing puts it in the high end range for me. Do try to get there by around 5pm latest for a good seat. I followed some advice on Tripadvisor and showed up a little after 5:30pm and ended up with seats that weren’t exactly the best.
Address: Baluarte de Santo Domingo, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Lunatico Cooking Studio
This option costs a bit and involves a bit of labour…because it’s actually a cooking class and not a restaurant! It was of the best meals I had in Colombia, and also one of the best cooking classes I have ever done, so I think it’s pretty fair to include on this list. The Posta Negra (saucy, sweet Colombian style topside beef) I made for this class far surpassed the more famous version at La Mulata. And the Banana Ceviche? Best take on carribean ceviche I have had (it’s also served at Caffe Lunatico). You should also add on the market tour for a chance to try some delicious local fruits! Pictured on the bottom right is my favourite, the ‘nispero‘. And yes, it’s the same location as Caffe Lunatico, and yes, I would still do both, that’s how much I enjoyed this place!
Address: Av. Pedregal #29-225, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
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