Cartagena de Indias, one of Colombia’s top tourist destinations, stands out not only for its beautiful beaches and colonial architecture but also for its restaurants, among the best in the country.
In this article, we explore a selection of the best restaurants to eat in Cartagena, ranging from traditional cuisine to signature dining experiences that creatively and innovatively reinterpret local ingredients.
The best restaurants in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia
Mar y Zielo
Located in Cartagena’s Historic Center, inside the iconic Casa de La Escribana, Mar y Zielo is a signature cuisine restaurant offering a culinary experience inspired by the flavors of Colombia’s diverse regions. This gastrobar revives traditional Colombian ingredients, techniques, and recipes with a contemporary twist.
The restaurant has four distinct spaces, each with its own ambience: the wine cellar, the main hall, Zielo, and Caña Brava. The menu features typical dishes from different regions of the country. Some of the most recommended are:
Chivo Guajiro: pressed goat meat, seasonal purée, Creole sauce with coconut juice, corn on the cob, and hearts of palm.
Titote Mar y Tierra: seafood, pork cracklings, costeño cheese, and rice with titoté (coconut oil reduction).
For dessert, traditional treats like chepacorina (a cheese cookie from El Carmen de Bolívar) stand out. Mar y Zielo also offers a well-curated wine list, signature cocktails, and Colombian coffee.
Celele
Celele, located on Calle del Espíritu Santo in the Getsemaní neighborhood, is one of Cartagena’s most acclaimed restaurants. Its concept is based on the biodiversity and culture of the Colombian Caribbean, combining contemporary techniques with native ingredients. Signature dishes include:
Braised rabbit: served with breadfruit purée, kimchi, Caribbean gremolata, fried cassava leaves, and journey cake.
Confit creole hen: with sour guava BBQ, plantains roasted in coconut oil, long beans, fried plantain peels, and smoked chicken broth.
Celele also offers wines, craft beer, gin, espresso, and traditional lemonades.
Cande
Cande blends tradition and modernity in its culinary offerings. The menu revives regional recipes with innovative presentations, featuring fresh seafood, Caribbean-style rice dishes, game meats, and iconic soups such as mote de queso (yam and cheese soup).
Recommended dishes:
Rabbit in coconut milk: smoked, shredded meat stewed in a tomato-onion base with coconut milk, served with rice and noodle pilaf and a Cartagena-style salad.
Braised mutton: slow-cooked in its own juices, served with rice and noodles and fried plantains.
Cande not only offers great food; it also delivers a cultural experience with nightly live folk dance performances in a colonial setting that evokes Cartagena’s soul and history.
Juan del Mar
Located in Plaza San Diego, Juan del Mar is a renowned restaurant featuring three distinct concepts:
Juan del Mar Pizzería Gourmet: specializing in pizzas and pastas.
Juan del Mar Restaurante: focusing on fresh fish and seafood.
Juan del Mar Mesa Peruana: offering a curated selection of authentic Peruvian dishes.
Highlighted dishes include:
Grilled octopus
Smoked salmon
Octopus carpaccio
Creamy shrimp rice
The restaurant is set in a restored Republican-era house with eclectic decor that blends history and modernity. Live music performances are also common.
Buena Vida Marisqueria & Rooftop
Located in the Historic Center, this restaurant offers a complete culinary experience with strong Caribbean, especially Cartagena, influence. It is divided into three areas:
Caribbean Chic Brunch: a breakfast menu featuring items like seafood arepa de huevo, Nutella French toast, and croissants.
Seafood Restaurant: occupying the first two floors, with a focus on seafood and Caribbean cuisine.
Rooftop Bar: on the third floor, offering panoramic views of the city and creative cocktails.
Popular dishes:
Shrimp ceviche
Grilled octopus
Seafood rice
Fried red snapper
La Fontana Trattoria & Wine Bar
La Fontana is an Italian trattoria located on Avenida San Martín in the tourist area of Bocagrande. It serves traditional Italian cuisine with modern touches and features a carefully selected wine and cocktail list.
Recommended dishes:
Shrimp risotto
Homemade gnocchi
Fungazzeta: a stuffed pizza with cream, white onions, and plenty of mozzarella cheese
The cozy ambience is perfect for intimate dinners or casual meetups. Takeout and reservation services are also available.
Agua de Leon
Located on Calle de Ayos in the Historic Center, Agua de Leon fuses Colombian flavors with modern techniques in a sophisticated and elegant setting.
Signature dishes:
Plantain gnocchi
Grilled octopus
Pork belly
Cauliflower risotto
The drink menu includes pisco sours, wines, and artisanal liquors that perfectly complement each dish.