Cartagena offers a good variety of casual to high end restaurants and bars that’ll fit any budget. From seafood to tapas, sushi and steakhouses there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Here are some of my top recommendations to try:
Café Del Mar: Start your evening off here with a mojito and a sunset. The restaurant sits atop the walls on the western side of the city and offers stunning panoramic of the coast. Opening around 5pm each day, it fills up quickly but hang out a few minutes and a table will open up. The drinks are some of the best in the city and the view’s not too bad either.
La Cevicheria: Thanks to being featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show, this small restaurant always seems to be crowded. However, it’s a must if you’re in Cartagena. Put your name down earlier in the evening to be sure to get a table or try stopping in for lunch. You can get the same dinner menu but with much less of a wait. I recommend going with the octopus in peanut sauce or the Mother Teresa.
Cuba 1940: While you’re waiting for your table at La Cevicheria, head next door to this Cuban themed restaurant for a drink. Great décor, atmosphere and drinks. If you are lucky you may even be able to catch a bit of live music.
Alquimico: With a great atmosphere and inventive cocktails, Alquimico is a great place to head after dinner. Sit in their upstairs spaces and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the bar below. You can’t go wrong with a traditional mojito or having your waiter surprise you with one of their more creative drinks.
Girasoles: When it starts to feel like everything you’re eating is fried, there are a few healthier options in the city and Girasoles is one of them. Also acting as a health store, Girasoles offers a daily vegetarian set menu for a very reasonable price.
Pezetarian: We ran out of time before being able to try this pescatarian restaurant, but it was highly recommended by a local. More on the casual side it’s a good place to go once you start craving vegetables.
Marzola Parrilla: Walking into this steakhouse it’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of Colombia and into Buenos Aires. The décor alone makes it worth a visit but the atmosphere and food just top things off.
Street Foods: There is no shortage of delicious street foods in Cartagena and the best way to experience all the city has to offer is through a street food tour. Read more about how to sign up in this blog post.
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