Where to Eat in Cartagena, Colombia

restaurant

La Mulata Kiosko

Cartagena, Colombia

Serving up platters fiercely rooted in Caribbean culture, this little-known joint is tucked away on Calle Quero 9-58. It’s straight-up homegrown, honest food with fish fresh off the boats. Order the grilled octopus with coconut rice and avocado salad, and pair with coconut lemonade – all for under $10.

Address

Calle de la Zarzuela Exit de San Diego Cartagena 11003

restaurant

Demente

Cartagena, Colombia

Head to Getsemani for tapas and some of the best vegetarian food in town. Laze in the outdoor rocking chairs and watch the world go by as you cool down with local beer on tap and hum along to the bar’s eclectic music collection. Don’t skip on dessert — the coconut cream pie is one to write home about.

Address

Plaza de la Trinidad Getsemaní

restaurant

El Boliche Cevicheria

Cartagena, Colombia

La Cevicheria may be the more famous after a guest visit from Anthony Bourdain, but it’s nearby El Boliche Cebicheria that’s worth your patronage. An intimate setting, the colourful, quaint restaurant holds seven tables and a wooden corner bar. The food doesn’t let the side down either; locally sourced and served on beautiful handmade china, the plates are just begging to be Instagrammed.

Address

Centro Histórico - San Diego Calle Cochera del Hobo No. 38-17

restaurant

Interno

Cartagena, Colombia

This is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a difference – it’s in a women’s prison. Inmates are taught to cook by Colombian celebrity chefs, who have each donated a dish to the eclectic menu. The women, who wear a black uniform with a pink turban, serve the food in a brightly decorated hall in the prison.

Address

Cárcel de Mujeres de San Diego - Calle 39 Barrio San Diego

restaurant

Lobo de Mar

Cartagena, Colombia

The clean, sleek seafood restaurant is sadly often overlooked in favour of its famous neighbour Carmen. The establishment focuses on using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create exquisitely intricate plates with Mediterranean influences. Pair with the extensive list of avant-garde botanical cocktails and you’ll wonder why you bothered eating anywhere else.

Address

Calle del Santísimo #8–15 Centro Amurallado Cartagena

restaurant

Bohemia

Cartagena, Colombia

A melting pot of Colombian flavours fused with southern European style, Bohemia isn’t afraid to experiment. The restaurant works with with local farmers and small producers to ensure each dish is made with sustainable ingredients. Try the almond-crusted tongue, sea-bass tartare and coffee-foam dessert to experience contemporary Colombian cuisine at its best.

Address

Centro Histórico Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen 33 - 41 Cartagena de Indias

restaurant

María

Cartagena, Colombia

Bogotá-born chef Alejandro Ramirez spent years under the tutelage of culinary kings – Daniel Boulud and Gordon Ramsay among them – before returning to his home country to open María. The sophisticated restaurant is a sensory overload; innovative seafood dishes such as jalapeño-infused cured salmon and sea bass with grilled bacon succotash are served under an oversized pineapple chandelier, with a psychedelic tiger mural and succulents on every table.

Address

Calle 34 64 2 Cartagena 130005

restaurant

Celele by Proyecto Caribe

Cartagena, Colombia

The new restaurant in town and the talk of Hay 2019. Chefs Jaime Camacho and Sebastián Giraldo find inspiration for their cutting-edge tasting menu on regular road trips along the Colombian coastline.

Address

Calle del Espiritu Santo 29-200

restaurant

Donjuán

Cartagena, Colombia

If the Basque-influenced culinary delights of Donjuán are good enough for the president of Colombia, they’re good enough for us. Don’t leave without trying the grilled octopus, crayfish and lobster risotto and chocolate mousse.

Address

Calle del Colegio, 34-60

restaurant

La Vitrola

Cartagena, Colombia

La Vitrola serves up an intoxicating mix of live Cuban music as well as a mean mojito, ropa vieja and camarones. It’s a Cartagena institution where Gabo regularly dined with his family, and world leaders and Mick Jagger rubbed shoulders with locals.

Address

Calle Baloco 02-01