Where to Eat in Cartagena: The Best Restaurants and Bars

July 22, 2017 Joeann Galban

Cartagena, a gorgeous fishing village on Colombia's Caribbean coast, has excellent beaches, a historic old town (that's entirely walkable) and beautiful colonial architecture. It's also one of the safest places in the country, so it's no wonder it's a popular port of call for cruise ships. Need a break from exploring the cobblestone streets? Stop at an outdoor cafe for excellent pastries and people-watching.
Things to do in Cartagena

1. El Burlador Gastrobar

Carrera 3 # 33-88 | Calle Santo Domingo, Cartagena 130001, Colombia Delivery, Television, Highchairs Available, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Seafood, Mediterranean, Spanish, Wine Bar, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly Drinks, Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$196 - HK$275 +57 310 4532436
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

El Burlador Gastrobar

In EL BURLADOR DE SEVILLA you will find the best of the spanish gastronomy, fresh local seafood and the only FLAMENCO SHOW performing everynight in the city. We invite you to try our delicious food and to enjoy our show that has all the magic and charm of the Iberian country (Spain), giving you a memorable experience. In our bar, you may enjoy a refreshing sangria or a creative cocktail, to go with our tapas menu. We offer traditional spanish dishes such as paellas and imported charcuterie and cheeses from Spain, along our signatures dishes and the best of the local seafood in Cartagena!

Reviewed By Irwin22 - Arlington, Virginia

Stopped by this restaurant for a drink with some friends and we were glad we did. The mojitos were delicious and Johnny was the sweetest bartender! We look forward to coming back tonight to watch the Flamenco dancing.

2. Saint Roque Restaurante Cafe

Getsemani, Calle Espiritu Santo 29-214 | near Calle Media Luna, Cartagena, Colombia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Asian, Indonesian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Dinner, Late Night HK$157 +57 317 2268039
Excellent
81%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 303 reviews

Saint Roque Restaurante Cafe

Reviewed By GekoPablo - St. Albert, Alberta

Earlier in the day, we passed this establishment and had a lively chat with the proprietor. He kindly reserved a table for us for later that evening. We were so glad he did, as that evening was a steady stream of people wanting tables.
Our little gathering eagerly followed the suggestions that were presented to us, and shared some very unique dishes. With instructions on how to sample to get the most impact of flavours, we eagerly dug in. The flavours were awesome, although admitedly we did almost empty the bowl of additional hot peppers as we do enjoy spicy food. The wine was included with our menu selection and it complimented the meal very nicely. All in all it was a great dining experience. We now have a favorite go-to spot for our next visit to Getsemani.

3. Beer & Laundry

Calle 31 # 10-101 | Local 2 Calle Pacoa, Cartagena 00000, Colombia Takeout, Seating, Television, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options Lunch +57 318 2824918
Excellent
94%
Good
3%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 239 reviews

Beer & Laundry

Confortable Laundromat, Beer, cold drinks and pizzeria. Do it yourself or leave it to us. READY THE SAME DAY! WE DON'T MIX YOUR CLOTHES WITH OTHERS. WIFI Zone, TV cable and Air Conditioning. Spanish, English and Italian spoken. Low prices

Reviewed By Uncle-Jayo - Watford, United Kingdom

Make sure you go to this place with as much laundry as possible. It’s a fixed rate per load COP22mil. I didn’t get what the maximum amount was. Might be worth getting together with a mate or two and combining your washing.
I dropped mine off and left. Then returned later for a pizza (vegi one and very good (thin bases!)) and a beer. Collected my washing and talked about the trip to Rosario Island. They can book the trip for you for COP170mil. (£44). Sounds quite a lot for here I guess. But it’s the going rate I think. They use a company called “Backpackers”. You can find them on TA and read their reviews. (Link below)
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g297476-d7715389-Reviews-Backpackers-Cartagena_Cartagena_District_Bolivar_Department.html?m=19905
Recommend this place

4. El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Carrera 24 # 8B-19 | Calle Del Arsenal, Cartagena 130003, Colombia Takeout, Parking Available, Validated Parking, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards Colombian, Bar, Pub, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$94 +57 300 8110700
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 332 reviews

El Arsenal: The Rum Box

Craft cocktails using the freshest seasonal ingredients.

Reviewed By Matt642 - London

After an accidental detour to Arsenal Hostal down the road, we decided we must be in the wrong place (due to lack of rum) and made our way to El Arsenal with the free hugs outside. We were instantly made to feel at home - our friend Toby had recommended us to get here following a great experience here over New Year.
We were treated to a free rum and chocolate, peppers and a honeymoon gift of a delicious rum from Abe the fantastic owner! We also drank the Mojito and pink gin-based cocktail. Both were excellent. It was a shame we had already had dinner as the food looked excellent.
A really cool place and would highly recommend a trip on your visit to Cartagena - really easy to get to from old town.

5. The Beer Lovers

Carrera 3 N 36 - 3 | Corner Gastelbondo and Factoria, Cartagena 130001, Colombia Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Brew Pub, Gastropub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks +57 5 6642202
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 191 reviews

The Beer Lovers

The beer shop, welcome....to the beer lovers

Reviewed By Steve R

Maria Paz was fantastic. She was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and overall a pleasure to speak to (even as I continue to practice my Spanish). Maria also speaks English so we were able to fill in the gaps! I would highly recommend this place and would definitely visit again next time I’m in CTG. Thanks Maria!

6. Restaurante Mistura

Centro Historico, Plaza Fernandez Madrid #36-151 | Plaza Fernandez Madrid- Centro Historico, Cartagena, Colombia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Latin, Seafood, Sushi, Fusion, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$78 - HK$141 +57 5 6602807
Excellent
77%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 668 reviews

Restaurante Mistura

Great place in the old town of Cartagena, near to Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel, with all the magic of the city, for take a good lunch or dinner and have some good drinks. We have live music by night, and a pretty good staff, that makes you visit, an unforgettable moment. We offer peruvian food that mix with sushi, and seafood.

Reviewed By JVMorales05 - New York City, New York

Visited this place on our first night in Cartagena. Was literally next door to our hotel at bastion. We had Reservations and were taking right away, was a little annoyed when I asked for a specific table and they declined when no one else was in the place yet. For appetizers we had tuna tataki, volcano roll, and some fire roll that was literally on fire. The sushi rolls were delicious but I would pass on the tataki. I appreciate that it wasn’t typical, had a Peruvian fusion to it, but the quality of tuna was underwhelming and it’s appearance left more to be desired (pic). For entres things got much better. Ordered a truffled pasta, lomo saltaldo and a fish risotto. The risotto blew everyone away, was very good. Lomo was perfect and the past was good. Overall good atmosphere, live music, nice decor and good food. Only reason it’s not 5 stars is after eating many places which were lower rated we enjoyed them more to our surprise. Definitely worth checking out for yourselves though! Enjoy!

7. Masaki Sushi Wok

Calle del colegio # 34-32 | Centro historico, Cartagena 130001, Colombia Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +57 300 8164796
Excellent
89%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 243 reviews

Masaki Sushi Wok

Reviewed By Rosella D

This place has become a must for me when visiting this city. It is just so cozy, easy to access to, staff friendly, and the most important part, the food is always good. I have nothing but good things to say about it and am so so happy I found it last time I was in Cartagena. Give it a try, you wont regret it. Ps: try the sushi pizza, it is all things good!

8. La Pescaderia Ceviches y Piqueos

Calle 70 # 5 - 79 - Crespo, Cartagena 130002, Colombia Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Street Parking, Validated Parking, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Takeout Colombian, Caribbean, Peruvian, Latin, Seafood Lunch, Dinner, Drinks, Late Night +57 5 6928643
Excellent
83%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 155 reviews

La Pescaderia Ceviches y Piqueos

Best place to chill and enjoy Peruvian and Caribbean delights in town.

Reviewed By maestrolms - Strongsville, Ohio

I ate here on the last night of my recent visit to Cartagena, because it was late and I had no car, and I am most happy that I did.
Although it is not very large, this tiny place served fresh, cold seafood in several forms; I decided upon the ceviche, which was superb! It only has one or two tables inside, and four or six outside, but the food is excellent.

9. Pezetarian

Carrera 7 # 36-19 | Calle Segunda de Badillo, Cartagena 130000, Colombia Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Asian, Healthy, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch HK$55 - HK$94 +57 315 3039179
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 555 reviews

Pezetarian

Fresh food, full of flavors, textures and colors Sushi - Ceviches - Greens Fast Casual - Nothing Fried - Gluten Free / Gluten Low

Reviewed By Goncalo M - Krakow, Poland

This is a small(ish) place in the old town. All the dishes we had were great. Very fresh, great presentation and quality. My favorite was the Pezetarian sushi bowl. Check the website for the full menu. Great value for money Only thing I would add...MoreThank you for visiting us in Cartagena. It's great you liked all the dishes you ordered, all our menu is very fresh and healthy. The Pezetarian sushi bowl is delicious, one of the favorites for sure. Hopefully you can come back again. Best wishes,

10. Zaitun

Calle de Ayos. Cra 4 num 34 - 37 | Local 3, Cartagena, Colombia Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi Caribbean, Lebanese, Latin, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Colombian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner HK$39 - HK$165 +57 5 6606204
Excellent
77%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 560 reviews

Zaitun

We are a Colombian Lebanese restaurant located in the Walled city in Cartagena. Enjoy a variety of food with a fusion between colombian and lebanese.

Reviewed By Phoenyx-Floyd

Do you ever feel like you're presented with hundreds of options and you still end up making the right choice? That's exactly how we fell our our very first night in this town. Cartagena offers hundreds of beautifully decorated and inviting restaurants. The choice for dinner that night was really hard to make. Thank God, our hotel was a few steps away from Zaitun and we were approached by ANA on the street that afternoon. We were immediately intrigued by the Middle Eastern and Colombian fusion. We promised we would come back later that night. The fact that we later found Zaitun at #10 on the TripAdvisor restaurant ranking for that city further comforted our selection. The reviews we saw were all stellar and...they weren't lying.
Our server ANA was very friendly and gave us the best recommendation. She even allowed us to practice our Spanish skills. Every dish she recommended was simply DELICIOSO !. We had a couple of house-made cocktails with real tropical fruits to start followed by an appetizer made of really thinly sliced fried plantains. as main dishes, we had the house-favorite ZAITUN CASSEROLE and a steak served with coconut rice and and lime-avocado preparation. Although everything was good, we were literally blown away by the Zaitun Casserole (vividly recommended).
Throughout the night, the shift manager VERONICA stopped by our table to make sure we were taken care of properly. She sat down with us after our dinner and we chatted, laughed and took pictures for a while. GOOD TIMES !!!
PS: Al personal: si estás leyendo esto, Gracias de nuevo !!!

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