Traveling to Cartagena without experiencing the rich Caribbean flavors is worthless. Here are our top restaurants in Cartagena you don’t want to miss. A wonderful gastronomic excursion awaits you!
Cartagena is a beautiful city with a rich history, culture, and cuisine. Try the following restaurants. There, you will enjoy delicious food, amazing vibes, and excellent service.
Top Restaurants in Cartagena to Taste Gourmet Cousine
Carmen Cartagena
This is one of the top restaurants in Cartagena. And by top, we meant sophisticated cuisine. It is located in the charming Hotel Ananda. Carmen’s menu fuses Colombian and Asian flavors. You definitely want to taste the crab ravioli with coconut curry sauce. Also, you don’t want to miss the lobster tail with passion fruit butter and plantain puree. This restaurant is exquisite, and the atmosphere is cozy and romantic.
Agua de Leon
This is the most contemporary option among the top restaurants in Cartagena. Agua de Leion is a sophisticated restaurant that offers a creative and seasonal menu. The Caribbean coast inspired their dishes. If you go there, sample plates like scallop ceviche, crab croquettes, or pork belly, as well as cocktails and mocktails. They are gourmet dishes, indeed. The restaurant has a minimalist and elegant design, with a rooftop terrace.
Celele by Proyecto Caribe Lab
To close this list of top restaurants in Cartagena, here is Celele. This innovative and avant-garde restaurant showcases the diversity and richness of Caribbean cuisine. You can experience dishes like plantain gnocchi, smoked cheese, or guava ice cream, as well as drinks like tamarind soda or rum punch. The restaurant has a modern and artistic decor with murals and sculptures. So refine!
UMA Cantina Peruana
The top restaurants in Cartagena can’t be complete without international food. In effect, if you are craving some Peruvian cuisine, this is the place to go. You will taste classic Peruvian dishes like lomo saltado, causa limeña, or ají de gallina. Besides, they offer innovative creations like quinoa risotto or ceviche de pato. The restaurant has a modern and chic design, a lively bar, and a terrace.
Top Restaurants in Cartagena for Seafood Lovers
La Cevicheria
Surely, it is a must-try for seafood lovers, as it serves some of the freshest and tastiest ceviches in town. For this reason, this is one of the top restaurants in Cartagena. In La Cevicheria, you can taste a variety of options, such as shrimp, octopus, fish, or mixed ceviche, with different sauces and toppings. The restaurant is small and cozy, with colorful and casual decor.
Lobo de Mar
And you won’t travel to the Caribbean to not taste the seafood. Thus, visiting Lobo de Mar is the best option to satisfy your seafood craving. This trendy and stylish restaurant specializes in seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. You can savor dishes like grilled octopus, seafood paella, or salmon carpaccio, as well as cocktails and wines. The restaurant has a spacious and elegant setting, with a terrace overlooking the sea.
Buena Vida Marisqueria
And these top restaurants in Cartagena also offer delicious dishes at affordable prices. As a result, we selected Byena Vida Marisqueria. This casual and friendly restaurant serves delicious seafood dishes. You can enjoy plates like fried fish, shrimp cocktail, or crab soup, as well as juices and beers. The restaurant has a simple and colorful decor with a relaxed and cheerful vibe. You don’t want to miss it!
Top Restaurants in Cartagena to Eat Traditional Food
Alma
Completing the top restaurants in Cartagena that serve traditional Colombian food is Alma. But this is not like La Unica; in contrast, Alma is a fine-dining restaurant. It fuses Colombian and international cuisine with an emphasis on local ingredients and flavors. Try dishes like lamb chops, lobster ravioli, or duck confit, as well as desserts like chocolate cake or passion fruit sorbet. They won’t disappoint you! Find Alma in the luxurious Casa San Agustin Hotel, which has a refined and elegant atmosphere.
La Unica
This is the traditional Colombian food that fits in the top restaurants in Carategna. La Unica offers a variety of dishes from different regions of the country. In fact, this is what makes it unique. You can try typical plates like bandeja paisa, sancocho, or arepas, as well as local specialties like mote de queso or posta negra. The restaurant has a rustic and cozy ambiance, with live music and folkloric shows.
Candé
If you are looking for authentic Cartagena flavors, you must eat at Candé. This charming and cozy restaurant offers authentic Cartagena cuisine. Recipes passed down from generation to generation are cocked here. It is a pleasure to taste dishes like arroz con coco, pescado frito, or posta cartagenera, as well as drinks like limonada de coco or aguardiente. The restaurant has a colonial and rustic style, with candles and flowers. So charming!
Final Thoughts: Cartagena flavors are waiting for you!
As you can see, Cartagena has a lot to offer when it comes to gastronomy. You can find a variety of restaurants that cater to different tastes, budgets, and occasions. But, if you prefer, you can hire a private chef for a tailored experience. We hope these top restaurants in Cartagena will help you decide where to taste the best flavors. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Cartagena and discover the best restaurants in this amazing destination.
