Eating and drinking in Cartagena is a treat in our opinion. There are so many good restaurants that you can have great food every day of your trip if you want. Whether it is a simple lunch in a local restaurant, or an exclusive dinner in an international restaurant, there is more than enough choice for every taste and budget.
Love to try the different bars while meeting new people? Then the Cartagena bar crawl might be your thing.
Here are some tips for the best bars and restaurants in Cartagena. Want to know more about Cartagena’s typical local specialties? Then read our article about the food in Cartagena.
The best bars and restaurants
CAFÉS
CAFÉ SAN ALBERTO
At El Centro, drink an “award winning” cup of coffee, made with the coffee beans from their own plantation in the famous coffee region of Colombia.
ABACO, LIBROS Y CAFÉ
A cup of coffee in El Centro, among the masterpieces of Gabriel Garcia Marquez and other writers.
CAFÉ DEL MURAL
On a quiet street in Getsemaní, sip coffee in a unique setting; one mural is even more beautiful than another.
BARS
CAFÉ DEL MAR
This rooftop terrace in El Centro, is one of the best spots in town for a cocktail overlooking the sea.
BOGOTA BEER COMPANY
At BBC in El Centro, sample home-brewed beers such as Macondo, a dark coffee-flavored beer, and our favorite: the Cajicá Honey Ale
BAR ALQUÍMICO
3-story colonial building in El Centro: a stylish lounge bar, restaurant and rooftop terrace, with DJs on weekends.
EL ARSENAL:THE RUM BOX
Gastro bar in Getsemaní with large collection of Colombian rum. Specialty: rum with chocolate. If you are a rum lover, you might be interested in the rum and chocolate tasting, with 8 premium Colombian rums paired with artisanal Colombian chocolate.
CAFÉ HAVANA
Salsa club in Getsemaní; the place to be to dance to live music from Cuban salsa bands
PLAZA DEL POZO
Quiet little square for a nightcap, behind the busier Plaza de Trinidad in Getsemaní, e.g. at Basilica Pizzeria café
RESTAURANTS
ELY CAFÉ
For a special breakfast in Bocagrande; from an Acai bowl to a croissant with poached eggs, lobster and hollandaise sauce.
CAFFÉ LUNÁTICO
Spanish food, vegan and vegetarian options at this little restaurant in Getsemaní. Also for cooking workshops
KIOSCO EL BONY
Beach restaurant in Bocagrande from ex-boxer Bonifacio Ávila. Favorite with locals for its seafood.
RESTAURANTE-BAR SAN NICOLÁS
Cozy restaurant in Getsemaní, offering delicious and affordable food. Often live music. Also popular with locals to celebrate birthdays.
LA MULATA
This San Diego restaurant has both lunch and dinner comida corriente (daily menu) and many fish specialties
CARMEN
An exclusive restaurant in el Centro, serving fresh Colombian ingredients in an international setting.
