Eating and drinking in Barranquilla
There are good restaurants in Barranquilla for every taste and budget, from traditional North Coast food (Costeño food) to international food. When you consider that Barranquilla is where the first immigrants set foot in Colombia, you won’t be surprised that the different cultures have influenced the food.
Barranquilleros love to eat and there is a restaurant on almost every street corner! Fish is an important part of eating in Barranquilla. With its location on both the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea, there are both freshwater and saltwater fish. Local seafood includes Mojarra, Bocachico, Cabrito (grilled fish). Patacones (green banana cookies) and arroz de coco (coconut rice) like to be served as side dishes.
Other local specialties:
- Patacones con suero (sour cream)
- Sancocho de guandú (soup with salted meat)
- Arroz lisa, a rice dish with freshwater fish
- Arepa de huevo (arepa stuffed with egg)
- Butifarra, sausage made from beef and pork
- Cayeye, a dish made from green bananas
To learn more about traditional food on Colombia’s north coast, check out Cartagena Culinary.
A fun way to try the local specialties is with a street food tour.
Here are our tips for the best restaurants in Barranquilla.
Our tips
PESCAYÉ
El Prado and Barrio Abajo
Fish restaurant serving authentic, traditional Costeño food in a tropical setting. There are establishments in el Prado and Barrio Abajo and in Caimán del Río on the Malecón del Río. The establishment in Barrio Abajo is a good lunch spot before or after a visit to the Carnival Museum.
PALO DE MANGO
El Prado
Chef Alex Quessep’s restaurant, where traditional Colombian dishes are given a modern twist. There is regular live music.
VARADERO
Alto Prado
Popular Cuban restaurant that has been around for 25 years. Cuban live music completes the atmosphere.
STORIA D'AMORE
Parque Washington-Alto Prado
Italian restaurant/wine bar, where the food and cocktails are beautifully presented. Highly recommended if you have something special to celebrate.
STEAK HOUSE CHEZ ERNEST
El Prado
French family restaurant that has been in business for nearly 65 years. Specialty is the pepper steak.
SARAB
Riomar
Traditional Arabic food in a personal atmosphere.
CUCAYO
One of the restaurants to try local food (fast food style) such as arepas, butifarras, chicharrones and seafood. The main location is on Calle 85#53 and you can find smaller branches in Caiman del Rio and Mall Plaza.
CREPES Y WAFFLES
In various locations around the city, including in the Buenavista 2 shopping mall, Viva Mall, Portal del Prado and Alto Prado. Crepes, sundaes, waffles, soups and more… Crêpes y Waffles never disappoints!
PIZZERIA THE MEETING POINT
Barrio Bellavista (El Prado)
In addition to regular pizzas, you can also order sweet pizzas there, such as the pizza with strawberries and chocolate sauce
GRAN MALECÓN
Avenida del Río
On the Malecón, there are lots of different restaurants, some of which are in food court Gran Caimán and range from pizza to traditional Costeño food. Near Manglares del Río you will find even more restaurants including Bistro del Rio and a cocktail bar. If you walk further up the Malecón, you will find several more simple restaurants and food trucks, where we ate delicious Cuban sandwiches. The Malecón is also entertaining when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcast.
RESTAURANTE EL GIRATORIO
Riomar
Want to “do something different? Then go “upscale” for lunch or dinner at Restaurante El Giratorio, on the 13th floor of the Dann Carlton hotel (across from Buenavista shopping mall). The restaurant rotates, for an extra special experience AND a 360-degree view over Barranquilla. Closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays.
BONUS TIP: LA TROJA
The best place for drinks and dancing in Barranquilla is La Troja. This #1 nightlife hotspot for locals and tourists has been around for 50 years and has been named Barranquilla’s cultural and musical heritage. Salsa is the order of the day here and it’s a fun place to “mingle” with the locals and have a dance…in short, “the ultimate local experience in Barranquilla.” It is particularly fun on Friday nights and Sunday afternoons. Also a fun place to be when matches of the Colombian soccer team are broadcast. During Carnival,la Troja is a hot spot and you can dance until the early hours.