Cartagena is colourful, energetic and impossible to separate from its Caribbean setting. The same goes for its food scene, where Colombian ingredients meet Caribbean flavours, contemporary cooking and excellent coffee and pastry. From creative restaurants in Getsemaní to local bakeries and sunset drinks by the water, these are the places that stood out most during our time in Cartagena.
Best Restaurants in Cartagena
Mar y Zielo
Mar y Zielo gives Colombian cuisine a contemporary and creative twist, using local ingredients and familiar flavours in much more unexpected ways. Set inside a historic building in Cartagena’s old centre, the restaurant feels stylish while keeping the atmosphere relaxed. We loved the colourful dishes and attention to presentation, and the rooftop makes it an especially lovely place to spend an evening.
El Beso
El Beso has a playful approach that feels somewhere between street food and more refined dining. The menu focuses on seafood and vegetarian dishes, with everything from tacos to shrimp and fish burgers. We especially loved how informal the whole experience felt despite the quality of the food. Add a well-thought-out cocktail list and it is a very fun dinner spot in Getsemaní.
Sambal Bistro
Sambal Bistro takes inspiration from the flavours and ingredients of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. The kitchen works with local produce and brings those ingredients together in creative combinations that still feel rooted in the region. We loved the balance between something polished and something distinctly local — a lovely choice when you want dinner to feel a little more special.
Coffee & Bakeries in Cartagena
Nía Bakery
Nía was one of our absolute favourites in Cartagena — we came back three times, which does not happen very often. The bakery creates colourful, beautifully finished pastries alongside Colombian coffee, creative drinks and a proper brunch menu. We loved how much personality there is in everything they make, from the pastries to the presentation. Definitely one of those places we would return to immediately.
Época Café
Época is a great place to explore Colombian specialty coffee right in Cartagena’s historic centre. The focus is firmly on beans grown in Colombia, with different origins and brewing methods giving you a better idea of just how diverse the country’s coffee can be. We had some of our best coffee in Cartagena here, and there is also a substantial breakfast and lunch menu if you want to stay longer.
La Esquina del Pandebono
La Esquina del Pandebono is the place to go for something much more traditional. We came here for freshly baked pandebono, the Colombian cheese bread made with cassava starch and cheese, and absolutely loved it. We also tried the pão de queijo. Simple, local and a lovely contrast to Cartagena’s more polished cafés and bakeries.
Beach Club, Cocktails & Sunset in Cartagena
The Pink Mango Beach Club
Finding a relaxed beach club around Cartagena that did not feel overly touristy or crowded took some searching, but The Pink Mango was exactly what we were looking for. A boat takes you from Cartagena to Tierra Bomba, where you can spend the day between the beach, pool, food and drinks. We loved the peaceful atmosphere and music — a perfect escape when you need a break from the energy of the city.
Terraza Municipal
Terraza Municipal is one of those easy places that works particularly well around sunset. The open-air food court sits beside the water in Getsemaní, with a lively mix of locals and travellers and several places to grab something to eat or drink. We had mezcalitas and nachos while watching the boats pass by, often with music playing onboard. Casual, lively and a very fun way to end the day.
Travelling further through Colombia? Discover more of our favourite restaurants, coffee spots and bars in Bogotá and Medellín.
