The 7 best restaurants in Cartagena that you can’t miss
Cartagena not only captivates with its history, architecture, and beaches… It also captivates with flavors that tell stories, aromas that invite you to travel without leaving the table, and a cultural fusion served in every dish. Planning to visit this gem of the Colombian Caribbean? At Betoma Tours, we don’t just take you to explore the city—we also guide you through its delicious gastronomic route. Here we share our 7 favorite restaurants in Cartagena so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience, bite by bite.
- Carmen restaurant
In the heart of Cartagena’s Historic Center, nestled among colonial streets, bougainvillea-lined balconies, and a breeze redolent of the sea, lies a temple of Colombian haute cuisine: Carmen Restaurant.
More than just a meal, Carmen is a sensorial experience, a celebration of Caribbean flavors reinvented with creativity, elegance, and a love for local ingredients.
At Betoma Tours, we know that traveling is also about savoring. That’s why we invite you to discover why Carmen is one of our favorite restaurants in Cartagena.
Signature cuisine with a Colombian soul: What makes Carmen special is not only its signature cuisine, but also its way of honoring Colombian cuisine with international techniques that surprise and delight.
Each dish is a work of art that tells a story: Ingredients such as chontaduro, corozo, coconut, and the fish of the day are transformed into sublime creations. Dishes such as octopus in coconut milk, blue crab risotto, or loin in coffee reduction elevate local cuisine to another level. The tasting menu, paired with wines and signature cocktails, is perfect for an unforgettable evening. If you love good food, this restaurant will be the highlight of your trip.
An oasis of sophistication in the Historic Center: Located within the elegant Hotel Anandá, Carmen offers an intimate and refined atmosphere that blends the classic with the contemporary. You can choose between the air-conditioned lounge or the charming outdoor patio, with soft lighting, lush vegetation, and impeccable service. The attention is personalized and warm, and every detail is designed to make you feel special. The atmosphere is ideal for a romantic evening, a celebration, or a dinner you’ll never forget.
Creative Mixology and Memorable Pairings: It’s not just good food at Carmen… it’s also stylish drinks. Its cocktail menu is a spectacle in itself: Try exotic combinations like the soursop and basil cocktail, or classics with a tropical twist. Plus, the sommelier can suggest pairings with select wines that enhance every flavor on the menu. The perfect balance of technique, flavor, and presentation.
A commitment to local, sustainable, and modern cuisine. What makes Carmen even more valuable is its commitment to: Local and sustainable ingredients. Colombian producers and a philosophy of responsible cooking, without losing creativity or style. This isn’t just luxury. It’s luxury with a conscience.
2. La Cevicheria
The Flavor That Conquered Anthony Bourdain… and the World.
In the cobblestone streets of Cartagena’s Historic Center, just steps from the city walls and the colorful hustle and bustle of the walled city, lies a small but flavorful and famous spot: La Cevichería.
This restaurant is not only one of the most renowned in the Colombian Caribbean, but has also made it onto the lists of travelers, foodies, and celebrities around the world.
And at Betoma Tours, we’ll tell you why a visit to Cartagena isn’t complete without trying its ceviches.
The king of ceviche in the Colombian Caribbean. What makes La Cevichería so special?
Their ceviches are fresh, flavorful, abundant, and with an unmistakable Caribbean touch. The menu blends classic recipes with influences from the Pacific, the Caribbean, Peru, and even Asia. Try the shrimp ceviche in coconut milk, the octopus and mango ceviche, or their famous seafood paella. Each bite is an explosion of freshness, just the right amount of spiciness, and the perfect balance of acidity, sweetness, and texture. Here, the sea is on the plate… and you can feel it in your soul.
From Cartagena to the world… thanks to Anthony Bourdain
It was legendary chef and host Anthony Bourdain who put La Cevichería on the international map after his visit on the show No Reservations. Since then, the restaurant has become a culinary icon, without losing its essence or its commitment to quality.
“The tastiest ceviche in Colombia,” said Bourdain.
And thousands of visitors have confirmed his words.
Small atmosphere, immense flavor: La Cevichería is cozy, with sidewalk tables and a casual atmosphere that invites you to relax, share, and enjoy the moment. The restaurant isn’t large, but it is authentic. The decor is simple, with ocean maps, fresh tones, and smiles everywhere. There’s usually a line… but it’s worth every minute!
💡 Betoma’s tip: Go mid-afternoon or book ahead of time to avoid long waits.
4. Celele
When you visit Cartagena, it’s easy to be seduced by its history, colonial architecture, and golden beaches. But there’s something else conquering palates around the world: its bold new culinary scene. And at the center of this culinary revolution is Celele, a restaurant that not only nourishes the body but also tells stories—through ingredients, colors, and memories—of deep Caribbean Colombia.
At Betoma Tours, we encourage you to experience this unique experience, because traveling is also about discovering new flavors.
What is Celele? Celele is not just a restaurant; it’s a laboratory for exploring the Colombian Caribbean, created by chefs Jaime Rodríguez and Sebastián Pinzón. The two set out to travel the region, explore communities, rescue forgotten recipes, and breathe new life into them with haute cuisine techniques. The result is a menu that respects tradition, celebrates local cuisine, and surprises with every dish.
Forgotten Ingredients, Unforgettable Flavors: What makes Celele unique is its focus on ingredients little known outside the Caribbean region: Tropical fruits like corozo, sapote, and guaimaro. Native herbs like bijao and anamú. Ancestral techniques blended with contemporary presentations. Each dish is a cultural experience: from an appetizer inspired by Palenque cuisine to desserts that play with textures and memories of the coastal countryside.
💡 Here you don’t just eat: you learn, explore, and celebrate the Colombian Caribbean at its finest.
A globally award-winning restaurant. Celele has been recognized by:
- Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, where it has been listed among the best on the continent.
- International media outlets such as The New York Times and Condé Nast Traveler praise it as one of the most innovative restaurants in Latin America.
🌍 A Colombian pride that today represents the new Caribbean cuisine to the world.
Intimate Atmosphere, Memorable Experience. Located in the vibrant Getsemaní neighborhood, Celele combines modern style with tropical warmth: A bright space decorated with natural fibers, artisanal ceramics, and local plants. Personalized service, where the team explains each dish, its history, and the ingredients that go into it. Pairings include signature cocktails and carefully selected wines.
🎉 Ideal for a special night, a cultural dinner, or an unforgettable date.
- Cande restaurant
If you’re planning a trip to Cartagena, there’s one thing you can’t miss: trying its authentic local cuisine. And there’s no better place to do it than Candé, a restaurant where the flavor, history, and culture of Cartagena are served in every dish.
At Betoma Tours, we don’t just take you to discover Cartagena’s historical and natural gems—we also connect you with the best of its culinary traditions. That’s why, today we’ll tell you why Candé is a must-see for travelers who want to experience the Colombian Caribbean at its finest.
A restaurant with a Cartagena soul: Candé isn’t just a place to eat: it’s a cultural and gastronomic spectacle that celebrates the best of the city.
From the moment you walk through its doors, you’re immersed in an atmosphere full of history, color, and music: Colonial decor with handcrafted details, wrought iron lamps, and murals that evoke old Cartagena. Live music and folkloric dances liven up the evening and make you feel part of an authentic coastal party. Warm service proud of sharing the roots of its land. Here you don’t just have dinner: you experience Cartagena.
Traditional cuisine with flavor and heart: Candé’s menu is a journey through the most authentic flavors of the Colombian Caribbean. Each recipe has been carefully selected to honor local traditions and is prepared with fresh ingredients, many of them sourced from the region.
Must-try options include: Posta negra cartagenera: tender beef in a sweet and spicy sauce, accompanied by coconut rice. Mote de queso: creamy coastal cheese and yam soup, perfect for a starter. Fried fish with patacones and whey: a coastal classic, prepared just like at home. Traditional desserts such as enyucado, coconut candy, or alegría de millo. Each dish is a recipe with a history, passed down from generation to generation.
5. Alma Restaurant-Bar
Cartagena is a city where every street tells a story, every balcony a legend, and every meal an emotion. In the vibrant Historic Center, between centuries-old walls and charming plazas, there is a place where luxury, tradition, and flavor come together: Alma Restaurant.
At Betoma Tours, we know that traveling is not just about seeing, but also about feeling and savoring.
That’s why we invite you to discover Alma, a restaurant that captures the spirit of Cartagena in every detail.
A Tribute to Colombian Signature Cuisine: Alma is not just any restaurant. It’s a modern ode to the culinary richness of the Colombian Caribbean: Dishes that reinterpret local ingredients with international haute cuisine techniques. Flavors that respect tradition, yet surprise with creativity. A menu that celebrates both the fruits of the sea and the flavors of the tropical land.
Among the favorites: Blue crab rice, an explosion of sea and spices. Coconut-crusted red snapper, juicy and with an unparalleled sweetness. Loin in tamarind sauce, for lovers of tender and flavorful meats.
Every bite at Alma tells a different story of Colombia.
Alma is located within the luxurious Hotel Casa San Agustín, considered one of the most beautiful boutique hotels in Cartagena and all of Latin America. Impeccably restored colonial architecture. An intimate and elegant atmosphere, with details that evoke the Cartagena of yesteryear. A magical interior courtyard, surrounded by tropical vegetation, is ideal for romantic dinners or special celebrations.
At Alma, every dinner is also a journey back in time.
6. Di Silvio Trattoria
In a city as rich in history, color, and flavor as Cartagena, it’s not just the local dishes that captivate the palate. There are also places that, with their magic and authenticity, manage to become absolute favorites for locals and travelers alike.
One of them is, without a doubt, Di Silvio Trattoria.
At Betoma Tours, we want you to discover the places that bring the true spirit of Cartagena to life. And Di Silvio is a must-stop for those who love good food, good vibes, and the art of leisurely enjoyment.
A little piece of Italy in the heart of Getsemaní: Located in the iconic Getsemaní neighborhood—the bohemian soul of Cartagena—Di Silvio Trattoria combines the best of both worlds: Authentic Italian cuisine prepared with passion and simplicity. A relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, filled with street art, music, and Caribbean joy. Outdoor seating on the city’s most charming cobblestone streets.
Dining here means immersing yourself in a feast of flavors, colors, and local music.
A menu to fall in love with bite by bite: Di Silvio’s culinary offering is simple, generous, and delicious:
- Artisanal pizzas with thin, crispy crust, baked in a stone oven, with options for all tastes.
- Fresh homemade pastas, served with traditional sauces such as tomato, pesto, Bolognese, or seafood.
- Fresh appetizers and salads, perfect for sharing.
Among the must-try:
🍕 Prosciutto and arugula pizza: a perfect balance of freshness and flavor.
🍝 Pesto fettuccine with shrimp: a classic with a Caribbean touch.
🥗 Caprese with fresh mozzarella: light, fresh, and full of flavor.
💡 Betoma’s tip: order several pizzas to share at the table. It’s the best way to try everything!
7. Restaurante 1621
There are experiences that define a trip forever: a sunset walk, an unexpected discovery… and a dinner that awakens all the senses.
In Cartagena, that experience has its own name: Restaurant 1621.
At Betoma Tours, we want your visit to be much more than just seeing the scenery: we want flavors, aromas, and unforgettable moments to be part of your trip.
That’s why we invite you to discover one of the most exclusive and magical places in Cartagena.
A Unique Historic Setting: Restaurant 1621 is located inside the prestigious Sofitel Legend Santa Clara Hotel, an architectural gem that was once a convent for Poor Clare nuns, built in the 17th century.
- Original coral stone walls, historic hallways, and candlelit cloisters.
- An intimate, elegant atmosphere filled with colonial mysticism.
- A charming central garden, perfect for romantic dinners under the stars.
🌟 Dining at 1621 is like traveling back in time… but with 21st-century luxury.
Haute cuisine that fuses France and the Caribbean: 1621’s menu is designed to celebrate the fusion of classic French gastronomy and ingredients from the Colombian Caribbean:
Chef’s creations combine fresh local produce with haute cuisine culinary techniques.
A la carte menu options or multi-course tasting menu experiences, paired with carefully selected wines.
Signature dishes include:
- Caribbean lobster with herb butter and tropical fruits.
- Breakfast fillet with black pepper and plantain sauce.
- Artisanal desserts that reinterpret French classics with a tropical twist.
Each dish at 1621 is a work of art, both in presentation and flavor.
Recognitions and Awards. Restaurant 1621 has been recognized for its excellence: It has been featured on lists of the best restaurants in Latin America. It has been recommended by international media such as Condé Nast Traveler and Forbes Travel Guide. It is a favorite of both gourmet travelers and international celebrities visiting Cartagena.
🌍 1621 not only represents haute cuisine in Cartagena: it is one of its greatest prides.
👉 Contact us today and begin your dream trip.
📧 Contact: info@betomatours.com
📞 Phone: +57 3026626358
📸 Instagram: @betomatours
