The Best Restaurants in Cartagena: Our Concierge's Picks
From Celele and tasting menus to rooftops with a view, dinners with live music and authentic Caribbean flavour in Getsemaní: the 22 restaurants we recommend to our guests, with dress codes and booking tips.
6 min read
By the Millan Experiences concierge team
In short
- Cartagena is one of Latin America's great food destinations: Celele was ranked No. 5 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025.
- For a special night, book fine-dining restaurants such as Celele, Carmen or Rabo de Pez well in advance, especially in high season.
- Many restaurants enforce a dress code: no hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear — and some require long trousers for men.
- For dinner with music and atmosphere, try Casa Salvaje, NIKU, La Vitrola or Ana; for views, Viva la Vida or Apogeo.
- For authentic local flavour, Getsemaní has classics like Mar de las Antillas, Salón Tropical and Candé.
Eating well is one of the great reasons to visit Cartagena. The city combines the ingredients of the Caribbean — seafood, coconut, tropical fruit — with a new generation of chefs who have placed it among the best food destinations in Latin America. This is the list our concierge team shares with guests, organised by type of plan. All restaurants are in or near the Walled City and Getsemaní, a short walk from our villas.
Fine dining and tasting menus
For a special night: the tables that have put Cartagena on the international gastronomic map. Book well in advance.
Celele
One of Latin America's top restaurants, ranked No. 5 on Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. Contemporary Caribbean cuisine rooted in the biodiversity, ingredients and traditions of Colombia's Caribbean coast. Reserve well ahead.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @celele_restaurante
Carmen
Colombia's biodiversity through contemporary techniques: carefully crafted dishes that showcase Caribbean-coast ingredients in an elegant, intimate setting. Don't miss the 7-course tasting menu.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @carmenrestaurante
Rabo de Pez
Creative fine-dining Colombian cuisine focused on seafood and local specialty ingredients, paired with thoughtful cocktails and exceptional service.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @rabodepez
El Curato
A Latin bistro with Caribbean vibes by Álvaro Clavijo, one of Colombia's most acclaimed chefs. Known for its fresh produce and gluten-free options.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @elcuratoctg
Don Juan
Contemporary Colombian cuisine celebrating local produce, seafood and meats with creative yet approachable dishes. Ideal for lunch or dinner in the historic center.
Dress code: Casual for lunch, formal for dinner; no tank tops or beachwear. · Instagram: @donjuancartagena
Dinner with music and atmosphere
Restaurants where dinner turns into a night out: live music, DJs, shows and cocktails. Perfect for groups and celebrations.
Casa Salvaje
Four spaces under one roof: Kanibal (steakhouse), Salvaje (Nikkei), La Dominicana (Italian and brunch) and Ono Culto (Japanese speakeasy). A bit of everything in one place — great food, cocktails, music and party vibes.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @casasalvaje.ctg
NIKU
A sophisticated Nikkei restaurant blending Japanese technique with Peruvian flavour: refined sushi, sashimi, ceviches and creative cocktails in a stylish setting, often with live music, a DJ or a show.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @nikurestaurante
La Vitrola
Cuban-inspired rhythms with Caribbean soul: vibrant Cuban-Latin cuisine, live music every night and an electric atmosphere in the heart of the historic district.
Dress code: Gentlemen must wear long trousers; no hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @lavitrolacartagena
Ana
Caribbean and Asian flavours in a creative atmosphere with live shows and music — one of the most memorable dining experiences in the historic center.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @anarestaurantectg
Lobo de Mar
Ocean-inspired ingredients and land-crafted flavours in a vibrant, sharing-style dining experience, with inventive cocktails and live music in the old town.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @lobodemarcartagena
Manglar
Open-flame cooking and coastal Colombian flavours, paired with crafted cocktails and a tropical ambience with live music or a DJ.
Dress code: No dress code. · Instagram: @manglar.ctg
Rooftop dining with views
Dinner above the rooftops of the Walled City, ideally timed with the sunset.
Viva la Vida
A trendy rooftop with elevated sushi, craft cocktails, live DJs and panoramic views of the bay, the Clock Tower and the Walled City. Japanese cuisine with Colombian influences and sunset-to-nightlife energy.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @vivalavida.ctg
Apogeo
Mediterranean elegance and Latin passion in a rooftop-style setting in the heart of Cartagena: refined cuisine, creative cocktails and panoramic views.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @apogeorestaurante
Mediterranean and steakhouses
For when the group wants something different from Caribbean cuisine.
Máximo
Bold Mediterranean flavours where truffle and pistachio take centre stage — from the crusted tuna and truffled beef to the pistachio profiteroles.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @maximo.mediterraneo
Roman
Mediterranean and Greek flavours with Caribbean inspiration. Ideal for sharing and discovering bold tastes in an elegant, relaxed setting.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @romanrestaurante
La Cabrera
A popular Argentine steakhouse in the historic center, known for its high-quality cuts, generous portions and wine selection.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @lacabrera.cartagena
Quebracho
An Argentine-style grill (parrilla) in the historic center, centred on premium cuts cooked over the fire.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @quebrachoparrilla
Authentic local flavour
Traditional Caribbean cooking and relaxed bistros, many of them in Getsemaní.
Candé
A 100% cartagenera culinary experience: fresh seafood, traditional soups and local meats, served in a vibrant atmosphere with live music and folkloric dance.
Dress code: No hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear. · Instagram: @canderestaurante
Salón Tropical
A vibrant Getsemaní spot serving fresh, locally sourced Caribbean flavours in a lively tropical setting with live music — Cartagena's true gastronomic spirit.
Dress code: No dress code. · Instagram: @salon_tropical_
Mar de las Antillas
Over 30 years of culinary tradition in Getsemaní, capturing the essence of Cartagena's Caribbean culture. Try the seafood casserole, fried fish, ceviches and traditional rice dishes.
Dress code: No dress code. · Instagram: @mardelasantillasctg
Sambal
A Caribbean-inspired bistro with creative local flavours and elevated coastal dishes, perfect for a relaxed, flavourful meal in lively Getsemaní.
Dress code: Casual chic: stylish but relaxed. · Instagram: @sambal_bistro
Casual
A relaxed, modern local bistro in Getsemaní offering fresh, creative cuisine, signature cocktails and a laid-back yet stylish dining experience.
Dress code: No dress code. · Instagram: @casual_bistro_local
Tips for dining out in Cartagena
- Book ahead: a few days for most restaurants, and several weeks for Celele or for groups in high season.
- Check the dress code: many places do not allow hats, flip-flops, tank tops or sportswear.
- Plan the order of the night: dinner at 7:30–8:00 p.m., then a rooftop or club. See our guide to rooftops, bars and clubs.
- Large groups: some restaurants have private rooms or fixed menus; we can arrange them for you.
- Night at home: a private chef at the villa is the best alternative for a relaxed group dinner.
Our concierge handles reservations at all these restaurants, including the hardest tables to get. Send us your dates and preferences before you arrive.
