Mark's recommendations
Where we actually eat.
Mark has lived in Cartagena for over a decade and these are the rooms we send our own guests to. Reservations at any of them go through us. Tell us which night, which group, which mood.
Fine dining
Fine dining.
Maria
Old City · $$$★ 4.1521 Google reviews189Sister restaurant of Don Juan. Seafood-forward with a chef (Alejandro) who delivers flavour combinations few in the city can match. Reservations recommended.
PICKS: Pulpo a la Parrilla · Tataki de Res · Lobster Ravioli · Red Snapper
ADDRCalle del Colegio # 34 - 60, Cartagena 130005 Colombia
HOURSMon-Fri 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sat 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sun closed
Don Juan
Old City · $$$★ 4.31,178 Google reviews146One of the most popular restaurants in Cartagena for the last decade. A genuine culinary experience worth a reservation.
PICKS: Beef Wellington · Crab Claws · Mushroom Ravioli · Tuna Tartare
ADDRAv CARLOS ESCALLON CRA 8 34 01 Centro Histórico, Cartagena 130004 Colombia
HOURSMon-Fri 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Sat 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM; Sun closed
La Vitrola
Old City · $$$★ 4.91,702 Google reviews172The most famous and historic restaurant in Cartagena. Live music from 9pm. The room where the president of Panama eats two tables over. Reservations required.
PICKS: Octopus Ceviche · Tuna Carpaccio · Grouper Filet · Camarones con Plátanos
ADDRCentro, Calle de Baloco # 2-01, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Carmen
Old City · $$$★ 4.53,576 Google reviews111Asian fusion inside the Ananda Boutique Hotel. Chic atmosphere; creative dishes that consistently land.
PICKS: Pork Banh Mi · The Beach · Tacos Caribe · Pargo Platero
ADDRCalle 38 # 8-19 Calle del Santisimo, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM; Tue closed; Wed-Thu 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM; Fri 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM; Sat 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:30 PM; Sun 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Candè
Old City · $$$★ 4.64,573 Google reviews72The best Cartagenero cuisine in town, in an elegant space on a quiet Old City street. Local food with local flare.
PICKS: Appetizer Sampler · Posta Cartagena · Crab Rice
ADDRBarrio San Diego, Cra 10 No 39-02 Centro Histórico, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Wed 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Thu-Sat 7:00 AM - 11:30 PM; Sun 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Vera
Old City · $$$★ 4.1663 Google reviews188Modern Italian inside Tcherassi boutique hotel. Always packed; reserve a week ahead in high season.
PICKS: Burrata · Asparagus with goat cheese and prosciutto · Linguini bolognese
ADDRDel Sargento Mayor 6-21 Centro Histórico, barrio San Diego, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 12:30 AM - 11:00 PM
Quebracho
Old City · $$$★ 4.31,306 Google reviews147Upscale Argentine steakhouse. Strong wine list, efficient service for larger parties.
PICKS: Bife Chorizo · NY Strip · Fried Provolone
ADDRCalle 2 69a Centro Historico Amurallado, Cartagena 130012 Colombia
HOURSMon-Thu 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM; Fri-Sun 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Boka
Bocagrande · $$$★ 4.4343 Google reviews171The only fine-dining option worth booking in Bocagrande. Modern décor, creative cocktails, food that holds up.
PICKS: Burrata · Eggplant Carpaccio · Coconut-battered Calamari
ADDRCalle 6 3 52 Local 1, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sat 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM; Sun 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Casual dining
Casual.
Harry Sasson
Old City · $$$★ 4.9546 Google reviews201In the Charleston Santa Theresa Hotel courtyard. International menu, half-bottle wine options, gourmet bread basket on every table.
PICKS: Steak Tartare · Crab Ravioli · Greek Salad
ADDRCarrera 3 # 31-23, Cartagena 130002 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun Breakfast | 6:30 AM - 10:30 AM
La Mulata
Old City · $★ 4.44,110 Google reviews122Lunch icon. Every meal starts with a fish soup. Now open for dinner. Expect a 5–10 minute wait at peak.
PICKS: Pechuga Asada · Whole Red Snapper · Limonata de Mango
ADDRCl. del Quero #9 58 In front of Castillo San Felipe Fortress, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon closed; Tue 11:30 AM - 10:30 PM; Wed-Sat 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM; Sun 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
El Boliche Cebicheria
Old City · $$★ 4.4831 Google reviews149Best ceviche in Cartagena. Small, limited menu, no décor to speak of. The food doesn't need it.
PICKS: Tamarind Ceviche · Coconut Ceviche · Crab Empanadas
ADDRCarrera 8# 34- 1 Avenida Carlos Escallon Al lado de la Torre del reloj, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sat 12:30 PM - 11:00 PM; Sun closed
La Brioche
Old City · $★ 4.323 Google reviews383Breakfast. Open early. Eggs, pancakes, French toast — what you actually want when you wake up in Cartagena. Best baked goods in town.
PICKS: Brioche Chips de Chocolate · Cartagena Breakfast · Tinto
ADDRCra. 2 #9-124 local 4, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
La Cevichería
Old City · $$★ 4.24,737 Google reviews126Featured on Anthony Bourdain's No Reservations. Fresh seafood, great atmosphere. Wait at the bar with a mojito.
PICKS: Ceviche sampler · Paella · Fish of the day · Diablo Shrimp
ADDRCalle Stuart 714, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Portón de San Sebastián
Old City · $★ 4.61,812 Google reviews85Off Plaza Santo Domingo. Run by Colombian women; generous portions of home-style cooking.
PICKS: Brochettas de pollo y res · Sea Bass · Seafood Rice
ADDRLocal 1, Calle 35 No. 3-63 Near Plaza Santo Domingo, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
La Diva
Bocagrande · $★ 4.1683 Google reviews186Modern Italian, jungle-style décor. The go-to for an efficient, well-executed Neapolitan pizza.
PICKS: Margarita Pizza · Caprese Salad
ADDRCentro Historico de Cartagena, Calle Ricaurte Edificio Ricaurte # 31 - 38, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Café Lunático
Getsemani · $$★ 4.61,241 Google reviews84Spanish tapas at reasonable prices. Excellent fresh-fruit juices.
PICKS: Pan con tomate · Shrimp with garlic · Homemade Special Arepa
ADDRAv. Pedregal #29-225, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sat 12:30 PM - 8:30 PM; Sun closed
Di Silvio
Getsemani · $$★ 4.41,701 Google reviews151Best pizza near Plaza Trinidad. Open late (until 2am) — rare for this city.
PICKS: Pepperoni Pizza · Mushroom Pizza · Puttanesca Pasta
ADDRGetsemaní Calle 29 # 9A-08 Esquina Calle de la Sierpe con Calle San Juan, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Thu 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM; Fri-Sat 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM; Sun 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Demente
Getsemani · $$★ 4.4854 Google reviews134Tapas, pizza, cocktails on Plaza Trinidad. Outdoor picnic tables built for groups.
PICKS: Shrimp Bruschetta · Meatball Pizza · Pork Secret
ADDRPlaza de la Trinidad, No. 10-19 Getsemani, Cartagena Colombia
HOURSMon-Sun 3:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Oh la la
Getsemani★ 4.4612 Google reviews137French bistro that feels out of place in a good way. The chef is talented; the daily specials never disappoint.
PICKS: Mussels · Sirloin steak with pepper sauce · Penne with Shrimp
ADDRCalle Larga Callejon Vargas Esquina - Getsemani, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Sat 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM; Sun closed
Nightlife
Nightlife.
Café Havana
Getsemani★ 3.9793 Google reviewsSalsa from a live band. No cover before 11pm if you arrive with our concierge. The Buena Vista Social Club room from the documentary.
ADDRGroup Salsa Class in Cartagena, Colombia
HOURSMon closed; Tue-Sun 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Alquímico
Old City★ 4.11,053 Google reviewsThree-floor cocktail bar in a colonial townhouse off Plaza San Diego. Reservations go through us, not OpenTable.
ADDRCalle del Colegio No. 34-24 El Centro, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Wed 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM; Thu-Sat 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM; Sun 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Plaza Trinidad after midnight
GetsemaniThe square the locals actually go to. We tell you which corner has the best pizza and which bar will let your group of eight skip the line.
Bazurto Social Club
Getsemani★ 4.3193 Google reviews218Champeta and tropical Caribbean dance party. Music starts late, peaks at 2am, ends when you do.
ADDRPlaza Santo Domingo Centro Cll 35 - 3 -5, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
HOURSMon-Wed closed; Thu-Sat 8:00 PM - 3:00 AM; Sun closed
Hold a table
We can book any of these.
Carmen, La Cevichería, Alma, Demente, Celele, La Vitrola, Alquímico — the rooms that don't take reservations through OpenTable, we book through our own line. Tell us which night and how many.