Coctelería y Cevichería erika
Peruvian restaurant
Must try: Shrimp cocktail
DIY Food Tours: Ceviche in Cartagena is a vibrant and flavourful celebration of the city’s coastal bounty. Unlike the classic Peruvian ceviche with raw fish marinated in citrus, Cartagena’s version takes a delightful twist, featuring primarily cooked seafood bathed in a tangy and creamy sauce.
How to portion: A small order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: Cl. 32 #8-22, La Matuna, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Thursday 8 AM–12 AM
Friday 8 AM–12 AM
Saturday 8 AM–12 AM
Sunday 8 AM–12 AM
Monday 8 AM–12 AM
Tuesday 8 AM–12 AM
Wednesday 8 AM–12 AM
Website: NA
Instagram: @cocteleriaerika
Restaurante Donde Magola
Caribbean restaurant
Must try: Arepa de huevo Tradicional (con carne)
DIY Food Tours: There isn’t a specific type of arepa unique to Cartagena, Colombia. However, arepas are a staple food throughout Colombia, and Cartagena offers its own take on them, influenced by the region’s ingredients and flavors. Here’s what you can expect:
Like arepas throughout Colombia, the base for Cartagena’s arepas is typically made from ground white or yellow cornmeal (masa). The masa is mixed with water and a touch of salt, then formed into flat, round patties.
Cartagena’s arepas might be cooked on a griddle (asado), fried (frito), or even baked (horneado). Griddling or baking results in a drier texture, while frying creates a softer and slightly oily arepa.
Due to Cartagena’s coastal location, you might find arepas filled with shredded fish, cooked shrimp, or even lobster salad. Queso costeño, a white cheese from Colombia’s Atlantic coast, is a popular filling for arepas in Cartagena. It offers a salty and slightly tangy flavor that complements the corn perfectly.
Arepas can also be enjoyed as a sweet snack. Look for versions filled with guava paste, caramel, or Colombian bocadillo (a thick guava jelly paste).
How to portion: Eight pieces can provide 8 tastings
Address: San Diego Cll Portobello #10-94 Centro, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 8 AM–10 PM
Tuesday 8 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 8 AM–10 PM
Thursday 8 AM–10 PM
Friday 8 AM–10 PM
Saturday 8 AM–10 PM
Sunday Closed
Website: NA
Instagram: @dondemagolactg
Must try: Florentine Salad (Buffalo mozzarella, variety of organic lettuce, dried and fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, pesto, avocado, black olives, balsamic vinegar and olive oil)
DIY Food Tours: While crêpes and waffles are their specialty, the menu at Crêpes & Waffles offers a surprising variety of options. You can find savoury crêpes and waffles filled with ingredients like chicken, beef, vegetables, and cheese.
Of course, crêpes and waffles are the stars of the show. Choose from a wide variety of sweet fillings like chocolate, fruit syrups, whipped cream, and even ice cream. You can also customize your creation with additional toppings.
Pair your crêpes or waffles with a refreshing beverage like coffee, tea, fresh juices, or Colombian hot chocolate. They might even offer local specialities like chicha (a fermented drink made from corn).
How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: Pl. de San Pedro Claver #4 #31-24, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 12–10 PM
Tuesday 12–10 PM
Wednesday 12–10 PM
Thursday 12–10 PM
Friday 12–11 PM
Saturday 12–11 PM
Sunday 8:30 AM–10 PM
Website: https://crepesywaffles.com/
Instagram: @crepesywaffles
Sierpe Caribe Fusión
Caribbean restaurant
Must try: Pescado Sudado/ Steamed Fish (Boneless fish steamed in its juices, served with creamy pumpkin rice and minced tomato and onion)
DIY Food Tours: Sierpe Caribe Fusión is a restaurant in Cartagena, Colombia, that offers a unique fusion of Caribbean and Colombian cuisine. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city’s historic center, in a beautifully restored colonial building.
The menu at Sierpe Caribe Fusión features a wide variety of dishes, all of which are prepared with fresh, local ingredients. Some of the most popular dishes include the ceviche, the grilled fish, and the ropa vieja. The restaurant also has a wide selection of cocktails and wines, which are perfect for pairing with the food.
The atmosphere at Sierpe Caribe Fusión is elegant and inviting. The dining room is decorated in a traditional Colombian style, with white walls, dark wood furniture, and colorful artwork. The restaurant also has a beautiful outdoor patio, which is perfect for dining al fresco.
How to portion: One omelette can provide 2 to 5 tastings
Address: Cl. de la Sierpe # 29 -09, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 12:30–3 PM, 6–10 PM
Tuesday 12:30–3 PM, 6–10 PM
Wednesday 12:30–3 PM, 6–10 PM
Thursday 12:30–3 PM, 6–10 PM
Friday 12:30–11 PM
Saturday 12:30–11 PM
Sunday 12:30–11 PM
Website: https://sierpe-caribe-fussion.cluvi.co/
Instagram: @sierpecaribe
Restaurante Robert
Takoyaki restaurant
Must try: Carne a la Criolla
DIY Food Tours: Bistec (carne) a la Criolla features thinly sliced steak, typically flank steak or skirt steak, marinated in a flavourful blend of spices and aromatics.
The marinade usually includes ingredients like onions, garlic, cumin, oregano, achiote (annatto seeds for a reddish hue), and possibly some citrus juices or vinegar. This infuses the meat with savory and slightly tangy flavors.
After being cooked, the steak is bathed in a delicious sauce that forms the heart of Bistec a la Criolla. This sauce is typically made with the leftover marinade, deglazed with a bit of broth or wine, and simmered to concentrate the flavors.
Flavor Variations: The sauce can vary slightly depending on the recipe or restaurant. Some versions might incorporate chopped tomatoes, peppers, or even a touch of Worcestershire sauce for added depth.
Bistec a la Criolla is traditionally served with a trio of Colombian staples: white rice, beans (usually black beans or red beans), and fried plantains. Fried plantains, known as patacones, add a delightful textural contrast – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors of the dish.
How to portion: An order can provide 4 tastings
Address: Cl. 36 #484 4- a, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 12–9 PM
Tuesday 12–9 PM
Wednesday 12–9 PM
Thursday 12–9 PM
Friday 12–9 PM
Saturday 12–9 PM
Sunday 12–9 PM
Website: NA
Instagram: NA
Restaurante Kazabe
Jamaican restaurant
Must try: Cazuela de Marisco (fish and seafood soup, with shrimp, squid and mussels, flavoured with coconut oil and accompanied by rice or banana patacones)
DIY Food Tours: Restaurante Kazabe in Cartagena promises a delightful culinary adventure, transporting you to the heart of Colombian flavors with a modern twist.
The restaurant takes its name, Kazabe (cassava root), and its culinary inspiration from the Bolívar department, where Cartagena is located. The menu highlights the region’s unique ingredients and traditional dishes. Kazabe prioritizes fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local mountains, rivers, and the Caribbean Sea. This dedication to local produce ensures vibrant flavors and supports sustainable practices.
While Kazabe honors traditional recipes, they reinterpret them with a modern touch. Expect innovative presentations and plating alongside familiar Colombian flavors. The menu might incorporate subtle influences from the Greater Caribbean region, adding another layer of complexity and intrigue to the dining experience.
How to portion: One order can provide up to 5 tastings
Address: Cra. 2 #6 -195, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 12–9 PM
Tuesday 12–9 PM
Wednesday 12–9 PM
Thursday 12–9 PM
Friday 12–9 PM
Saturday 12–9 PM
Sunday Closed
Website: https://www.restaurantekazabe.com/
Instagram: @restaurantekazabe
Restaurante Coroncoro
Caribbean restaurant
Must try: Pescado Frito (Fried Fish)
DIY Food Tours: This restaurant specializes in seafood and dishes from the Colombian Caribbean region, reflecting the significance of Cartagena’s coastal location. It is a casual or semi-casual eatery catering to mostly locals and very few tourists. Imagine an open and inviting atmosphere, with a touch of Caribbean flair in its decor. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including different preparations (fried, grilled, stewed) of fish, and shellfish and other local delicacies.
How to portion: One order can provide up to 4 tastings
Address: Cra. 10 #31-22, Getsemaní, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Monday 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Tuesday 7:3 a.m.–9 p.m.
Wednesday 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Thursday 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.
Website: NA
Instagram: @restaurantecoroncoro
La Mulata
Caribbean restaurant
Must try: Ceviche de Pescado
How to portion: On order can provide up to 3 tastings
DIY Food Tours: Ceviche, a vibrant dish with a captivating history, is a cornerstone of Latin American cuisine. This seemingly simple dish, featuring raw seafood cured in citrus juices, offers an explosion of flavors and textures. Ceviche’s journey, however, extends beyond its deliciousness, reflecting the cultural exchange and resourcefulness that shaped Latin America.
The origins of ceviche remain shrouded in some mystery, with various cultures claiming its invention. Inca legends speak of a dish similar to ceviche prepared with a fermented corn beverage called chicha, while some credit coastal tribes in present-day Ecuador and Peru with its creation. Regardless of its exact origin, the core principle of ceviche – using citrus to “cook” seafood – was a resourceful adaptation to the lack of readily available fire for cooking at sea or on hot, coastal regions.
The heart of ceviche lies in the “curacion” (curing) process. Freshly caught seafood, typically fish, shellfish, or a combination, is marinated in acidic juices like lime, lemon, or aji limo (yellow chiles). The acidity “cooks” the seafood, altering its protein structure and imparting a bright, citrusy flavor. This process requires careful control, as over-marination can lead to a rubbery texture.
Address: Cl. del Quero #9 58, Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Hours: Saturday 11:30 AM–10 PM
Sunday 9 AM–5 PM
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:30 AM–10 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM–10 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM–10 PM
Friday 11:30 AM–10 PM
Website: https://restaurantelamulata.com.co
Instagram: @restaurantelamulata