Last checked: 25 October 2026 by Lia. Sources: Colombian Caribbean culinary traditions; our research (October 2026). I list dishes, not individual restaurants, because I have not eaten at them. Hero photo: Jdvillalobos, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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What to eat
Coconut, plantain, seafood and fried snacks. That is the coast on a plate. I am listing dishes, not restaurants, because I have not eaten my way through a ranked list I can stand behind.
| Dish | What it is |
|---|---|
| Pescado frito con arroz con coco | Whole fried fish with coconut rice, patacones and salad |
| Arepa de huevo | Fried corn arepa stuffed with egg, sometimes with meat |
| Carimañola | Fried yuca dough filled with meat or cheese |
| Ceviche | Seafood in lime, often with a sweet tomato sauce in Cartagena |
| Posta negra | Beef in a dark, sweet-savoury sauce, a Cartagena classic |
| Dulces | Coconut and tamarind sweets from Plaza de los Coches |
| Fresh juice | Lulo, maracuyá (passion fruit), corozo and more |
Where to eat
- Walled City: the most restaurants, from fine dining to set lunches.
- Getsemaní: casual spots and street food around Plaza de la Trinidad.
- La Boquilla: fried fish by the beach.
- Bazurto market: the city’s big market, best visited with a guide.
Eating cheaply
Look for the “menú del día” or “corrientazo” set lunch, usually soup, a main and a drink.
Frequently asked questions
What food is Cartagena known for?
Fried fish with coconut rice, arepa de huevo and coconut sweets.
Is street food safe in Cartagena?
Generally at busy stalls; use your judgement.
