Here is a curated list of restaurants Casa Baloco recommends in Cartagena’s Old City and nearby neighborhoods for visitors seeking excellent food, attentive service, and a memorable dining experience,. These are places we have personally enjoyed over the years and continue to recommend to guests. In most cases, reservations are strongly advised.

Restaurante Donjuán. An intimate and beautifully designed restaurant in the heart of the Old City, Donjuán focuses on fresh local seafood and refined international-inspired cuisine. Founded by Chef Juan Felipe Camacho, its decor and service aim for sophistication without feeling overly formal.

La Vitrola. A classic local and Caribbean food restaurant, great for seafood. Offers live music and is one of the most iconic restaurants in town. La Vitrola offers a richly atmospheric setting that feels like stepping back into mid-20th-century Havana. It’s conveniently located two houses from Casa Baloco at Calle de Baloco 3-66. +57 (605) 664-8243.

Harry’s Restaurant. A gourmet restaurant located in the lobby of the Santa Teresa Hotel. Food is great and you can’t go wrong with Harry, one of Colombia’s best-known chefs. Located about three blocks from Casa Baloco on Carrera 3 No. 31-19. +57 6056501015.

Juan del Mar. A Caribbean-seafood-forward restaurant located in historic Plaza de San Diego and operated by a well-known Cartagena chef. Located in a beautifully restored colonial house with an eclectic interior and lively energy, often enhanced by music in the plaza. Offer sitting both indoors and outdoors.

La Única. Really good, well-decorated Mexican restaurant in the San Diego neighborhood. Offers live music Wednesday through Saturday. Calle Cochera del Hobo #38-47. +57 (317) 440-5086 - +57 (318) 334-9532.

Candé. Located in a beautiful colonial house in the San Diego neighborhood, it offers local Cartagena food (seafood, meat) and lots of entertainment (Cuban musicians and Colombian dancers). Great to a get a taste of local culture but a bit touristy. Calle de la Serrezuela, Cra. 10 #39-02. +57 605 668 5291 - +57 (311) 697 8835.

Other restaurants our Cartagena friends brag talk about include: Restaurante 1621 (fancy international), Club de Pesca (seafood/international), Alma Restaurante (Caribbean cuisine), Pascal, Agua de León, El Gobernador (gourmet), San Pedro (seafood/local), Oh Lala Bistrot (French), D’res (Stake house), Gran Inka (Peruvian), Wippy (Italian), Doña Lola (Caribbean), Cocina de Pepina (local), Celele (local gourmet), Soloio Bistro (Mediterranean).

MORE CASUAL RESTAURANTS

Crepes & Waffles. A well-known Colombian restaurant chain where you can get an amazing variety of crepes and waffles, including delicious desserts. It’s ideal for a casual, inexpensive lunch or dinner. Located about five blocks from Casa Baloco in Calle San Pedro Claver / Calle de la Amargura. Just show up, they don’t take reservations. +57 (605) 660-4291.

H{}ME. A newcomer in town, ideal for a tasty burger (meat, chicken, vegan and NotBurger) in a clean, nice-looking location. Located in La Zerrezuela shopping mall in the San Diego neighborhood.

Di Silvio Trattoria, If you just want a good pizza, head over to this pizzeria in the up-and-coming Getsemaní neighborhood (about a 10-minute cab drive). Cl. 29 #9 - 72, Getsemaní. Phone: +57 317 6592329

Updated June 2026