Where to Eat and Drink in Cartagena and Medellín (with Bogóta bonuses)

You have already sorted out the why visit Colombia question; now it is time for the planning. For us at Let’s Eat The World, travel for food is not just a job; it is our life’s ambition. So take this post as a way to help you, fellow food travel lover, to prepare your palate for a taste adventure as you discover where to eat and drink in Colombia (in Cartagena and Medellín).

When you travel to Colombia, eating well isn’t an indulgence—it’s a way of understanding the country. Every region has its own flavor, rhythm, and rituals, and sitting down to a meal is one of the fastest ways to tune in. From Caribbean Caribbean seafood to the mountain-grown arepas found in Medellín, what you eat reflects where you are and who you’re with. If you’re still debating between Which Colombian Food City Is Right for You: Cartagena or Medellín, this post may not quite put an end to it, but it will certainly give you many delicious ways you can enjoy both cities (and even Bogota) on your next Colombian escapade.

But even before we dive into the plates themselves, let’s talk about how to enjoy them.

Tips to Blend In When Eating & Drinking in Colombia

• Order a drink first. It’s common practice—servers often take your beverage order and give you time to settle in before ordering food.

• Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. A 10% service charge is often added to your bill, especially in mid- to upscale spots. You can add more in cash if you wish.

• Respect the rhythm. In big cities, lunch can still be a sit-down affair. It’s not always rushed, and many restaurants offer a daily fixed-price menu (menú del día) with a soup, main, juice, and dessert.

• Fresh juice is everywhere. And we mean everywhere. From maracuyá (passionfruit) to lulo or guanábana, the juice menu deserves your full attention.

• Don’t expect blazing heat. Unless you ask for it. Colombians love flavor, but spicy isn’t the default.

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CARTAGENA – Where to Eat & Drink

In this colorful Caribbean city, food is both sensual and grounded. You’ll find coconut milk in everything from rice to fish stews, and there’s no shame in having more than one arepa a day. Cartagena’s food scene balances polished plates with generations-old traditions. Expect fresh seafood, Afro-Caribbean influence, and a lively mix of spices and textures—flavorful rather than fiery. While most dishes aren’t spicy by default, hot sauces are usually on the table if you want to turn up the heat.

Upscale / Creative Dining:

• Alma – Boutique hotel restaurant offering a refined international menu

• Celele Restaurante – Vibrant fusion of Caribbean and international flavors

• Marea – Elegant seafood on a bay-view terrace

Trendy / Local-Favorite Spots:

• La Cevichería – Iconic ceviche spot with a strict no-reservations policy

• Sierpe Cocina Caribe – Casual Caribbean fusion fare with a modern feel

• La Mulata, Coroncoro, Lunático, Quero Arepa, Totopo, Vive Restaurante Bar Colombiano – A mix of trendy hangouts and long-time local favorites for flavorful, relaxed meals

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MEDELLÍN – Where to Eat & Drink

Nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” Medellín’s dining scene mirrors its vibrant, cosmopolitan energy. Whether you’re after an inventive tasting menu or a classic bandeja paisa served with avocado and fried plantain, you’ll find both heart and creativity in every meal. The café culture is strong here, and weekends often start with juice and arepas followed by long lunches with family.

Curious about Colombia’s coffee scene? Our full write-up on Coffee at the Source offers insight into both the growing and the sipping sides of the story.

Upscale / Creative Dining:

• El Cielo Restaurant – Molecular gastronomy in a luxury setting

• Carmen – Refined Asian–Colombian fusion

• TOTEM, OCI Mde – Contemporary Colombian with cool cocktail programs

Trendy / Local-Favorite Spots:

• Hatoviejo – Beloved for bandeja paisa and other Antioquian staples in a friendly setting

• Arepas de Chocolo El Chocolero – Street-stand for sweet corn arepas with a devoted following

• X.O. – Intimate, high-end dining with seasonal Colombian ingredients and thoughtful presentation; known for offering a polished yet approachable tasting menu experience

Spotlight – Hacienda Junín

Situated near Medellín’s Plaza Botero, this restaurant is beloved for its hearty bandeja paisa and classic Antioquian fare.

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BOGOTÁ – Where to Eat & Drink

Colombia’s capital sits high in the Andes, and its food reflects both altitude and attitude. Hearty soups like ajiaco are the perfect antidote to Bogotá’s chillier air, while its markets overflow with produce from every region. Bogotanos love a long lunch, an afternoon coffee (often with a pastry), and a thoughtful approach to dining that’s both refined and deeply traditional.

Upscale / Contemporary Dining:

• Anna & Otto – While best known for wood-fired pizza, this spot also offers modern brunch and bakery items in a warm, airy space

• Sandwich Taller, Baker Gaps – Stylish cafés with a local twist

Traditional / Cultural Stops:

• Paloquemao Market – Extensive local market filled with produce, street food & regional specialties

• La Puerta Falsa – Historic institution for tamales and ajiaco

• La Perseverancia District Market – Known for showcasing Colombian cuisines and dishes like ajiaco and mote de queso. While the market is full of many vendors and wonderful food options, we have our favorites:

  • La Esquina de Mary – Located inside La Perseverancia, Mary and her team are hard at work at this vibrant stand. You may have seen her on Netflix’s “Street Food Latin America” showcasing her show-stopping Pacific coastal cuisine. Be sure to try her rompe colchón (seafood stew in coconut milk), which literally means, “break the bed” ☺️.

  • Tolú – Chef Luz Cogollo has been celebrated both locally and abroad, thanks in part to the Netflix series that featured Mary, as mentioned above. Also inside the market, this is where Luz Cogollo made her mark serving up some of the city’s best mote de queso.

• Casa Mamá Luz – Operated by Luz Cogollo, this spot highlights coastal Colombian dishes and traditional flavors with passion and heritage. Though we have not tried this venue yet, I have no doubt, having met Mary and enjoyed Tolú, that it is just as appetizing.

Signature Dishes to Try:

• Ajiaco – Bogotá-style potato and chicken soup

• Rompe Colchón – High-energy Pacific seafood stew (La Esquina de Mary)

• Mote de Queso – Cheese + yuca soup

• Encocado de Camarones – Coconut shrimp stew

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Whether you’re tasting your way through a traditional market, grabbing a cold beer with a view, or booking that once-in-a-lifetime chef’s table, Colombia is ready to feed your curiosity. For help getting between cities, Getting to Cartagena & Medellín breaks down what you need to know about travel logistics.

To continue the journey beyond the restaurant table, you might want to check out our Colombian Recipes page, where these flavors come to life in your own kitchen.

Looking for more than a list? Join us on a chef-curated culinary tour where we’ll not only introduce you to the flavors, but to the stories and people behind the plates.