Cartagena features a rich fusion cuisine, combining ingredients and methods of the New and Old worlds, as well as of the original African, Arabian and other legacies of its inhabitants. Eating set menu lunches and dinners in local restaurants costs around COP$4,000 pesos ($2). A typical dish consists of fried fish (if you are by the beach), chicken or meat, served with coconut rice (arroz de coco), fried plantains (patacones) and salad. There are many places that sell $1 fruit juices. Colombia boasts a very good range of exotic fruits that can be mixed with water or milk.
Club de Pesca
There are also several around the smaller but more intimate San Diego Plaza next to the Santa Clara hotel and include:
La Cevicheria
Food
In the old town, dozens of good restaurants can be found dotted around the streets. They are particularly concentrated close to the Plaza Santo Domingo in El Centro, such as:
Great seafood and great atmosphere. Located in Manga with view to the bay and marinas of Cartagena.
El Bistro
Excellent European Kitchen, German Bakery, reasonabel prices.
A great selection of hot and cold ceviches, around USD$8 a dish.
La Vitrola
Considered the best restaurant in town. Cuban ambience, good food - high prices. It is located Calle Baloco on the corner front to the historical walls.
Quebracho
Argentinian restaurant at its best. Goood meat, good ambiance. Dishes around 18 USD. It is located Calle Baloco.
Crepes & Waffles
Very nice Colombian franchise restaurant which offers very good dishes to excellent prices (dishes around 5 USD). It is located Calle Baloco
Cafe El Santisimo
One of the must see restaurants of Cartagena. Dishes around 16 USD.
Restaurante Casa Suiza
Great food at a great price. The swiss trained chef offers a daily lunch menu starting at US$4 including a fresh fruit juice, soup, mixed salad, main dish, and coffee. All meals are made from scratch. Even the bread and pasta are made in house. Pastry and pie dishes are also available. Check out the breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu on their website. $4 and up.
Sol de la India
Excellent Vegetarian Indian food in the old town. For lunch they offer an all-inclusive (also drinks) buffet for 15,000 pesos that varies every day. They also offer yoga classes (around US$8) and massages. Supernice and enthusiastic restaurant owners.
