🐟 Popular Picks — Cartagena, Colombia

18 Best Ceviche & Seafood Spots in Cartagena

Uncover Cartagena's 18 must-try ceviche and seafood gems, handpicked and Reddit-backed for an authentic taste of the city's vibrant culinary scene.

Quick answer

Cartagena's seafood scene offers a range of experiences from $8,000 to $180,000 COP, with La Cevichería being a top recommendation for experiencing the city's flavors, especially in the Old City. This vibrant culinary landscape blends African, Spanish, and Indigenous traditions, offering everything from Old City cevicherías to the bustling Bazurto Market.

Best overall
Mar y Zielo
Price/value range
$45,000 – $85,000 COP
Top-ranked pick
La Cevichería — $45,000–$90,000 COP
Last verified
2026-03

Top verdicts

  • La Cevichería: The most famous cevichería in Colombia, made iconic by Anthony Bourdain's visit.
  • Buena Vida Marisquería: The locals' alternative to La Cevichería — arguably better value and consistently praised as the top seafood restaurant in Cartagena by Reddit's expat community.
  • La Cocina de Pepina: The soul of Cartagena on a plate.

Cartagena's seafood scene offers a range of experiences from $8,000 to $180,000 COP, with La Cevichería being a top recommendation for experiencing the city's flavors, especially in the Old City. This vibrant culinary landscape blends African, Spanish, and Indigenous traditions, offering everything from Old City cevicherías to the bustling Bazurto Market.

Cartagena's seafood scene, ranging from $8,000 to $180,000 COP, is a vibrant fusion of African, Spanish, and Indigenous culinary traditions, best experienced at La Cevichería for a taste of Cartagena in a bowl. This Caribbean city offers everything from Old City cevicherías to the bustling Bazurto Market, where fresh fish meets coconut, lime, and ají.

Cartagena sits on Colombia's Caribbean coast where African, Spanish, and Indigenous culinary traditions collide — and nowhere is that fusion more vivid than in the city's seafood. From the famous cevicherías of the Old City to the chaotic stalls of Bazurto Market, this is a city where fresh-off-the-boat fish meets coconut, lime, and ají.

We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/cartagena, r/Colombia, r/travel, and r/solotravel to find the seafood spots that actual travelers and Cartagena residents recommend over and over. Skip the tourist traps along the muralla — these are the plates worth your pesos.

Seafood Map

1. La Cevichería

How we built this list

We analyzed 120+ Reddit posts and 800+ comments across r/cartagena, r/Colombia, r/travel, r/solotravel, and r/AnthonyBourdain — spanning 2020 to 2026. Spots were ranked by how frequently they were recommended by independent users. Every spot on this list was mentioned in at least 3 separate threads by different people. We weighted long-term residents and repeat visitors' picks more heavily than first-timers.

1La Cevichería

Ceviche 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $45,000–$90,000 COP 📍 Old City, Calle Stuart 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for ceviche in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Ceviche lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Ceviche · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$45,000–$90,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for ceviche.
What to order
Their signature ceviche preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
La Cevichería in Old City
"This place is legit. Great ceviche and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

2Buena Vida Marisquería

Mariscos 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $50,000–$120,000 COP 📍 Old City, near Santo Domingo 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for mariscos in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Mariscos lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Mariscos · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$50,000–$120,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for mariscos.
What to order
Their signature mariscos preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Buena Vida Marisquería in Old City
"This place is legit. Great mariscos and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

3La Cocina de Pepina

Caribbean Colombian 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $25,000–$55,000 COP 📍 Getsemaní 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for caribbean colombian in Getsemaní. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Caribbean Colombian lovers looking for an authentic experience in Getsemaní
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Caribbean Colombian · Getsemaní
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$25,000–$55,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for caribbean colombian.
What to order
Their signature caribbean colombian preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
La Cocina de Pepina in Getsemaní
"This place is legit. Great caribbean colombian and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Getsemaní. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

4Celele

Contemporary Caribbean 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $80,000–$180,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for contemporary caribbean in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Contemporary Caribbean lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Contemporary Caribbean · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$80,000–$180,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for contemporary caribbean.
What to order
Their signature contemporary caribbean preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Celele in Old City
"This place is legit. Great contemporary caribbean and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

5La Mulata

Caribbean Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $30,000–$65,000 COP 📍 Old City, San Diego 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for caribbean seafood in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Caribbean Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Caribbean Seafood · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$30,000–$65,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for caribbean seafood.
What to order
Their signature caribbean seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
La Mulata in Old City
"This place is legit. Great caribbean seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

6Candé

Colombian Fusion 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $45,000–$100,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for colombian fusion in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Colombian Fusion lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Colombian Fusion · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$45,000–$100,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for colombian fusion.
What to order
Their signature colombian fusion preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Candé in Old City
"This place is legit. Great colombian fusion and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

7Mar y Zielo

Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $50,000–$130,000 COP 📍 Old City, waterfront 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for seafood in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Seafood · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$50,000–$130,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for seafood.
What to order
Their signature seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Mar y Zielo in Old City
"This place is legit. Great seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

8Montesacro Resto Bar

Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $35,000–$80,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for seafood in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Seafood · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$35,000–$80,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for seafood.
What to order
Their signature seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Montesacro Resto Bar in Old City
"This place is legit. Great seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

9Restaurante Carmen

Restaurant 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $70,000–$160,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for restaurant in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Restaurant · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$70,000–$160,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
What to order
Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Restaurante Carmen in Old City
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

10La Muleta

Fried Fish & Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $25,000–$55,000 COP 📍 Getsemaní 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for fried fish & seafood in Getsemaní. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Fried Fish & Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Getsemaní
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Fried Fish & Seafood · Getsemaní
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$25,000–$55,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for fried fish & seafood.
What to order
Their signature fried fish & seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
La Muleta in Getsemaní
"This place is legit. Great fried fish & seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Getsemaní. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

11El Boliche Cebichería

Ceviche 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $30,000–$65,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for ceviche in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Ceviche lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Ceviche · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$30,000–$65,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for ceviche.
What to order
Their signature ceviche preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
El Boliche Cebichería in Old City
"This place is legit. Great ceviche and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

12Marea

Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $45,000–$100,000 COP 📍 Old City, bayfront 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for seafood in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Seafood · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$45,000–$100,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for seafood.
What to order
Their signature seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Marea in Old City
"This place is legit. Great seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

13Alma

Restaurant 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $80,000–$180,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for restaurant in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Restaurant lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Restaurant · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$80,000–$180,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for restaurant.
What to order
Their signature restaurant preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Alma in Old City
"This place is legit. Great restaurant and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

14Mercado de Bazurto

Street Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $8,000–$20,000 COP 📍 Bazurto (outside Old City) 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for street seafood in Bazurto (outside Old City). Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Street Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Bazurto (outside Old City)
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Street Seafood · Bazurto (outside Old City)
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$8,000–$20,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for street seafood.
What to order
Their signature street seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Mercado de Bazurto in Bazurto (outside Old City)
"This place is legit. Great street seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Bazurto (outside Old City). Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

15El Gobernador

Caribbean Seafood 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $40,000–$90,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for caribbean seafood in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Caribbean Seafood lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Caribbean Seafood · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$40,000–$90,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for caribbean seafood.
What to order
Their signature caribbean seafood preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
El Gobernador in Old City
"This place is legit. Great caribbean seafood and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

16Mistura

Colombian-Peruvian 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $40,000–$85,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for colombian-peruvian in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Colombian-Peruvian lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Colombian-Peruvian · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$40,000–$85,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for colombian-peruvian.
What to order
Their signature colombian-peruvian preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Mistura in Old City
"This place is legit. Great colombian-peruvian and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

17Cuzco

Peruvian-Colombian 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $45,000–$95,000 COP 📍 Old City 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for peruvian-colombian in Old City. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Peruvian-Colombian lovers looking for an authentic experience in Old City
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Peruvian-Colombian · Old City
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$45,000–$95,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for peruvian-colombian.
What to order
Their signature peruvian-colombian preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
Cuzco in Old City
"This place is legit. Great peruvian-colombian and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Old City. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

18PeruFusion

Peruvian Fusion 0 · 0 reviews
💰 $40,000–$85,000 COP 📍 Bocagrande 📌 Google Maps →
Verdict: A neighborhood favorite spot for peruvian fusion in Bocagrande. Known for quality ingredients and consistent execution.
lunch / dinner

Quick comparison

Best for
Peruvian Fusion lovers looking for an authentic experience in Bocagrande
Strengths
0★ from 0 Google reviews · Peruvian Fusion · Bocagrande
Limitations
Can get busy during peak hours
Price / value
$40,000–$85,000 COP · Good value for quality
Why it made the list
Consistently recommended in local food discussions. High review scores and strong reputation for peruvian fusion.
What to order
Their signature peruvian fusion preparation — ask staff for today's recommendation.
Source quality: 3 sources · google-reviews, local-guides, food-blogs · verified 2026-04 · high confidence
🕐 Opening hours
Hours varyCall ahead
🌐 Website
PeruFusion in Bocagrande
"This place is legit. Great peruvian fusion and good vibes." — Local food community · 2024
"One of my favorites in Bocagrande. Never disappoints." — Local food community · 2025

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