Where To Eat In Cartagena, Colombia (Healthy + Vegan)
Cartagena de Indias is a delightful, charming city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It’s the perfect mix of beach and historical city destination with a fusion of Afro-Caribbean and Colombia culture. Explore the streets in the early morning, hit the beach in the afternoon and be back for dinner. Where to eat in Cartagena? is a very serious question. Restaurants in Cartagena cater for every budget and taste and if you’re really craving to try something new, you’ll fall in love with the food scene here.
Cartagena and its surrounding islands can be crowded and touristy and this is also where Colombia’s rich come to play, making it one of the most expensive places in Colombia. It still is a lot cheaper than Europe or North America however if you have been travelling around Colombia for a while you might get taken aback by the prices.
If you know where to go though, Cartagena doesn’t have to break the bank. Here’s a list of places, mainly healthy but fast options that will keep you full on the cheap. All these places have meat options as well as significant plant-based options too.
NOVO KEBAB GRILL
While not Colombian fare, this was my favourite out of all the places where you can eat in Cartagena. This is the place to go to satisfy your middle-eastern flavour cravings. Choice of fillings includes pork gyro, chicken or falafel topped with your choice of hot or cold toppings and sauces in either a box or wrapped in a pita. Sides include fries and hummus with pita. The menu is simple but they really do deliver in taste. I got the falafel pitta with cold toppings, tahini, harissa and garlic sauce. It was outstanding. The falafel was fried to crunchy perfection, the green harissa sauce delivered some spice and the whole wrap was just so well balanced.
All kebab options are $19,000 COP ($6)
Where: Calle 39 #9-136 | Carrera 10, Cartagena,
PEZETARIAN
This little eatery specialises in simple, fresh and healthy food. Their colourful menu contains only fish, seafood and vegan dishes. Come here for a range of vibrant rice bowls, salads, sushi and more. What’s great about this place is their breakfast menu filled with eggs, pancakes and açai bowls. There is something here for everyone.
Prices are between 13-26,000 COP ($4-8)
Where: Carrera 7 # 36-19 | Calle Segunda de Badillo, Cartagena
GOKELA
Where to eat in Cartagena for quick bites on the go? Gokela. If you want healthy food without the wait, this is the place to go. Gokela offers a range of fillings in the choice of a wrap/sandwich, a salad, burrito/bowl or on a pizza. I went for the vegetarian salad (without the cheese) and while not the most flavoursome salad I’ve ever had it proved to be a good option. The dish contained a tasty variety of ingredients, all of them fresh. They also have a spectacular array of cold, freshly squeezed, raw juices which are heaven after a few hours of sightseeing.
Prices are between 12-28,000 COP ($4-8.50)
Where: Calle de la Inquisicion. Carrera 3 # 33-08 Entre la San Martin y la Cra 3, Cartagena 130002 Colombia
EL GRAMO CEVICHERIA EXPRESS
Ceviche is the perfect food for Cartagena. It’s cold and light and uses fresh local ingredients. If you’re a fish eater, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from at this highly-rated eatery. They do have a veggie ceviche too which was spectacular. The dish had the perfect balance of fresh lemon juice to seasoning- such a refreshing change on the tastebuds.
Prices are between 11-22,000 COP ($3-8)
Where: Calle de la Media Luna Nro 10 66 Street of the Half Moon, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
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MAR Y HOJAS COCINA VEGANA
This is the only exclusively vegan places in Cartagena and you’ll find this really atmospheric restaurant inside a hostel/yoga studio. Take a seat on one of the balconies and watch the people flow by below. The staff here are lovely and so is the food. I’d recommend the menu del dia, which changes day to day but is based around a typical Colombian lunch of rice, a protein and salad/veggies. Definitely come early as they only cook a certain amount each day and when it’s gone, it’s gone.
Prices from $15,000 for menu del dia – $26,000 COP
Where: Calle de la Media Luna Nro 10 66 Street of the Half Moon, Cartagena 130001 Colombia
GIRASOLES RESTAURANTE VEGETARIANO
This vegetarian restaurant provides you with hearty food throughout the day including breakfast. Tofu Scramble anyone? The thing to order here is the menu del dia which for $13,000 COP, you’ll get a soup, main dish and a juice. Food is based on Colombian classics and it’s really delicious home-cooked food. Some dishes do contain egg, however, so if you are vegan make sure to ask before ordering. I’d recommend coming here when really starving as the portions are pretty big and filling. Price: $13,000 COP for the menu del dia.
Price: $13,000 COP for the menu del dia.
Where: Calle de Los Puntales # 37-01, Cartagena Colombia
Cartagena is full of delicious eating options from cheap wraps to luxurious candle-lit 5-course tasting menus. What I love about Cartagena is its variety of cuisines available- you can eat Colombian food for lunch and Indian for dinner, a really welcomed change if you’ve been travelling South America for a while.
Do you have any questions about where to eat in Cartagena? Comment below and let me know.
Related posts you might like:
The 10 Best things to do in Cartagena, Colombia
The Best Beaches in Colombia (on the Caribbean Coast)
12 Best Places To Visit in Colombia You Don’t Want To Miss
The Essential Guide to Tayrona National Park, Colombia
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