Understanding the cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia is an essential part for planning a realistic travel budget. The city offers a wide range of dining experiences, from street-side snacks and local lunch counters to stylish rooftop restaurants inside the Walled City. Food in Cartagena, Colombia can be very affordable or surprisingly pricey, depending on where and how you eat, so making smart choices can significantly impact your daily expenses.
Plan your culinary adventures effortlessly with Two Travel. We can help you explore Cartagena’s best dining spots while staying within your budget.
Understanding the Dining Scene and Food Prices in Cartagena
Mid-Range Restaurants and Typical Meal Price
Mid-range restaurants offer a comfortable balance between casual local eateries and upscale dining in Cartagena, Colombia. They are ideal for travelers seeking good service, pleasant ambiance, and authentic local flavors without overspending. Menus typically feature Cartagena Colombia food such as fresh seafood, coconut rice, Caribbean stews, and international fusion dishes.
Many of these restaurants are located in the Walled City and Getsemaní, often in charming courtyards or rooftop settings. Must-visit mid-range restaurants in Cartagena include:
- Manglar: It’s a restaurant with seafood and Caribbean-inspired dishes nearby the city walls.
- La Cevichería: They are famous for fresh ceviche and casual but stylish dining in the historic center.
- Cocina de Pepina: They offer traditional Colombian cuisine in Getsemaní.
- Demente: They are known for tapas, pizzas, and a lively atmosphere on Plaza de la Trinidad
The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cartagena ranges from 45,000 to 65,000 COP per person for a main course, roughly 9 to 14 USD depending on exchange rates.. When including drinks, tax, and a customary service charge (tip), most travelers can expect to pay around 45,000 to 80,000 COP per person for a full meal.
Prices are generally higher in prime tourist zones such as the historic center and rooftop venues. Comparable restaurants in Getsemaní or just outside the walls often provide similar food quality at slightly lower prices.
Let Two Travel guide you to the best mid-range dining experiences in Cartagena. We will ensure you enjoy top flavors without the hassle.
Street Food & Market Meals: What You’ll Pay
Street food is one of the most affordable and authentic ways to experience Cartagena Colombia food. Local vendors offer quick bites on street corners, near beaches, and around popular plazas. The must-try street food offerings in Cartagena include the following:
- Empanadas: 2,000 to 3,000 COP ($0.65 to 0.90)
- Arepas de huevo: 3,000 to 5,000 COP ($0.90 to 1.25)
- Carimañolas and buñuelos: 2,000 to 4,000 COP ($0.65 to 1.00)
- Fresh fruit cups: 3,000 to 6,000 COP ($0.90 to 1.75)
Local markets and small neighborhood eateries, called fondas, also serve menú del día for 10,000 to 15,000 COP ($2.50 to 4). This is a full local lunch plate that includes soup, main dish, rice, beans, salad, and a drink. Three meals a day can cost under $10 USD if you rely on street food and local lunch spots.
To fully taste and enjoy the above street foods at the followin notable street food spots and markets:
- Bazurto Market: It is a bustling local market with fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional snacks.
- Plaza de la Trinidad in Getsemaní: It is a popular for evening street food, arepas, empanadas, and fresh juices.
- Bocagrande beachfront stalls: It is convenient for a quick bite while enjoying the ocean view.
Discover Cartagena like a local by booking a Two Travel guided food tour to taste the city’s best street eats safely and efficiently.
Casual Local Restaurants: Everyday Dining Costs
Casual local restaurants are the backbone of everyday dining in Cartagena, offering a step up from street food while remaining affordable. These sit-down spots provide table service, shade from the heat, and sometimes air conditioning, making meals more comfortable than eating on the street. They typically serve traditional Caribbean Colombian dishes that locals enjoy daily.
Must-try dishes in Cartagena include fried fish with coconut rice, chicken or beef with rice and beans, seafood stews, soups, and simple ceviches, often accompanied by fresh fruit juices or soft drinks. For the best experience, be sure to visit the following popular casual local restaurants:
- La Mulata (Getsemaní): It is Known for hearty Colombian plates like coconut rice with fish, and a friendly, local vibe.
- Restaurante Candé (Walled City): It Offers traditional Caribbean dishes in a cozy, colorful setting.
- D’Carlos (San Diego): It is a family-run restaurant serving generous portions of fried fish, soups, and Caribbean favorites at affordable prices.
The cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia at casual local restaurants usually ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 COP for a main dish, with drinks adding a small extra amount.
For many visitors, this category represents the best everyday value. You can enjoy authentic flavors, reasonable comfort, and manageable daily food costs without feeling restricted by a strict budget. Combining casual local meals with occasional mid-range dining is an ideal strategy for balancing taste, experience, and cost in Cartagena.
Use Two Travel to plan your daily meals in Cartagena and experience authentic cuisine without stress or overspending.
High-End Dining: How Prices Increase
Cartagena, Colombia also offers a growing selection of high-end and tourist-focused restaurants, particularly within the Walled City, San Diego, and along popular rooftops with city or ocean views. These venues often feature chef-driven menus, creative takes on Caribbean and Colombian cuisine, international fusion dishes, and carefully curated cocktail programs.
The setting, ambiance, and service contribute significantly to the dining experience, which is reflected in higher prices. We highly recommend the following popular high-end restaurants include:
- Carmen Cartagena: It offers modern Colombian cuisine with a refined tasting menu and creative seafood dishes.
- Restaurante 1621 (Fine Dining Experience): It is located inside the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara, and known for elegant Caribbean-inspired dishes and luxurious ambiance.
- La Vitrola: It is a historic Walled City restaurant famous for high-quality seafood, traditional flavors, and live music.
- Marea: It features upscale seafood and fusion cuisine with ocean views in a stylish setting.
At this level, the cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia rises noticeably. Main courses at upscale or highly touristic restaurants typically range from 60,000 to 100,000 COP, and total per-person bills, including drinks, tax, and service charges, can reach 80,000 to 140,000 COP or more.
These restaurants are ideal for special occasions or memorable dining experiences, but they are best approached as occasional splurges rather than everyday meals. Most travelers balance these splurge meals with mid-range and casual dining to keep their overall food budget manageable while still experiencing the city’s upscale culinary scene.
Elevate your Cartagena trip with Two Travel, who can book high-end dining experiences and create unforgettable culinary memories.
Self-Catering & Supermarket Meals: Saving on Food Costs
For travelers staying in apartments, hostels, or hotels with kitchen access, self-catering is one of the most effective ways to manage the cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia.
Large supermarkets such as Éxito, Olímpica, and Carulla offer reliable prices on essentials like bread, eggs, milk, rice, pasta, and bottled water. Local markets (Bazurto Market, Plaza de la Heroica, and Mercado de Getsemaní) and produce stands provide fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, seafood, and meats at even better value.
Buying ingredients locally and cooking simple meals can reduce the cost per meal to roughly 10,000 to 18,000 COP per person, depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Self-catering works especially well for breakfasts and light dinners, offering flexibility and savings compared to restaurant dining.
Self-catering is especially beneficial for families, digital nomads, or long-term travelers, helping keep food budgets predictable over time. Even combining self-catering with occasional meals at casual or mid-range restaurants can significantly lower overall spending while still allowing visitors to experience Cartagena Colombia food in all its variety.
For long stays or family trips, let Two Travel help you find accommodations with kitchen access and plan affordable meals while exploring Cartagena.
Factors That Affect Cartagena Colombia Food Prices
How Neighborhoods and Tourist Zones Influence Food Prices
Food prices in Cartagena vary significantly by location. Restaurants inside the Walled City and near major plazas usually charge higher prices due to heavy tourist traffic, higher rents, and premium settings. The same dish can cost noticeably more in these areas compared to neighborhoods just a short walk away.
Getsemaní is well known for offering better value, with many casual restaurants and cafés serving quality food at lower prices. Bocagrande combines beachfront dining with mixed pricing, while residential neighborhoods outside tourist zones cater mainly to locals and maintain lower food costs overall. Two Travel can recommend the best neighborhoods for affordable and authentic dining, keeping your budget intact.
Service Charges, Drinks, and Other Hidden Dining Costs
The listed price of food in Cartagena, Colombia does not always reflect what you actually pay. Many restaurants add a service charge or encourage tipping, which increases the final bill. Drinks also raise meal costs quickly, especially fresh juices, cocktails, and wine. At beach clubs and island stops, food and beverages are often priced much higher due to limited options.
When estimating the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cartagena, travelers should factor in beverages and service fees, as these extras can significantly increase overall dining expenses. For the best experience, plan your dining budget smartly with Two Travel’s local insights to avoid surprises at restaurants.
How Dining Style Shapes Your Daily Food Budget
Your dining habits strongly influence how much you spend on food in Cartagena, Colombia. Travelers who rely on street food and small local eateries can keep daily food costs low while enjoying authentic flavors.
Those who prefer sit-down restaurants for every meal should expect higher daily spending.
A balanced approach works well for many visitors, with simple breakfasts and lunches at affordable spots followed by mid-range dinners in the evening. This mix allows travelers to enjoy a variety of Cartagena Colombia food experiences without making dining one of the biggest daily expenses.
Seasonal Demand and Its Impact on Restaurant Prices
Seasonality affects the cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia. During the high season, which includes holidays and peak travel months, popular restaurants often raise prices slightly or remove discounts due to strong demand.
Reservations become more important, especially for well-known mid-range restaurants in the historic center. In low and shoulder seasons, restaurants compete more actively for customers, making it easier to find value meals and lunch specials.
While price changes are usually moderate, seasonal demand can influence the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cartagena over the year.
International Cuisine vs. Local Colombian Food
The type of cuisine you choose plays a role in your food budget. Traditional Cartagena Colombia food, such as seafood stews, rice dishes, and grilled meats, is generally more affordable because ingredients are locally sourced.
Restaurants serving international or fusion cuisine often rely on imported ingredients and cater more to tourists, which raises prices. As a result, dining frequently at international restaurants increases the overall cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia.
Travelers who prioritize local food experiences usually enjoy better value while also gaining a more authentic understanding of the region’s culinary culture.
FAQs About the Cost of Food in Cartagena Colombia
What is the average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cartagena?
A meal at a mid-range restaurant in Cartagena typically costs 35,000 to 55,000 COP per person (around $9 to 14 USD) for a main dish, such as grilled fish, seafood rice, chicken with coconut rice, or traditional Colombian plates. Including a drink or beer, the total usually ranges from 45,000 to 70,000 COP ($11 to 18 USD) per person.
Mid-range restaurants are common in the Walled City, Getsemaní, and Bocagrande. Prices tend to be slightly lower just outside main tourist areas, often offering the same quality.
Travelers who balance mid-range dining with local eateries can expect a reasonable daily food budget in Cartagena of roughly $20 to 30 USD per person, allowing a mix of comfort, variety, and authentic Colombian cuisine.
How expensive is food in Cartagena compared to other Colombian cities?
Food in Cartagena tends to be more expensive than in many other Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, or Cali, mainly due to tourist demand in the Walled City, Getsemaní, and beachfront areas.
Street food and local markets remain very affordable, with snacks like empanadas costing 1,000 to 2,000 COP ($0.25 to 0.50) and full menu del día lunches around 8,000 to 12,000 COP ($2 to 3). Casual local restaurants typically charge 15,000 to 25,000 COP ($4 to 6) per meal, while mid-range restaurants average 35,000 to 55,000 COP ($9 to 14) for a main dish, rising to 45,000 to 70,000 COP ($11 to 18) with drinks and tip.
High-end or tourist-focused dining can be significantly pricier. Choosing local eateries or casual spots outside tourist hubs can help control costs without sacrificing quality.
Can you eat well in Cartagena on $50 per day in 2026?
Yes, it is possible to enjoy Cartagena on a $50 daily budget, including food, basic accommodation, and local transport, though it requires careful planning. For food, breakfast can be taken at a bakery or hostel kitchen for $2 to 3, while a typical menú del día lunch costs $3 to 5. Casual dinners at local eateries range from $6 to 10, and drinks or snacks add $3 to 5.
Eating where locals frequent rather than tourist hotspots is essential to stretch your budget and keep daily expenses within $50.
What are common budget traps related to food prices in Cartagena?
Many travelers overspend by dining exclusively in tourist plazas, where menu prices are often 50 to 100% higher than nearby local options. Accepting first-quoted menu prices without comparing alternatives, especially for casual meals or drinks, is another common trap.
Beach vendors and convenience stores often charge significantly more than supermarkets for water, soft drinks, or beer.
Paying for hotel breakfasts when local bakeries or hostel kitchens offer cheaper options is another avoidable expense. Some restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge, so tipping without checking can add unnecessary costs.
To avoid these traps, glance at menus before ordering, compare prices nearby, and be willing to walk a block or two for better-quality meals at lower prices.
How much should you tip in Cartagena restaurants?
Tipping in Cartagena is generally optional but appreciated. Many mid-range and high-end restaurants automatically include a 10% service charge (propina) on the bill, so it’s important to check before adding more.
If the service was exceptional, leaving an additional 5 to 10% is a nice gesture but not required. Small local eateries, street food vendors, and casual cafés typically do not expect tips, though rounding up to the nearest 1,000 to 2,000 COP ($0.25 to $0.50 USD) is a friendly practice. For group tours, guides usually expect $5 to 10 USD per person, while private tours may merit 10 to 15% of the tour cost.
Being aware of included charges helps avoid over-tipping while supporting good service.
Do restaurants in Cartagena, Colombia accept credit cards?
Yes, most mid-range and upscale restaurants, hotels, and cafés in Cartagena accept credit cards, making payment convenient for larger bills. However, many small local eateries, casual cafés, and street food vendors operate on a cash-only basis. To avoid surprises, plan to carry cash for at least 40 to 50% of your daily food spending.
Smaller denominations are especially useful for tips, snacks, or quick meals. Keep in mind that some credit cards charge foreign transaction fees (2 to 3%), so using cash for routine purchases can be more economical. When in doubt, ask the server, “¿Aceptan tarjeta?” (“Do you accept card?”) before ordering.
How much is a plate of food in Cartagena, Colombia?
The cost of a plate of food in Cartagena varies widely depending on the type of restaurant or food vendor.
Street food and small local eateries offer budget-friendly options, with full plates (known as menú del día) typically costing 8,000 to 12,000 COP ($2 to 3 USD) and including a main dish, rice, beans, and a drink. Casual local restaurants usually charge 15,000 to 25,000 COP ($4 to 6 USD) for dishes like ceviche, fried fish, or seafood stews.
Mid-range restaurants, especially in the Walled City or on rooftops, average 35,000 to 55,000 COP ($9 to 14 USD) per main course, rising to 45,000 to 70,000 COP ($11 to 18 USD) when drinks, taxes, and tips are included. High-end and tourist-focused dining can cost 60,000 COP ($15 USD) or more per plate.
What is the average food cost per day for a typical traveler in Cartagena, Colombia?
Food costs in Cartagena depend on your dining style, but a typical traveler can expect the following:
- Budget traveler: Eating mostly street food, local fondas, and occasional casual restaurants, a daily food budget of $8 to 15 USD (30,000 to 60,000 COP) is realistic. This covers breakfast from a bakery or hostel kitchen, a menú del día lunch, and a simple dinner with drinks.
- Mid-range traveler: Dining mainly at casual restaurants and a few mid-range or rooftop spots, expect $20 to 30 USD per day (70,000 to 120,000 COP). This includes drinks, occasional cocktails, and slightly higher-quality meals without going upscale.
- High-end traveler: Enjoying fine dining, tourist-focused restaurants, or gourmet experiences, daily costs can reach $40 to 70 USD (150,000 to 280,000 COP) or more per day, depending on location and drinks.
Blending budget and mid-range meals is the most common strategy, keeping costs manageable while sampling authentic Cartagena cuisine.
Want to maximize your Cartagena food experience? Two Travel can provide local tips and arrange tours to sample the city’s best eats efficiently.
How to Eat Well in Cartagena Without Overspending
The average cost of food in Cartagena, Colombia ranges widely, but smart choices allow you to enjoy amazing local cuisine without overspending. Whether you’re eating street food, casual local meals, or dining in the historic center, understanding Cartagena Colombia food prices lets you plan confidently and travel comfortably.
Book your Cartagena dining experiences with Two Travel today to enjoy authentic cuisine, expert guidance, and unforgettable meals across the city.
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