La Cevichería

La Cevichería is one of the best-known casual restaurants in the walled city, a small seafood place on Calle Stuart beside the Plaza de San Diego. Its website links to a story about Anthony Bourdain's visit to Cartagena and the Bazurto market with Jorge Escandón, a reminder of how long it has been on visitors' lists. Two.travel's 2026 guide places it at the corner of the plaza and describes Mediterranean-inspired seafood with Colombian flavours at mid-range prices, with coconut dishes and a homemade hot sauce among the favourites.

As the name suggests, ceviche is the speciality, and the menu runs to shrimp, octopus, fish and lobster versions, each in citrus marinades. Look for the Colombian ceviche with plantain and a corozo glaze, and the Peruvian version with toasted cancha corn. Among the house specials, the Seafood Volcano is a mix of seafood slow-cooked in a clay pot. The rice dishes are another strength, from seafood paella and a creamy rice with lobster and shrimp to the squid-ink black rice, and there are mains such as spicy prawns in coconut milk and octopus with peanut sauce.

There are simpler options too, including a shrimp burger and a fish sandwich, and desserts such as a guava and mozzarella combination or plantain in corozo sauce with vanilla ice cream. The bar serves house cocktails such as the Coco Loco alongside beers, wines and fresh juices.

The restaurant suits couples, families and groups who want a relaxed seafood meal without the formality of fine dining. It is open every day from 12:00 to 23:00. Two.travel notes that it does not take reservations and that queues are common, so arrive early, especially for dinner; for questions, the restaurant lists phone and WhatsApp on +57 314 894 9877 and a landline, +57 605 678 4923. Seating is mostly at blue-and-white tables outside, and street performers often entertain diners in the plaza in the evening. Dress is casual.

Calle Stuart is in the San Diego neighbourhood, close to the Plaza de San Diego, Las Bóvedas and the walls. Juan del Mar is on the same square, and the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara is a few minutes away. Allow an hour to an hour and a half for a meal.