Juan Del Mar Restaurante
A vibrant restaurant in Cartagena's historic heart, blending Caribbean energy with exquisite seafood and Italian-inspired dishes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Juan Del Mar Restaurante
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant restaurant in Cartagena's historic heart, blending Caribbean energy with exquisite seafood and Italian-inspired dishes.
"Experience a magical ambiance with delicious food and infectious energy, a true Cartagena gem!"
Book Ahead for Seating
Reservations are recommended, especially for the air-conditioned area and during busy dinner hours.
Sit Near the Band
For the best experience, try to sit in the room with the live band.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Caribbean Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+57 312 7148778
Address
Plaza de San Diego, 8-12, San Diego, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Website
juandelmar.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Caribbean Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a lively ambiance with live music and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a fun night out.
Exceptional Seafood Selection
Savor outstanding seafood dishes, with the grilled octopus and paella being highly acclaimed by diners.
Historic Old Town Charm
Dine in a beautifully restored republican house in Cartagena's historic Plaza San Diego, offering unique charm.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Seating
Reservations are recommended, especially for the air-conditioned area and during busy dinner hours.
Sit Near the Band
For the best experience, try to sit in the room with the live band.
Lunchtime Advantage
Lunch hours are less crowded, offering quicker service and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Don't Miss the Plantains
Visitors rave about the plantains, with many agreeing they are the best in Cartagena.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Seating
Reservations are recommended, especially for the air-conditioned area and during busy dinner hours.
Sit Near the Band
For the best experience, try to sit in the room with the live band.
Lunchtime Advantage
Lunch hours are less crowded, offering quicker service and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Don't Miss the Plantains
Visitors rave about the plantains, with many agreeing they are the best in Cartagena.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Juan Del Mar is lauded for its spectacular seafood, particularly the grilled octopus and paella, and its vibrant Caribbean atmosphere enhanced by live music. Diners frequently praise the exceptional service, especially from staff like Maryuris. However, some guests have noted slow service during peak hours and issues with table allocation at the entrance, though the overall dining experience is considered memorable and worth returning for.
"Juan Del Mar delivers exceptional food and a fantastic atmosphere, though the service could use a little improvement. When we visited, it seemed like there was only one server handling the entire floor, which made the service noticeably slow. It took a while to get our orders, but once the food arrived, it was well worth the wait.
The ambience, however, was absolutely top-notch. The live band added an amazing vibe to the evening, creating the perfect backdrop for a relaxed and enjoyable meal. We started with the tuna appetizer, which was fresh and flavorful—a great way to kick off the experience. For mains, we ordered the seafood, Del Mar paella, and the New York steak. The paella was a standout, packed with perfectly cooked seafood and rich flavors. The New York steak, however, stole the show—it was cooked to perfection, tender, and seasoned just right.
While the service could have been smoother, the incredible food and lively atmosphere more than made up for it. Juan Del Mar is a great spot for a memorable dining experience—just be prepared for a bit of a wait."
Matthew Urban
"Walked by this place and saw a duet playing and just had to drop in for a beer. So chill and fun. My sister in law saw us inside and joined. Ended up eating lunch and enjoying the band. They played Latin classics and my wife and sister in law and most of the bar were singing along and dancing. One gentleman was even doing percussion with spoons! Just a great local experience. Great lasagna and pizza as well. Menu looked great for dinner but never made it back for that! Next time ! Try to sit in the room with the band for the best experience!"
Ed Strobel
"Juan Del Mar Restaurante – A Vibrant Culinary Experience in Cartagena
Nestled in the heart of Cartagena’s historic center at Plaza San Diego 8-12, Juan Del Mar Restaurante is a standout destination that blends Caribbean flair, fresh seafood, and a lively atmosphere into a memorable dining experience. As one of three establishments under the Juan Del Mar brand (alongside a gourmet pizzeria and a Peruvian mesa), this restaurant focuses on seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine, housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century republican house. My visit left me with a mix of impressions—mostly positive—but there’s plenty to unpack for anyone considering a meal here.
Ambiance: A Feast for the SensesStepping into Juan Del Mar feels like entering a living piece of Cartagena’s history. The architecture retains its original charm—think exposed brick, high ceilings, and tiled floors—while eclectic decor adds a playful, artistic twist. Metal fish sculptures hang above the courtyard, and marine-themed artwork peppers the space, evoking the nearby Caribbean Sea. The open-air courtyard, where the kitchen buzzes with energy, is the heart of the restaurant,"
Dustin Pratt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for dinner and to secure a spot in the air-conditioned area, as the restaurant gets very busy.
The grilled octopus and paella are frequently mentioned as exceptional. Diners also love the seafood pasta and the plantains.
Yes, the restaurant often features live music, contributing to its vibrant and festive Caribbean atmosphere.
Visiting during lunchtime is recommended for quicker service and a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the bustling evenings.
Yes, the menu indicates gluten-free options are available.
While lively, the restaurant can be enjoyed by families, especially during lunch. The vibrant atmosphere might be more suited for adult groups in the evenings.
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On Sunday nights, the best way to end a weekend is with pizza, crab claws, and prawns in grape leaves at Juan del Mar, where the tables spill out onto Plaza de San Diego.
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Juan del Mar, chef and owner, in addition to being a very successful artist and athlete who gave his all on the RCN television program, people can enjoy one of his greatest passions: cooking. In Juan del Mar, visitors can taste fish, seafood and typical preparations from Cartagena that are fused with some Italian elements. 25 years ago, the artist and athlete from Cartagena opted for cooking, since “the religion of my house was cooking,” hence his love for food.
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Juan Del Mar was just across the street, back by where we started at Plaza de San Diego. We had noticed Juan Del Mar originally because it had great patio seating and the smell of seafood filled the air (in a good way, not in a dead fish way). To end the night, we ordered one final round of drinks, because we really needed food, and we definitely needed some libations to keep us company while they made us a pizza.
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Nestled in the heart of Plaza San Diego, Juan DEL Mar is a must-visit for seafood lovers in Cartagena. The restaurant is known for blending Colombian and Mediterranean influences, offering a mix of seafood specialties in a charming colonial setting. With live music adding to the atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner, where you can enjoy both great food and a lively ambiance.
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Located in the charming old town, Juan del Mar offers a blend of Italian and Caribbean cuisine. Indulge in the seafood, fish, dishes with a Cartagena touch, gourmet thin-crust pizzas and many more around live music, Caribbean atmosphere in a republican house in the historic centre. Juan del Mar has an infectious energy, with outside tables spilling onto the lovely Plaza de San Diego.
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One of my favourite restaurants is Juan del Mar, where everyone sits outside; there is live music and the crowd is always fun. It’s a very popular spot with the locals – don’t expect to have a quiet, candlelit meal here. But its pizzas are excellent; at the end of an evening, you may end up ordering one and starting your night all over again.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANTS
Juan del mar: This magical restaurant is located in a restored republican house which conserves its architecture, its original walls and grounds. Often you can listen to traditional live music. In the menu you can find typical and traditional plates with seafood and local ingredients from the Caribbean coast.
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For a fresh fish lunch, try La Cevicheria where the staff never stop smiling or the popular Juan del Mar Restaurante whose menu has something for everyone from fish to paella to pizza. For a refined seafood lunch, dine at Restaurante Marea, not just for the food but also for the waterside ambience.
Restaurants in Cartagena
With outside tables that spill onto lovely Plaza de San Diego, there’s an infectious energy at the very popular Juan del Mar. With the buzz from the semi-exposed kitchen, live music, and a gregarious international crowd, Juan del Mar is more about the experience than epicurean…
Best seafood restaurants in Cartagena
Try seafood, fish, dishes with a Cartagena touch, gourmet thin-crust pizzas and many more around live music, a Caribbean atmosphere in a Republican house in the historic center of Cartagena. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Juan Del Mar (@juandelmarcartagena)
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Nestled in the bustling Plaza de San Diego, Juan Del Mar is famed for its outstanding seafood and vibrant ambiance. The restaurant’s décor is as lively as the square it overlooks, making it the perfect spot for enjoying a meal with friends or a romantic dinner.
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Juan del Mar ($$$): Juan Del Mar is separated into an outdoor pizzeria and an indoor Peruvian restaurant. If you choose to sit outside and people- watch, try dishes like Carbonara pizza or burrata. They also have gluten free pizzas and delicious pastas.
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Eat on the cobblestone streets at Juan Del Mar, and pop over for a nightcap at Cafe Havana next door. This is another busy spot. The benefits of sitting outside are to enjoy the street performers and horse-drawn carriages rolling by.
Fine Dining
We're talking about Juan del Mar Restaurant, Juan del Mar Gourmet Pizzeria, and Juan del Mar Peruvian Table, all with the charismatic artist behind every detail.
A Detailed Guide for Travelers
Juan del Mar is located in San Diego and serves excellent seafood. I had the grouper with tabbouleh and it melted in my mouth. The ceviche is also worth a try.
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Plaza de San Diego 8-12, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia. Address Website WhatsApp. Verify Not verified This business has not been claimed.
Family Friendly Restaurants In Cartagena
With ample indoor and outdoor seating in one Cartagena’s most beautiful and lively plazas, Juan Del Mar won’t disappoint even the pickiest travelers.
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