Restaurante Espiritu Santo
A beloved local gem in Cartagena serving authentic Colombian cuisine with generous portions at unbeatable prices.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Restaurante Espiritu Santo
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved local gem in Cartagena serving authentic Colombian cuisine with generous portions at unbeatable prices.
"Experience true Colombian flavors at this bustling spot, packed with locals and offering incredible value."
Cash Only
Remember to bring cash as credit or debit cards are not accepted here.
Visit Off-Peak
To avoid long waits, try visiting during non-peak hours, especially on weekends.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Colombian
Price
$
Phone
+57 6606948
Address
Cl. 35 #6-69, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Colombian Flavors
Experience generous portions of flavorful local favorites like Bandeja Paisa and Sancocho at budget-friendly prices.
Abundant Seafood Dishes
Savor delicious seafood options, including sea bass and red snapper, prepared with authentic Colombian flair.
Bustling Local Atmosphere
Immerse yourself in a lively, authentic setting filled with friendly staff and a constant stream of locals.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cash Only
Remember to bring cash as credit or debit cards are not accepted here.
Visit Off-Peak
To avoid long waits, try visiting during non-peak hours, especially on weekends.
Stay Hydrated
Try refreshing drinks like coconut lemonade and tamarind juice; no air conditioning means it can get warm.
Generous Portions
Be prepared for large servings; the food is plentiful and offers great value for money.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cash Only
Remember to bring cash as credit or debit cards are not accepted here.
Visit Off-Peak
To avoid long waits, try visiting during non-peak hours, especially on weekends.
Stay Hydrated
Try refreshing drinks like coconut lemonade and tamarind juice; no air conditioning means it can get warm.
Generous Portions
Be prepared for large servings; the food is plentiful and offers great value for money.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante Espiritu Santo is celebrated for its incredibly affordable and authentic Colombian cuisine, offering generous portions that provide excellent value. While many praise the flavorful dishes and bustling local atmosphere, some diners have noted issues with food temperature, occasional unavailability of menu items, and hygiene concerns. Despite mixed reviews on service, its popularity among locals and budget-friendly prices make it a noteworthy spot.
"Great and tasty local food spot! Price is incredibly cheap!
They only accept cash so prepare your cash!
Highly recommend!"
Eugene Brooks
"It’s a great place to get budget friendly cheap local colombian lunch.
43,000 COP for the sea bass or red snapper in seafood sauce. I think that was the best out of all the dishes I tried.
However, hygiene is awful. There was hair in the soup. Cash only."
Vu Dang
"Our guide brought us here today and God Bless him! It was so good. I got the Pork Lomo with patacones and Yumm! 100% recommend!"
Iriana Cruz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the restaurant operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to bring enough cash for your meal.
Diners frequently rave about the Bandeja Paisa, Sancocho, and various seafood dishes like whole-fried fish.
The restaurant is very popular, especially with locals. Visiting during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help minimize wait times.
No, there is no air conditioning, and it can get quite warm and stuffy, especially on busy, hot days. Staying hydrated is recommended.
Yes, vegetarian options are available, and some diners have highly recommended them.
While many praise the authentic flavors and value, some reviews mention inconsistencies in food temperature and quality.
Mentioned in
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In a city full of tourists, Espíritu Santo is where you come to meet the locals – hundreds of 'em in one sitting. (The restaurant is small from the…
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Location: Walled CityPrice Category: Cheap to ModerateNeed Reservations: No, but can have a wait at lunch time. If you’re not interested in all the pomp and frills of a place like Andrés, and just want a simple, no-nonsense place serving up delicious, homestyle food for fair prices, then Espiritú Santo might go straight to the top of your list of best restaurants in Cartagena to try. Espiritú Santo is one of the longest running places and one of the few places in the Walled City that does not charge higher end prices these days.
50 Best Restaurants in Cartagena Colombia You Should Visit
Restaurante Espiritu Santo would undoubtedly come first on any list of the best restaurants in Cartagena based on local acclaim. It’s a sizable restaurant that is constantly crowded, mostly with locals, at nearly any hour of the day. When ordering it at Espiritu Santo, you can also order plantains, patacones, coconut rice, and a piece of whole-fried fish that you can eat while sipping the broth.
Visit Getsemani Neighborhood In Cartagena, Colombia
Like the arepa joint mentioned above, this place is a great budget option. In fact, this place is probably the least touristy out of any of the options mentioned here. They are open for lunch only and have a limited menu of cheap and simple but delicious local fare, focusing mostly on fish, rice, yuca (cassava in English), plantains, etc.
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If you were to create a list of the best restaurants in Cartagena based purely on local popularity, then Restaurante Espiritu Santo has to be tops on that list. It’s a large restaurant that’s packed at almost any time of the day, mostly with locals. Pictured below is a hearty bowl of mote de queso.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit