Buena Vida Marisquería - Cartagena

Experience exceptional seafood in Cartagena at this highly-rated (4.8/5) marisquería. Enjoy a fantastic atmosphere, great service, and delicious dishes.

Seafood · Caribbean & Latin$$4.8(7,521)Cartagena

Seafood & cocktails offered in a fashionable restaurant with a roof terrace & occasional live music.

About Buena Vida Marisquería - Cartagena

Nestled within the historic heart of Cartagena, this vibrant seafood restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. With an impressive 4.8/5 rating from over 7,500 reviews, it's clear this establishment is a local favorite. Diners consistently praise the fantastic atmosphere, describing the service as great and the food as simply extraordinary. The lively setting, complemented by live music and the option for outdoor seating, creates a truly special ambiance. For those seeking a memorable meal in a beautiful setting, this marisquería provides excellent value, with a menu that offers appealing choices at a reasonable price point. It's an ideal spot for groups looking for a delightful culinary adventure.

📊

Restaurant Analysis

Restaurant Characteristics

Formula-Based Analysis

This restaurant has been analyzed using our formula-based system to help you understand its key features and match it with your dining preferences.

💰Price Range
Moderate
🕐Meal Time
dinner
👥Group Size
Groups Welcome
🎭Atmosphere
Outdoor
🍽️Dining Style
Flexible
Features & Amenities
Outdoor Seating
Live Music
Cocktails
Wine
+2 more

Set your dining preferences to see how well this restaurant matches your taste.

Own or manage this restaurant?

Get 5-12× more clicks with prominent CTAs, a sticky button, and a TOP badge. Starting at just $4.99/month.

Hero CTASticky ButtonTOP Badge

Ready to Book Top Tours in Cartagena?

Browse 6 curated tour categories with instant booking & best price guarantee.

Why Travelers Love Buena Vida

Sourced from recent guest feedback and verified reviews.

4.8 / 5.0(7,521 reviews)

Fantastic atmosphere. The service is great and the food is just extraordinary!! We visited twice, in the first and last day. They have a couple menu with great price and the options are just way too good to be true. I would totally recommend and come back!! A special thanks to Luis C who was our waiter and took great care of us! He really enjoyed our time at Buena Vida marisqueria. The food was really good and the service was great as well (Camila was our server and she was attentive, friendly, and did a great job). They had a musician playing saxophone which was a nice touch . They also had a live DJ playing both American and Latin hits. We ordered the multi-course meal which was really enjoyable all around. We would certainly go back. Definitely recommend. The only potential downside is if it's raining and you're sitting on the perimeter seats in the rooftop you might get a little wet and might have to move. Also, the seating could be a little bit tight. You may be sitting really close to your neighbor. We had an amazing dinner experience here! The ambience was absolutely perfect — rooftop seating with a great view, a live DJ setting the mood, and even a saxophone player adding a unique touch. Our waiter, Ricardo, was fantastic — very attentive and gave great recommendations. We ordered from a curated menu and everything was fresh and flavorful. The drinks were just as impressive. Highly recommend for a memorable night out!

Find the Restaurant

Where to Find Them

Centro histórico, Cl. del Porvenir #Esquina, El Centro, Cartagena de Indias, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia

View on Google Maps

Opening Hours

Open Now
Monday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday8:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Recent Reviews

Laylla C.

October 29, 2025

Fantastic atmosphere. The service is great and the food is just extraordinary!! We visited twice, in the first and last day. They have a couple menu with great price and the options are just way too good to be true. I would totally recommend and come back!! A special thanks to Luis C who was our waiter and took great care of us!

Vladimir A.

November 5, 2025

He really enjoyed our time at Buena Vida marisqueria. The food was really good and the service was great as well (Camila was our server and she was attentive, friendly, and did a great job). They had a musician playing saxophone which was a nice touch . They also had a live DJ playing both American and Latin hits. We ordered the multi-course meal which was really enjoyable all around. We would certainly go back. Definitely recommend. The only potential downside is if it's raining and you're sitting on the perimeter seats in the rooftop you might get a little wet and might have to move. Also, the seating could be a little bit tight. You may be sitting really close to your neighbor.

Jo

August 5, 2025

We had an amazing dinner experience here! The ambience was absolutely perfect — rooftop seating with a great view, a live DJ setting the mood, and even a saxophone player adding a unique touch. Our waiter, Ricardo, was fantastic — very attentive and gave great recommendations. We ordered from a curated menu and everything was fresh and flavorful. The drinks were just as impressive. Highly recommend for a memorable night out!

Simon

July 1, 2025

We had an unforgettable evening at this rooftop gem! The atmosphere was absolutely amazing—elevated by a live DJ and a talented saxophonist who added the perfect touch of sophistication and energy. As the sun set, the rooftop came alive with vibrant vibes and stunning city views. The food was full of flavor, beautifully presented, and clearly crafted with care. Drinks were equally impressive—creative, refreshing, and expertly mixed. Service was top-notch from start to finish. Whether you’re out for a romantic evening or a stylish night with friends, this place delivers on every level. Highly recommend!

C E.

October 4, 2025

The place was decorated very nice. I enjoyed the live music and the DJ. Wait staff was pleasant. Food looked great but tasted just okay. I would not return since there are so many other great places near by

What to Expect

Features and amenities that make Buena Vida special

Outdoor Seating

Live Music

Cocktails

Wine

Groups Welcome

Reservations

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before you visit

Payment Options

Credit Cards
Debit Cards
NFC/Contactless

Accessibility

Wheelchair Accessible Restroom

Make It a Full-Day Experience in Cartagena

Pair your reservation at Buena Vida with unforgettable tours in Cartagena. From sunset sails to culinary adventures, our AI curates the best ways to explore the island like a local.

Other Popular Restaurants in Cartagena

Build your own culinary trail—save these spots for future nights out in Cartagena.

Caribbean & Latin

Carta Ajena Restaurante

Experience exceptional Colombian dining in Cartagena with a 4.9/5 rating. Discover amazing food and outstanding service at this highly-rated restaurant.

4.9$$Caribbean & Latin
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Baroca Sabor Ancestral 🍃 - Rooftop

Experience authentic Cartagena flavors at this highly-rated rooftop gem. Enjoy delicious cuisine & cocktails with a 4.8/5 star rating. Book your table!

4.8$$Caribbean & Latin · Steakhouse & Grill
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Restaurante Sambal, bistro caribeño

Experience vibrant flavors at this highly-rated Cartagena bistro. With a 4.8-star rating, discover exceptional Caribbean cuisine. Reserve your table today!

4.8$$Caribbean & Latin · Seafood
View Restaurant
Mediterranean

RESTAURANTE EL BURLADOR Mediterráneo - Caribe (Cartagena)

Experience Cartagena's El Burlador, a 4.8-star gem for Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion. Enjoy cocktails, live music, and exceptional service. Reserve your table.

4.8$$Mediterranean · Caribbean & Latin
View Restaurant
Asian

Restaurante Nami

Experience exceptional dining in Cartagena with a 4.8-star rating. Discover delicious noodles and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table today!

4.8$$Asian
View Restaurant
Steakhouse & Grill

APOGEO RESTAURANTE & ROOFTOP

Experience Cartagena's charm with a 4.7-star Mediterranean dining experience. Enjoy stunning views, great cocktails, and exceptional service. Reserve your table.

4.7$$Steakhouse & Grill · Caribbean & Latin
View Restaurant
American

Henrys - Rooftop San Felipe

Experience stunning Cartagena views at this 4.7-star rooftop gem. Enjoy great food, drinks, and vibrant music. Discover a local favorite!

4.7$$American · Caribbean & Latin
View Restaurant
European

La Tapería

Savor exceptional tapas and paella at this Cartagena gem. With a 4.7-star rating, experience delicious flavors and a great atmosphere. Discover La Tapería today.

4.7$$European · Seafood
View Restaurant
Asian

Ana Restaurante Bar

Experience Cartagena's vibrant El Centro at this highly-rated (4.6/5) restaurant. Enjoy delicious food, cocktails, and live entertainment.

4.6$$Asian · Fusion
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Celele

Experience creative Colombian cuisine at this highly-rated Cartagena gem. With a 4.6/5 rating, enjoy innovative dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. Book your table!

4.6$$$Caribbean & Latin · Seafood
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Mar y Zielo

Experience Cartagena's culinary gem with a 4.6-star rating. Discover exceptional food and cocktails in a beautiful setting. Reserve your table now!

4.6$$Caribbean & Latin · Fusion
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

RESTAURANTE CANDÉ Cocina 100% Cartagenera

Experience authentic Cartagena cuisine at this highly-rated (4.6/5) restaurant. Enjoy vibrant atmosphere, live music, and cocktails. Reserve your table.

4.6$$$Caribbean & Latin · Seafood
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Restaurante Carmen Cartagena

Experience exceptional dining in Cartagena with a 4.6-star rating. Discover creative Colombian cuisine in a romantic setting. Reserve your table today.

4.6$$$Caribbean & Latin · Seafood
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

DOÑA LOLA comida del caribe

Discover authentic Caribbean flavors in Cartagena at this highly-rated restaurant (4.6/5). Enjoy delicious food, cocktails & beautiful ambiance. Reserve your table!

4.6$$Caribbean & Latin · Steakhouse & Grill
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

La Mulata

Savor authentic Colombian cuisine at this beloved Cartagena gem. With a 4.6-star rating, enjoy fresh flavors and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.6$$Caribbean & Latin · Seafood
View Restaurant
Caribbean & Latin

Inkanto Cartagena | Comida Peruana.

Experience authentic Peruvian cuisine in Cartagena with a 4.6-star rating. Discover flavorful dishes in a welcoming atmosphere. Book your table today!

4.6$$Caribbean & Latin
View Restaurant
European

Tasca Tío Andrés (Cartagena)

Experience authentic Cartagena tapas at this highly-rated restaurant. Enjoy delicious dishes and a lively atmosphere. Discover why it's a local favorite!

4.5$$European · Seafood
View Restaurant

View All Restaurants in Cartagena

Explore every curated dining spot we recommend across the island.

Browse the list

Ready to Explore Cartagena?

Discover the best tours, activities, and restaurant picks with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.

Plan Your Cartagena Trip

From transportation to stays, we help you build a complete itinerary around this must-visit restaurant in Cartagena.

Transportation Tips

Walking is perfect for exploring the Old Town. Public transportation and taxis connect different areas, and organized tours include transportation.

Car Rental Deals in Cartagena

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Cartagena adventure. From luxury beachfront resorts to boutique hideaways, we highlight the best basecamps for food lovers.

Best Hotel Deals in Cartagena

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.