ECONOMICAL RESTAURANTS SANTA MARTA
Pressed between the glistening Caribbean and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountain lies Santa Marta, South America’s oldest surviving city. With a population of half a million residents, Santa Marta is half the size of the more well-known city of Cartagena. However, Santa Marta is rapidly becoming a sought-after destination for visitors from all over the world.
A few streets between the white sandy beach and the historic district is Parque de los Novios (Lover’s Park), the heart of Santa Marta’s entertainment area. Restaurants, bars, coffee shops and bakeries surround the plaza.
The invigorating sounds of salsa and vallenato serenade you as you stroll along the cobblestone streets or stop to sit on one of the enchanting seats made just for two. Santa Marta is also a great combination of both city and beach. There is also any amount of sunshine to make both more enjoyable.
Santa Marta is the ideal place to enjoy the best seafood dishes, along of course with numerous other options. Most of the restaurants are concentrated in the historic center and the neighborhood of El Rodadero, although there is no shortage of small taverns and eateries all over the city. Some of the traditional dishes are the well-known rice with coconut, red snapper or a good plate of prawns.
Given that Santa Marta was the first Spanish settlement in the whole of Colombia, the Spanish influence is still clearly evident not only through its spectacular architecture but also its cuisine.
As you would expect from a coastal town, especially one with an active port such as Santa Marta, seafood plays a huge role in the local cuisine here. Seafood cocktails and soups are well worth mentioning. A particularly notable local dish is cayeye, a breakfast specialty that is made with green bananas that are mashed with tomato, onion and garlic. Often served with meat, a fried egg and achiote. The carimanola is a meat pie in a yuca dough, stuffed with cheese and ground meat before being fried.
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Santa Marta restaurants are diverse and as delicious as the city itself. Here are some of the most interesting and affordable restaurants in the city, where you can experience some of the wonderful, most typical and traditional recipes.
Street Food in Santa Marta
With the restaurant scene in Santa Marta thriving, you do not always need to go to a restaurant to try great food. There are several street stalls and vendors around the city. A warming seafood soup is available from many carts and you will also see stalls offering delicious shrimp and seafood cocktails.
There are an abundance of grilled chorizo-style spicy sausages and chuzos, a type of skewer-based kebab with meat and a few vegetables and a potato on the end. Also, you will see so many fantastic exotic fruit stalls should you fancy something fresh and delicious. Some stalls even sell ceviche to go – just remember it is not traditionally a dinner food, so go early in the day to take home for later.
Restaurante Lamart
Located on one of the most picturesque streets in the city, Lamart offers a gastronomic feast where art and food meet. With artistic decoration and live music, this restaurant leaves one with a memorable experience where dishes including chicharrón ceviche and boronia salmon captivate both the palate and the spirit.
In addition, they offer vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free dishes, all the while using the finest quality products. This restaurant is at the top end of mid-range restaurants but is mentioned here as it is a memorable experience.
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Eli’s Restaurant
Located in Hotel Boutique Casa Carolina, Eli’s offers an exquisite dining experience with creative and beautifully presented Mediterranean dishes inspired by Colombian passion. There are three different seating options – the Colonial restaurant, the poolside lounge or the romantic rooftop terraces.
Head chef Ana Mendoza selects the freshest natural ingredients, sourced locally and organically wherever possible. All dishes are 100% prepared from scratch in-house at the moment of order. Eli’s is best known for its delicious breakfasts and lunches and offers outstanding value.
Lulo
A Caribbean Latin healthy food restaurant, which offers a great selection of the freshest food. One of the best places in town, Lulo gets it absolutely right with fresh juices, light healthy food and a warm, easygoing vibe. The smoothies are outstanding, the wraps and gourmet arepas never disappoint and breakfast too is delicious.
There are plenty of vegetarian options available and they serve excellent local coffee from the Sierra Nevada. Located in the historic area of Santa Marta, this restaurant serves recipes using fresh and natural products, with unique flavors and at a very affordable price.
Juancho Cevichería
Known for offering a wide variety of delightful seafood dishes – Caribbean, Peruvian and Colombian. One of the main features of Juancho Cevichería is that it offers takeaway food, making it an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy their dishes at home, making it even more affordable.
Juancho’s is highly acclaimed for its ceviches. The olive oil-prepared ceviche is one of the highlights of the menu, with exceptional flavors and impeccable preparation. Also of note is the mixed ceviche, which combines a varied selection of seafood ingredients.
In addition to the ceviches, other seafood dishes are offered. The seafood is described as fresh and of high quality. Juancho’s offers tremendous value for money.
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Restaurante Karey
Delicious Caribbean cuisine can be found at this fine establishment. Perfectly cooked seafood including paella, salmon and ceviche mixto are house specials. Deserts are guaranteed to please, in particular the flan. Sitting out on the terrace enhances the experience with a tremendous view.
The staff is cheerful and friendly. Restaurante Karey provides a great selection of dishes at very attractive prices. The charming decor and spectacular atmosphere let guests feel very relaxed.
La Canoa Café Cultural
Located in Santa Marta’s historical centre this is a funky little café with checkered floors and tearoom-style salons. La Canoa’s air-conditioned, brightly lit interior makes for a welcome respite any time of the day.
The highlight is the wonderful selection of pastries and desserts, absolutely divine with coffee. At lunchtime, the daily set menu is delicious and comes at a comfortable price; the homemade panini sandwiches are great and the seafood salads are always a winner – do try the Mediterráneo (shrimp with capers). An ideal place to stop for a mid-morning or mid-afternoon treat.
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La Muzzería
Reserve a table here for a good, well-presented meal if you like Colombian cuisine. This delightful restaurant serves up a mix of Colombian and Western cuisine which comes highly rated.
This is not gourmet, but rather more like excellent comfort food, with chicken, beef and lasagne featured, while tasty crepes will impress you at the first bite. La Muzzería is famous for its wonderful craft beer and delightful margaritas. Great lemonade, coffee and fresh juices will enhance your meal.
The cozy atmosphere of La Muzzería allows guests to relax and unwind with professional service and attention. Prices here are well worth the visit.
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