Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: good (31) service (22) rooftop (20) great (17) drinks (17) nice (16) restaurant (14) Cartagena (14) delicious (14) excellent (13)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Zarina 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice restaurant with great ambience and atmosphere. Has different floors to dine in and the rooftop. Great decor. It's a seafood focused cuisine. Interesting selection of drinks. The food & drink presentation was great, but it didn't taste as amazing as it looked. Something was missing, the taste was underrated. I enjoyed the rooftop, had nice vibes. Staff were attentive, courteous & accommodating. Our waiter spoke great English. The view of the rooftop is nice but not extensive. Overall definitely recommend.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Noora E. 2 years ago on Google
    Really lovely food, great tastes in a dish. The salad starter was great, as well as the creamy garlic fish & seafood. The air con was bit too cold. Fastest service I've seen so far here! Thank you, hope to come again some day :)
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alissa O. 1 year ago on Google
    Absolutely must visit! The food was very fresh and tasty. Portions were very large-you will not leave hungry! The drinks were also cold and very refreshing. The staff was friendly and accommodating. Vibe was bright and fun.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex A. 2 years ago on Google
    Stopped in for lunch while walking through the neighborhood. We were drawn in by the beautiful decor, but loved our drinks and food! Narcela, our server, was attentive and super nice. Highly recommend the ceviche tostadas and sangria.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Raiane S. 7 months ago on Google
    We had a great experience here, we order ceviche and aguachille and they both were really good. Prices are reasonable. The atmosphere is really nice. The waiters were all very smiley and attentive. Everything we ordered was excellent. Overall we liked the experience and I would likely recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeffrey S. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed our evening here. During the time we were there they had a 2 man band, a DJ, and a guy with a saxophone at different times. Lots of fancy drinks. The food was 4/5 stars. I would return mainly for the beverages.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Shalonda 2 years ago on Google
    This place had a very nice ambiance and my server was very attentive. The drinks were good too. The food was underwhelming. The appetizer with the corn and shrimp was pretty good but the corn was different than what I'm used to in the states. It kinda tasted like Peruvian corn... the shrimp tacos came highly recommended but were a big disappointment for me. I didn't care for the cornmeal taste that the taco shells had and the shrimp were cold. I normally love shrimp tacos but didn't care for these. It's a very popular restaurant though. When I'm back in Cartagena again I may give them another chance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andre W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great spot for dinner and drinks... The service was excellent, very attentive and helpful waiters. The food was also really great... The rooftop deck had limited food options but varied enough for you to find something you'd like. Great location, good and and service definitely recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Juan W. 2 years ago on Google
    Fantastic service and very fast. Presentation of the dishes really good and flavors were wonderful, all the food felt quite fresh. Definitely, I place to visit while you are in Cartagena.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Roxana G. 1 year ago on Google
    Value for the money 3,5⭐️ Atmosphere and setting 4⭐️ Layed back and casual. Service 5 ⭐️, Victor did a great Job and was polite. The supervising waiter also very attentive and friendly. Very customer oriented. Food 3⭐️ my seafood platter was tasty , besides the mussels, which were not cleaned and quite dry. Unfortunately the salsa was missing. Grilled vegetables could be improved in variation and presentation . Dessert- cheesecake with a very good taste of coconut which harmonized with the grilled pineapple. Vanilla ice cream had a bit too watery consistence. Drinks 2⭐️ Mojito very weak in taste, almost no Rum inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kirubel M. 11 months ago on Google
    Buena Vida was a nice place to eat at and enjoy some company. The atmosphere is very nice with lighting and a bar upstairs with live music (jazz when I was there) and a very calm and peaceful environment. The staff was great and very attentive giving annorlverall excellent service experience. The food was good but my fish was very salty so that was a bit tough to manage around but when I tasted the other dishes they were delicious and that is why I took one star off. Overall a nice place to come, I would rather visit more for the ambiance and drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephen P. 3 years ago on Google
    Great Caribbean food, and the vibe there is really chill. Staff are really professional and attentive. Michelada buena Vida is incredible. Only negative was the unnecessary and overly loud saxophone player.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda V. 1 year ago on Google
    I’ve been in Cartagena 24 hours and eaten here twice! The food is amazing. So far I’ve tried the Flautas, Empanadas, Nachos & Shrimp tacos! All which are to die for! The drinks were delicious! Chanel was my server and was great! The decor and vibes are cute and definitely ring to the name of Buena Vida. The seasonings and sauces seriously are amazing. This was a wonderful find and I highly recommend! Oh and there is a rooftop bar with a DJ in the evening!

  • 5/5 Johana Lopez O. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Too good (Original) Demasiado Bueno

  • 5/5 Michal S. 2 years ago on Google
    I’m actually ashamed how many times we ate here during our trip lol but it everything was so good and flavorful! The nachos!! If you do nothing else in life order the nachos, delicious! Most importantly fresh! I had a Don Julio margarita every time and it was the cutest one I’ve seen yet. They have a good playlist too!

  • 4/5 Jim M. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent ambience. Friendly staff that understood English. Marcela provided excellent service. Standard prices for the area. I liked the place so much, i we back for drinks later at the rooftop

  • 5/5 Sofia Salazar B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Spectacular!!!! All delicious entrees. The opportunity for improvement is in the cocktails, very sweet, but in general everything super (Original) Espectacular!!!! Todas las entradas deliciosas. La oportunidad de mejora está en los cócteles, muy dulces, pero en general todo super

  • 5/5 Fernando F. 2 years ago on Google
    Is an excellent place to taste Caribbean food, I personally recommend “Nachos BV” and “Parrilla Mixta” great flavors, excellent combinations, something awesome to experience, the service is pretty nice, love the music and is a beautifully restaurant.

  • 5/5 Leidy M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The food is delicious and the service is excellent. The service time is very fast and at the end they do a perception survey, so they are in continuous improvement. Reservation must be made to guarantee service. Prices may be high but it is definitely worth checking out. (Original) La comida es deliciosa y el servicio es excelente. El tiempo de servicio es muy rápido y al finalizar hacen una encuesta de percepción, así que están en mejora continua. Debe hacerse la reserva para garantizar el servicio. Los precios pueden ser altos pero definitivamente vale la pena conocerlo.

  • 5/5 Emir K. 2 years ago on Google
    We spent an amazing evening in this true gem. The food was delicious and service was extraordinary, especially Davinson who was extremely patient in explaining the dishes and giving us useful tips to make the best choice. Highly recommended!!

  • 5/5 Lina G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice place. The prices agreed with the service, very good cocktails and excellent food. (Original) Agradable lugar. Los precios acordé con el servicio, cócteles muy buenos y comida excelente.

  • 5/5 Yonatta Villanueva A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent super recommended the fish fillet in coconut sauce 🤤 (Original) Excelente super recomendado el filete de pescado en salsa de coco 🤤

  • 5/5 Carlos T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great food, Excellent service and Good music.

  • 5/5 Michelle B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food was better than what was expected. The atmosphere was great. The DJ kept our bodies moving (appropriately) while we dined on our seafood tower. The crab in coconut sauce was divine! A must while visiting

  • 5/5 ANA MARÍA A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I loved! Each dish surprises you, and they are very Caribbean flavors. Very hollow (Original) Me encantó! Cada plato te sorprende, y son sabores muy caribeños. Muy hueno

  • 3/5 Sebastien P. 1 year ago on Google
    I been coming here since 2017, every time I come to Cartagena. today, the quality of the food was not as good as in the past. Nothing was fresh like it used to be. Not sure what happened this time. I am willing to give it one more chance when I come back. Service is still good, overall Ok experience but definitely not like how it use to be

  • 4/5 Stephanie S. 1 year ago on Google
    This was a great dinner on the rooftop. The food and service were top notch! The only disappointment we had was that the rooftop menu was significantly smaller than the regular menu. We were there at sunset and it was beautiful.

  • 4/5 Jimmy A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience at the Bueno Vida restaurant! We've been twice, both times for a drink. We are very much looking forward to going back for the food. The plates coming out of the kitchen look absolutely amazing! The place is relatively small. It's have a main floor with a bar about 5 people can sit at and a small dining room. A second floor dining room and a rooftop terrace. The rooftop opens at 2pm. We sat at the bar to watch the kitchen action and see the food we want to try when we're there next. These drinks were fantastic. Only reason it's a 4 star instead of a 5 is the service is a little slower than I would have expected at such a place. But that's par for the course in Columbia.

  • 4/5 María C. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved the food. It was amazing but probably the worst service I ever had. The guy was so bother with us. But the food is really delicious and prices are good. The location is nice and has a cool concept.

  • 5/5 Aimee A. 10 months ago on Google
    Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop is a vibrant & chic restaurant & bar in the walled city. We came at night and enjoyed some delicious food and unique libations that Buena Vida offers. Inspired by the Caribbean Sea, Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop is known for its seafood, so of course I ordered the ceviche and it was wonderful. My favorite aspect of Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop is the fun drinks we ordered. One was a sharable punchbowl that our server made in front of us with flames and sparklers coming out of the box - talk about presentation. The other was a delicious fruity cocktail that came in a huge conch shell as the cup. I absolutely love it - the creativity and uniqueness definitely made Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop memorable for me. Buena Vida passes the vibe check with the great upbeat music they play, they offer seating outdoors at the rooftop & also indoors on the first floor, and I love how colorful the restaurant is. The view of the historic architecture is gorgeous at night. I would love to come back and visit Buena Vida Marisquería & Rooftop during the day to see the beauty of the establishment and city views in the daylight.

  • 5/5 Hussain R. 4 months ago on Google
    A fun restaurant with rooftop seating and live music/DJ. Amazing atmosphere, ask for rooftop seating it fits best with the fun vibe of the restaurant. Our server Oscar was attentive even helping us with song requests and wine selection. The food was tasteful and serving size was good. The seafood here is fresh and cooked perfectly. The baby lobster in the seafood tower has a unique sweet flavor. A good place to grab dinner to set the mood for partying the night away.

  • 5/5 Simply Mz K. 5 months ago on Google
    Jesus was one of a kind! He really made our night with his Surprise for our anniversary. He was very kind and helpful, he recommended the crab bowl and it was delicious, I do wish the portion was bigger, my husband got the fish burger and the plantain chips, which he said he enjoyed. The upstairs seating area is nice and the rooftop is even better! Definitely recommend to travelers visiting Colombia.

  • 5/5 Megan P. 3 months ago on Google New
    A fantastic place to have a cocktail and enjoy the sunset. Our server was so attentive and offered recommendations of drinks to try. Note there is a 50k COP minimum spend per person and a dress code for the rooftop of no sportswear

  • 5/5 Domme J. 4 months ago on Google
    We came here for dinner and really enjoyed the time. The staff was freundly and helpful, especially our waiter Oscar, who made us feel welcome and was helpful with our choice. As started we shared the tasty Nachos, as main I enjoyed the mixed seafood platter and my partner had a huge and fresh bowl. Everything was very good and also the cocktails we had. Afterwards we went up to the rooftop bar to enjoy some more drinks. A really good place for dinner and drinks.

  • 5/5 Muqaddas S. 3 months ago on Google New
    The grilled fish with garlic butter and coconut rice was superb. The coconut lemonade is also great. Wonderful service too!

  • 5/5 Sakina H. 4 months ago on Google
    Amazing dining experience. Our server Oscar was THE BEST! Rooftop dining with excellent food, drinks and music. Great place to spend an evening.

  • 4/5 Juan S. 6 months ago on Google
    4 stars because of consistency. I visited this place twice in a week and the Aji-coco ceviche tasted different but also was prepared by at different lady next to the bar. I was not impressed by the entrees either to the point of give them 5 stars. I ordered the Buena Vida catch of the day and the Filete y Mar. Atmosphere is good and the servers friendly. Try the Costeńita beer you would like it. Overall I good place to have dinner while in Cartagena

  • 1/5 Luis alfonso Olmos m. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) So normal (Original) Muy normal

  • 5/5 Ana Maria C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) I loved this place! The attention is unique and the taste of the food. (Original) Amé este lugar ! La atención es única y el sabor de la comida.

  • 5/5 Pedro Mancera Q. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It is a well decorated place. The personnel is very friendly. The food is very good (Original) Es un sitio bien decorado. El personal es muy amable. La comida es muy buena

  • 5/5 Mauricio Borras V. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The best !! (Original) Lo mejor !!

  • 5/5 Nicolas B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent restaurant. Delicious food, fair prices and very good portions. (Original) Excelente restaurante. Deliciosa la comida, precios justos y muy buenas porciones.

  • 5/5 Genesis S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A delightful place, excellent food and service. I would definitely go back! (Original) Un delicia el lugar, la comida y el servicio excelente. Sin duda volvería!

  • 5/5 David B. 3 years ago on Google
    Cocteles que superan las expectativas, a muy buen precio

  • 5/5 Daniel Rodriguez D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Good place in the city of Cartagena, casual, to share with friends and enjoy a beautiful terrace in Cartagena. (Original) Buen sitio en la ciudad de Cartagena, casual, para compartir con los amigos y disfrutar una linda terraza de Cartagena.

  • 5/5 Jackie C. 3 years ago on Google
    Que viaje tan maravilloso🌷 que país tan alegre y bello el pescado y marisco de 10 que restaurante tan delicioso, desde que entras estas como en casa son profesionales atentos, de primera con un sabor inigualable.Quiero volver ✨✨a Colombia es una maravilla

  • 5/5 Jose R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The attention given was excellent, the food was very good (Original) La atención prestada fue excelente,la comida muy buena

  • 5/5 Jey R. 4 years ago on Google
    Went out with my friends. Great and relaxing atmosphere. Food was amazing, and the service was amazing as well. Can’t complain about anything. It was perfect. I just remembered. They charge for water.

  • 5/5 Taija B. 4 years ago on Google
    Such an incredible experience! The food was fresh, tasty and prepared quickly - the best patacóns inside the walled city, hands down! The restaurant has an inviting environment with great decor, color and music. For dinner, we enjoyed food, drinks in addition to live music on the rooftop. If you’re looking for excellent food, service and atmosphere, this is the place!

  • 4/5 diego c. 3 years ago on Google
    Service was not good at all at the beginning. We talk to the supervisor and everything changes. Good food, good music. Nice rooftop.

  • 5/5 Nathan V. 3 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere! Phenomenal beverages, appetizers, and main dishes. Highly recommend!

  • 5/5 niels v. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice new restaurant (Sept 2019), with mainly fish on the menu. We had crab cake as a starter and the fish of the day and seafood risotto. All very tasty, well and fast prepared. Service was good, friendly although seemed still a bit ‘fresh’. Dessert menu not too appealing.

  • 5/5 Franz Steffan Davis R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place and service.. Please ask for the rooftop you won't regret it

  • 4/5 William �. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was good, service was incredible, the rooftop is pretty and has a great cocktails menu. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Juan Carlos P. 3 years ago on Google
    Food was so good, I’m definitely coming back as soon as I can. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 JAVIER S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent restaurant (Original) Exelente restaurante

  • 5/5 Wiki W. 3 years ago on Google
    Delicious food, strong drinks. Great ambiance. Awesome dinner spot. Only the shark was slightly over salted but the rest of the courses were succulent and well seasoned.

  • 5/5 Ricardo D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Exquisite (Original) Exquisito

  • 5/5 Nathali De A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Nice atmosphere and delicious food! (Original) Ambiente agradable y comida deliciosa!

  • 5/5 Yezlith M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful place, nice music, nice terrace, delicious dishes and good prices. I loved the shellfish shell !!! (Original) Hermoso lugar, agradable música, linda terraza, deliciosos platos y buenos precios. Me encantó el desgranado de mariscos!!!

  • 5/5 Jackson P. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent space to enjoy and a very special attention. I recommend (Original) Excelente espacio para disfrutar y una atención muy especial. Recomiendo

  • 5/5 Cindy C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Super rich dinner (Original) Super rica la cena

  • 5/5 Jenny Paola López A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A divine place in Cartagena, the terrace is perfect for eating and having cocktails. They're delicious (Original) Un lugar divino en cartagena, la terraza es perfecta para comer y tomar unos cócteles. Son deliciosos

  • 5/5 Diego B. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent attention and flavor (Original) Excelente atención y sabor

  • 4/5 PitBossEnterprises Est 2. 3 years ago on Google
    Get the Lobster

  • 4/5 Johanna M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The place has a very good atmosphere, excellent attention and music, the food is rich but nothing special (Original) El lugar tiene muy buen ambiente, la atención y la música excelente, la comida es rica pero nada especial

  • 5/5 Javier R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Simply delicious! (Original) Simplemente delicioso!

  • 3/5 TrapxPression 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very good food, but their cost policy and a minimum to eat on site is kind of ridiculous (Original) Muy buena comida ,pero su política de costos y un mínimo para comer en el lugar es algo ridícula

  • 5/5 Frank C. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) one of the best restaurants in Cartagena. Please if you see baby the city is full of this place I recommend it if you did not pay Yola for dinner Álvaro is the best restaurant waiter please when you see him ask for it because you will not regret it. I recommend the shrimp shelling and the baby shark. (Original) uno de los mejores restaurantes en Cartagena. por favor si ves nena la ciudad llena este lugar se los recomiendo si no les pagó Yola cena Álvaro es el mejor mesero de restaurante por favor cuando lo vean pidanlo porque no se van a arrepentir. Les recomiendo el desgranado de camarón y el bebé tiburón.

  • 5/5 Jorge S. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) A delightful place for all the senses. Recommended. (Original) Una delicia de lugar para todos los sentidos. Recomendado.

  • 5/5 Julian L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) If you want gourmet seafood this is the place (Original) Si quieres mariscos gourmet este es el lugar

  • 5/5 Jorge M. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Excellent restaurant, the atmosphere relaxes you and the food is not to mention 🤤🤤🤤. (Original) Excelente restaurante, el ambiente te relaja y la comida ni hablar 🤤🤤🤤.

  • 5/5 pedro m. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Best ceviche in Cartagena, nice place and nice staff (Original) Best ceviche in Cartagena, posto carino e personale simpatico


Call +57 322 3061025 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Credit cards
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Late-night food
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Breakfast
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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