10+ Caribbean Restaurants in Medellin - It's Time For Some Delicious Seafood!
In this guide, we explore the best coastal and Caribbean restaurants in Medellin.
While they may not be as widespread, with a little searching, you’ll discover some fantastic coastal spots in Medellin that offer authentic Caribbean-inspired seafood.
The great thing about Colombian coastal cuisine is that it’s lighter and less greasy compared to traditional dishes like the Bandeja Paisa or Cazuela de Frijoles, which are quite high in calories.
This makes it a refreshing alternative within the Medellin food scene.
Northern Colombian cuisine, better known as coastal food, is much more delicate and often includes seafood and, of course, the famous coconut rice.
If you’re craving the flavors of Colombia’s coast, be sure to visit one of these recommended restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Best Caribbean Restaurants in Medellín are:
1. Malanga del Trópico
Medellín’s food scene leans heavily toward meat, with pork and beef taking center stage on most menus.
Seafood, on the other hand, often plays a supporting role.
While I love a good, hearty meat dish, I always welcome the chance to enjoy fresh, flavorful seafood.
And when it comes to seafood in Colombia, nothing beats authentic coastal cuisine.
Traditional coastal restaurants aren’t particularly common in Medellín, but they do exist—and one, in particular, stands out: Malanga del Trópico in Laureles.
With its refined yet welcoming ambiance, this restaurant specializes in coastal seafood dishes that are well worth seeking out.
Malanga del Trópico’s menu is packed with enticing options, starting with a variety of mouthwatering appetizers.
One must-try dish is the Gratinado de Jaiba (39,000 COP)—a rich and creamy crab gratin served with toasted bread.
The bold, house-made sauce enhances the delicate sweetness of the crab, making for an unforgettable start to the meal.
For mains, we went with two standout dishes: Arroz Caldoso (59,000 COP) and Pesca del Arrecife (59,000 COP).
The Arroz Caldoso features sautéed shrimp atop a flavorful base of peppers and fish, finished with a generous portion of fresh ceviche.
Stirring the ceviche into the aromatic broth creates an explosion of flavors—bright, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
The Pesca del Arrecife is a showstopper: a crispy, whole fish still on the bone, topped with shrimp and a vibrant, tomato-based sauce.
It comes with classic coastal sides—coconut rice and patacones—adding layers of texture and flavor to the dish.
While seafood is the star of the menu, Malanga del Trópico also offers non-seafood options, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The menu evolves over time, so don’t be surprised if you spot new dishes on your visit—some of my past favorites have been swapped out, but there’s always something exciting to try.
Expect to spend 50,000 – 70,000 COP for a standard seafood dish, while more elaborate platters with premium ingredients can easily reach 80,000 COP per person.
That’s quite a lot of money for Medellín’s standards. But coastal food doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg, and the restaurants in the next paragraphs will prove that.
Malanga del Trópico is also listed in our article about the best restaurants in Laureles.
2. Restaurante El Mejor Sabor del Caribe
Although the exterior of this coastal Colombian seafood restaurant may not immediately catch your eye, the steady stream of diners is a clear sign that the food inside is something special.
Tucked away in a residential area of Laureles, Restaurante El Mejor Sabor del Caribe is one of the few places in this neighborhood that serves authentic coastal cuisine.
It may be an unexpected find, but it’s a gem for anyone craving coconut rice, fried fish, and patacones.
Beyond the authentic flavors, this restaurant is also a great option for those on a budget, offering reasonably priced dishes without compromising on quality.
Seafood in Medellin can be hard to come by, as the city is landlocked, and much of Colombian cuisine revolves around meats like pork, chicken, and beef.
So when you visit a coastal restaurant, you’re in for a surprise, as you’ll be able to enjoy seafood that comes from the northern coast of Colombia.
One of the standout dishes here is the classic Pescado Frito (50,000 COP), and they do it to perfection.
The fish arrives in a generous portion, fried to perfectio,n and cut so that you can pull the tender pieces of meat apart with your hands, just like the Colombians do.
It’s served with two freshly made patacones, the iconic coconut rice (white rice is also available), and a vibrant tomato, onion, and mango salsa.
3. Buena Mar
Buena Mar is a popular Colombian Caribbean restaurant in Medellin, attracting mostly locals due to its location outside of the more touristy parts of the city.
However, it is definitely worth a visit if you are craving seafood from northern Colombia.
The restaurant is located above a seafood shop, and after climbing a narrow staircase, you will find yourself in a cozy space decorated to evoke the Caribbean, giving it a real coastal charm.
While Buena Mar’s menu is somewhat limited, it offers all the classic coastal dishes you would expect.
A great feature is that many dishes come in smaller portions, perfect for trying different flavors or for those with smaller appetites.
A crowd favorite is the Ceviche de Camarones (17,000 COP for a smaller portion), a Colombian take on shrimp ceviche, served with the signature addition of tomato and accompanied by crackers.
It is a common starter for locals while they wait for their main dishes.
Another dish not to be missed is the Patacones con Suero (6,000 COP), a traditional coastal dish featuring crispy plantains topped with creamy whey.
It pairs wonderfully with ceviche and makes an excellent appetizer.
Among the main dishes, standout options include the Cazuela de Mariscos (29,000 COP for a smaller portion), a creamy seafood soup filled with shrimp, served with patacones and coconut rice.
The rich blend of coconut and seafood flavors transports you straight to the Caribbean coast.
Other highly recommended dishes include the Arroz con Camarones (43,000 COP) and the Mixtura de Mariscos (42,000 COP), both packed with fresh seafood and bold coastal flavors.
4. Narcobollo
Narcobollo is a fascinating place to explore Medellin’s typical coastal dishes.
Specializing in coastal breakfasts, the restaurant offers a variety of fried delicacies like empanadas, caribañolas, and arepas. For a more traditional experience, you can also choose from a rotating selection of counter food, similar to a menu del día.
Since the counter dishes change frequently, it’s hard to recommend specific items, but just pick what catches your eye. Additionally, there is a small selection of a la carte options to choose from.
Basic rice dishes like arroz con pollo are offered, along with hearty soups and sanchochos. As you’d expect, there are several seafood options, many of which include fried fish or fish in a creamy sauce.
One of my favorites is the Posta Cartagenera (26,000 COP), a rich and flavorful meat dish that is one of the few non-seafood coastal specialties on the menu.
If you’re looking for something unique, try the Cayeye (8,000 COP), a sweet breakfast made with mashed green plantains, and topped with butter and cheese – a true coastal treat.
Narcobollo is considered a budget restaurant, and thanks to its central location and affordable prices, it’s very popular, especially in the mornings.
You can find Narcobollo in the heart of Laureles.
This restaurant is also listed in our article about the best breakfast in Medellin, where you can find typical Colombian breakfast venues as well as international options.
Looking for more food inspiration?
Have a look at our most extensive food article with all sorts of restaurant recommendations in Medellín. From there, you can also navigate to specific