5 affordable restaurants to eat in San Andrés

When it comes to experiencing the vibrant culinary scene of San Andrés Island, many travelers often assume that eating affordably is a daunting task. While it's true that some restaurants charge prices reminiscent of European standards, there are numerous hidden gems where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank. In this guide, we’ll uncover five restaurants where you can eat well and inexpensively in San Andrés, ensuring your taste buds and wallet both leave satisfied.

We strive to keep our recommendations up to date, but if you encounter any changes in restaurant operations or prices, please let us know so we can provide the most accurate information possible. Thank you! 🙂

1. La Fondita: A Local Favorite

Located conveniently near our lodging, La Fondita was a delightful surprise. For just $15,000 COP, we savored a plate of meatballs that was absolutely delicious. Each meal comes with a choice of soup (fish or vegetable) and includes a drink, whether it’s water or soda. The portions are generous, featuring two large, flavorful meatballs. Their menu also includes various fish and meat dishes, with prices generally ranging from $15,000 to $18,000 COP.

2. La Calle del Rojo: Where the Locals Dine

At La Calle del Rojo, we found ourselves indulging in a mouthwatering meal for just $15,000 to $18,000 COP. The menu varies daily, so it’s best to follow the server’s recommendations. On our visit, we enjoyed sumptuous fried fish and grilled meat, paired with a vibrant fish soup, coconut rice, patacones, and avocado salad. The atmosphere is simple, with wooden tables set up outdoors, but the quality of the food makes it a popular spot among locals.

3. Jeno’s Pizza: A Comfort Food Stop

While it may seem unconventional to opt for pizza on an island brimming with fresh seafood, Jeno’s Pizza offers a surprisingly good option if you’re craving something familiar. Their personal pizzas, served between 12 PM and 5 PM, are available for just $12,000 COP, including a soda. While the ambience is reminiscent of a fast food joint, the pizza exceeded our expectations, proving that sometimes comfort food hits the spot!

Don’t forget to bring your Revolut card (with a €10 promotion), which is a fantastic way to avoid transaction fees while traveling abroad.

4. Comidas Rápidas Mora: Takeaway Delights

Comidas Rápidas Mora is your go-to for quick bites like grilled skewers, arepas, and empanadas, all perfect for enjoying a casual meal along the waterfront. The prices are reasonable, and the food is both delicious and satisfying. For a refreshing drink, stop by “Cosechas,” a juice shop nearby, where you can indulge in a natural fruit juice to round off your meal. This combo will keep your dinner enjoyable and affordable!

5. Donde Francesca: A Taste of Luxury

Recommended on Instagram, Donde Francesca caught our attention, and despite its higher price point, we decided to treat ourselves. Here, we ordered a seafood casserole for $49,000 COP and octopus in three sauces for $48,000 COP. Both dishes were delightful, but the seafood casserole was particularly memorable. We also indulged in a brownie with ice cream and a chocolate volcano dessert, priced at $7,000 COP each, and they were heavenly.

While some reviews mention a less-than-warm service, we had a fantastic experience. A notable perk is its location right in front of a stunning beach. If you want a table with a view, especially during peak season, be sure to make a reservation!

More Affordable Options Around San Andrés

For a truly budget-friendly experience, consider visiting the northern waterfront during lunchtime, where local women set up tables offering homemade stews that are hard to resist. Although we often passed by with our stomachs already full, everything we saw looked incredibly appetizing, especially the baked goods from one of the vendors.

If you’re in the mood for a splurge, we highly recommend checking out La Regatta, one of the island’s top restaurants. Other highly-rated options include La Costilla de Juan and the Peruvian cuisine at Perú Wok. You won’t be disappointed!

To help you navigate, we’ve included a map marking the locations of these recommended restaurants in San Andrés.

As always, the best way to find affordable meals in San Andrés is to follow the locals. They often frequent spots that offer prices much lower than those in tourist-centric eateries. These are our top picks for restaurants where you can eat in San Andrés. Do you have a favorite place that we missed?

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