Cartagena always has plenty of new culinary options. However, alongside them are the places that over the years have managed to win the hearts of locals and visitors alike, attracting customers who come back again and again to enjoy their dishes. This month, we wanted to highlight five of those restaurants whose prestige has made them true gastronomic icons of the city. A luxury selection for lovers of good food.
Carmen
For over a decade, Carmen has been championed as one of the most creative haute cuisine offerings in the country. Located in an intimate and elegant house in the San Diego neighborhood, it has won over visitors with a contemporary menu that is full of Colombian flavors. Among the original recipes, you’ll find stand out Caribbean delicacies such as Ceviche Laminado – ceviche with ‘leche de tigre’ and corozo, or Pargo Platero – red snapper with coastal yam and lychee chimichurri.
The restaurant also offers vegetarian options, artisanal cocktails and a select wine list that can be enjoyed in any of its three cozy environments.
San Diego, Calle del Santísimo No. 8-19
(+57 5) 664 5116 (+57) 310 394 9344
www.carmenrestaurante.com.co
1621
It is impossible to talk about haute cuisine in Cartagena without mentioning 1621. Located in the exclusive Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara – a former convent for the sisters of St Clare – this is considered one of the five best restaurants in the country. In addition to its tasting menu, the restaurant combines the best of French gastronomic culture, Mediterranean food and the vibrant flavors of the Colombian Caribbean.
It is an obligatory stop for those who want to live a luxury gastronomic experience in a venue that is emblematic and full of history. We recommend that you explore the extensive wine cellar, while tasting one of our favorite dishes: Ceviche from the fish of the day served with sour guava, ‘leche de tigre’ and smoked local plantain. Irresistible.
San Diego, Calle del Torno No. 39-29, Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
(+57 5) 650 4700
www.hotelsantaclara.com
Photo credit: 1621
Erre de Ramón Freixa
Catalan chef, Ramón Freixa arrived in Cartagena almost seven years ago with a plan to make his concept “Food as an experience” resonate in every corner of the city. Charismatic and extroverted – just like his culinary creations – he has become one of the most cutting edge chefs in Colombia.
Erre, located on the 10th floor of Torre del Mar in the Hotel Las Américas, has a cozy tapas bar and three central rooms: bistro, gourmet and lounge. Savor the catch of the day, or check out the newly-launched complementary menu, with its exquisite fusion that adds a Spanish touch to classic Japanese cuisine. In addition, the restaurant has an extensive cellar with 138 varieties of wine to match this memorable dining experience.
Zona Norte, Carrera 10, La Boquilla, Hotel Las Américas
(+57) 315 496 8536
errederamonfreixa.com/
Photo credit: Erre de Ramón Freixa
Marea by Rausch
Strategically located in the Getsemaní neighborhood, Marea not only carries the Rausch brothers’ brand, it also features a menu packed with fish and seafood. With starters like guacamole and crab tower, Tuna tartar and Grilled octopus and main courses such as Cartagena-style fried bream, prawns in coconut sauce, seafood spaghetti and of course the classic shellfish risotto.
Marea’s terrace offers one of top vantage points in the city to appreciate the historic center and the bay of Cartagena in all their splendor.
Getsemaní, Calle 24 No. 8A-344, Centro de Convenciones Cartagena de Indias
(+57 5) 654 4205 / 654 4107 (+57) 313 559 7703
www.mareabyrausch.com
Moshi
If you like Japanese cuisine with a local touch, you can’t leave without visiting Moshi. Along with its elegant sushi bar, this restaurant has an outdoor lounge where you will have an extensive Omakase tasting menu at your disposal. The full menu brings together the finest flavors of Japan and Southeast Asia, without neglecting its love for Caribbean cuisine.
Their authentic approach means that you will find recipes such as the Cá Kho Encocado, which combines the catch of the day with lobster and tiger shrimp from La Boquilla, coconut caramel and fish sauce. It’s a one-of-a-kind fusion in an exclusive and modern environment.
San Diego, Calle del Santísimo No. 8-19
(+57 5) 664 5116 (+57) 310 394 9344
www.moshico.com.co
Photo credit: Moshi
