The place to Discover the Finest Meals in Cartagena, Colombia

Nestled on the northern coast of the Caribbean, Cartagena is a vibrant, colourful metropolis whose wealthy historical past and tropical attract intertwine to create a fascinating environment. Without delay a testomony to Colombia’s cultural heritage and a contemporary, thriving metropolis, Cartagena presents the proper mix of old-world allure, modern attract, and naturally, loads of unbelievable meals.

Only a quick flight away from most North American metropolitan cities, that is a straightforward getaway for these looking for a romantic Caribbean trip off the crushed path. There’s something right here for each couple, whether or not they’re historical past lovers looking for to get misplaced, hand in hand, among the many cobblestone streets of the previous walled metropolis, a UNESCO world heritage website, or partygoers trying to salsa the evening away. With its beautiful colonial structure, picturesque streets, and quaint cafes serving Colombia’s well-known espresso, Cartagena seamlessly mixes journey, leisure, and indulgence.

Right here’s the place to seek out the very best meals in Cartagena so you possibly can chill out whereas sharing a cocktail or a romantic dinner because the solar units over the rooftops of the Caribbean’s most enchanting metropolis.

Celele

If there’s one restaurant it is best to e-book earlier than you even seek for flight tickets on Google, it’s Celele Restaurante. The environment right here alternates between social gathering and romance, with delicate lighting, uncovered brick partitions, and superbly crafted murals, setting the stage for a meal meant to take you on a tasting tour of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. 

The menu is a love letter to the area, that includes progressive interpretations of basic dishes that spotlight the freshest native substances. {Couples} can indulge within the shared pleasure of Caribbean crab, with its array of flavors that dance on the tongue, or marvel on the artistry of the flower salad, a visible feast that blooms with vibrant colours and textures. Order any drink that has corozo, a novel native berry with a tart taste. 

Mar y Zielo

Mar y Zielo is a a number of story-high gastro-bar situated in a heritage constructing within the coronary heart of Cartagena’s Outdated Metropolis. On the primary flooring, a number of artfully adorned rooms supply a menu mixing native flavors and trendy gastronomy. Standout dishes embrace the eggplant and carimañolas, little native fritters of yuca full of cheese. For a primary, strive the fish of the day or the Titote Mar y Tierra, the signature dish combining seafood with pork stomach and Cartagena’s fabled coconut rice. For wine lovers, head to the cava, the place you possibly can style wines from everywhere in the world. 

As you ascend to the highest flooring, you may end up in Zielo, the restaurant’s rooftop bar. This area presents panoramic views of town, creating a super setting for a night of drinks and dialog. The bar menu options distinctive cocktails, excellent for having fun with as you are taking within the beautiful views, and a collection of plates from the kitchen. After darkish on the weekends, this space turns into one of many metropolis’s hottest social gathering locales, so come together with your dancing footwear on.

Carmen Cartagena

Carmen Cartagena is a sublime but relaxed restaurant situated in a standard colonial hacienda in Cartagena’s historic downtown. It’s the second outpost of Medellín’s celebrated flagship restaurant, thought of one of many prime in Latin America. You possibly can step into the inviting eating room, adorned with leather-backed metallic chairs, or the romantic open-air courtyard, surrounding an enormous tree, and put together for a meal you gained’t quickly neglect.

Carmen Cartagena includes a seven- and nine-course tasting menu and à la carte dishes, every highlighting the best native substances, farms, and artisans. Standout plates embrace the seafood chorizo, or “chorizo de mar,” a sausage made with regionally sourced seafood, and Don’t Name me a Cazuela, or “no me llames cazuela,” a playful tackle the regionally well-known seafood stew with lobster, octopus, and mussels in a white fish and plantain bisque that encapsulates the flavors of Colombia in each chew. If you wish to be spoiled, go for the tasting menu and let the expert cooks take you on a journey by way of the nation’s various areas.

La Mulata

For a break from the starched white tablecloths of haute delicacies, head to La Mulata, a captivating restaurant that provides a real style of Colombia’s Afro-Caribbean meals scene. The servings listed here are plentiful, the napkins are a printed paper placemat, and the flavors are unassuming however excellent in each approach. This cozy eatery, with its vintage flooring tiles, shuttered home windows, and whirring ceiling followers, creates a welcoming environment that immediately transports you to Colombia within the Fifties and ’60s.

La Mulata focuses on coastal delicacies, with dishes which can be brimming with the tropical flavors that outline Cartagena’s gastronomic identification. The restaurant’s signature dish is the sancocho de pescado con coco, a hearty fish stew simmered in a aromatic coconut milk broth. Every spoonful of this comforting stew is stuffed with tender fish, yuca, and plantains swimming in a wealthy, creamy broth that may heat your soul. Or strive a posta Cartagenera, the native tackle black beef roast cooked with Coca Cola and served over darkish, sticky candy coconut rice.

What units La Mulata aside is that it succeeds in providing real Colombian fare at reasonably priced costs, making it a favourite amongst locals and vacationers alike. Head right here to discover a lesser recognized a part of Colombia’s Black historical past. 

Alquímico Bar

If you happen to’re on the lookout for a spot to social gathering, then neglect Cartagena’s sit-down eating places and e-book a cab to Alquímiíco. Ranked among the many World’s 50 Finest bars for a number of years in a row, this area boasts excessive ceilings and three flooring of themed bars geared up with unbelievable drinks, plus a aspect of flare bartending, loud music, and small tropical bites. The bar doesn’t take reservations and is open at 6 p.m. every day, so come early to get a spot or danger ready in line for hours.