Fine Dining in Cartagena
Cartagena’s foodie scene is booming. Every day the chefs of this city are opening new restaurants and challenging themselves to create even more innovative dishes than ever before. Just take one glance at Instagram and you’ll see tons of rich, picture perfect food that tastes as good as it looks.
From the street food to the traditional Colombian restaurants, you’ll find plenty of places to treat your tastebuds. If you’re looking for a more fine dining experience in Cartagena, we’ve got that, too. Allow us to guide you in the right direction….
Alma
Cartagena is known as a city filled with magical realism and the atmosphere of Alma reflects exactly that. With a centuries-old aqueduct as its backdrop, guests at Alma can dine in the colonial courtyard filled with palm trees and water fountains or in one of the indoor salons, featuring dim lighting and decor inspired by Colombia’s Caribbean coast. With an elegant atmosphere to welcome its diners, Alma also offers impeccable service and a menu filled with elaborate cocktails and traditional Colombian food made with a gourmet touch.
Carmen
“Love is in the details.” That’s the motto at this establishment and they live and dine by it. Combining modern techniques and creative preparations to each dish, Carmen delights its diners with a contemporary cuisine inspired by Colombian flavors. From its intimate setting inside a colonial home to its perfectly prepared fresh ingredients, Carmen offers a top notch experience in fine dining.
Celele
The menu at Celele reflects the mixture of cultures—Spanish, Lebanese, African, and Indigenous—that makes Cartagena so unique. While we all love the typical fried fish and coconut rice that is often associated with the cuisine of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Celele takes traditional dishes to the next level. Add in a stylish and laid back atmosphere, and this restaurant has all the ingredients for a great meal.
Don Juan
Simple wood detailing, along with white and blue decor give Don Juan the feel of stepping aboard a sophisticated yacht. The nautical vibes set the mood for a meal where the freshness and purity of each ingredient is highlighted. Instead of overly manipulating its dishes, Don Juan chefs focus on bringing out the best natural flavors of everything they serve. The result is a menu filled with local meats and freshly caught seafood, as well as fruits and vegetables native to Colombia. The crown jewel of this fine dining experience is the extensive wine selection.
Mar y Zielo
Mar y Zielo is a newcomer to Cartagena’s foodie scene, but has grabbed the attention of travelers and locals alike since it first opened its doors. This restaurant makes fine dining sophistication seem cool and approachable with an atmosphere that is fun, colorful and accented with creatively mismatched decor. This quirky approach extends to the kitchen where the chefs use modern techniques to whip up Peruvian-inspired dishes using local ingredients. With tons of small bite options, as well as full plate entrees, Mar y Zielo makes it easy to sample your way to a food-lover’s heaven. Be sure to check out the rooftop, too, with its vine-draped entry and up-close views of the cathedral.
These restaurants are just the start of all the wonderful culinary offerings you can find in Cartagena. Be sure to check out our other guides for family friendly restaurants, romantic dinner spots, and the street food treats you absolutely cannot miss.
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