Local restaurants take full advantage of Caribbean seafood such as tuna, red snapper, octopus and shrimp. Also watch for Colombia’s many unique tropical fruits, which find their way into smoothies, gelato, cocktails and ceviche, among other items.
This fashionable restaurant in the Anandá boutique hotel, with its open kitchen, exposed stone wall and tall ceilings, served perhaps the best meal of the trip. I started with a fresh and complex tiradito (akin to ceviche) of corvina infused with sambal, mango and coconut. My main course of “Pork Two Ways” ranks among the tastiest dishes I’ve ordered in recent memory. The juicy lacquered pork loin was accompanied by a savory 12-hour chicharrón, buttery green beans and creamy sweet-potato purée.
Calle del Cuartel 36-77. Tel. (57) 5-664-4479.
One of Cartagena’s newest restaurants, Bohemia serves contemporary Peruvian and Colombian cuisine. My innovative corvina tartare came with crunchy rice tinted with squid ink, and an aioli-based sauce. Huge and tender shrimp were served atop a hot “rock” made from coarse-grained salt. We enjoyed lunch in the leafy courtyard, but if the weather is inclement, diners can descend into the restaurant’s wine cellar.
Calle Nuestra Señora del Carmen 33-41. Tel. (57) 5-664-4438.
Tall shelves of wine run the entire length of this cheerful Cartagena classic, an airy white storefront restaurant frequented by locals and tourists alike. The menu includes Peruvian, Spanish and Italian dishes. We focused on the local seafood options such as an appetizer of sweet crab claws in a white wine and butter sauce, and red snapper served in a sauce of shrimp, coconut milk and diced tomatoes. The menu also has several meat-based dishes for those in a more carnivorous mood.
Calle del Colegio 34-60, Local 1. Tel. (57) 5-664-3857.
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