Restaurante Carmen Cartagena
Colombia
De relance
Avaliações
One of my favorite meals in Cartagena. Did the tasting menu our first night and loved it enough that we came back a second time. My vegetarian friend felt the same—one of her favorite meals in Cartagena as well. The tasting menu was so good there were dishes we wished we could order again on their own, but they were only available as part of the tasting. Shrimp with pickled watermelon—amazing. Agnolotti with coffee—unexpected combination, but delicious and it totally worked. Sea bass was outstanding. So impressed with the chef and the way the flavors and ingredients come together. Creative without losing sight of actually making the food delicious. Service was fab. Also had a bottle of Malbec—pricey, but one of the best I’ve had and worth it. Would absolutely go back.
Overpriced tourist trap. We went there for dinner and got the 9 course tasting menu. The food was not bad but for the price it was nothing special. There is great food all around Cartagena. The worst part was the overall ambiance of the place. The dining room was cool but as more people arrived it got really hot and for some absurd reason someone came and turned off the AC. It got uncomfortable and I asked our waiter and he said everything was already on. Then asked someone else and they said they had to turn it off because it leaks water and it drips on the table underneath (which was empty). Eventually they brought a fan. And the other part of the ambiance. There were 2 tables, each with 10+ drunk and screaming American bachelorette parties. We stayed but we saw a family come in and out, and a couple ask to be moved elsewhere. I understand that's out of the restaurant's control but they choose to accommodate large groups and there is not sufficient space nor sound absorbing elements.
Had a wonderful dining experience at Restaurante Carmen in Cartagena. I started with a cocktail that was beautifully crafted and full of flavor. The lamb was the highlight of the evening—perfectly cooked, tender, and seasoned exceptionally well. The presentation was elegant, and the service was attentive and professional throughout the meal. Combined with the restaurant’s beautiful atmosphere, it made for a memorable night out. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a refined dining experience in Cartagena.
Carmen delivered the standout culinary experience of our week in Cartagena—so much so that we dined there twice. The first night was magic: exceptional food, flawless service, and an atmosphere that felt intimate and alive. We loved it enough to book right back for the very next evening to try the 7-course chef’s tasting menu. Service was a highlight both nights. Our server the first time, Betoven, was pure joy—his recommendations were spot-on, his enthusiasm infectious, and he made the evening feel personal and special. Arriving right at opening both times gave us the place almost to ourselves for a while, letting the moody-yet-vibrant vibe sink in: upscale without a hint of pretension, warm colonial charm in the heart of the walled city. The food was outstanding—creative, beautifully presented, and deeply rooted in Colombia’s Caribbean bounty. Cocktails rival anything top-tier in the US (start with one). Standouts included the ceviche (fresh, bright, unforgettable), La Posta (rich, perfectly executed), and the Pez Caribeño (tender, flavorful fish that captured the sea itself). In the spirit of Anthony Bourdain, this is the kind of spot where great service and honest, soulful cooking remind you why you travel: not for the fuss, but for moments that make you grin, savor, and feel genuinely welcomed. Carmen embodies the best of Cartagena—vibrant, generous, and utterly worth it.
Hands down the best restaurant we’ve been to so far on our trip to Cartagena. Yes, the prices are on the higher side compared to other places here, but every single dish made it completely worth it. From start to finish, everything was exceptional. The ceviche is an absolute must—easily the best I’ve had while in Colombia. I also tried the chicharrón, which was perfectly cooked and packed with flavor, and do not skip dessert—it was the perfect ending to an already amazing meal. Beyond the food, the ambience is incredible. The restaurant itself is stunning and feels like an experience on its own—elegant, tropical, and incredibly well designed. It’s easily one of the most beautiful restaurants we’ve seen in Cartagena. If you’re looking for a memorable dining experience with top-tier food, service, and atmosphere, this place is a must-visit. Highly recommended. 🌿🍽️✨
