The country in Northern
South America has a coastline of 3,200 kilometres and Cartagena, with its
tropical climate, faces the Caribbean Sea between Panama and Venezuela. The
town founded in 1533, is named after Cartagena in Spain by Spanish conquerors. The
walled city, Ciudad Amurallada in Spanish, since 1984 Unesco World Heritage
Site, with its colonial houses and their colourful entrance doors that are
often framed by bougainvillea, hibiscus or oleander is a come alive wonderland.
At times humidity can be as
high as 97%, simply drink vast amounts of ice cold Limonada de Coco (it is
blended coconut, lime juice, sugar and ice) to live through it. I got a map of
the old town and walked literally every single street. The smell of jasmine
wafts through the air, fruit- and handicraft sellers coexist with lots of
coffee shops and stylish restaurants. I found the most amazing ones of the
latter along the way, there are more than 600 of them in this town.
This town is surely one of
the most exciting foodie destinations right now; try food-creations that are a
fusion of indigenous, Spanish and African flavours. Restaurants offer high
quality dining which is value for money. What is the point of eating out, if
you won’t get the most amazing experience?
The look of restaurants is
just as important as the food. Restaurants, often on Cartagena’s main streets,
feel hidden and tucked away; the ambience in town is simply magical. All
restaurants I recommend understand how to mirror their cooking skills in the
design of their dining rooms (or probably vice versa). You will find many
decorating ideas to steal.
Read on to find out where to
eat vegetarian in style in Cartagena.
Don Juan - Caribbean-Bistro-Style
What is it all about: Caribbean-Bistro-Style
How does it feel: Trendy elegant,
is there such a thing? Yes there is. High ceilings, black and white checkered
floor, basket lamps, white ceiling height shelves, white and blue cushions,
wooden chairs and lush green plant decorations. Spoil yourself. The food is
made from only a few ingredients, nothing overly complex, the secret lies in
putting together the right few things. The service is all smiles, friendly and
welcoming. You will have nothing short of the best time ever here, it might
well be the closest thing to food heaven in Cartagena.
I recommend: Grilled
asparagus with fried egg, tomatoes and parmesan. Chocolate mousse (made from Colombian
chocolate).
Info Don Juan Chef: Juan
Felipe Camacho. Address: Calle del Colegio 34-60, Centro Historico, Cartagena.
Hours: Monday to Saturday 7.30pm to 11pm. Expect to pay COP 100,000
per Person plus beverages. Best to book in advance:
reservas@donjuancartagena.com.
Maria - Guacamole and art
What is it all about: Guacamole and art.
How does it feel: For a great
vibe, a must-go is Cartagena’s Maria. Worth the visit are the wall murals
alone. Hang on; there are these stunning pineapple chandeliers too. It is the
sister restaurant of Don Juan, and named after the interior designer who is
also the chef’s wife. Local and family oriented, what is not to love?
I recommend: Corn tortillas, roasted peppers, pico de gallo and
guacamole. Chocolate cake and vanilla ice-cream.
Info Maria Chef: Alejandro Ramirez and Juan Felipe Camacho. Address:Calle
del Colegio 34-60, Local 2, Centro Historico, Cartagena. Hours: Monday to Fri
12pm to 3pm. Monday to Saturday 6.30pm to 11pm. Expect to pay COP
100,000 per Person plus beverages. Best to book in advance: reservas@mariacartagena.com.
El Santisimo - Caribbean with a nod to France
What is it all about: Caribbean with a nod to France
How does it feel: Think of a ski
hut in the Caribbean (surprisingly, the interior is exactly that really). El
Santisimo, in English the holy sacrament is the gifts of bread and wine which
are offered in mass (at Catholic Church). With clues to its name, the menu is
full of metaphors, and all meals are named accordingly; the starters are
described as pilgrim’s cravings and the desserts are named after the seven
deadly sins. It would be a sin not to eat in this playful place.
I recommend: Avocado Salad. Eggplants in Tomato
Sauce. Coconut Flan.
Info El Santisimo Chef: Federico
Vega. Address: El Santisimo. Calle del Torno 39-76, Centro Historico, Cartagena.
Hours: Monday to Sunday 12pm to 11pm. Expect to pay COP 100,000
per Person plus beverages. Best to book in advance: restauranteelsantisimo@gmail.com.
Agua de Mar - Gourmet Tapas
What is it all about: Gourmet Tapas
How does it feel: If we think of
the ocean we think of the calming effect that the smell and the sound of the
waves have on us, they let the stresses of urban life drift away, right? Instantly.
As the name of the restaurant suggests, everything in here is white and blue
and the atmosphere is as calming and the food as fun as a salty kiss.
I recommend: Quinoa Salad with
kale and red onions (a burst of flavours). Mango ravioli with lyche and rose
ice cream.
Info Agua de Mar Owner: Mar Alonso. Address: Calle Del Santisimo 8 – 15,
San Diego, Cartagena. Hours: Sunday to Tuesday 5pm to 11pm. Wednesday to Saturday
5pm to 2am. Expect to pay COP 100,000 per Person plus beverages.
Best to book in advance: reservas@aquademar.com.co.
Restaurante Vera - Italian Food
What is it all about: Italian Food
How does it feel: Italian food in
an old restored mansion that houses also a hotel, in pretty lush tropical surroundings.
As you walk through the golden iron cast door you reach the open air dining
room with an impressive hanging garden created from native plants, a waterfall
and a bar where you can have drinks on a glass floor above a blue pool of
water.
I recommend: Rocket salad
with oranges, honey, yogurt and macadamia nuts. Linguini with tomato sauce (simple
and delicious). Tiramisu (what else).
Info Restaurante Vera Chef: Daniel
Castano. Address: Tcherassi Hotel and Spa. Calle del Sargento Mayor 6-20, San Diego, Cartagena. Hours:
Monday to Saturday 11am to 11pm. Sunday 11am to 10pm. Expect to
pay COP 100,000 per Person plus beverages.
Travel Germany. Where to Eat Vegetarian in Style in Prenzlauer Berg (Berlin).
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Positano. Where to Eat in one of Italy's Prettiest Villages.
Where to Eat Vegetarian in Style in Berlin, Germany.
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Please also read Travel Colombia. The Complete Beginner's Guide to Cartagena.
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From Berlin with love