Restaurante Carmen Cartagena

We stumbled onto Carmen Cartagena while on our honeymoon and it was one of those magical experiences that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The food and drinks were out of this world. Of special interest were the banana and coffee raviolis, as well as the hollandaise sauce made with monkey-pod seeds, but everything we tasted was absolutamente fenomenal. Truly, one of the very best meals of my entire life. Del corazón, mil gracias a Juan Carlos y los chefs de Carmen Cartagena for sharing their love of great food and flavors with us.

Located in the old city (centro). This place has a very chill ambience. There are lots of tastefully decorating plants, and the music was a vibe. The wine selection was not that great but decent enough. Very friendly staff, really helpful and attentive. I MUST say, the food is OUTSTANDING. Maybe one of the best meals I've had in Cartagena, but then again, I've never had a bad meal in this city! 😂

We found Carmen through guidebook recommendations, and wow, it absolutely lived up to the hype! The dishes were outstanding: flavorful, creative, and unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere.The cocktails were beautiful and expertly crafted, and the staff was friendly and attentive. We didn’t have a reservation, so we sat at the bar; and honestly, it was perfect! Watching the bartenders work their magic added to the whole vibe, and the music created a great atmosphere.The place is elegant and gets busy, so I highly recommend making a reservation. If you love delicious cuisine with a modern, unique twist, Carmen is a must-visit in Cartagena.

We had a wonderful experience at Carmen. The food was absolutely delicious—each dish felt thoughtfully prepared and full of flavor. The service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, which made the evening even more enjoyable. It’s the kind of place where you can tell there’s passion behind both the kitchen and the staff. Definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for a memorable dining experience.

Wow. What a meal. The chef’s tasting was a showstopper with incredible flavors and top-notch service. Some of the dishes were a revelation, containing ingredients I’ve never tried or never mixed. My palate truly sang after a combination of food and delicious cocktails. If you are looking for a great restaurant in the city, this is one to try.

After many trips to Cartagena, I decided to eat dinner at Carmen’s. This is an amazing restaurant that is sadly overshadowed by the more popular ones. The food was exquisite. We had the tasting menu, and I strongly recommend it. The service is exceptional, especially if you are lucky enough to get Bethoven as your server.

This food and experience was AMAZING!!! My mom and I were sure on where to go for lunch and we found this restaurant. We are still talking about the experience. They gave us a welcome dish and a complimentary dessert. The waiter provided us with recommendations and we had the lentil steak, the lobster appetizer and the salad. The Yuma bites were great as well! The food was fresh and clean. They also asked about dietary restrictions! We’re definitely going back. Perfection!

Our experience here was incredible from start to finish. We ordered the 9-course tasting course and loved every unique dish. The flavors paired so well together. Service was top notch, and Ader Nuñez made the whole experience so enjoyable! Will definitely be back or even may need to stop by the Medellín location.