Celele

Celele – Cartagena From start to finish, an unforgettable dining experience. The team at Celele is deeply skilled in fermentation and crafting innovative dishes bursting with vibrant, complex flavors — many using local, seasonal ingredients I’d never even encountered before. The plating is a true work of art, but it’s not just about looks — every dish tastes just as incredible as it appears. The service team was outstanding — kind, attentive, and patient, taking time to explain every ingredient, where it was sourced, and how it was prepared. Their passion really shines through and elevates the entire experience. It’s clear why Celele has earned a well-deserved spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list for several years in a row. A must-visit in Cartagena.

We had an excellent meal at Celele, the dishes were creative and delicious. Also the cocktails were amazing! We want to drop by another place for drinks but we decided to stay back and try more of their creative concoctions. The only feedback would be that the portion was rather large. Since we were only 2 people, we were not able to try many dishes during our visit. It would be cool if they make a tapas/smaller version of their dishes. But other than that, a superb dinner experience!

One of the most flavorful, beautiful and delicious meals you will ever have. Every dish at Celele is a delight to the senses. I enjoyed every minute of my experience from walking into the cozy space to the beautiful surprise of seeing every dish placed on the table and feeling its symphony of flavors and textures on my tongue. The vegetarian version of their hummus starter was incredible. As was the vegetarian main that includes plantain, pita bread, and various small pickled fruits and vegetables. The arepa is also not to be missed—it might have been my favorite thing. However, I recommend over indexing on the savory and skipping dessert. Neither the goat milk cheesecake nor the tiramisu style cake were particularly pleasant. Interesting and unique flavors for sure. And beautiful plating, but I personally found the rest of what I tried to be significantly better. Service was very friendly if a bit slow. Remember to book in advance

Had an amazing late lunch at Celele. The service was fantastic and the food was excellent. Started with the crab and the flower salad as well as the corn bread with sour cream. Then we had the squid and pork. Possibly the best cooked squid and pork I’ve ever had. Can’t recommend enough. Pricey for the area but actually quite a good deal when compared to spots of similar quality back home.

This was one of the best meals of my life. Celele is single handedly spectacular. There is a gorgeous mural of the jungle on one wall. Another wall has ingredients spread along it. Stunning ambiance. Drinks and food were spectacular. The whole dining experience felt like a celebration of Colombia. This is an absolute must for anyone visiting Colombia.

Nestled in the heart of Cartagena, this restaurant is a true gem, offering an unforgettable dining experience. From the moment you step inside, you are welcomed by a tropical ambiance that is thoughtfully designed and inviting. The waiters are attentive and genuinely hospitable, even explaining the dishes ordered. As for the cuisine, each dish is a masterpiece, with unique flavors and also presented with artistic flair. Every plate is as visually stunning as it is delicious, making the dining experience perfect. If you find yourself in Cartagena, securing a reservation here is an absolute must—you won’t be disappointed. 😊

My husband booked this place as soon as he started to plan the trip. The cool part of the trip to the restaurant was walking through the streets. In addition, they sit you through the 2 hours experience. The staff is super kind and very approachable. Our waiter: Eric I think was super friendly and he listened to us. He explained the food options to us. We are vegetarians and we had many Questions. He explained to us everything in details. We wished they had some rice and more bread with the meals for vegetarians. Overall we are blessed to be able to eat here on our visit.

Celele delivers an unforgettable dining experience with exceptional food, warm hospitality, and a stylish yet relaxed ambiance. The staff is attentive, speaks English (which can be helpful), and makes you feel genuinely welcome. Every dish bursts with bold, balanced flavors, showcasing top-quality ingredients and expert craftsmanship. Your taste buds will thank you. If you’re in Cartagena, don’t miss the chance to dine here, it’s worth every bite!