We’d absolutely recommend Celele if you’re travelling through Cartagena and have a love for creative, explorative cuisine that tells a story. It’s a standout restaurant in the Getsemaní neighbourhood where chef Jaime Rodríguez has spent years researching the Caribbean’s biodiversity and traditional ingredients, then turned those discoveries into playful, beautifully plated dishes that mix local produce with modern techniques. You’ll find unique salads with tropical flowers, pork terrine with preserved sweet peppers and Caribbean beans, and seafood with coconut bechamel that’s both surprising and satisfying. Prices here are higher than casual dining — expect around USD 60–100 per person or more depending on what you order — but most people feel it’s worth it for the creativity and quality. Celele is widely recognised on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, currently ranking in the top spots in Latin America and even in the top 50 globally, and it also won the Sustainable Restaurant Award for its work with local producers and ethical sourcing.

Our tip is to reserve ahead of time because seats fill up fast, and sharing a few of the standout dishes lets you taste the breadth of what they do best — the combinations of local ingredients and Caribbean inspiration are what make it memorable.