La Cocina de Pepina — Restaurant in Cartagena

A-MA-ZING!! They are definitely doing what they’re doing extremely well. Unlike many other restaurants, they kept their menu simple/focused and yet had many varieties and options for people like us who have several dietary restrictions.

We went there for lunch on a week day and ordered a ‘bandeja de entradas’ as an appetizer and a ‘sopa caribe’ to share between two of us. The bandeja has interesting selection of items in it which combine local/ traditional flavors and international inspirations (The sauce of the aji peppers had creole flavorings, while the two different eggplant dishes had middle eastern/Mediterranean vibes. The ceviche was very flavorful with fruity notes while the shrimp in avocado sauce was simply delicious.. not to mention the yuka bread, which was like heaven to us people who usually skip bread at restaurants due to gluten content.

We were already full after sharing that tray of appetizers and I announced that I was done eating. My decision lasted only for a few minutes until we were served the caribe soup 😂 I could not resist the soup and completely finished the whole 1/2 portion (which was huge) I was served along with the sides (coconut rice, banana chips and salad). I am currently having a post-lunch rest as I overate, but I should say that I have zero regrets😂

Inside the restaurant was very clean and the ambiance was quite charming. The service was also very quick and efficient..

I cannot emphasize how good our experience with La Cocina de Pepina has been!! A true gem in Cartagena; definitely should be on top of every tourist’s...

Full disclosure: we visited during the time between Christmas and New year, so prices in the city are at a premium compared to the off season -- when only 2 weeks before or after the same meal may have been available for half the price or less, which can obviously colour one's experience.

That all being said, the service was excellent. The two (nearly identical) brothers running the front of house were attentive, friendly, and quick. They checked in on from a place of that worldview what I truely appreciate and would love to emulate myself.

We started with the snail, shrimp, bass ceviche with avocado which was on the boarder of delightful. The second, a plate of short ribs (pork) we're crispy and you tell there was no rush taken in their preparation. I ordered the beef in the Cartagena style—a little worried that this region is not known for its beef. Unfortunately the overcooked beef on the plate could not be recovered by a sauce which was flavourful—resembling a mole. My friends had the coconut seafood soup (can't recall the exact name in Spanish). It did the trick and was rich and flavourful. In the end it was an 'ok' experience. We left feeling a little overcharged (again remembering it's Xmas holidays) but full. So mixed feeling, naturally.

Also a warning to vegetarians and vegans that there is only 1 item on the menu that would qualify. I think they'd do well to add a few more creative vegan dishes...

I had been to this place before, so I decided to return today, thinking things might have improved. Sadly, the experience was extremely disappointing. I called to make a reservation, but was told there was no availability. Still, I decided to go in person and arrived at 11:57 AM. When I got there, a staff member very rudely told me to “come back in 10 minutes.” I politely asked if I could wait inside because I had burned my skin and there was no shade outside. She flat-out refused and even slammed the door in my face. I was shocked by how disrespectful that was.

There was no one else in line—just us. I truly hope the owner checks the security cameras to see the kind of attitude their staff is showing customers.

I called the manager to report the situation, expecting at least an apology, but he simply said he would “look into it.” That was it—no empathy, no apology, nothing. I was honestly left in shock.

To make it worse, today was my husband’s birthday. Being there reminded him of why he didn’t enjoy the food the first time: the portions were small, and the prices were way too high for what they offer. After what happened today, he has absolutely no interest in going back—and neither do I.

I strongly encourage the owners to explain to their staff the importance of education, kindness, and basic customer service. No one deserves to be treated the...