RESTAURANTE CANDÉ Cocina 100% Cartagenera — Restaurant in Cartagena

If you're looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Cartagena, Colombia—whether you're a visitor or a local—Restaurante Candé is a must-visit gem in the city's vibrant culinary scene. This restaurant perfectly blends sophistication and elegance with an energetic, colorful, and lively ambiance that stimulates all your senses. It's not just a meal; it's an experience—a sensory "fireworks show" for your eyes, ears, and taste buds.

From the moment you walk in, you're immersed in an atmosphere of celebration. Live music fills the air, and depending on the time, you might catch a vibrant cultural show featuring performers in traditional costumes, ready to take photos and engage with guests. Every evening at Candé feels like a joyful party, making it the perfect spot for a fun night out, whether you're dining solo, with friends, or celebrating a special occasion.

The Service: The staff at Candé are exceptionally warm and attentive. Even if there's a short wait, you'll be treated to the ultimate hospitality. Grab a spot at their funky, inviting bar and let the expert mixologists craft your perfect cocktail—whether it’s a strong yet smooth martini, a tropical passion fruit or pineapple drink, or a tequila or vodka-based masterpiece.

The Food: Candé's menu is expansive and impressive, offering everything from cold and hot appetizers to soups, salads, and decadent entrées. Seafood lovers will swoon over the Seafood Tower for Two, featuring delicacies like pre-cracked crab claws (perfectly seasoned and ready to enjoy) and lobster served in its shell—practically a work of art. Speaking of lobster, theirs is a must-try: a massive 1.5–2-pound delicacy, expertly prepared and easy to dig into.

The tuna? Perfectly cooked and seasoned. Meat and poultry lovers aren’t left out either, with standout dishes like a rich ram stew and a shredded rabbit dish that's absolutely divine. Whether you're craving seafood, chicken, beef, or even something uniquely local, every bite at Candé is mouthwatering.

The Star of the Show: If you had to choose one highlight, it's impossible to pin down—it’s the combination of the incredible food, electric atmosphere, and welcoming staff that makes Candé a true star.

Having visited Cartagena multiple times, I can honestly say Restaurante Candé is one of the best dining experiences in the city. I’ve found myself returning night after night during my trips, and I’d rate it a solid 20 out of 10. Whether you’re celebrating with a large group, enjoying a romantic date, or simply treating yourself, Candé delivers on all fronts.

Don’t just take my word for it—head to Restaurante Candé and prepare for an unforgettable evening. It’s a place that truly caters to all occasions and all types of guests, leaving everyone with a smile and a full heart...

Amid the enchanting streets of Cartagena, the allure of Cande Restaurant beckoned with the promise of an authentic culinary experience steeped in local music and dance. The ambiance was set by the live local music in the main center hall, and the intermittent performances by dancers who graced each individual hall added an element of cultural charm that heightened the senses.

As the evening began, we delved into Cande's offerings with a sense of anticipation. Our party began with the chicharron crujiente con yuca which offered a tantalizing introduction to the flavors of the region, with crispy textures that paired well with the accompanying yuca, though not the best we had in the city. However, the arroz apastelado, a recommendation from our waitress, failed to meet expectations, leaving a lingering sense of dissatisfaction. The mariscos baru, a medley of various seafood, delivered a good but not extraordinary flavor profile. It was the posta cartagenero that emerged as the pinnacle of the evening's gastronomic experience, with its tender braised pork and luscious coconut rice creating a harmony of flavors that stood out.

While the flavors tantalized, the glaring shadow of poor customer service cast a cloud over the evening. The unprofessional behavior of our waitress and the staff in our area marred what should have been a memorable occasion. Instances of being ignored, forgotten, and dismissed left us feeling deeply disheartened. To exacerbate matters, a gluten allergy within our group was met with indifference and lack of accommodation, a sharp contrast to the welcoming and accommodating approach we had encountered at other establishments in the city. The sentiment was echoed by another table across the room, who too had endured similar frustrations and had escalated their concerns to the manager. Sadly, our group's last evening in Cartagena was tarnished by an experience that failed to meet expectations, leaving us profoundly disappointed.

While Cande Restaurant boasts an enticing fusion of music, dance, and cuisine, the unfortunate reality of inadequate customer service and a lack of responsiveness overshadowed what should have been a delightful evening. As a discerning traveler, I must candidly express that I would not return to Cande and would hesitate to recommend it to others seeking an authentic Cartagena...

On May 9, during what was intended to be a celebratory evening, my family and I encountered an appalling level of unprofessionalism at this establishment. As a financial strategist and advocate for community empowerment, I find it imperative to share this experience to prevent others from enduring similar mistreatment.

Misrepresentation of Menu Items: My daughter ordered a dish described as having "sautéed crab." Contrary to the menu's depiction, the plate arrived with a whole crab in its shell atop the rice—a presentation that was both unexpected and unappetizing. After a single bite, she found the dish unpalatable and politely expressed her dissatisfaction, requesting an alternative.

Managerial Indifference and Staff Negligence: Our concerns were met with dismissiveness. The manager recited the menu description verbatim, disregarding our feedback. She briefly inquired about my meal and whether I desired lemon, then departed, leaving us unattended for an extended period. During this time, no staff member approached our table to offer assistance, refill our water, or provide the promised lemon slices.

Hostile Environment and Lack of Basic Courtesy: Eventually, we signaled a waiter to remove the untouched dish. He declined, citing the manager's instructions. Approximately 30 minutes later, after nearby patrons began to notice our predicament, the manager returned and offered to wrap the uneaten dish for takeout. We declined and reiterated our request for its removal. She persisted, stating that the dish was as ordered. Only when we physically handed her the plate did she take it away, lingering at our table in a manner that felt confrontational.

Final Disrespect: Upon settling the bill, we left the premises, only to be followed outside by the manager—a gesture that further compounded our discomfort.

This experience highlighted a significant lapse in customer service and professionalism. The staff's inability to address a straightforward concern, coupled with a lack of basic courtesies such as water refills and timely service, was deeply disappointing.

Recommendation: I strongly advise American travelers and others seeking a hospitable dining experience to avoid this establishment. The blatant disregard for customer satisfaction and basic service standards is...