Restaurante Sambal, bistro caribeño — Restaurant in Cartagena

I don't have enough words to explain the spectacular and innovative flavors of Sambal.

We had a table of 6, which from experience I know is not easy to accommodate and execute properly, specially on such an intimate setting.

Every ingredient was locally sourced and masterfully implemented by multiple chefs with a high degree of attention.

We literally tried half the menu and every single dish was out of this world. Flavors that you would not imagine together were dancing in harmony in your palate. We tried all ceviches, the crab nachos, the morrilo which is a cut similar to brisket, slow cooked to perfection. We also tried the arroz cremoso with sautéed shrimp, we tried the catch of the day: a delicate yet flavorful white fish locally sourced. We also had the chicharrón, a dish slowed cooked for 6 hours and strongly finished in the broiler for a crisp yet tender result - a must try.

For drinks, we tried vodka, rum and aguardiente cocktails masterfully prepared with high attention to detail. Every drink was made with care. Felipe - the mixologist - was very attentive at our table a glance away. He always paid close attention to our needs and just a look and a wave was sufficient to keep drinks flowing our way (not because he wasn't checking on us, but we were drinking abnormally fast.

If you come to Cartagena, it would be a sacrilege not to attend this gallery of food and cocktails. Reserve way in advance because they fill in fast (with...

We ate at a highly rated restaurant nearby (Lunatico) and were disappointed. But Sambal Bistro was superb. Everything about the restaurant, the food, the service, the ambiance, were spot on. This was by far our best dining experience in Colombia! Sambal is a small restaurant with an open kitchen at the entrance where the chef works his magic. And it is magic. We started with a margarita that rates with the best ever. (And I’ve drank a lot of margaritas 🤣). A surprise polenta amuse-bouche started our meal. We ordered the crab/cheese nachos. Best nachos ever! Unique and delicious flavours. Then we split two pork tacos. Again, beautifully presented and unique flavours. Our mains were the Chicharron and Mar Caribe. The chicharrones managed to be crunchy and soft at the same time with a beautiful flavour. The Mar Caribe was superb taste experience (Prawn, shrimp and squid, Caribbean sauce, sweet potato, green beans, fried cabbade. onion cassava). Every forkful was a new taste experience! The wine list is limited but the recommended Chardonnay perfectly complemented our meals. We shared a white chocolate, coconut ice cream with blueberry compote dessert and espresso which were excellent although we were too full at that point to fully enjoy it. I should also add the prices are very reasonable. Service was attentive but not intrusive Very professional! I truly believe this restaurant would rate a Michelin star if they ever get...

Interesting that as of 12/23 this is the top Google Maps rated restaurant in all of Cartagena. Food tastes and textures are excellent, with both inspiration and tradition. Ambiance, too-close tables, and only semi-attentive service with limited English are nowhere near five stars. Sierpe cocktail with cardamom was quite refreshing, as was the passion fruit Bardillo. Amuse bouche of kombucha-like fermented pineapple shot with a polenta cube and local corn was a nice bite, and like much of the produce in use here, sourced from their partner mountain farm. Cerdo & Berenjena (pork & eggplant) was the standout entrada of the night with two preparations of each, compiled into an amalgamated whole with some cheese sauce for good measure... Crunchy, chewy, meaty, smoky deliciousness. Crab nachos were quite wet, and a little sweet, with nod to the local palate. Charred lime accompaniment was great, and again good textural contrasts, but not a wonderfully successful dish. Pan sauteed fish filet with creamy coconut rice and mango biche was a refreshing play on local flavor. To finish, the cocorozo flan with toasted and creamy coconut and Corozo sauce was good. Server was often not to be found, and stumbled through English translation. Tables are far too close though this is a tiny space. Decor is lacking, and simple. You come here for the food... And it's worth it. $400,000...