Uma Cantina Peruana — Restaurant in Cartagena

Disappointing Service and Overpriced Experience

Over the past three weeks, we have enjoyed exceptional dining experiences across Colombia, from casual eateries to fine-dining establishments. Sadly, this restaurant fell far below the standard set by others, especially in terms of customer service and overall value.

Customer Service:

Service here was the worst we experienced during our travels. From the outset, staff seemed disorganized and inattentive. After being seated, we waited 15 minutes before anyone approached us to take our order, and even then, the lack of explanation about the menu was frustrating. Despite the menu being in English, it lacked detail, and the staff were unhelpful when we asked for clarification.

When we ordered octopus, salmon, and mixed ceviche, we were told—only after attempting to order—that the salmon was unavailable. The waitress was unable to offer any alternatives or guidance. Questions about the freshness of the corvina (sea bass) were met with blank stares, and it became evident that no one on staff had a thorough understanding of the menu. This level of unpreparedness and lack of communication was starkly out of place compared to the attentive and knowledgeable service we encountered elsewhere in Cartagena.

To add insult to injury, five staff members stood idly by, occasionally glancing at us, but made no effort to ensure our experience was enjoyable. Even a simple request to turn down the excessively loud music was ignored, leaving us struggling to converse.

Cocktails and Ambiance:

The cocktails were average at best. The pisco sour—a drink that should be a hallmark of a Peruvian-inspired restaurant—was lackluster and far below the standard of high-end bars. Given the premium prices, we expected much more.

The ambiance, dominated by a generic Spotify lounge playlist with thumping bass, was unpleasant. Despite there being only two other guests in the restaurant, the music was deafening. Our polite request to lower the volume was ignored, and it even seemed louder as the evening went on. The atmosphere lacked the authenticity and sophistication one would expect from a restaurant claiming to serve refined Peruvian cuisine.

Food:

The food, though well-presented, failed to deliver in both taste and value.

Octopus Starter: Served on a grill with an artificial kerosene flame, the dish emitted an unpleasant, toxic odor. While the octopus was well-cooked, the portion—just two small tentacles for COP $89,000—was outrageously overpriced, even compared to upscale restaurants in Cartagena. Mixed Ceviche: With no cooking involved, ceviche should be a dish where precision and flavor shine. Instead, it was overly salty, and the three variations of tiger’s milk offered little distinction beyond minor changes (coriander in one, plain in another, and faint aji in the third). Accompaniments were limited to four tiny pieces of sweet potato, making the dish feel incomplete and imbalanced. Corvina Main: The corvina was underwhelming, with less than 100 grams of fish buried under an overly salty soy sauce. The sides—plain boiled rice and a few vegetables—did little to elevate the dish. For a restaurant claiming to showcase Peruvian influences, the dishes lacked the complexity and finesse we’ve experienced elsewhere in Cartagena. Simplicity in ingredients is no excuse for these mistakes.

Pricing and Service Charge:

At approximately COP $90,000 per main course, the pricing was not justified by the food or service. Unlike every other restaurant we visited, where the optional service charge was politely offered, this establishment included it without consultation—a disappointing and presumptuous approach.

Conclusion:

This restaurant is all style and no substance. The service was inattentive, the cocktails were average, and the food lacked the authentic flavors and attention to detail one expects from Peruvian-inspired cuisine. Given the abundance of excellent dining options in Cartagena, including many offering Peruvian influences, this restaurant is not...

We stay in the hotel so we wanted to try the restaurant.

The decorations are really gorgeous.

We asked our server what food is good. He did not seem to understand what we said in English. I needed to stand up and went grab the manager who had a white shirt on in order to ask him what dishes are good to order. He suggested a few.

Then I told my server I wanted my dishes to be less salty because I saw couple reviews about the restaurant making something salty. My server did not even say anything. So i approached the manager and he got what I said

First dish came out, it was also salty. So I told the manager and he told me he could make me a new dish. Instead , he did not make me a new dish. He just re did my dish and probably added some water.

Then the final dish arrived. It was still salty. I did not bother to say anything anymore to the server.

Overall i think all dishes tasted good if they were less salt. But they did not listen what i told them in the beginning.

I know i do not speak Spanish. I used google translate to show him what I wanted. But they stilll made the dishes salty.

At the end, I asked the manager to give me the bill. He did not give me the bill and he just asked his staff to give me the bill while his staff was still busy with his customers and the manger just stood there doing nothing. That is not how the whole team should work together.

I gave 3 stars for food because I think they have potential to be better. Less salt would make the dishes better.

I gave them 2 stars for service because I think they did not listen my feedback I gave them. The manger not being a team player. Only the little players worked hard and paid attention to customers.

I gave them 5 stars for atmosphere because the place is really nicely decorated. Impressed with the interior.

I do not think I will come back again.

Owner, you need to present yourself to see how they work together otherwise I think your restaurant would not survive long compared to other restaurants in the area. I gave you this honest feedback because I think you potential...

Amazing over all experience. After flying all day and the long line at immigration all we wanted was a good meal and an early bedtime. Uma hit the spot. Beautifully presented Peruvian comfort food in an elegant setting. You know you're getting old when you look for restuarants that have good music but can still hold a conversation without yelling at the company you are with. The decor is stunning with metal fishing swimming (flying) over head. The waitstaff is knowledgeable about the preparation and extremely friendly. A special thanks to Fernando for guiding us through the menu (take his advice). I started with a coconut limeade, it's a thing, don't question it and it's one of the best I've had. Next up was the Uma ceviche made with shrimp, tiny morsel of fried yuca, corn and "Leche de tigre". Even if you hate shrimp!!!! Order this for the spectacular presentation. It's so filled with favors you will only want to to eat your shrimp prepared like this forever. The grilled octopus is like no other. It's individually cooked on a ceramic grill with shitake mushrooms, cherry tomatoes and baby potatoes. I think I cracked one of the smokey hints in it flavor as bay leaf. Genus. We also had the Lomo saltado (beef with tomatoes and onions sautéed together served with French fries and rice) outstanding and the Chaufa (type of fried rice) left us wishing we would never feel full to finish the generous sizes portion. There are also many vegetarian dishes for those of you that might be wondering. A perfect date night whether it's your...