Recommendations: Right- The Tomato Octopus Salad and Shrimp Ceviche at La Cevicheria
Left- The menu at El Bistro. The Filete de Dorado was absolutely amazing
On one day we took the tour to the mud bath volcano, El Totumo (see the
article on Hanging out in small towns). On another we enjoyed scampering
around the Bazurto Market (see article on the Niche market of Markets) before
visiting Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, with its reputation of being one of the
greatest and strongest fortresses in the Spanish Empire in the 17 th and 18th
centuries. We guided ourselves through the tunnels and onto the ramparts to
get great views of the city and an appreciation of the might of the fortification.
And then there is the food in Cartagena. We had two beach lunches; one near
our hotel, where we enjoyed deep fried fish with rice and vegetables: huge
portions! On our El Totumo day, we had a very similar menu at another beach
side restaurant—this time with soup—and again the portions were impressive.
On our third day we turned a corner and stumbled upon El Bistro. It was a bit
dark inside but crowded—always a good sign when it comes to restaurants.
The meal was, in a word ‘delicious’: Tasty fish and fat, juicy shrimp with rice,
salad and a few cold Club Colombia
beers. In fact we liked the place so much
that we returned for dinner and repeated
the wonderful, friendly experience.
The other really nice meal we had was at
La Cevicheria. The service was friendly
and attentive; the shrimp ceviche and
octopus salad were very fresh and tasty.
We ate indoors but they also have streetside tables for those who wish to dine in
the glow of the historic buildings.
Left: Candy Alley, where the
Bebe de Leche, made with
evaporated milk, were so
good that we brought some
home as souvenirs.