After passing through the kitchens of San Sebastian's uber-chefs Martin Berasategui, Pedro Subijana of Akelare and Juan Mari Arzak, Latin food lover, Juan Felipe Camacho, set himself up as top dog in Cartagena's culinary circles. Celebrating a K.I.S.S approach to cooking, Don Juan's unfussy style includes the best, grilled octopus in town, a simple yet sublime entrecote and a prawn and lobster risotto that will send you into orbit. If you can't bag a table there's a younger crowd eating equally well next door in his second, more laid-back venture named after his better half, Maria.

Checkered floors, large basket lamps, and white wooden cabinets are the cozy design elements that create the inviting atmosphere that is led by Chef Juan Felipe Camacho with fervent passion. Once seated you will find succulent dishes with Mediterranean flare ingredients and Colombian ingredients without any pretentiousness, just honest and pure food. We recommend creating reservations in advance as Don Juan, known for providing impeccable service, stays busy throughout the year.

Simple wood detailing, along with white and blue decor give Don Juan the feel of stepping aboard a sophisticated yacht. The nautical vibes set the mood for a meal where the freshness and purity of each ingredient is highlighted. Instead of overly manipulating its dishes, Don Juan chefs focus on bringing out the best natural flavors of everything they serve.

Our first place goes to the prestigious restaurant Don Juan, which has managed to renew itself after the pandemic and in its new premises, as always, its simple and at the same time avant-garde gastronomic concept stands out. The menu is dominated by fresh fish and seafood, authentic Colombian meats and a wide range of local vegetables and fruits.

The restaurant is set in a large, beautiful dim white space with sea-glass green accents. We ate everything tapas-style on small plates. I can vouch for the seared tataki, beef tartare, grilled lobster tail, crab claws, and grilled octopus as great starters!

Don Juan restaurant is an essential option for lovers of good food in the city of Cartagena. Located in the historic neighborhood of San Diego, this establishment has a large outdoor terrace where you can taste delicious traditional dishes from the region.

Don Juan is an upscale eatery that routinely caters for the present of Colombia while visiting Cartagena. They are known to have the best grilled octopus in town, as well as an array of other delicious options like a prawn and lobster risotto.

For fine food, great vibes, and a lighter take on local favorites, make reservations at Don Juan or Carmen. If you're interested in Cartagena's culinary scene, these restaurants are must-visits. Note: Carmen is the more formal of the two.

This seafood-dominated menu was another of our favorite meals (and one that I'd recommend you make a booking for). Both Haley and I ordered the octopus risotto, which was really nice and worth trying yourself!

Don Juan: Offers sophisticated cuisine of Mediterranean hints and Caribbean ingredients. The seafood options always go down a treat – think delicate fish tacos and grilled octopus risotto.

High ceilings, black and white checkered floor, basket lamps, white ceiling height shelves, white and blue cushions, wooden chairs and lush green plant decorations.

These include eateries such as Marea By Rausch, Interno, El Santísimo and Don Juan as well as the Gabriel García Márquez gastronomy tour.

Don Juan: Don Juan is a seafood-focused restaurant located in the Old City that serves up fresh ceviches and grilled dishes.