Restaurante 1621

So, honestly, I rarely eat at fancy and expensive places, because unfortunately I am currently poor. However, I made the extra effort to go here and let me just say, I NEVER give 5 stars, or rather, I RARELY give 5 stars, especially to these fancy places because I think they are overpriced. This restaurant, truly is THE exception. The fine dine culinary has been thought out so well. If you have ever seen Ratatouille, you should know the scene where he mixes cheese and strawberries and it sends him into orbit, this is what it felt like. The waiter and service were absolutely impeccable, the food is so thought out, astonishing!!! If you have the opportunity and budget I would urge you to go, one of the best restaurants I’ve been to. It’s even better if you have the menu with the drinks, they complement perfectly.

What a memorable experience! Our server, Anderson, and the sommelier took excellent care of us when we dined here and enjoyed the 6 course tasting menu. The venue is magnificent. The food was really special and inspiring. The wine, perfectly paired. Highly recommend!

We had a seven course tasting menu. The chef prepared a special vegetarian menu for us keeping in mind our preferences and intolerances and allergies.
The recommended wines by the sommelier were great
Our service was fanastic.

Some places are overhyped. This one is not.

I have been to 1621 twice. First time in 2020 and the second was last night for Valentine’s Day 2024. Neither time disappointed, as expected but I felt compelled to praise a few things from last night.

We ordered the 10 course meal with premium wine pairings. We felt this was a steal for the world class food we received. The wine pairings were thoughtful and we enjoyed the sommelier and her presentations very much. Our servers, Anderson and Jose were wonderful. It was Jose’s first night waiting on guests and we especially want to commend him. It was a big night and he did exceptionally well, we enjoyed practicing his English with him and chatting about the dishes. Anderson was professional, kind and attentive, we could not have been happier with our service.

What can you say about 1621? It’s everything you expect and more. You are treated like royalty. The food is always amazing. The staff is lovely, the ambiance is incredible. A must eat in Cartagena if you consider yourself a foodie or if you’re wondering if you should splurge on one “big meal”. Lots of people propose here and it’s easy to see why. I’m not writing this review to convince anyone to go there as they don’t need it. Rather, I write it as a thank you for an incredible night. It was my partner and I’s first time being able to be together for Valentine’s Day dinner in 5 years so it was really special night for us, made more special by this restaurant’s attention to detail and staff. Thank you!

This experience was truly phenomenal. We had the tasting menu with the alcohol pairings. The entire culinary experience from beginning to end was incredible. Focused on local traditions and cuisines each dish was thoughtfully prepared and flawlessly executed. Including service touches like a personalized letter on seating.

I did find it difficult to use the website and no one answered the phone when we called in. We ended up actually going in to make our reservation.

If you’re looking for an experience, this restaurant brings you back to the 1600’s with a series of dishes and wine pairing.

Make sure to check the course options when reserving a table.

Amazing experience. Definitely make sure you visit. The food was incredible, and Oswaldo was a brilliant host and talked us through all courses

Manuel made our visit a special experience!
Overall, the 10 course dinner was outstanding.
Nice atmosphere within beautiful Sofitel Santa Clara, they embedded the dinner with some great stories linking to the heritage of the hotel as a convent. The dishes were all very well plated, delicate yet flavorful and with great variety. We really appreciated the use of local ingredients in a fine dining setting. The team went above and beyond to make this a unique dinner. Can definitely recommend!

This place is an experience. The history of the building, the detail that goes into the meal and experience is amazing. I eat all over in Cartagena. Celele, Carmen, mar y zielo, etcetc and this place was on this trip the winner. It wasn’t even close. Every dish was a flavor explosion, the wine paired to perfection. Dish after dish of welcome surprises. The depth of flavor the textures everything 10. Thank you for such a great dinner I can’t wait to come back

We had a fantastic 6 course tasting menu with the most beautiful view of the picturesque garden. The staff was lovely and we left feeling relaxed.

Simply put: just go here if you have the chance! Me and my friend had the 10-course tasting menu and it was amazing! Andersson made our experience extra special. Thank you!
PS: the cocktails are amazing

Amazing best restaurant and service in Cartagena. Amazing atmosphere. Eat in the dining room instead of the garden.

My husband and I had such a wonderful night here last night. The place is stunning inside and out (we sat outside and I 10/10 recommend). The service is impeccable - we felt so catered to. And the food is chefs kiss. We did the 10 course with wine pairings. My absolute favorite was the lemon-lime dessert (I forgot the exact name). Literally the best dessert I’ve had in my life. This place is definitely a special occasion type of restaurant - pricey but very worth the experience.

This place should be Michelin-starred. My wife and I had a 10-course vegetarian tasting menu here recently. The ambience and the food were incredible. Even though the restaurant doesn't advertise vegetarian or vegan options, the chef prepared this meal for us upon advance request.

Each course was extremely flavorful and very different from each other. Our waiter (Alvero) was very friendly and walked us through the complex preparations, and the owner and chef stopped by to check in on us. They used a lot of local ingredients like untoasted coffee, layers of colored potatoes, green mango sauce, and a herbal tea concoction that used to be prepared here 400 years ago. Every course left us wanting more. Even the regular (non-vegetarian) courses looked good. Neighboring tables seemed to be enjoying it. Would highly recommend visiting this place if you're in Cartagena (or visiting Cartagena to dine here).

After giving up on our hour long wait to the Cevecheria, we ventured down the street and rounded the corner to find this interestingly dressed man in white next to a simple tall door. Out of pure curiosity, we asked him “what’s up, Che?” and he motioned us to enter, like some divine guardian. Worried that this might be our last moment, we decided to follow anyway an entered a strange parallel universe. Or a little paradise? I wasn’t sure. It turned out to be the perfect restaurant with seating inside of an immaculately kept courtyard. Words and photos can’t do it justice so just go. Trust me. The waiters almost floated and the food was from a different maker. Dress well and suspend your beliefs for the evening. Try the fish tartar and thank me later.

Gorgeous ambience. Service is outstanding, food and wine even better. We really enjoyed this place!! We will stay at the hotel next time. 5 stars and highly recommended.

We loved it here! The food is amazing and the staff (especially Oswaldo) was so kind. Would recommend to anyone :)

One of the best dining experiences I ever had in Cartagena. The food is amazing and the service is amazing too; osvaldo did an amazing job serving us

the food was fantastic. the ambience in the garden not to be outdone. There is even gluten-free bread !!! The service was incredibly effortless and always on the refill.

I strongly recommend this restaurant.
Service: 5/5
Food: 5/5
Wine pairing: 4/5

We selected the 6-plate sequence recommended by the chef. Very good decision of ours.
I especially liked the langostin risotto (plate 4) and the Chianti wine that came with it. Here's a picture.