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Hours
Sun
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Wed
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Thu
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Sat
6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
What is Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travelers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice Best of the Best 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
PRICE RANGE
₱4,497.00 – ₱11,243.00
CUISINES
Contemporary, Healthy, Dining bars
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Details
About
En el corazón del centro histórico de Cartagena, un antiguo comedor de las clarisas situado en el Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara es el hogar del galardonado Restaurante 1621. El chef ejecutivo Dominic Oudin, prepara una cocina de gastronomía contemporánea combinando las técnicas culinarias francesas con los ingredientes más frescos de la costa Caribe colombiana. Su creativa y exquisita oferta Gourmet, amplia gama de los mejores vinos, cocteles especiales y servicio personalizado que armonizan en un ambiente encantador, hacen del 1621 un restaurante obligado para visitar en Cartagena
PRICE RANGE
₱4,497.00 – ₱11,243.00
CUISINES
Contemporary, Healthy, Dining bars
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Non-smoking restaurants
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Restaurante 1621
1. Best service in Cartagena!
"Great culinary experience with excellent service"
Jose V
2. Outstanding setting!
"the most amazing location they could possibly have found in Cartagena"
682valentinar
3. A 5 start oasis in Old Town
"This was absolutely the best restaurant I have ever been to."
dannybK6854AU
Contribute
4.5
2,772 reviews
Excellent
2,320
Very good
267
Average
113
Poor
43
Terrible
29
Donkey K
Las Vegas150 contributions
Favorite Review
Mar 2023 • couples
1621 is the best part of the Sofitel Santa Clara property. The meal and service were both top notch, with a bill that doesn’t come close to equaling the tremendous experience (this meal would be 2-4X in most cities in the US & Western Europe).
From start to finish, 1621 was truly a one of a kind dining experience. The passion of the service shines bright throughout the meal…. They honor the history of the property in a very unique way, our waiter, Jesus, was excellent, and the others that pitched in during our 10-course dinner were also superb.
The food & presentation were at a Michelin level and you definitely do not leave hungry.
If you are in Cartagena for a special experience, don’t overthink it….. 1621 is absolutely worth every second, every peso, and every course. 10/10
Written May 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angie Amaris
Dear Donkey2016, Thank you to send a comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant. Our team is really proud to know that you had a truly dining experience...!!. Thanks to mention Jesus who took care of your service. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience in our 400 years old building. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon .
Kenny Durango.
Jefe De Restaurante 1621
Written May 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
charliespr
Raleigh1442 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
We went to Restaurante 1621 for my wife's birthday dinner. We arrived 30 minutes early and went to the bar attached to the restaurant, El Coro Bar, where we enjoyed some wine and the fabulous scenery and music.
We were seated in the courtyard for dinner, and our table was ready with little birthday decorations on the table cloth. We had the Crab Salad and the Filet Mignon with asparagus, and everything was wonderful!
We ended our meal with a fabulous birthday tarte and complimentary anise cookies.
What a fabulous evening. The courtyard is just beautiful, the service is impeccable, and the food is out of this world. Thank you for a great birthday dinner!
Be advised that when giving your cab driver directions, tell him "Hotel Santa Clara", otherwise it is not easily found.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Charliespr,
Thank you very much for dining with us at restaurant 1621.
We are very happy to know that you enjoyed dinner in our beutiful courtyard here at restaurant 1621.
Guest satisfaction is the reason of our business and the most important factor for me and my team. As we strive to provide the highest quality of service and product served, reading comments like yours allow us to better understand our guest´s expectations.
We look forward to welcoming you back and allowing us to treat you to a Legendary Experience.
Sincerely,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written January 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cfrancisco70
New York City200 contributions
Feb 2020 • family
The hostess, Lizeth, was extremely courteous and surprised us with decorating our table for my son’s 30th Birthday. The food was delicious but the variety was lacking. Our servers, Alexander and Kevin, were very attentive and tendered our every needs. The decor and ambience of the restaurant was upscale and enticing. We left very happy and satified. It was worth dining there for the experience.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Cfrancisco,
thanks for your review.
Our team is always working for being the best, your comment motivates us to keep on delivering unforgettable memories and stunning gastronomic experiences.
We invite you to experience our rum and chocolate tastings, which are made in the cellar of 1621.
Best regards,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
@Tatiana Falcone
Shaker Heights45 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Today was our last night in town so we saved “one of the best” restaurants according to reviews for last. Unfortunately it was a huge disappointment, food was just OK, service started well but as time passed the service went downhill, the waiter didn’t fill our wine or water until we had to ask him at the end of the dinner. We were never offered the dessert or coffee after dinner. Check took forever. With so many restaurants in town I would recommend you go and explore somewhere else.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Tatiana
Thank you for your positive feedback, and for highlighting aspects to improve.
In your next visit to our hotel, we invite you to El Coro Bar Lounge, to enjoy a magnifique cocktail, in a place full of Magical Realism.
Best regards,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written January 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KAC
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
The hostess was very nice and offered to move us to a more "romantic table" after we were originally seated. At 8:30pm, the restaurant inside only had a few people. We chose to sit inside since it was hot, but there are also tables for 2 in the hotel courtyard in front of the restaurant. I don't know why there is a dress code for men- the people in the restaurant were not dressed to eat in an upscale restaurant. There was a teenager in a tshirt and cutoff shorts and 3 men in gym shorts who went to the bar. It was hard to hear my husband and we couldn't hear the people sitting next to us but we could hear the groups of people on the other side of the restaurant. By 10pm there were a couple of loud groups in the restaurant. Maybe the experience would have been different if we sat outside, but the heat and cheesy rose petal filled tables turned us off. There was also a wedding at the hotel and the music was very loud in the outdoor dining area. When you walk into the restaurant you see 3 industrial wine refrigerators and a strange bar seating setup with no actual bar (it's on the side of the restaurant). The restaurant seating was not set up in the way it is pictured online. Food- The bread and dessert weren't good but the appetizers and main courses we got were great. We had a few different servers- one had an attitude and others weren't very engaging. We were very disappointed that this wasn't the upscale restaurant it advertises itself to be.
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear KAC,
Thank you very much for dining with us at restaurant 1621.
I am very sorry that your experience did not match with your expectation.
As considered as one of the best restaurant in Cartagena, our executive Chef always provides the highest quality products in the market.
We do appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns.
We look forward to welcoming you back and allowing us to treat you to a Legendary Experience.
Sincerely,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written February 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jennylo80
Kingston116 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
I was so excited to celebrate our 5 year anniversary here, and it did not disappoint.
The staff were so attentive, even going so far to set up a romantic table on the terrace, and providing us with a complimentary dessert. Our server, Jesus, was fantastic.
The setting alone is worth having a visit, but the food is amazing as well. Best meal we had all week. The cornbread from their bread ritual basket was UNREAL! Its been a week and I'm still thinking about it lol
We arrived early and had a nice drink in the bar area, which I also recommended.
After dinner we walked around a bit and too photos of the gorgeous pool.
Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Jennylo80,
We are more than happy to read that your dinner at 1621 Restaurant was a true success.
We hope to welcome you again soon for more memorable gastronomic moments.
Best regards,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julia C
2 contributions
Mar 2022 • couples
It’s hard to know where to start when raving about this restaurant. We reserved online and arrived to extremely kind people showing us back to the dining area. A tour of the space that was brief but thoughtful and informative set the stage for a wonderful evening. With my limited Spanish, the staff were happy and able to to conduct our evening in English which was so appreciated. I suggest sitting outside if possible- you can hear the frogs peeping and it was not too hot nor were there bugs.
We did the ten course tasting menu with wine pairings. Alvaro and Kenny took amazing care of us throughout the courses. I have a peanut allergy and the chef, Dominique Oudin, took this very seriously and made a few separate components to the meal for me. The sommelier, Ana, chose a beautiful pairing with each dish, evening including a sake which my husband and I loved!
This was by far the best restaurant during our trip that we went to. In our hometown in the US, this type of meal and pairing would have been $300-450 per person easy. In USD, it came to about $140 each.
The chef also came to our table to say hello and check in; he is truly an artist and master of his craft. This will certainly be a regular spot for us for future visits.
Written March 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear Z2819YUjuliac. We are so glad to receive your comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant. The Chef Dominique Oudin is very pleased that you enjoyed our 10 courses tasting menu with wine...!! Thank you to mention Ana and Alvaro who took care of your experience this night. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience in our 400 years old building. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon.
Kenny Durango. Maître 1621
Written March 14, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julian
Miami135 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We went to the restaurant for lunch. We where told the menu had some restrictions on the offered dishes due to covid. Nevertheless, Sirloin steak was okay but portion was too small (side of potatoes included some raw ones). Fish of the day (pargo) was a tasteless portion and sides were beyond simple. Food is very expensive and surely you will get twice the better for half the price somewhere else.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maureen F
San Francisco17 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
We were fortunate enough to pay attention to our "butler" in the hotel, Gustavo, who told us this would be a most special experience. We are from San Francisco and have pretty high culinary standards. This exceeded our expectations in so many ways. The very special and unique part of the evening was that Sofitel's Master Somm was visiting and leant her talents to the evening's prix fixe meal.
Each course was exquisitely prepared and presented. We learrned about marimbe, from the cocoa leaf, similar - we thought to matcha- which was ground into a powder and dusted a few of the menu items. Two different white fish from nearby waters were served in beautiful preparations with decorative "butterfly wings". Delicate squashes peppered various courses. One of the main courses was duck perfectly cooked in a sauce surrounded by coins of squash and potato.
Our server Yhordys was the exact fit for us - sohpisticated and knowledgeable yet kind and unpretentious. His English was perfect and he even taught us some Spanish, as we are unfamiliar with specific culinary terms. He is a talented waiter and I feel so grateful to have been served by him.
Thank you 1621 for a most superb experience!!
Written October 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear Maureen F, It's a pleasure to receive your comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant. We are so happy that you enjoyed our tasting menu with wine pairing..!!. Thank you to mention Yhordys who took care of your experience. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience in our 400 years old building. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon .
Maître 1621
Written October 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Matt Watts
Fort Lauderdale14 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
My wife and I chose to do the 10 course tasting without the wine tasting on our last night in Cartagena. We did a 7 course tasting at Carmen at the beginning of the week and although Carmen was good, this blew Carmen out of the water. Wow!!
We left completely fulfilled but not too full from the food. I am sure the food changes, but my favorite was the beec loin and the desserts. The service was attentive and fast with clear descriptions of what you’re eating on each course.
They give you a little tour of the monastery at the start of the evening and the history of the building. Also, they email you the menu that you had throughout the night so you don’t forget. The atmosphere and gardens surrounding you are romantic and calming.
It’s an incredible experience and I can’t recommend this highly enough. TREAT YO’SELF while you’re here. For $80 a person this is something you cannot get in the US for this price and quality.
Written January 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear mwattsy23, Thank you to send a comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant. Im really happy to read that you had an amazing experience ..!!. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience in our 400 years old building. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon .
Kenny Durango.
Jefe Restaurante 1621
Written January 24, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Arvind_P_NYC
Jersey City19 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
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. The quality of the food and service was on par with places like Per Se and Eleven Madison. Would highly recommend visiting this place if you're in Cartagena (or visiting Cartagena to dine here).
Written December 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear Arvind_P_NYC, It is a pleasure to receive your comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant with its new concept of tasting menu ... !!! We appreciate that you enjoyed your 10-course vegetarian experience. As you wrote, the Chef used only high quality local products. Thank you to compare us with Per Se and Eleven Madison; that makes us very proud of our new concept. Our new concept is to transport our clients in the history of our old Poor Clare dining room from 1621 with a local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience. We want to thank you again for having been part of the history of 1621 during your dinner. We are waiting for you very soon.
Kenny Durango. Maître 1621
Written December 28, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hillman
Berkeley26 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
After reading some glowing reviews, my wife and I were really looking forward to dining in this restaurant. Our initial impressions were in line with some of the best reviews: the space itself is lovely, particularly the interior courtyard. However, we found the food to be uninspiring, even though we selected the tasting menu with wine pairings. The service was uneven from the start and declined from there. By the end of the evening we felt both ignored and disrespected. The check was literally thrown on the table in front of me, without a kind word or a bit of acknowledgment. That kind of treatment would be unacceptable at even a humble establishment and was shocking in a place that aspires to be an upscale restaurant.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Hillman,
We would like to thank you for taking the time to write us this review, which always means a lot and enables us to improve our relationship with you.
We are very sorry to read that we were unable to meet your expectations with our food and ypur feeling of being ignored.
Indeed, our reputation strives to offer our guests a creative and elaborate cuisine with fresh products only, to provide them with a unique experience.
We fully realize that you were looking forward to this meal and we therefore truly hope that you will accept our sincerest and deepest apology for this disappointment, as it is never our intention to make you feel this way.
We are grateful that you brought these issues to our attention and we obviously take good note of your advice. Please rest assured that we will use your opinion and share it among our teams to help us better understand your requirements and how we can fulfill them.
Please feel free to revert to us for any of your future inquiries, we would love to have a chance to provide you with a better experience during your next visit in Cartagena.
We stay at your full disposal for any assistance you may need and look forward to the great pleasure of exchanging with you again soon.
Best regards,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written February 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Scott D
San Jose25 contributions
Feb 2020 • couples
The scenery is one of the best you can find in Cartagena. The food is delicious, starting with their bread, then octopus appetizer, and the catch of the day fish dinner plate. Amazing service! They went out of their way to make my wife and I (celebrating our anniversary) have a special night. Thanks for everything!
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantaClaraCartagena
Dear Scott,
Thank you for your comment and to take the time to send a such nice review.
I am so happy that you enjoyed your experience with us at the 1621.
Thank you to share the flavour of our Catch of the day, it's really one of our star dishes in the 1621.
Our amazing and magical courtyard, originaly from the ex couvent from 1621, made a wonderfull experience for our guest.
It is always a pleasure to receive a feedback.
At 1621, we strive to provide a superior service experience for every customer.
I am very happy that you enjoyed your dinner at the 1621.
We always try to bring the best to our guest.
Thank you again for sharing your experience, and we hope to have the pleasure to welcome you again in your next visit to Cartagena.
Sincerely,
Laura Aponte
Restaurant Manager
Written February 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
King_Lux
Atlanta496 contributions
Nov 2022 • couples
For a treat, I splurged on the wine paired tasting menu - wow what a treat! Each course was flavorful, creative, expertly presentesy, and accommodated my allergy. Yhordys did a great job of guilding us through the experience, both in Spanish and English, in a friendly and fun way. If you're looking for a special experience, don't hesitate to try this place. It's the best high end restaurant in Colombia.
Written November 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear King_Lux, Thank you to send a comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant. It fills me of joy to read that you've had the best dinner in a long time in our restaurante ..!!. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience in our 400 years old building. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon .
Kenny Durango.
Jefe Restaurante 1621
Written November 29, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Escape39145845324
1 contribution
Feb 2022 • couples
Jesús and Alejandro spoiled us with exceptional service and care. The multi-course dinner and drink pairings revealed gastronomic discoveries at every turn. We smelled the star course before it even arrived. A delectable local lamb served over the smoke of rosemary, bay leaves and cinnamon sticks delighted us. The sommelier’s pairings displayed deep knowledge. We look forward to returning again and think this entire staff deserves a raise.
Written February 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hotel Sofitel Legend Santa Clara
Dear Escape39145845324, It's a pleasure to receive your comment on Tripadvisor about your experience in our 1621 Restaurant with its new concept of tasting menu. We are very happy that you choose the menu with wine pairings and that you enjoyed every details of the dishes and wines. I am so happy that you enjoyed the service and care of Jesus and Alejandro who take care of each detail of the experience. We want to offer the best for every dining experience. 400 years of history of our old Poor Clare dining room to discover the most exclusive fine dining. Our Chef has created two tasting menus of 6 and 10 courses with or without pairings, with local, sustainable and high quality products to have a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience. We are so happy that you enjoyed our experience and we are waiting for you very soon.
Kenny Durango. Maître 1621
Written February 23, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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