Harry Sasson Cartagena: The best meal of your trip, or the most mediocre
When Harry Sasson, Colombia’s most famous chef, decided to open his 6th restaurant, and first one out of Bogota, in Cartagena’s Charleston Santa Teresa, there was no doubt it would be a hit. His name has become synonymous with high quality food, mix that with the exquisite location within a restored 17th century convent turned hotel in 1995 and you have a recipe for success. Harry’s Cartagena has quickly become a local hot-spot as well as a tourist destination, which is why I was surprised to find less than stellar reviews about it online. Having visited various times I have found that it has as many strengths as it does weaknesses causing a disparity in dining experiences. You can have the best meal of your trip, or the most mediocre, depending on what you order.
First off, you should know that the kitchen was specially designed with an over-sized plancha in order to take advantage of the local foods available. Being that Cartagena is a coastal city filled with fishermen, their seafood is on point and almost always your best bet. Their most talked about dish are the Nachos de Cangreja (Crab Nachos) which are phenomenal. Somehow the tortilla chips don’t get soggy under the delicious mix of crab and cheese sauce that so richly tops them.
Nachos de Cangrejo (Crab Nachos)
Another dish that I have ordered repeatedly and never been disappointed (in fact, it seems to get better every time) is the Chicharron de Pulpo. It is a fried octopus that somehow manages to be crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside and is paired with black olive puree and grilled shishito peppers. An absolute must. The best part: these two, which are their top dishes in my opinion, are available at the bar if you just want to go in for a drink and a snack (their mojitos rock too).
Chicharron de Pulpo
As for entrees, the grilled grouper always knocks it out of the park, you just can’t beat such a fresh ingredient that they have somehow managed to cook to perfection. Their meats such as their filet mignon are average; not bad but not great either so you might as well save your wallet the pain.
Grilled Grouper
Many foreign visitors complain about slow service, but I have found that it is typical for restaurants to run on “island time” in Cartagena and Harry’s actually does better than most. The space itself is open and airy as the restaurant is located in the Republican patio of the hotel. There is a retractable roof cover over the courtyard and giant palm trees growing inside, a style so typical to Cartagena that it is worth going inside for just a look.
A Glimpse inside Harry Sasson Cartagena
The Essentials:
Type of Cuisine: International with an emphasis on seafood
Ideal Occasion: Anytime, from a fancy lunch to a group dinner to an intimate date.
Best Place to Sit: Corner tables in courtyard usually have fans nearby so they are perfect if it’s a particularly hot day
Ambiance: Open and welcoming
Service: Kind and attentive
Can’t Miss Dishes: Crab Nachos and Chicharron de Pulpo
Harry Sasson Cartagena
Hotel Charleston Santa Teresa
Carrera 3 # 31-23 Centro Plaza de Santa Teresa,
Cartagena de Indias,
Colombia
